Pearson Product Moment Correlation Research Articles

Client Satisfaction and Quality of Rendered Services of Landbank San Pablo Rizal Avenue Branch: A Basis for Strategic Plan

The study was about client satisfaction and service quality using the SERVQUAL Model at Landbank San Pablo Rizal Avenue Branch, which served as the basis for the strategic plan. The study uses a descriptive correlation design complemented by a quantitative approach and a multi-staged stratified sampling technique to analyze 200 bank clients. Moreover, the research used a modified adapted survey instrument for data gathering. The frequency count and percentage were utilized to ascertain the client's demographic profile. Mean and standard deviation were employed to assess client satisfaction and service quality. ANOVA was used to identify significant differences in satisfaction and the quality of rendered service. Post Hoc Tukey's test was used to determine the significance of group mean pairings. The relationship between client satisfaction and the quality of rendered services was analyzed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. The study reveals that Landbank's client base is predominantly young and middle-aged, with 0–5 years of experience. The satisfaction level is slightly lower than expected, with tangibility being the top factor. The quality of services is satisfactory, with investment services receiving the highest score. However, satisfaction levels vary based on transaction types, with e-banking clients showing higher satisfaction. A weak negative correlation exists between satisfaction and perceived service quality, suggesting clients still perceive Landbank's service quality as satisfactory. The strategic plan includes tailored services for investment clients, improved e-banking features, consistent employee training, and targeted communication strategies.

Prognostic Factors in Patients Undergoing Physiotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Level I Systematic Review

Background: Low back pain is common. For patients with mechanic or non-specific chronic LBP (cLBP), the current guidelines suggest conservative, nonpharmacologic treatment as a first-line treatment. Among the available strategies, physiotherapy represents a common option offered to patients presenting with cLBP. The present systematic review investigates the prognostic factors of patients with mechanic or non-specific cLBP undergoing physiotherapy. Methods: In September 2024, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Embase. All the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which evaluated the efficacy of a physiotherapy programme in patients with LBP were accessed. All studies evaluating non-specific or mechanical LBP were included. Data concerning the following PROMs were collected: the pain scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). A multiple linear model regression analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient. Results: Data from 2773 patients were retrieved. The mean length of symptoms before the treatment was 61.2 months. Conclusions: Age and BMI might exert a limited influence on the outcomes of the physiotherapeutic management of cLBP. Pain and disability at baseline might represent important predictors of health-related quality of life at the six-month follow-up. Further studies on a larger population with a longer follow-up are required to validate these results.

Moderating Effect of Teaching Etiquette on Intercultural Sensitivity and Work Fulfillment of Teachers in Maa District, Davao City

The current study was set to evaluate whether teaching etiquette significantly moderate the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and work fulfillment of teachers. In this study, the researcher selected the 200 public elementary school teachers in Maa District, Davao City as the respondents of the study. Stratified random sampling technique was utilized in the selection of the respondents. Non-experimental quantitative research design using descriptive-correlational method was employed. The data collected were subjected on the following statistical tools: Mean, Pearson Moment Product Correlation, and Hierarchical Regression Analysis. Descriptive analysis showed that teaching etiquette and work fulfillment were described as extensive, while, intercultural sensitivity of teachers was rated as moderately extensive. Further, correlation analysis demonstrated that there is significant relationship among intercultural sensitivity, work fulfillment, and teaching etiquette of teachers in Davao Central District, Davao City. Evidently, hierarchical regression analysis proved that professional etiquette significantly moderates the interaction between intercultural sensitivity and work fulfillment of teachers in Maa District, Davao City. In other words, teaching etiquette is a significant moderator on the intercultural sensitivity and work fulfillment of teachers since it strengthens its relationship. The study, therefore, conducted for further utilization of findings through publication in reputable research journal.

