Non-parametric Statistical Tests Research Articles

The Correlation Between the Type of Fluid Administration and the Incidence of Hypotension in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia at RS Wijayakusuma Purwokerto

Background: Spinal anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the subarachnoid area. The effect of sympathetic blockade in spinal anesthesia can cause dilation of blood vessels, suppress systemic vascular resistance and result in hypotension [1]. The effects of hypotension are pulmonary aspiration, cardiac arrest, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness. A sudden drop in blood pressure can also cause a heart attack, a complication of spinal anesthesia. Method: A quantitative approach using a correlational observational design with research variables, namely the administration of fluid types with the incidence of hypotension in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. The research was conducted in the IBS room at Wijayakusuma Hospital, Purwokerto, with samples was calculated obtained 53 respondents who were selected using a purposive sampling technique. The relationship between the two variables tested was carried out using the non-parametric chi square statistical test with the Fisher exact test Results: Among the respondents, the type of fluid administered was crystalloids in 98.1% of cases, with 70.2% of respondents not experiencing hypotension. The chi-square test yielded a p-value of 1.000, indicating no significant correlation between the type of fluid administered and the incidence of hypotension in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between the administration of crystalloid or colloid fluids and the incidence of hypotension in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia at RST Wijayakusuma Purwokerto.

Machine Learning-Based Radiomics Analysis for Identifying KRAS Mutations in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer from CT Images: Challenges, Insights and Implications

Kirsten Rat Sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is a frequently occurring mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and influences cancer treatment and disease progression. In this study, a machine learning (ML) pipeline was applied to radiomic features extracted from public and internal CT images to identify KRAS mutations in NSCLC patients. Both datasets were analyzed using parametric (t test) and non-parametric statistical tests (Mann–Whitney U test) and dimensionality reduction techniques. Afterwards, the proposed ML pipeline was applied to both datasets using a five-fold cross-validation on the training set (70/30 train/test split) before being validated on the other dataset. The results show that the radiomic features are significantly different (Mann–Whitney U test; p < 0.05) between the two datasets, despite the use of identical feature extraction methods. Model transferability is therefore difficult to achieve, which became evident during external testing (F1 score = 0.41). Oversampling, undersampling, clustering and harmonization techniques were applied to balance and harmonize the datasets, but did not improve the classification of KRAS mutation presence. In general, due to only a single moderate result (highest test F1 score = 0.67), the accuracy of KRAS prediction is not sufficient for clinical application. In future work, the complexity of KRAS mutation might be addressed by taking submutations into consideration. Larger multicentric datasets with balanced tumor stages, including multi-scanner datasets, seem to be necessary for building robust predictive models.

Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy in People With Diabetes Mellitus in Six Countries: A Multicenter Observational Study From 1996 to 2022.

Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) and to examine for differences between participants with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1DM) and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: Multicenter observational study in eight diabetic foot clinics in six countries between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2022. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters were obtained from the medical records. Analyses were performed using parametric or nonparametric statistical tests for variables with normally or nonnormally distributed values, respectively. Comparisons of the qualitative data were performed using the chi-square test. Results: Seven hundred seventy-four patients with DM and CNO were included. The mean age at diagnosis of CNO was 54.5 ± 11.7 years, and the median (interquartile range (IQR)) diabetes duration at diagnosis of CNO was 15 (10-22) years. Among participants, 71.8% (n = 546) were male and 83.2% (n = 634) had T2DM. Neuropathy was present in 91.7% (n = 688), retinopathy in 60.2% (n = 452), and nephropathy in 45.2% (n = 337). Subjects with T1DM, compared to T2DM, were diagnosed with CNO at a younger age (46.9 ± 11.0 vs. 57.9 ± 10.2 years, p < 0.001), had longer diabetes duration (median value (IQR): 29.0 (21.0-38.0) vs. 14.0 (8.0-20.0) years, p < 0.001), and had more often microvascular complications (neuropathy, 95.2% in T1DM vs. 87.4% in T2DM, p = 0.006; retinopathy, 83.3% vs. 55.4%, p < 0.001; and nephropathy 67.5% vs. 40.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: CNO is predominant in males, occurs in long-standing DM, and is often accompanied by microvascular complications. People with T1DM, compared to those with T2DM, are affected at a younger age, have longer diabetes duration, and have more often microvascular complications.

