Curve Estimation Regression Research Articles

Changes in cognitive characteristics according to 3 intensity changes by 8 vibration frequencies (STROBE).

In this study, we attempted to observe changes in cognitive characteristics according to 3 intensity changes (Level 1: 0.25 gravity, Level 2: 0.38 gravity, Level 3: 1.3 gravity) at 8 vibration frequencies (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 225, 250, 300 Hz).The subjects were twelve male (22.1 ± 0.6 years old) and twelve female (21.5 ± 0.8 years old) healthy, right-handed adults with normal cognitive abilities. An experimental trial consisted of a stimulation phase (0.1 sec) in which a vibration stimulus was presented and a rest phase (6 sec) in which no vibration stimulus was presented. A selected stimulus was presented on the first knuckle of the right index finger 5 times (trials). Cognitive characteristics scores according to changes in intensity at each frequency were sampled using a subjective assessment sheet consisting of eighteen items (“ticklish,” “shivery,” “push,” “convex,” “thick,” “numb,” “slow,” “fast,” “shallow,” “strike,” “weak,” “strong,” “dense,” “blunt,” “heavy,” “light,” “stab”, “no stimulus”). To identify the cognitive characteristics according to intensity changes by frequency, the 3 intensities were designated as variables, and a curve estimation regression analysis was performed.At 10 Hz, cognitive characteristics of ’blunt’ increased with the intensity, and ’weak’ decreased. In 100 and 225 Hz, increase or decrease in intensity led to opposite cognitive characteristics (‘weak-strong’ in 100 and 225 Hz, ‘light-heavy’ in 225 Hz). In 100 and 225 Hz, as the intensity increased, expressions on the sense of surface such as ’blunt’ were superior, and the shape of an object (thick) and dynamics (push) differed with the change in intensity. In addition, in 225 Hz, decrease in intensity led to increase in cognitive characteristics such as ’light’ and 'shallow. ’Fast’ was unique in that it only appeared as the intensity increased at 300 Hz.

Using Automated Continuous Instrument Tracking to Benchmark Simulated Laparoscopic Performance and Personalize Training

Laparoscopic simulation is widely used in surgical training. However, the impact of training on performance is difficult to assess. Observation is time-intensive and subjective. SurgTrac laparoscopic box-trainer instrument tracking software provides continuous, automated, real-time, objective performance feedback. We used this data to assess the relationship between task attempts and performance. We assessed whether improvement in performance with repetition could be modeled in learning curves that might be used for benchmarking. Anonymized SurgTrac data for performances undertaken between 10/2016 and 05/2019 were retrospectively extracted. The thread transfer task, a basic instrument handling task, was assessed. Task duration and instrument-based metrics were analyzed; total distance travelled by instrument tips, average speed, average acceleration, and the ratio of movements between the left and right hands. Curve estimation regression was used to assess the relationship between attempt number and metrics for pooled data across the entire cohort of users and amongst individual users with ≥50 attempts. Threshold for significance p = 0.05. SurgTrac has generated the largest available database of performances in box trainer simulated tasks with 64,000 activities performed by over 1450 users in 77 countries to date. Data was derived from the unselected world-wide cohort of SurgTrac users. No participants were excluded. Five hundred seventy-eight users performed 13,027 attempts in the thread transfer task. Across the entire cohort, SurgTrac performance metrics were significantly associated with attempt number. Task duration and total distance decreased with attempt number. This benefit persisted across 100 attempts. Ambidexterity increased with attempt number. Individual candidate performance improved in line with predicted learning curves for better performing candidates. We analyzed the largest database of simulated laparoscopic task performances. Performance improves with practice. Using learning curves derived from peer-group performances as benchmarks, users may be regularly and objectively assessed to support personalization of training.