Evaluation of effect of person role fitness on mastery of soft skills among interns in Nakuru County Government, Kenya

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of person role fitness on mastery of soft skills among interns in Nakuru County Government, Kenya. The curriculum that most college graduates are exposed to largely offer hard skills, but important soft skills that would make them well-prepared for the work environment are lacking. The study used a descriptive research design. The study's population consisted of 1300 interns stationed at the Nakuru County Government during the month of August. A stratified random selection technique was employed to choose a sample of 102 interns, and data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to examine the data and obtain both descriptive and inferential statistics. Pearson's product-moment correlation was used as an inferential statistic to determine the direction and strength of linear associations. Simple and multiple regression analyses were employed to assess the relationship between the variables. The study indicated that person role fitness substantially affected soft skills proficiency in Nakuru County Government (? = 1.139, Sig. < 0.05). Thus, it was concluded that person role fitness is a significant factor of internship, which affects soft skills mastery among interns in the county. The study recommends that colleges operate in conjunction with the organisations or industries where the students are sent for their internship programs to ensure that the interns are well placed as per their professions in order to enhance soft skills mastery among the interns, as was evidenced by Nakuru County Government, Kenya.

Abstract A024: Evaluating the effect of plasma-related preanalytical variables on the robustness of the liquid biopsy early CRC detection Signal-C assay

Abstract Liquid biopsies and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) analysis have emerged as novel non-invasive diagnostic tools in oncology. Analysis of cfDNA methylation status has been proposed as promising approach for several diagnostic purposes, and robust methylation-detecting technologies are of primary importance for the clinical implementation of novel diagnostic assays. Signal-C is an accurate NGS-based methyl-sensitive assay detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) currently under clinical validation. In this study we assessed the influence of different preanalytical variables influencing plasma stability, as the storage time of plasma samples and the tube type used for blood collection, on Signal-C assay results to determine its robustness. 958 samples with 3ml to 4ml plasma were used for cfDNA extraction and run through Signal-C assay following UDX protocol. In brief, 8 to 20ng cfDNA were used as an input for methylation- specific library preparation, which was run according to manufacturer’s instructions. Hybrid- capture was performed to enrich libraries for genomic regions included in Signal-C assay and sequenced on Illumina Novaseq machines. Relevant sequencing QC metrics, such as depth filtered, read yield from raw to filtered and PCR duplicate proportion were calculated, together with cancer predictions according to Signal-C test. Pearson coefficient and Pearson's Chi- squared test with Yates' continuity correction have been used to assess correlations, and Wilcoxon test has been used to measure the significance of the differences between quality metrics with respect to the tube type. We have analyzed the influence of different plasma-related preanalytical variables on sequencing metrics and cancer predictions of Signal-C assay. Plasma age, calculated as the time elapsed between blood collection and cfDNA quantification, shows a small negative correlation with YIELD_RAW_FILTERED (R = - 0.08, p=0.013) and a small positive correlation with PCR_DUP_PROP (R = 0.098, p=0.0024), while it doesn't influence DEPTH_FILTERED values (p>0.05). Use of different blood collection tubes (EDTA or Streck tubes) influenced in a small but significative manner the YIELD_RAW_FILTERED and the PCR_DUP_PROP (p<0.001), while it doesn’t affect the DEPTH_FILTERED values (p>0.05). Despite the sequencing QC metrics being subject to small but statistically significant differences, the overall cancer classification performance of Signal-C assay was not affected by the changes in plasma age (Pearson's product-moment correlation, sensitivity p=0.87, specificity p=0.091) nor in tube type used (Pearson's Chi-squared test with Yates' continuity correction, p=0.219). Here we evaluated the effect of plasma’s storage time and the type of blood collection tube on Signal-C assay performance. While signal processing features show small differences between the tested variables, this does not affect overall clinical performance of the test, supporting its robustness. Additional studies to analyze the effect of other preanalytical variables on Signal-C performance are underway to establish its robustness. Citation Format: Fernando Trincado Alonso, Pol Canal Noguer, Kristi Kruusmaa, Arianna Bertossi. Evaluating the effect of plasma-related preanalytical variables on the robustness of the liquid biopsy early CRC detection Signal-C assay [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A024.

Pengaruh Pola Asuh Orang Tua terhadap Perilaku Keagamaan Siswa Sekolah Dasar Negeri 43 Sungai Sapiah Kota Padang

This research aims to determine the influence of parenting patterns on the religious behavior of class V students at SD N 43 Sungai Sapiah whose address is Jl. Air Paku, Kel. Sapiah River, RT.02/ RW.06, Kec. Kuranji, Padang City, West Sumatra Province. The research method used is a quantitative approach research method. The population in this study were fifth grade students at SD N 43 Sungai Sapiah. The research sampling technique used the Slovin formula. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used is the Pearson product moment correlation formula. The research results show that the calculated t value of variable X is 4.872 and the t table value obtained is 2.303 (4.872 > 2.303) and the significance value of variables And from the F test, the calculated F value of variable So it is concluded that partially or simultaneously there is a significant influence between parental parenting patterns and the religious behavior of class V students at SD N 43 Sungai Sapiah.