Effects of a combined aerobic and core stabilization exercise training program on functional capacity, pain, and health-related quality of life in hemodialysis and kidney transplant patients

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant public health challenge globally while impacting patients’ physical function and quality of life. Addressing the issues of physical inactivity and pain management is essential during treatment to improve health-related quality of life. The present study investigated the effect of an aerobic training program with core stabilization exercises for hemodialysis (HD) patients on a transplant waiting list and renal transplant (RTx) patients. Methods A total of 45 patients with CKD were included in the 12-week study: 25 patients receiving HD (12 HD treatment group, 13 HD control group) and 20 patients with RTx (9 RTx treatment group, 11 RTx control group). Functional capacity was measured using the 6-min walk test, pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and health-related quality of life was measured using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life–Short Form 12 questionnaire. Nonparametric statistical tests were performed at a significance level of 0.05. Results Both the HD and RTx treatment groups showed significantly reduced times for the 6-min walking test (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008, respectively), significantly reduced pain severity (p = 0.002 and p = 0.008, respectively), and significantly improved quality of life scores (p = 0.006 and p = 0.041, respectively) by the end of the study compared with control groups. Conclusion Based on the results, structured exercise programs could be effective therapies in CKD management. Therefore, health providers should promote their integration into routine care practices to enhance patient outcomes and well-being.

Efektivitas Pembelajaran Active Learning dengan Metode MIKiR untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Kolaborasi Siswa

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of the active learning learning model using the MIKiR method in improving collaboration skills and to find out how much students' collaboration skills have increased in mathematics learning in class VII of SMP Negeri 1 Bintan. The method used in this research is a quasi-experiment type experiment. The research instruments used were a collaboration skills questionnaire and observation sheet. The collaboration skills questionnaire contained aspects of commitment, respect for others, deliberation and participation. Data collection techniques with the experimental class which will receive treatment using active learning learning with the MIKiR method and the control class which will use conventional learning. The data analysis technique uses a non-parametric statistical test, namely the Wilcoxon test. Next, to test the increase, an n-gain test was carried out. The results of this research show that active learning using the MIKiR method is effective in improving students' collaboration skills with a greater average N-gain value for the experimental class, namely 0.48 and an average N-gain for the control class, namely 0.11.

Comparison of Patient Comfort and Acceleration Exposure During Lifting and Loading Operations Using Manual and Powered Stretchers

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of powered and manual stretchers on participants' perceived comfort and measured acceleration during lifting and loading operations. METHODS This non-randomized, laboratory-based crossover study involved forty-one participants (thirty-one firefighters and ten third-year paramedic students) who served as simulated patients experiencing lifting, lowering, loading, and unloading maneuvers using manual and powered stretchers. Four stretcher types were evaluated: one powered stretcher (Power-PRO™ XT) and three manual stretchers (Matsunaga GT, Exchange 4070, Scad Mate), with each group using the manual stretcher they routinely operated. Linear acceleration data were collected using a nine-axis inertial measurement unit placed at the participants' anterior waist. Root mean square (RMS) and peak accelerations along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes were calculated. Participants completed a twenty-three-item comfort questionnaire based on the Semantic Differential method. Due to non-normal data distribution, nonparametric statistical tests were employed for analysis. RESULTS The lifting/lowering and loading/unloading movements showed that the powered stretcher significantly reduced the RMS values, maximum accelerations, and minimum accelerations in the vertical axis (Z-axis) compared to manual stretchers. Specifically, the powered stretcher demonstrated lower RMS acceleration (0.29 m/s² vs. 0.73 m/s², p < 0.001), maximum acceleration (1.60 m/s² vs. 2.90 m/s², p < 0.001), and minimum acceleration (–1.48 m/s² vs. –3.30 m/s², p < 0.001) in the vertical direction compared to other manual stretchers. Similar results were observed in the comparison of participant loading/unloading movements. However, no significant differences were observed between the powered and Exchange stretchers in X-axis minimum acceleration, Y-axis maximum and minimum accelerations, or Z-axis maximum acceleration. Similarly, Y-axis minimum accelerations did not significantly differ between the powered stretcher and Matsunaga GT or Scad Mate stretchers. After loading and unloading movements, the questionnaire results showed that the powered stretcher was rated significantly higher on comfort-related items including “comfortable,” “secure,” “like,” “smooth,” and “relaxing.” CONCLUSIONS In a controlled, laboratory-based setting, simulated use of manual and powered stretchers showed that powered stretchers significantly minimize patient discomfort and vibrations. This study underscores the potential for enhancing patient safety and quality of care. In conclusion, the powered stretcher is a promising tool for improving the quality and safety of patient transportation in prehospital settings.

