Quantitative Character Research Articles

Performance measurement of Brazilian federal university hospitals: an overview of the public health care services through principal component analysis

PurposeThis paper aimed to contextualize the process of public hospital providing services, based on the measurement of the performance of Federal University Hospitals (HUFs) of Brazil, using the technique of multivariate statistics of principal component analysis.Design/methodology/approachThis research presented a descriptive and quantitative character, as well as exploratory purpose and followed the inductive logic, being empirically structured in two stages, that is, the application of principal component analysis (PCA) in four healthcare performance dimensions; subsequently, the full reapplication of principal component analysis in the most highly correlated variables, in module, with the first three main components (PC1, PC2 and PC3).FindingsFrom the principal component analysis, considering mainly component I, with twice the explanatory power of the second (PC2) and third components (PC3), it was possible to evidence the efficient or inefficient behavior of the HUFs evaluated through the production of medical residency, by specialty area. Finally, it was observed that the formation of two groups composed of seven and eight hospitals, that is, Groups II and IV shows that these groups reflect similarities with respect to the scores and importance of the variables for both hospitals’ groups.Research limitations/implicationsAmong the main limitations it was observed that there was incomplete data for some HUFs, which made it impossible to search for information to explain and better contextualize certain aspects. More specifically, a limited number of hospitals with complete information were dealt with for 60% of SIMEC/REHUF performance indicators.Practical implicationsThe use of PCA multivariate technique was of great contribution to the contextualization of the performance and productivity of homogeneous and autonomous units represented by the hospitals. It was possible to generate a large quantity of information in order to contribute with assumptions to complement the decision-making processes in these organizations.Social implicationsDevelopment of public policies with emphasis on hospitals linked to teaching centers represented by university hospitals. This also involved the projection of improvements in the reach of the efficiency of the services of assistance to the public health, from the qualified formation of professionals, both to academy, as to clinical practice.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper for the scenarios of the Brazilian public health sector and academic area involved the application of a consolidated performance analysis technique, that is, PCA, obtaining a rich work in relation to the extensive exploitation of techniques to support decision-making processes. In addition, the sequence and the way in which the content, formed by object of study and techniques, has been organized, generates a particular scenario for the measurement of performance in hospital organizations.

Deriving ecological risk thresholds for soil molybdenum in China based on interspecies correlation estimation and quantitative ion character–activity relationship models

Soil molybdenum (Mo) levels can reach ecologically hazardous levels. China has not yet established the relevant thresholds, posing challenges for environmental management. Therefore, we present our data relevant to Mo toxicity for several important species. By normalizing soil properties, we obtained a correlation model of Mo toxicity to Hordeum vulgare, as well as 31 models for the toxicity of other elements including Cu and Ni to invertebrates and microbial processes. Using interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) extrapolation, the sensitivity coefficient (0.12–0.71) for five plants were found. For invertebrates and microbial processes lacking Mo data, we used regression analysis to establish Mo toxicity models based on the soil quantitative ion character–activity relationships (s–QICAR; R2 =0.70–0.95) and known toxicities of other metal elements to invertebrate and microbial processes. Furthermore, combining species sensitivity distribution calculations, the HC5 values for protecting 95% of soil species from Mo in three typical soil scenarios in China were calculated. After correction, the predicted no-effect concentrations were 6.8, 4.8, and 3.4 mg/kg, respectively. This study innovatively combined ICE and s − QICAR to derive soil Mo thresholds. Our results can provide a basis for decision-making in the assessment and management of soil Mo pollution.

Stress state of elastic shell of standard sample in process of cable tear out testing

Article purpose is establishment of a quantitative character for influence of structural parameters of a rubber-cable belt on tensile testing results of a standard belt sample and influence of structural parameters on distribution of stresses in a butt-joint connection. Article methodology is in model construction, stress state determination for elastic material of deformed shape located between cables of a sample by methods of linear theory of elasticity and in obtaining parameters of a stress-strain state of an elastic shell of a standard sample for cable tear out testing in a closed form. Influence character of geometric parameters of a rubber-cable belt on tensile testing results of a standard belt sample is established and it allows considering parameters during determining maximum stresses in elastic shell of a belt butt-joint connections. Influence character of a stress-strain state of a standard sample on geometric parameters of a belt is established. The results make it possible to determine a distribution of shear stresses in elastic shell of a belt in butt-joint connections considering the structure of connections based on testing the standard samples. This increases the safety of usage of butt-joint connections of rubber-cable belts and increases their lifecycle.