Reliability and utility of blood glucose levels in the periodontal pockets of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

Several studies have measured gingival blood glucose (GBG) levels, but few have confirmed systematic bias using Bland-Altman analysis. This study compared the effectiveness of GBG levels with that of fingertip blood glucose (FTBG) levels using Bland-Altman and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses. A total of 15 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with type 2 diabetes were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each group comprised eight male and seven female participants. The GBG and FTBG levels were measured using a self-monitoring blood glucose device after periodontal examination. Pearson's product‒moment correlation and simple linear regression analyses were performed. In addition, Bland‒Altman analysis was also performed to assess the degree of agreement between the two methods. ROC analysis was conducted to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values for patients with diabetes. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to identify significant differences. The mean GBG and FTBG levels were 120 ± 44.8 mg/dL and 137 ± 45.1, respectively, for the whole sample. The mean GBG and FTBG levels were 145 ± 47.2 mg/dL and 163 ± 49.1, respectively, in the diabetes group. The mean GBG and FTBG levels in the nondiabetes group were 95.3 ± 25.2 and 111 ± 18.8, respectively. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have a probing pocket depth (PPD) of ≥4 mm at the sampled site. Pearson's product‒moment correlation and simple linear regression analyses revealed a significant correlation between the GBG and FTBG measurements. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that GBG and FTBG measurements differed significantly among all participants; however, no significant differences were observed among the patients with diabetes (mean difference (MD) ± standard deviation (SD) = -18.1 ± 34.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-37.0 to 0.88]) or among the participants with a PPD of ≥4 mm (MD ± SD = -15.2 ± 30.4, 95% CI [-30.8 to 0.43]). The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values of the GBG measurements for detecting diabetes were 80%, 93%, and 123.5 mg/dL, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff values of the FTBG measurements for detecting diabetes were 73%, 87%, and 134.0 mg/dL, respectively. No significant differences were observed between the AUCs (0.078, 95% CI [-0.006 to 0.161]). The GBG measurements aligned with the FTBG measurements in the patients with diabetes and among the participants with a PPD of ≥4 mm. Patients with diabetes were more likely to have a PPD of ≥4 mm at the sampled site, GBG levels can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes in dental clinics.

Hubungan antara Gratitude dengan Subjective Well-being Guru Honorer Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) di Kecamatan Koto Tangah Kota Padang

This study aims to explore the connection between gratitude and subjective well-being among honorary special school teachers in Koto Tangah District, Padang City. Special education plays a crucial role in supporting the development of children with special needs, where special school teachers significantly contribute to their educational progress. Many challenges faced by honorary teachers, including an income that does not align with their workload, often lead to stress and fatigue, affecting their subjective well-being. Gratitude is one factor that may positively influence subjective well-being. The study employs a quantitative approach with a correlational design, using a sample of 50 honorary teachers selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert scale and analyzed with the Pearson product-moment correlation test. The findings indicate that: a) the average level of gratitude among honorary special school teachers falls within the low category (42%), followed by moderate (40%) and high categories (18%); b) the average level of subjective well-being among honorary special school teachers is also low (62%), followed by moderate (34%) and high (4%); and c) the correlation analysis shows a Pearson coefficient of 0.740 with a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05, demonstrating a positive and significant relationship between gratitude and subjective well-being. The results suggest that a higher level of gratitude correlates with higher subjective well-being among teachers.