EFFECTS OF PILATES EXERCISES ON BALANCE AND GAIT IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN

Background: Physical activity is a cornerstone of childhood development, contributing significantly to physical, mental, and social well-being. In the context of modern sedentary lifestyles, integrating structured exercise programs is essential for fostering motor skills, balance, and overall health in children. Pilates exercises, with their focus on core stability and neuromuscular control, are increasingly being recognized as an effective intervention to enhance motor function, particularly in improving balance and gait in school-aged children. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Pilates exercises combined with conventional exercises on balance and gait in school-going children. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 96 school-going children aged 6–9 years, recruited using non-probability convenience sampling. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups of 48 children each. The control group performed conventional exercises, including flexibility, strength, and endurance training for 45 minutes per session, three times a week. The experimental group followed the same routine for 15 minutes, supplemented by 45 minutes of Pilates exercises emphasizing core stability, postural control, and coordination. Interventions lasted eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, 6-Minute Walking Test, and Functional Reach Test. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25, using non-parametric statistical tests, with significance set at p≤0.05. Results: The Pediatric Balance Scale improved significantly in both groups, with mean±SD scores increasing from 36.53±4.04 to 53.60±1.55 in the experimental group and from 35.73±3.2 to 47.3±1.4 in the control group (p&lt;0.05). The 6-Minute Walking Test results showed greater improvements in the experimental group (172.22±19.9 to 407.3±82.1) compared to the control group (166.4±23.9 to 316.6±24.2) (p&lt;0.05). Similarly, the Functional Reach Test improved from 18.46±2.30 to 38.6±2.00 in the experimental group and from 19.08±2.6 to 30.7±3.13 in the control group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Both Pilates-based and conventional exercises were effective in improving balance and gait in school-going children. However, children in the Pilates group demonstrated superior improvements across all measured parameters, emphasizing the value of incorporating Pilates into pediatric exercise programs.

Radiological Study of the Normal and Anatomical Variants of the Celiac Trunk and Its Branches: Clinical Implications

The abdominal aorta enters the diaphragm at the level of the 12th thoracic vertebra and gives branches such as the celiac trunk (CT), superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric arteries. The main aim of the present research study was to observe the CT with regard to (i) variations in the dimensions among different age groups compared to gender, (ii) the vertebral level of origin, and (iii) the variation in the branching pattern. This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed on 116 subjects (n = 91 males, n = 25 females) over one year. The CT was interpreted by using contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography. The results were assessed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The length and diameter between gender and the three age groups (i.e., 29 years and below, 30–39 years, and more than 40 years) were compared and a p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. There was a significant difference in the length (p = 0.016) and diameter of the CT (p = 0.05) among males and females, respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the length (p = 0.038) and diameter (p = 0.013) of the CT among the three age groups. Individuals aged 30–39 years had the highest mean for the length of the CT, while patients aged 29 years and younger had the highest diameter. The most common level for CT origin was at the vertebral level of the 12th thoracic vertebra (73.3%). Anatomical knowledge of the CT is important for diagnostic imaging, organ transplantations, and surgical and laparoscopic interventions.

Gingival crevicular fluid Bax, Bcl-xl, interleukin-22, and transforming growth factor beta 1 levels in stage III periodontitis.