Test Efficiency Analysis of Parametric, Nonparametric, Semiparametric Regression in Spatial Data

Regression analysis has three approaches in estimating the regression curve, namely: parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric approaches. Several studies have discussed modeling with the three approaches in cross-section data, where observations are assumed to be independent of each other. In this study, we propose a new method for estimating parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric regression curves in spatial data. Spatial data states that at each point of observation has coordinates that indicate the position of the observation, so between observations are assumed to have different variations. The model developed in this research is to accommodate the influence of predictor variables on the response variable globally for all observations, as well as adding coordinates at each observation point locally. Based on the value of Mean Square Error (MSE) as the best model selection criteria, the results are obtained that modeling with a nonparametric approach produces the smallest MSE value. So this application data is more precise if it is modeled by the nonparametric truncated spline approach. There are eight possible models formed in this research, and the nonparametric model is better than the parametric model, because the MSE value in the nonparametric model is smaller. As for the semiparametric regression model that is formed, it is obtained that the variable X2 is a parametric component while X1 and X3 are the nonparametric components (Model 2). The regression curve estimation model with a nonparametric approach tends to be more efficient than Model 2 because the linearity assumption test results show that the relationship of all the predictor variables to the response variable shows a non-linear relationship. So in this study, spatial data that has a non-linear relationship between predictor variables and responses tends to be better modeled with a nonparametric approach.

The pattern and trend of COVID-19 spread in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: curve-fitting models estimation.

IntroductionThis study aimed to use the Curve Estimation Procedure to assess the pattern and trend of COVID-19 spread in the countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) by finding the model best fit for the observed COVID-19 data in each country between 20 February 2020-21 April 2020.MethodsThe number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases, recovered cases, and during the period 20 February 2020-21 April 2020 in 21 countries in EMR were extracted from the WHO situation reports. The Curve Estimation procedure was used to produce different curve estimation regression models for the observed data in each country.ResultsDuring this observed period, the total number of confirmed cases, recovered cases, and deaths in the region were 138673, 71343, and 6291, respectively. The overall fatality rate in the region was 4.5%. The quadratic model and the cubic model follows the observed data points fairly well during the observed time period in five and nine countries, respectively. The exponential model (Y = b0 * (e**(b1 * t))), the growth model (Y = e**(b0 + (b1 * t))), and the compound model (Y = b0 * (b1**t)) were the best fit for data during the observed time period in two, three, and two countries, respectively.ConclusionThe pattern of COVID-19 spread differed between countries in the EMR. This might reflect the variations in testing and implementation of public health measures. The best curve-fitting model was demonstrated for each country and it can be used for very short-term predictions.

The relationship among flow index, uroflowmetry curve shape, and EMG lag time in children.

To determine the relationship among flow index (FI), uroflowmetry curve shape, and electromyography (EMG) lag time in children. A total of 294 children with lower urinary tract symptoms were included. The overall relationship between lag time and FI was investigated with curve estimation regression. Normal and primary bladder neck dysfunction was defined according to the previous classification, while patients with a lag time less than 2 seconds were grouped based on 2-second intervals. We also categorized cases into four groups (tower shaped, bell shaped, plateau shaped, and fractionated void) by FI and compared lag time. The overall distribution chart demonstrated that FI was the highest at lag time 0 second and decreased with the change in lag time both ways. The best fitting model for maximum FI and lag time was a cubic model (R2 = .282; P < .001). Children with lag times from 0 to less than 2 seconds showed the highest mean FI, while those with prolonged (>6 seconds) or delayed lag time (<-4 seconds) demonstrated lower mean FI values. EMG lag time of the tower-shaped curve was significantly close to 0 second, and plateau shaped and fractionated void had either prolonged or delayed. A lag time close to 0 second was associated with higher FI, representing hyperefficient voiding with a tower-shaped flow pattern. However, children with prolonged or delayed lag time showed a lower FI, implicating hypoefficient voiding and a plateau-shaped flow pattern. The relationship between FI and EMG lag time could be a cornerstone for a comprehensive understanding of voiding status.