Relationships Among eHealth Literacy, Physical Literacy, and Physical Activity in Chinese University Students: Cross-Sectional Study.

eHealth literacy is critical for evaluating abilities in locating, accessing, and applying digital health information to enhance one's understanding, skills, and attitudes toward a healthy lifestyle. Prior research indicates that enhancing eHealth literacy can improve health behaviors such as physical activity (PA). Physical literacy (PL) refers to the ability to develop sustainable PA habits, taking into account various aspects of an individual. Notably, university students have shown a decline in PA and possess low PL levels. However, the connection between eHealth literacy and PL in this demographic has not been extensively studied, and it remains uncertain whether PA acts as a mediator between eHealth literacy and PL. This study examines the extent to which PA mediates the link between eHealth literacy and PL in Chinese university students and explores gender differences in these variables. In February 2022, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 1210 students across 3 universities in China. The instruments used were the Perceived PL Instrument, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Correlations between eHealth literacy, PA, and PL were analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation and multiple linear regression, while mediation models helped elucidate the interactions among the 3 variables. The response rate for the study was 92.9% (1124/1210). In the mediation analysis, eHealth literacy showed a significant direct effect on PL, with a coefficient of 0.78 (β .75, SE 0.02; P<.001). Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) accounted for 2.16% of the total effect, suggesting that MVPA partially mediates the relationship between eHealth literacy and PL. Additionally, male students outperformed female students in terms of MVPA (t636=4.94; P<.001) and PL (t636=3.18; P<.001), but no significant differences were found in eHealth literacy (t636=1.23; P=.22). The findings indicate that MVPA serves as a mediator in the link between eHealth literacy and PL among university students. Students with low eHealth literacy or limited PA are less likely to be physically literate. Thus, eHealth literacy plays a crucial role in enhancing PL and PA, especially when interventions targeting PL are implemented. Our results also suggest a need for targeted health education interventions aimed at improving MVPA and PL among female students, while also recognizing that eHealth literacy is comparable across genders at universities.

Impact of Salary and Recognition on Job Performance: A study of Nangarhar University Lecturers, Afghanistan

Organizations seek to gain a competitive advantage by applying different strategies in today’s competitive environment. Due to intense competitive pressure, organizations attempt to gain a competitive advantage using employee skills, abilities, and expertise. Organizations offer different kinds of incentives, like salary and recognition, to ensure proper utilization and increase employee performance. Satisfied employees become more dedicated, committed, and loyal to organizations than other employees without a proper incentive system. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of salary and recognition on the job performance of university lecturers at Nangarhar University, Afghanistan. The questionnaire method was adopted to collect data using Likert scales ranging from 1 to 5. Data were collected from 210 respondents and analyzed using SPSS version 27. The Pearson product-moment correlation was applied to determine the impact of salary and recognition on job performance. The result of the study showed that there is a significant correlation between salary and employee performance. In addition, it was also found that there was a significant correlation between recognition and employee performance.

Learners’ Conduct and Educational Achievement

Learners’ conduct may be taken from several factors which may be the cause for their educational achievement. This study aimed to determine the level of learners’ conduct and educational achievement. This also determined the relationship between the learners’ conduct and educational achievement. The respondents of this study were the teachers (n=105) from the selected schools in the Division of Cagayan de Oro City. This study used descriptive correlational research design with documentary analysis and utilized an adapted and modified survey questionnaire as its instrument to gather the data from respondents. Statistical tools like frequency and percentage, mean and standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to find out the relationships between the variables. Results showed that the learners’ conduct was at moderate level on which family has the highest mean score while teacher has the lowest mean score. Learners’ educational achievement was at a satisfactory level. Learners’ conduct was negatively correlated with educational achievement. Though negatively correlated but it can be concluded that family plays an important role in molding learners’ conduct. Thus, the school may hold parenting seminars to remind parents of the importance of family in developing the learners’ conduct. If learners have desirable conduct, they would have good study habits that would improve their educational achievement.

Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Gang Participation Among Youth in Mombasa County, Kenya: From the Perspective of Household Challenges

Purpose: Gang participation has become a universal phenomenon attracting increasing attention in both developed and developing countries. Previous research denotes strong evidence that early life adverse traumas and events heighten the risk of delinquent behaviour among young people. This study aimed to find out whether there is a relationship between household challenges and gang participation among youth gang members in Mombasa County. This study was guided by the Interactional Theory by Terrence Thornberry (1987). Methods: This study employed a correlational research design within the context of Ex-post facto research. The study population consisted of alleged, convicted, and reforming gang members in Mombasa. They were drawn from a database accessed by the Nyali District Peace Committee (DPC) which has 358 members aged between 15-31 years. Purposive, and snowball sampling techniques were used to gather data from the sample. Descriptive statistics namely, frequencies, percentages, and measures of central tendency were used. Inferential statistics namely the Pearson Product Moment correlation coefficient, linear, and regression was then employed to establish the relationship between household challenges and gang participation. Results: The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between gang participation and household challenges (r = 0.876, p &lt; 0.01). Implication: The findings of this study will guide the formulation of programs and interventions for the rehabilitation and reintegration of these gang members. These can be of help to Civil Society Organizations, law enforcement agencies, and probation officers.