Intrinsic apoptosis plays a critical role in immune defense and inflammation. Its dysregulation is involved in various chronic diseases. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family primarily mediates this mitochondrial pathway. This study aimed to investigate the proapoptotic Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) levels and their association with interleukin-22 (IL-22) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontitis. A total of 75 systemically healthy nonsmokers were enrolled, of whom 23 had stage III periodontitis, 26 had gingivitis, and 26 were periodontally healthy. Whole-mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded. Bax, Bcl-xl, IL-22, and TGF-β1 levels in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests. The periodontitis group had significantly lower GCF Bax levels than the gingivitis group (p<0.05). The periodontitis and gingivitis groups had higher GCF Bcl-xl levels than the periodontally healthy group (p<0.05). GCF IL-22 levels were similar in all groups (p>0.05). The periodontitis group had lower GCF TGF-β1 levels than the gingivitis and periodontally healthy groups (p<0.05). The diseased groups had a lower GCF Bax/Bcl-xl ratio than the healthy controls (p<0.05). IL-22 was positively correlated with Bax (p<0.05). This is the first study investigating GCF Bax and Bcl-xl levels in periodontal health and disease. Increased GCF Bcl-xl levels and a decreased Bax/Bcl-xl ratio in stage III periodontitis implicate that those apoptotic proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Further studies are needed to enlighten the possible role of Bax and Bcl-xl and their association with IL-22 and TGF-β1 in periodontal diseases. A type of cell death called intrinsic apoptosis plays an important role in the body's defense system, and its dysregulation is linked to different human diseases. The B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-xl) are apoptosis-related proteins, which promote and inhibit cell death, respectively. This study aimed to investigate Bax and Bcl-xl levels and their association with the signaling proteins interleukin-22 (IL-22) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), which accumulates around the necks of the teeth of patients suffering from gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Clinical parameters were recorded and GCF was collected. Bax, Bcl-xl, IL-22, and TGF-β1 levels were measured by biochemical assay in periodontally healthy individuals who had healthy gums (n=26) and patients with periodontitis (n=23) and gingivitis (n=26). Periodontitis patients had lower Bax levels than gingivitis patients. Periodontitis and gingivitis patients had higher Bcl-xl levels and a lower Bax/Bcl-xl ratio than periodontally healthy individuals. IL-22 was positively correlated with Bax. The present findings suggest that the apoptotic regulatory molecules may be involved in the development of gum diseases, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Wearable Technology: Findings from the Vivo Play Scientist (VPS) Program

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a Canadian recreation centre launched a community-based intervention to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behaviour (SB). The Vivo Play Scientist (VPS) program provided a free wearable device (Garmin Vivofit4) that synchronized with a customized eHealth dashboard. Aim: The study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of the VPS program through the participants’ use and experiences of the device and dashboard using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Method: We employed a concurrent mixed-methods approach of online surveys and semi-structured telephone interviews and estimated the device and dashboard’s perceived usefulness and ease of use with TAM. Results: Of the 318 participants (mean age 39.8) 87 enrolled and completed the survey at baseline-T0, 4 wks-T1, and 8 wks-T2. Maximal-variation sampling was used to select 23 participants (78%, F) for interviews. We compared frequency of use, perceived usefulness and ease of use of the device and dashboard across all surveys using non-parametric statistical tests. A thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Participants had some experience using a wearable device (46%) or eHealth application (49%). A high use (≥4 d/wk.) of Vivofit4 at T1 (93%) and T2 (87%) occurred, but dashboard use was less frequent (≥1 d/wk. T1 54.0% and T2 47.1%). Average levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use for the Vivofit4 and dashboard remained constant from T1 to T2. Average daily PA scores decreased from T1 to T2 (4.9 to 4.5; p = 0.017). Conclusion: Participants were guarded about the value of the dashboard use and reported several challenges associated with the VPS program, but the free device and dashboard did provide PA support during the pandemic.