Shell shape polymorphism analysis of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum across different geographical populations in China

Morphology of bivalves, a kind of quantitative character, is closely connected with the ecological and physiological behaviors of bivalves, including growth, survival, metabolism and reproduction. In this study, a multivariate statistical method was used to analyze seven indices for shell shape evaluation of Ruditaps philippinarum (R. philippinarum). Polymorphism of R. philippinarum shell shape across seven geographical populations from the southern and northern regions of China was revealed, and decisive effect of shell shape in determining the trait of weight was discussed. In total, three types of R. philippinarum shell shape were observed: globular, flat, and lateral-view round. The Laizhou (LZ) population from the north of China displayed an approximately globular shell shape, with a shell-width-to-shell-length ratio of 0.5496 and an ellipse index ventral view (EIV) value of 0.9543. The Lianjiang (LJ) population from the south of China displayed a flat shell shape, with a shell-width-to-shell-length ratio of 0.4044, an ellipse index lateral view (EIL) value of 1.2518, and an EIV value of 0.7063. The Zhangzidao (ZZD) population from the north of China displayed a lateral view round shell shape, with a shell-width-to-shell-length ratio of 0.7476 and a circle index lateral view (CIL) value of 0.7195. According to the results of principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis and cluster analysis on shell shape parameters, LJ population and LZ population could be grouped separately. However, despite the long geographical distance, Rongcheng (RC) population was highly similar with ZZD population in terms of shell shape traits, implying that these two populations might be more closely related. Lowest degree of divergence in shell shape was observed in Beihai (BH) population and Yingkou (YK) population, both of which belonged to Zuidong (ZD) population. Weight of globular Manila clams was significantly higher than that of flat clams (P < 0.05). This study not only lays a foundation for conservation of R. philippinarum germplasm resources, but also highlights the importance of considering shell morphology in the breeding and culture of R. philippinarum.

To Study the Effect of Foliar Spray of Nano Fertilizer on Growth Characters of Rabi Maize (Zea mays L.) in Mandsaur Region (MP), India

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar spray of nano fertilizer on growth characters of maize involving hybrid variety (pioneer) during Rabi season 2022-23 at Crop Research Cafeteria at Mandsaur University Mandsaur. This experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replication involving eight treatments and five growth characters of maize. The analysis of variance (ANNOVA) has indicated significant amount of variability present among all eight treatments and all five quantitative character studies. The obtained results revealed that the application of 100% NPK + 2 spray of nano N-fertilizer is more beneficial in terms of growth, productivity, maximum gross return, net return, beneficial cost ratio and sustainability over rest of treatments which lead us to recommend the treatment of 100% NPK + 2 spray of nano N-fertilizer as a most proper nutrients management practice to be applied in sandy loam soil at under Mandsaur region conditions.

EVASION FROM IFPE HIGHER COURSES IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA OF THE CITY OF RECIFE

This research discusses a relevant topic in the educational field: the phenomenon of dropout at the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pernambuco, in Campi Recife, Igarassu and Ipojuca. The courses under analysis were the superior ones that started in 2015 and concluded in the first semester of 2019. This being the time frame takes into account the end of a period of growth of these institutions in Brazil as a whole, as well as the beginning of a phase quite challenging. The general objective of the study was to investigate the causes and consequences of dropout in higher education courses at IFPE in the metropolitan area of ​​the city of Recife. The methodology applied was two moments, the first being a cross-sectional bibliographic review of quantitative and retrospective character. For the second moment, using a questionnaire and structured interview, as to the nature, we understand that this investigation is applied, being understood as a case study, and the qualitative approach used, where they addressed the causes and consequences of evasion in the higher education in the metropolitan area of ​​the city of Recife. The investigated public was composed of students (203) and educators (27), from the 10 higher education courses at IFPE, in the Campi mentioned. And, finally, it appears that, given the detailed analysis of the problems of school dropout. For there to be a possible reintegration, both on the part of educators and students, managing the resources of a teaching institution well is essential to optimize the students’ learning.