HUMAN &amp; DISASTER: A Study of Prediction on the species Number and Naturalization Index of Land Naturalized plants

Foreign plants introduced by overseas exchanges are rapidly transformed into naturalized plants and pose serious threats to biodiversity, including domestic native species. Therefore, this study is based on the flora survey data of 776 map numbers(1200 places) for 12 years from 2006 to 2017, the third to fourth data of the National Natural Environment Survey, the nation’s largest basic research project on the natural ecosystem. By analyzing plant species and naturalized plant species and predicting naturalized plant species and naturalization Index, they can be used as basic data to study environmental changes, or they can be used to set various indicators applying naturalized plants and naturalization Index and to set the upper limit of permit for development activi-ties. Therefore, in this study, one-way ANOVA analysis and MANOVA analysis were conducted to determine whether there is a difference in naturalized plant species and naturalization Index by year, region, altitude, pop-ulation density, GDP, and the ratio of forest to area. There was a correlation between the items such as year, region, altitude, population density, GDP, the ratio of forest to area and the number and naturalization Index of naturalized plants, and the greatest impact on the naturalized plant species and naturalization Index. Curve es-timation regression, multiple regression, and dummy variable regression were performed to find out which items are causing the problem. Through this research, it is thought that the naturalization Index predicted by this study can be used for the issue of Permit on Exclusive use of inter-mountain area altitude standard, which is operated under the Act on Planning, and Use of National Territory, and the Mountain Site Management Act. The natural-ization Index predicted by this study can be used as basic data for setting the upper limit of Permit on Exclusive use of inter-mountain area, or for studying environmental change, or for setting various indicators.

The regression curve estimation by using mixed smoothing spline and kernel (MsS-K) model

In this article, we propose a new method in estimating non parametric regression curve. This method combines the smoothing Spline and Kernel functions. Estimation of the estimator is completed by minimizing penalized least square. To see the performance of the model, this model is applied to simulation data with a variety of sample sizes and error variances. Then, the model is applied to the Unemployment Rate data in East Java Province, Indonesia. The results show that this model provides good performance in modeling data and predictions.

Partial replacement of fishmeal with Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris and its effect on growth and body composition of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822)

The study examined the effect of partial replacement of fishmeal with Spirulina platensis (SP) and Chlorella vulgaris (CL) powder in the diets of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) fingerlings on growth performance and body composition. Nine diets (45.14-48.45% crude protein) consisting SP or CL as fishmeal replacement at zero (control), 12.5, 25, 50 and 75%, were fed to triplicate groups of 10 fingerlings (7.82±0.08 g) each for 56 days. The results showed statistically higher weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, relative growth rate, Fulton’s condition factor (K) and a corresponding lower feed conversion ratio when the replacement of C. vulgaris was at 75%. Proximate analysis revealed a significantly greater carcass protein in the SP12.5% and the highest flesh lipid and gross energy in SP75% groups. Flesh lipid increased with increasing SP and CL levels. Polynomial curve estimation regression analysis revealed the optimum fishmeal replacement levels for best growth are at 68.5 and 69.4% for SP and CL, respectively. CL was found to be more efficient in terms of growth and effective feed utilisation than SP.

1886 Hysterectomy and Adnexal Procedures by Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (Vnotes): Korean Surgeons’ Initial Reports

Study Objective To evaluate feasibility and safety of hysterectomy and adnexal procedures by vNOTES. Design Prospective observational study. Setting Prepare the surgery under general anesthesia and allow the patient to take a Trendelenburg posture. Patients or Participants Most of benign diseases except malignant disease were selected from the surgical candidates. Interventions There is no intervention other than surgery. Measurements and Main Results The first 26 patients were treated with vNOTES. Basic patient characteristics were measured, and the time of port installation and each stage of surgery was measured. The learning curve was assessed through the graph according to the number of operations using linear and logarithmic regression curve estimation. The complications of surgery were investigated. The median age of the patients was 47.5 years (38-73). Median BMI was 22.4 (18.2-30.0). Median EBL was measured as 100 ml (20.0-500). The median value of hemoglobin changes before and after surgery was 1.8 (0.2-4.5). The day of hospitalization from the day of surgery was 3 days (3-8). 18 (69.2%) cases had previous vaginal delivery history. 5 cases had previous Cesarean section. Five patients previously underwent a Cesarean section, two of which were Pfannenstiels incision and three of whom were low midline incision. The median portal time was 15 min (4-35) and the median total time was 85 min (43.1-132.0). From the 5th case in the learning curve, the port installation time was significantly shortened. Complications occurred during surgery in three patients who had undergone previous Cesarean section surgery. Two cases of bladder injury occurred during port installation due to adhesion of Cesarean section site and bladder. One case was a reoperation for intraperitoneal hemorrhage on the 13th postoperative day. There were no other complications. Conclusion To date, vNOTES does not seem to lag much behind other surgical methods in our institution. vNOTES is currently undergoing a prospective study, including pain and cosmetic aspects.