Plant‐Based Meat Alternatives Intake and Its Association With Health Status Among Vegetarians of the UK Biobank Volunteer Population

ABSTRACTConsumption of plant‐based meat alternatives (PBMAs) within the vegetarian population is increasing. This study assessed the relationship between PBMA intake and health markers using the UK Biobank cohort. Participants were categorized into vegetarian PBMA consumers and vegetarian PBMA nonconsumers. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to evaluate differences in participants’ characteristics, food intake, and 30 blood biochemistry measures after assessing data distributions. Metabolomics (168 metabolites) and proteomics (2923 proteins) data were further examined to identify significant differences between the two participant groups. Relative risks (RRs) for 45 chronic diseases and mental conditions were calculated using Poisson regression. Sensitivity analysis accounted for sociodemographic factors, and the proportion of energy from ultra‐processed food (UPF) intake was determined. No substantial differences in sodium, free sugar, total sugar, or saturated fatty acids intake between vegetarian PBMA consumers and nonconsumers were found. However, PBMA consumers exhibited higher blood pressure (130/79 and 129/78 mmHg for consumer and nonconsumer groups, respectively) and elevated C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels (1.76 ± 3.12 and 1.57 ± 3.17 mg/L for consumer and nonconsumer groups, respectively). Metabolite and protein abundance analysis showed no notable differences. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that PBMAs may influence immune reactions through cell signaling pathways. PBMA consumers had a 42% increased risk of depression (p = 0.03) and a 40% reduction in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) risk (p = 0.02), compared to nonconsumers. In conclusion, while no clear health risks or benefits were associated with PBMA consumption in vegetarians, the higher risk of depression, elevated CRP, and lower apolipoprotein A levels in PBMA consumers suggest potential inflammatory concerns that warrant further investigation.

Comparing the efficacy of oral apremilast, intralesional corticosteroids, and their combination in patients with patchy alopecia areata: a randomized clinical controlled trial.

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by nonscarring hair loss. The management of AA poses challenges due to its unpredictable course and variable response to treatment. In this comparative study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral apremilast, intralesional corticosteroids (ILC) and a combination of both in patients with patchy AA. Sixty patients with patchy AA were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: oral apremilast (Group A), ILC (Group B), and a combination of both (Group C). The Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score was used to assess the extent of hair loss before treatment, after 3 months, and at 6 months of follow-up. Adverse events and complications were also monitored. The changes in SALT score from baseline between the three groups were assessed by using non-parametric statistical tests. The statistical significance was judged at 5% level of significance. Findings demonstrated significant higher reduction in median SALT scores after treatment i.e., 2.47 (1.76, 5.07), p < 0.001 as well as after six months follow up 5.08 (3.80, 7.53), p < 0.001 in patients treated with ILC compared to other two groups. Neither apremilast monotherapy nor its combination with ILC demonstrated statistically significant improvement, although individual responses were observed. Complications were minimal, with transient pain and burning sensation reported during ILC injections and a few cases of gastritis and relapse in the oral apremilast group. These findings suggest that ILC remains an effective treatment option for patchy AA. This study did not demonstrate statistically significant efficacy of oral apremilast, either as monotherapy or in combination with ILC, though larger studies may be needed to evaluate potential benefits in specific patient subgroups. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer-term follow-up is needed to validate these findings and optimize treatment approaches for AA.

MIPART: A Partial Decision Tree-Based Method for Multiple-Instance Classification

Multi-instance learning (MIL) is a critical area in machine learning, particularly for applications where data points are grouped into bags. Traditional methods, however, often face challenges in accurately classifying these bags. This paper presents the multi-instance partial decision tree (MIPART), a method that incorporates the partial decision tree (PART) algorithm within a Bagging framework, utilizing the simple multi-instance classifier (SimpleMI) as its base. MIPART was evaluated on 12 real-world multi-instance datasets using various performance metrics. Experimental results show that MIPART achieved an average accuracy of 84.27%, outperforming benchmarks in the literature. Notably, MIPART outperformed established methods such as Citation-KNN, MIBoost, MIEMDD, MILR, MISVM, and MITI, demonstrating a 15% improvement in average accuracy across the same datasets. The significance of these improvements was confirmed through rigorous non-parametric statistical tests, including Friedman aligned ranks and Wilcoxon signed-rank analyses. These findings suggest that the MIPART method is a significant advancement in multiple-instance classification, providing an effective tool for interpreting complex multi-instance datasets.