Morphological Diversity and Genetic Parameter of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Considering that the potential for okra as an anti-diabetic is very high, while okra productivity in Indonesia is still low, a plant breeding program through variety development is needed. One of the initial activities that needs to be carried out is the characterization of various genotypes, both quantitative and qualitative characters. This research aimed to obtain information on the diversity of morpho-agronomic characters in okra genotypes. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The experiment was conducted as a randomized block design, one factor is genotype with three replications. The materials used in this research were 20 okra genotypes. The experimental units used in this research were 60 units. Each experimental unit consists of 10 sample plants. Analysis of quantitative character variations used PKBT-STAT 3.1. Cluster analysis was carried out with PBSTAT-CL 2.1.2 with the Gower dissimilarity and average linkage clustering methods. Furthermore, analysis was carried out using SAS OnDemand for Academics to see the distinguishing characteristics between clusters. <b>Results:</b> There were differences in okra genotypes based on qualitative and quantitative characteristics. The most diverse quantitative character is the yield component, which is the fruit character. Variance in genetic and heritability showed broad and high criteria, respectively. Based on cluster analysis results, okra genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters with a cophenetic distance value of 0.40. Cluster 1 consists of 9 genotypes. Cluster 2 consists of 10 genotypes. Cluster 3 consists of 1 genotype the Red Hill Country genotype. The grouping in cluster analysis was carried out based on leaf width, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit diameter and carpel thickness character. <b>Conclusion:</b> This diversity of okra germplasm can facilitate plant breeding activities in the future by selecting genotypes to serve as parents according to the objectives carried out.

Harnessing Data Science for Debt Reduction: Insights from Structural Equation Modeling.

High levels of consumer indebtedness have been a concern in recent years, as they have contributed to rising household indebtedness and put pressure on the country’s financial stability. The general objective of this study was to present actions to reduce the individual’s indebtedness. To achieve this objective, exploratory and explanatory research was carried out. First, there was a review of the literature to find variables and/or models that explain indebtedness, and in a second part, with a quantitative character via structural equations, a questionnaire was applied to a sample of 114 individuals from the Federal District. The variables that most influenced were financial literacy (21.1%), materialism (5.45), and risk perception (3.4%). Among the actions to improve indebtedness are to make the individual literate, explain the risks associated with short-term investments and promises of immediate gain, and the consequences of materialism, which can help minimize indebtedness.

Similarity Appearance of Parents with Progeny of Lombok Local Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis) and Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Crosses between local lombok cantaloupe and melon have produced the first progeny (F1). The F1 have a similar appearance to their parents. This study used two similarity assessments based on qualitative and quantitative traits. Qualitative characters are said to have similarities if their phenotypic appearance resembles one or both parents. The similarity of qualitative characters is visually observed using the munsell plant tissue color book and penetrometer. Meanwhile, the quantitative characters are said to have an appearance resembling one or both parents if the standard error line at the histogram between parents and offspring overlaps. In addition, analysis of gene action, heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and the maternal effect was carried out on quantitative character to obtain genetic information for producing superior local lombok cantaloupe varieties. The results of this study showed several changes in the appearance of F1 in qualitative and quantitative characters. The qualitative characters of F1 resemble the female parent, while the quantitative characters do not resemble both parents. Genetic information about potential ratio, heterosis, heterobeltiosis, and maternal effect varied. Gene action is dominated by potency ratio partial dominance and overdominance. Heterosis occurred in all treatments, while heterobeltiosis did not occur in all treatments. The maternal-effect was obtained on fruit weight, fruit diameter, and fruit length characters.