Long-axial field-of-view PET/CT improves radiomics feature reliability.

To assess the influence of long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT systems on radiomics feature reliability, to assess the suitability for short-duration or low-activity acquisitions for textural feature analysis and to investigate the influence of acceptance angle. 34 patients were analysed: twelve patients underwent oncological 2-[18F]-FDG PET/CT, fourteen [18F]PSMA-1007 and eight [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC. Data were obtained using a 106cm LAFOV system for 10min. Sinograms were generated from list-mode data corresponding to scan durations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 240, 360 and 600s using both standard (minimum ring difference MRD 85 crystals) and maximum acceptance angles (MRD 322). Target lesions were segmented and radiomics features were calculated. To assess feature correlation, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC) was calculated with respect to the full duration acquisition for MRD 85 and 322 respectively. The number of features with excellent (r > 0.9), moderate (r > 0.7 and < 0.9) and poor (r ≤ 0.7) correlation was compared as a measure of feature stability. Intra-class heterogeneity was assessed by means of the quartile coefficient of dispersion. As expected, PPMCC improved with acquisition time for all features. By 240s almost all features showed at least moderate agreement with the full count (C100%) data, and by 360s almost all showed excellent agreement. Compared to standard-axial field of view (SAFOV) equivalent scans, fewer features showed moderate or poor agreement, and this was most pronounced for [68Ga]Ga-DOTATOC. Data obtained at C100% at MRD 322 were better able to capture between-patient heterogeneities. The improved feature reliability at longer acquisition times and higher MRD demonstrate the advantages of high sensitivity LAFOV systems for reproducible and low-noise data. High fidelity between MRD 85 and MRD 322 was seen at all scan durations > 2s. When contrasted with data comparable to a simulated SAFOV acquisition, full-count and full-MRD data were better able to capture underlying feature heterogeneities.

The Influence of Political Culture on Youth Officials’ Leadership Styles and Civic Engagement

Recognizing the underlying cultural factors that influence political attitudes can aid in resolving conflicts and promoting social cohesion. This study explored the influence political culture on Youth Officials’ leadership styles and civic engagement. The study was conducted in one of the universities in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. The descriptive-correlational design was used in the study. There were 135 students who served as the respondents selected through a purposive sampling technique. The researcher-made Youth Officials Political Culture, Youth Officials’ Leadership Styles, and Youth Officials’ Civic Engagement Questionnaires were used as research instruments. Weighted Mean and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used as statistical tools to analyze the data gathered. Results revealed that the youth officials perceived political culture in their respective barangays was very highly participant. The youth officials’ leadership style was democratic, while their civic engagement was to a very great extent. The perceived political culture generally influenced the respondents’ leadership styles and civic engagement. Political culture holds a major factor on how the youth officials lead their constituents and engage themselves in civic activities. It is recommended that youth officials sustain their democratic practices in governance to encourage citizens to participate freely in collective political action and influence decision-making processes.

Parents’ Participation and Learners’ Educational Achievement

Parents’ participation plays a great role in a child’s learning development. This study sought to determine the relationship between the parents’ participation and learners’ educational achievement. It also identified which independent variable/s singly or in combination influenced the educational achievement of learners. This study used descriptive-correlational and causal design with content analysis. It utilized an adapted and modified questionnaire which was validity and reliability tested. Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression as the statistical tools. The study's respondents were the Grades 4,5 and 6 pupils from Naawan Elementary School, Naawan District of Misamis Oriental Division, who were elected though simple random sampling using Slovin’s Formula. Results reveal that parents are highly involved in all six dimensions namely, parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making and collaborating with community. Parenting as the highest and volunteering as the lowest. Pupils have the Very Satisfactory rating. Parents’ participation has low positive correlation between the pupils’ educational achievement while parenting and decision-making influence the pupils’ educational achievement. Thus, parents may continue to be involved in their children’s education and teachers may sustain parental participation by providing accessible avenues for parents to engage in their children’s academic journey