APPLICATION OF PARAMETER STATISTICAL TESTS AND DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS METHODS IN MODERN BUSINESS

In the absence of a sufficient amount of information for quality business decision-making, i.e. successful performance of activities without unnecessary losses in the consumption of inputs, recently the non-parametric DEA method (Data Envelopment Analysis) is most often used through the linear programming technique. In the event that company managers have enough information to make business decisions, parametric statistical tests are used that compare the company's current performance with optimal performance, i.e. those that are on the edge of efficiency. However, this situation is very rare, so before making business decisions, non-parametric and then parametric statistical tests are carried out in detail. The subject of research of this paper is primarily focused on the simultaneous application of parametric and non-parametric statistical tests in the assessment of the economic efficiency of an economic entity. After the conducted research and analysis of the obtained results, it was determined that the null hypothesis, which claims that the relative efficiency of the warehouse obtained by parametric statistical tests and the DEA method is identical and that the trends have the same direction, could not be fully accepted. Namely, it was found out that the results of one and the same economic situation using the mentioned two types of analysis differ to the extent that they are not adequate for economic decision-making, however identical results were obtained in the assessment of the trend. It can be concluded that the simultaneous application of both methods, as well as its implementation in several iterations, can provide enough quality information for effective decision-making. Stochastic processes that occur during the implementation of business decisions using the DEA technique can be minimized through the simultaneous application of statistical parametric methods and tests for evaluating the expected efficiency of DEA. The effectiveness of this method in any case depends on the size of the sample implemented in the aforementioned statistical analysis. The aforementioned statistical tests enable the measurement and detection of those input parameters that will most effectively contribute to the efficiency of business systems.

Processed Seafood Sustainability Supply Chain Management Practices: A Comparison of Community Enterprises and SMEs

The purpose of this study was to empirically examine current manufacturing practices of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in processed seafood supply chain management, looking at the size difference between specific manufacturing organizations: community enterprises and SMEs. A survey was undertaken to collect data from processed seafood producers in the Rayong and Chonburi provinces, which are the main areas of processed seafood production in Thailand. The final 32 valid responses provided a response rate of 54.24%. The Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test, a nonparametric test statistic, was utilized to compare the mean difference between the Rayong and Chonburi groups of processed seafood producers. The results indicated that SMEs have a significantly higher potential than community enterprises in terms of plan, source, make and delivery. Semi-structured interviews highlighted issues regarding SSCM practices, such as a lack of knowledge of how to achieve sustainable benefits, a lack of technology use, and the instability of raw material supply from the sea, related to weather conditions, leading to difficulties in production planning and sourcing. The results of this study can be used to reflect the current status of SSCM practices. Therefore, the findings should assist both community enterprises and SMES implement more efficient processes, leading to higher performance.

EFEITO DA SOBREPOSIÇÃO TERRITORIAL COM O ARCO DO DESMATAMENTO SOBRE O DESMATAMENTO EM UNIDADES DE CONSERVAÇÃO NA AMAZÔNIA

The arc of deforestation in the Amazon biome overlaps with regions of expansion of the agricultural and livestock frontier and presents high rates of deforestation and grabbing of public lands. The present work aimed to evaluate whether deforestation occurring within the Federal Conservation Units (UCFs) located in the Amazon biome was influenced by the overlap with the Deforestation Arc. The data used were the PRODES deforestation alerts issued in the Amazon biome between 2008 and 2023. Three types of non-parametric statistical tests for group comparison were carried out: a.) Wilcoxon; b.) Median; and c.) Savage Exponential. The results of the three tests were highly significant (P&lt;0.0001) and demonstrated that the Arc of Deforestation influenced the Size of Deforestation (area, hectares) that occurred within the UCFs studied.