Inheritance Pattern of Qualitative Character Traits in F2 Population of the Bara x Ungara and Dewata x Unggara Crosses

The purpose of this study was to estimate the inheritance pattern of qualitative character traits from the F2 population of the Bara x Ungara and Dewata cross. The study was conducted in the experimental garden of Unhas, Tamalanrea sub-district, Makassar, South Sulawesi. The quantitative character traits observed consisted of four characters, namely, the color of the flower corolla, the coloring of the immature fruit, the branching habit, and the nodal color. The results showed that the population of F2 crosses showed a purplish-green color (34) as the dominant color in immature fruits. Crosses with the Ungara variety exhibited a significant contribution to the color in the immature fruit. The nodal color characters is closely related to the duplication interaction pattern between alleles at different loci

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of two hypotrichous ciliates (Ciliophora, Spirotrichea) from South Korea, including Hemiurosomoida koreana n. sp.

The living morphology, infraciliature, and molecular phylogeny of a new soil ciliate, Hemiurosomoida koreana n. sp., discovered in a sample collected from a mountain in the northeast of South Korea, were investigated. The new species possesses the characteristics of the genus Hemiurosomoida, i.e., a reduced number of frontal-ventral-transverse cirri, three dorsal kineties of which kineties 1 and 2 each bears a caudal cirrus, and a single dorsomarginal kinety. It is distinguishable from congeners and other similar species by at least one distinct qualitative or quantitative character including the body size, the presence and arrangement of cortical granules, the number of adoral membranelles, marginal cirri, and dorsal dikinetids, or by the arrangement of transverse cirri. Phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences also support the assignment of the new species to the non-monophyletic genus Hemiurosomoida. In addition, the living morphology, infraciliature, and the 18S rRNA gene sequence of a Korean population of Nothoholosticha flava were studied.

Long-/Post-Covid-Syndrom: Studienergebnisse zur therapeutischen Erfahrung von Osteopath*innen in Deutschland

The corona pandemic had a massive impact on the health of billions of people worldwide and often affects patients even after the acute phase has subsided as long-/post-covid syndrome (LPCS). The aim of this survey study was to present the experiences of skilled osteopaths in the treatment of patients with LPCS in Germany and to compare the results with the current state of science. The study was conducted in spring 2022 as an online questionnaire. A total of 29 questions with open and closed as well as demographic, qualitative and quantitative character were used. 273 people took part in the study. There were 41 drop-outs, thus 232 data sets were evaluated. 188 people completed the entire study, 44 people have discontinued the survey in the meantime.The results of this survey study correlate with the scientific knowledge about LPCS. Individually different therapies adapted to the abilities, symptoms and pathologies of the patients seem to be particularly promising in LPCS. However, the participants‘ statements cannot be verified beyond doubt, so that the results are only used in a limited way and should be verified by randomised controlled trials with individual techniques selected according to the patients‘ needs.

Fatores epidemiológicos e incidência de hanseníase no estado da Bahia

This work aims to analyze the epidemiological endemicity of Hansen's disease in the State of Bahia. The study is configured as a quantitative epidemiological descriptive character with a cross-section of Hansen's disease cases from 2011 to 2021. 26,977 cases were identified in the State of Bahia, with an upward trend in the male population. It is noteworthy that the brown race was the most affected, which can be attributed to socioeconomic factors and people with low education are part of the most vulnerable segment. Concluding, the infectivity rate of Hansen's disease is still high in the state of Bahia.

Characterization of morphological, micromorphological, anatomical structures and matK gene-based identification of aromatic litsea (Litsea cubeba)