Exploring Gender Differences in Perceived Stress, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness, and Coping Styles among Caregivers of People Diagnosed with Psychiatric Illness

Globally it is seen that not only the patients who are suffering from mental disorders but also the caregivers or family members are also facing multiple psychological distress due to their disturbances. Objectives: To measure perceived stress, internalized stigma, and coping styles among caregivers of psychiatric patients. Methods: 160 participants were selected through purposive sampling from eight hospitals in Lahore. The study questionnaire booklet included the Urdu versions of the Internalized Stigma Scale, Coping Styles Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale respectively. Pearson product-moment correlations and T-tests were computed to explore gender differences in levels of the study variables. Results: The results revealed that women spent more time with loved ones as compared to men. There was a strong relationship with most of the variables among men, whereas the copying style scale showed no relationship with all variables. There was a strong relationship reported among women on most of the variables but coping style indicates a negligible relationship with the internalized stigma of mental illness. The T-test indicates that there was a significant difference (p-value=0.04*) reported on the internalized stigma of mental illness stereotype endorsement among men and women, whereas the rest of the variables did not report any significant differences. Conclusions: It was concluded that future research should be conducted on caregivers to create awareness and mitigate internalized stigma of mental illness as well as reduce stress common among people.

The Effect of Tourist Attractions on the Progress of the Sipinsur Geosite Tourism Object in Pearung Tourism Village, Humbang Hasundutan Regency in 2024

This study aims to determine the positive and significant influence of tourist attractions (x) on the progress of tourist attractions (y) Geosite Sipinsur in Pearung Tourism Village, Humbang Hasundutan Regency in 2024. This research uses a quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to 96 respondents by accidential sampling. To determine the answer score on the questionnaire which will be tested for validity and reliability using a Likert scale. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson Product Moment correlation, determination coefficient test and simple linear regression analysis. Based on the results of descriptive statistical analysis, the influence of tourist attractions on the progress of tourist attractions is in a good category, with an average of 4.5449 at the interval of the category very advanced. The test results of the correlation coefficient (r) = 0.586 with a sufficient category and compared with r table = 0.200, where r count&gt; r table (0.586&gt; 0.200) it can be said to be significant and the hypothesis is accepted.

Validity and reliability of the physical fitness test instrument for retired martial art athletes

Background and Study Aim. Developing exercise programs to maintain the fitness and health of retired athletes is crucial as a preventive measure against common health problems in this population. Equally important is the creation of an exercise evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of these programs. This study aims to test the validity and reliability of a physical fitness test instrument for retired martial arts athletes. Material and Methods. This study used an evaluation approach with data collected through tests and measurements. A total of 147 subjects participated. For validity testing, there were 35 retired male martial arts athletes and 37 retired female athletes. For reliability testing, there were 36 retired male and 39 retired female martial arts athletes. The instruments used included body mass index (BMI) measurements with digital scales, flexibility measurements with the sit-and-reach test, muscle strength measurements with a leg and back dynamometer, and cardiovascular endurance measurements with the Cooper test. Validity was assessed using a concurrent validity approach. Reliability was tested using the test-retest method. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used for validity analysis, while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The JASP software was used for the analysis. Results. For male athletes, the r-values for each test item exceeded the r-table value of 0.275, confirming the validity of the body mass index (BMI), sit-and-reach test, leg and back dynamometers, and the Cooper test. Similarly, female athletes demonstrated r-values above the r-table value of 0.267, confirming the validity of all test items. The reliability of each item was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha values, which were above the 0.7 threshold for both male and female athletes. The Cronbach's alpha value for BMI was 0.998 for both male and female athletes, indicating excellent reliability. Other test items, such as flexibility and muscle strength, also showed strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.742 to 0.985. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of developing valid and reliable instruments to assess the physical fitness of retired martial arts athletes. Such instruments are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of training programs aimed at maintaining the health and fitness of retired athletes. The findings of this research confirm the value of structured fitness tests. These tests effectively evaluate key physical components such as body composition, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Toward Effluent Quality Discharged from the Shirere Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Isiukhu River, Kakamega County, Kenya