Antidiabetic activity test of infusion combination rosella flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees &amp; T. Nees) Blume) in male mice (Mus musculus) induced by alloxan

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a disorder of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism which is characterized by increased blood glucose levels. The existence of DM as a public health problem is increasing globally. This experimental research was carried out to determine the activity of a combination of rosella flower infusion and cinnamon bark on blood glucose levels in male mice that had been induced by alloxan. After ensuring that the blood glucose level of the mice was &gt;175 mg/dl, 4 groups were tested, namely test group 1 was given a single rosella flower infusion, test group 2 was given a single cinnamon bark infusion, test group 3 was given a combination of rosella flower infusion and stem bark cinnamon, and the control group were given aqua destillata. Based on the results of the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric statistical test, it shows a value of p = 0.009 (p £ 0,05), which means there is a difference in the reduction in blood glucose levels between the test groups. Then, to determine the greatest decrease in glucose levels, a Post Hoc test was carried out and the highest mean rank value was obtained (13.00) in the infusion group of the combination of rosella flowers and cinnamon bark, followed by the cinnamon bark infusion group (5.80), and the rosella flower infusion group (5.20).

Trend analysis and change-point detection of temperature and rainfall in southern Peruvian Amazon and its relation to deforestation

The study aimed to identify the change points, tendencies, and trends in climatic parameters (precipitation and temperatures) and to investigate their relationship with deforestation in the southeastern Peruvian Amazon (Tambopata). Rainfall and temperature data for the Puerto Maldonado station from 1970 to 2023 was used. Monthly, seasonal, and annual precipitation as well as temperature (maximum, minimum, and mean) were analyzed for possible trends using nonparametric Mann-Kendal statistic test, while the Pettitt test was employed to detect the abrupt change point in time series. The Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to identify the relationship between deforestation and climate parameters. The results revealed a rise in mean, minimum, and maximum temperatures. Mann Kendall and Sen’s slope revealed significant trends in the monthly, seasonal and annual temperatures in the study period. However, in contrast to the temperature variation trend, the monthly, seasonal and annual precipitation did not present a significant trend. Significant positive correlations were obtained between deforestation and temperatures but its association with precipitation was not significant.

An empirical analysis: The impact of project-based learning on students' mathematical reflective thinking skills and self-concept

Mathematical reflective thinking skills and self-concept are essential aspects of 21st-century learning to address global challenges. This study analyzes the effect of Project-Based Learning (PjBL) on students' mathematical reflective thinking skills and self-concept. The experimental research involved 75 tenth-grade students in Bandar Lampung using a posttest control group design. Data were collected through mathematical reflective thinking skills tests and self-concept questionnaires and analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The results showed that the implementation of PjBL did not significantly affect students' mathematical reflective thinking skills and self-concept compared to conventional learning. However, the indicators of mathematical reflective thinking skills achievement in the PjBL class were higher. This study implies the need for a longer implementation of PjBL to achieve significant results and its potential contribution to developing students' collaboration, creativity, and social skills as part of holistic learning.

Revolutionizing cardiovascular disease classification through machine learning and statistical methods.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) include abnormal conditions of the heart, diseased blood vessels, structural problems of the heart, and blood clots. Traditionally, CVD has been diagnosed by clinical experts, physicians, and medical specialists, which is expensive, time-consuming, and requires expert intervention. On the other hand, cost-effective digital diagnosis of CVD is now possible because of the emergence of machine learning (ML) and statistical techniques. In this research, extensive studies were carried out to classify CVD via 19 promising ML models. To evaluate the performance and rank the ML models for CVD classification, two benchmark CVD datasets are considered from well-known sources, such as Kaggle and the UCI repository. The results are analysed considering individual datasets and their combination to assess the efficiency and reliability of ML models on the basis of various performance measures, such as precision, kappa, accuracy, recall, and the F1 score. Since some of the ML models are stochastic, we repeated the simulation 50 times for each dataset using each model and applied nonparametric statistical tests to draw decisive conclusions. The nonparametric Friedman - Nemenyi hypothesis test suggests that the Extra Tree Classifier provides statistically superior accuracy and precision compared with all other models. However, the Extreme Gradient Boost (XGBoost) classifier provides statistically superior recall, kappa, and F1 scores compared with those of all the other models. Additionally, the XGBRF classifier achieves a statistically second-best rank in terms of the recall measures.