Abstract. Aini IN, Wisanti. 2023. Characterization of morphological, micromorphological, anatomical structures and matK gene-based identification of aromatic litsea (Litsea cubeba). Biodiversitas 24: 4557-4567. Aromatic litsea or krangean (Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Persoon) has potential as a drug. L. cubeba's status based on the IUCN red list is the least concern. This research aimed to (i) characterize morphology, micromorphology, and anatomy; (ii) indetify L. cubeba species based on DNA barcodes. The research samples were collected in the Mt. Anjasmoro, East Java, Indonesia at three different altitudes. Data in the form of various characters were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA method to determine the significance of the difference. The statistical test analysis of the quantitative character of L. cubeba showed a significant difference between heights (? = 0.05). The results showed that the characterization of L. cubeba includes (i) morphology: structure of lenticels, color, and substance that coats the lower surface of leaves, type of flower, fruit taste, and aroma; (ii) micromorphology: glands lining the abaxial surface of the lamina, trichomes on both surfaces of the lamina, structure of abaxial epidermal cells, the shape of pollen, shape and distribution of exin (iii) anatomy: cuticle thickness, epidermal cell shape, and presence of secretory cells in the lamina. The molecular identification in the form of L. cubeba barcode DNA based on the matK gene marker matched the Litsea cubeba sequence in NCBI (AB259073.1).

층화 조건부 이산양적 확률화응답모형

When the population is composed of several strata and the information we want to estimate is a sensitive discrete quantitative character we propose a stratified conditional discrete quantitative randomized response model using less than sensitive character. First, we apply stratified sampling to the model of Carr, Marascuilo.(1982) which used less than sensitive character and look the results of obtaining sensitive qualitative information. Then, we applly stratified sampling to the model of Lee, Hong, Son.(2009) which used less than sensitive character as a condition to obtain information for a sensitive discrete quantitative character and establish a theoretical system for obtaining quantitative sensitive information by stratum. We dealt with the proportional and optimal allocations are examined as a method of allocating samples to each stratum. We also propose a stratified Liu-Chow model by applying stratified sampling and compare the efficiency between the suggested two models. Finally, in case of numerical comparison between two models, we find that the values of ph and th are more increasing the stratified conditional discrete quantitative randomized response model is the more efficiency than the stratified Liu-Chow model.

Challenges in the implementation of the systematization of nursing care - to do or not to do - experience of a children's hospital

Objective: To identify the challenges faced by nurses in the implementation of the systematization of nursing care in the urgent and emergency sectors in pediatrics. Method: Descriptive study with quantitative and qualitative character. Data production was performed by individual electronic questionnaire with the participation of 21 nurses, which generated discussion about the realization and implementation of the systematization of nursing care. The study design brings as a scenario the Urgency and Emergency of the only Children's Hospital in the State of Roraima. All material produced underwent content analysis according to Bardin. Results: recognition of systematization in a dubious way and evidence of the verb lack as responsible for its implementation (lack of time, personnel and management). Conclusion: The factors that contribute to the difficulty of implementing the systematization of nursing care in health services are diverse, however, creating viable strategies for the viability of this process is indispensable for it to occur satisfactorily.

Energy-Efficient City Transportation Solutions in the Context of Energy-Conserving and Mobility Behaviours of Generation Z

Undertaking various activities aimed at sustainable development, especially energy conservation, is becoming one of the challenges of modern economies, including developing urban areas. One of the most widely promoted activities is designing and implementing energy-conserving solutions for urban mobility. People play a vital role in this regard, especially young people, represented here by Generation Z. Their attitudes and behaviours regarding sustainability can significantly impact the effectiveness of energy-efficient technological solutions. The purpose of this article is to examine the nature of the relationship between the assessment of the importance of energy-efficient transportation solutions available in the city and the attitudes and behaviours of representatives of Generation Z relating to the idea of sustainability, broken down into two categories, i.e., energy-conserving behaviour and mobility. In this study, a diagnostic survey method was used. Based on the literature review, we designed a research tool in the form of a questionnaire. Four hundred and ninety representatives of Generation Z participated in the study. To verify the hypotheses, first, a qualitative analysis was carried out for the three study areas using measures of central tendency; then, a correlation analysis was performed based on Pearson’s chi-square independence test, and to determine the strength of the relationship, the following symmetric measures were used: Cramer’s V and the Contingency Coefficient. The normalisation of the data, giving them a quantitative character, allowed the possibility of examining the correlation using Pearson’s test and the directionality of the analysed relationships based on simple and multiple linear regression results. Ananalys is of the obtained results allows us to conclude that energy-related sustainable behaviours in the acquisition of electrical appliances, their use and disposal, and mobility-related energy-conserving behaviours, resulting from the choice of means of transportation for moving in the city, influence the assessment of the importance of available energy-efficient mobility solutions. City administrations could use the study results as a guideline for the implementation of energy-conserving solutions in urban transportation, as well as the planning and promotion of appropriate activities related to the mobility of Generation Z, that are adequate to the attitudes and behaviours of young people.