For waste removal, advanced infrastructural technologies can be adopted in the drainage channels of effluents into water bodies though they are limited and scarce. The aim of the study was to asses community knowledge, attitude and perception towards effluent quality discharged from Shirere wastewater treatment plant up to river Isiukhu. Correlation and descriptive survey were the main research approaches adopted. The measurement of the knowledge, perception and attitude was limited to only the community members, as well as Kakamega County Water and Sanitation Company (KACWASCO) staff members. The study was anchored by the risk management theory to demonstrate the vulnerability of community hazards like water pollution. The social-economic sampling approaches applied were stratified for the community members and random for the KACWASCO workers. The population targeted was eighty community members and four KACWASCO staff members. The questionnaires were pretested through a pilot study to ascertain their reliability. This pre-test was conducted at a different Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Nabongo. The Pearson coefficient (r) was used to compute the correlation coefficient between the two test scores. Data was analyzed using regression and correlation methods. For socio-economic, reliability test was administered by use test- retest method. A code book was prepared and scores of the first test correlated with scores of the second test, and Pearson product moment of correlation was computed using SPSS software version 21.0. By applying the analysis of variance (ANOVA), researcher was able to determine whether differences observed between groups are likely due to actual variations in their perceptions or simply due to chance. From the reliability test, all of the variables obtained had Cronbach's Alpha greater than 0.7, indicating that they met the necessary 0.7 for data internal consistency. The Bartlett's test for validity was examined using the chi-square test, which revealed that all of the variables were significant at the 5% (0.000) level of significance. Only 82 of the 84 questionnaires provided to the sampled respondents (KACWASCO staffs and community members) were filled out and returned in this study. From the study findings the value of R-square was 0.429. The ANOVA test indicated that in this model the independent variable namely; knowledge of the residents is important in predicting of waste water treatment as indicated by significance value=0.002 which is less than 0.05 level of significance (p=0.002 &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the response under attitude and perception, the value of R-Square was 0.045 which implied that, 4.5% of variation of Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shirere was explained by attitude and perception of the residents within the area. The study also revealed that attitude and perception of the residents in Shirere had a significant influence on wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County (t-statistic = 25.674, p-value = ). Therefore, it was concluded that, at 5% level of significance, indicating that community knowledge, perception and attitude had a positive influence on waste water treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County. Likewise, for every unit increase in attitude of the residents there was a corresponding increase in wastewater treatment at Shirere in Kakamega County by 0.628. The study recommended that, the community members need more sensitization on matters pollution as revealed by this study.

Lack of glycemic control in type two diabetes mellitus patients is associated with reduced serum epidermal growth factor level and increased insulin resistance.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is steadily increasing worldwide in an alarming fashion. Importantly, poor glycemic control is associated with development of various health sequalae's due to glucolipotoxicity, oxidative stress and increased inflammatory cytokines. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of glycemic control on the relative abundance of inflammatory markers in patients with controlled and uncontrolled T2DM, and to test their association with the glycemic status in diabetic patients in Jordan. An observational cross-sectional study design was used. Patients with T2DM with controlled diabetes [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤7.0%, n=110] and age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched uncontrolled diabetic patients (HbA1c >7.0%, n=105) were recruited. An antibody membrane array was used to examine the relative abundance of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors in the sera of the study subjects, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to confirm the results. Fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, triglyceride and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) score were significantly elevated in the uncontrolled T2DM group (P<0.05). Antibody membrane array showed that serum epidermal growth factor (EGF) is significantly decreased in the uncontrolled T2DM group, and this was confirmed by ELISA (158.77±111.7 vs. 95.9±82.7 pg/ml, P=0.002). The binary logistic model was used to predict the likelihood of being uncontrolled diabetic based on EGF levels. After controlling for age, sex and BMI, EGF was statistically associated with diabetes control, where lower EGF levels predicted uncontrolled diabetes. Additionally, Pearson's product-moment correlation showed a statistically significant negative correlation between EGF and HbA1c (r=-0.25, P<0.0001), and a positive correlation between HOMA-IR and HbA1c, (r=0.32, P<0.0001). The current data identify a novel link between serum EGF levels and the status of HbA1c indicative of diabetic control.