Sleep quality of academics from health courses at UNEC - Nanuque Campus (MG)

Introduction: A high number of students linked to the health area have been related to problems with poor sleep quality, raising an alert about the need to promote programs to improve the duration and quality of the night rest hours of pharmacy, nursing and physiotherapy students. Objective: To analyze the sleep quality of Nursing, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy students enrolled in the night shift of UNEC - Nanuque Campus. Methodology: The present research went through the theoretical assumptions of a quantitative research, of exploratory and descriptive character, in which it sought in an educational institution, the perceptions of 70 students enrolled in UNEC - Nanuque Campus, through a questionnaire containing 10 structured questions. Results: About 95% of respondents sleep after 23 hours, 72% take more than half an hour to sleep, 74% sleep less than recommended by the medical association, 51% rate the quality of and 70% said they have already ingested medicine to induce sleep. Conclusion: The picture of few hours of sleep, justified the excessive use of self-medication and the search for sleeping pills, something worrying because using medications on their own can be harmful to the students' bodies.

Karakterisasi Morfologi Tanaman Kopi Rakyat di Pulau Bangka

Coffee is a perennial plant planted on Bangka Island by farmers. Exploration of coffee plants was carried out to see several developed varieties that could be grown on Bangka Island. This study aims to determine the diverse morphological character, phenetic relationship, and variability of folk coffee plants in Bangka. This research was conducted in October 2021-April 2022 in Bangka, Central Bangka and South Bangka. This research was conducted using explorative and descriptive methods. Sampling is carried out randomly to determine the sampling location and data collection. The data from quantitative research were analyzed using variability, while phenetic relationships were analyzed using the UPGMA method (uneweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) with the NTSYS-pc application (numerical taxonomy software and multivariate analysis system). The results of the analysis of phenetic relationships of qualitative characters resulted in a degree of similarity of coefficients at 53% within coffee of melabun, kota kapur, puput and paku. Analysis of quantitative and combined character phenetic relationships between coffee and puput resulted in a degree of co-efficiency similarity at 25% and 42%. The variability of quantitative character analysis is widespread on plant height and number of flowers per node.

Individual variation in post-metamorphic changes in feeding incidence, digestive organ tissues and enzyme gene expression in Japanese eel Anguilla japonica glass eels

Temporal changes of feeding incidences, digestive organ tissues, and mRNA expression of digestive enzymes were investigated in artificially reared Anguilla japonica glass eels. Incidences of daily feeding and cumulative first feeding exceeded 50% at day 40 and 33, respectively, but tended to increase gradually. Time until first feeding varied from day 11–61 among individuals. Glass eels without food after metamorphosis showed notable developmental changes in their digestive system that included increases in esophagus goblet cells and blood vessel diameters, elongation of the stomach, differentiation and increased number of gastric glands, and increases in gall bladder sizes. A distinct qualitative change, which was gastric gland differentiation, occurred in all eels until week 2 after metamorphosis. All quantitative character values showed trends of gradual changes in their averages and had high coefficients of variation, especially for goblet cell numbers. Few deaths and no histological features related to severe starvation such as notably more hepatocyte necrosis or desquamation of intestinal epithelial cells were observed even after 9 weeks. Hepatocyte-vacuole stored glycogens and pancreatic zymogen granules were also found, suggesting that they were not expressing symptoms of starvation. Relative expressions of five digestive enzymes were lowest at week 0 and increased gradually in their averages with the passage of weeks, along with large variations among fish. This study found that half of the post-metamorphic glass eels began feeding after 4 weeks, but that there were large individual variations in the timing of feeding onset, the degree of developmental of their digestive organs, and in digestive enzyme expressions.