Temporary inhibition of positive phototaxis in emigratory population of Nilaparvata lugens by mark-release-recapture.

Light traps are used to determine the temporal and spatial dynamics of the migratory brown planthoppers (BPHs) Nilaparvata lugens. But very little is known whether newly emerged adults respond to local light traps during the emigration period. Thus, it is important to evaluate the efficiency of light traps in attracting emigrant and immigrant populations to improve forecasting and control of this pest. The migration periods of N. lugens were determined by field surveys in Fuyang, Zhejiang province in 2012 and Yongfu, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2013. Mark-release-recapture experiments with both newly emerged (unflown) and flight experienced (flown) N. lugens were conducted at the two study sites. The marking method did not have any significant effect on the survival or flight capability of the N. lugens. A total of 4800 marked flown and 8400 unflown BPHs were released at a distance of 10, 20 and 30 m from 45-watt fluorescent actinic light traps. The results showed that without wind (< 3.2 m/s) or rainfall conditions, the overall recapture rate of flown BPHs was higher than that of unflown BPHs (9.60% and 0.92%, respectively; χ21 = 589.66, P < 0.0001). Curve estimation regression analysis showed that flown BPHs were attracted to the light source at a distance of 19.77 m, and unflown BPH at a distance of 5.35 m, with these distances corresponding to a 5% recapture rate. Given that the population dynamics of BPHs in the light traps were not synchronous with that in the fields, our results indicate that only a few emerging BPHs in an infested site can be captured locally by light traps. Therefore, care must be taken in estimating the abundance of the sample to absolute local abundance during sedentary and emigration period.

Dose-Response Relationship Between Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Muscle Function in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is a viable intervention for improving impaired muscle function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, there is limited evidence about the dose-response relationship between NMES and muscle function in these individuals. The objectives of this study were to investigate the dose-response relationship between NMES and muscle function in individuals with RA and to establish the minimal NMES training intensity for promoting improvements. This study was a secondary analysis of data obtained before and after an NMES intervention in a randomized study. The study took place at a research clinic. Only adults diagnosed with RA were included. The intervention consisted of 36 NMES treatment sessions for the quadriceps muscles over 16 weeks. Muscle function was measured before and after the intervention; quadriceps cross-sectional area and muscle quality were assessed using computed tomography, and strength was measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. NMES training intensity was calculated as a percentage by dividing NMES-elicited quadriceps muscle torque by the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Improvements in muscle function were calculated using paired-sample t tests. The dose-response relationship was determined using curve estimation regression statistics. The minimum NMES training intensity was defined as that sufficient to significantly improve all muscle function measures. Twenty-four people (48 legs) participated (75% women; mean [SD] age = 58 [8] years; mean body mass index=32 [7] kg/m2). Quadriceps cross-sectional area, muscle quality, and strength improved after the intervention. Associations between NMES training intensity and muscle quality (r2=0.20) and strength (r2=0.23) were statistically significant, but that between NMES training intensity and muscle cross-sectional area was not (r2=0.02). The minimum NMES training intensity necessary to improve all measures of muscle function ranged from 11% to 20% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The relatively small sample size was a limitation. The minimum NMES training intensity for significant gains in muscle function was ∼15%. Higher NMES intensities may promote better muscle quality and strength in individuals with RA.

Comparison of generalized cross validation and unbiased risk method for selecting optimal knot in spline truncated

Gini ratio is an indicator to measure income inequality. Gini ratio of Indonesia in 2017 is 0.391, still far from Gini ratio target by Bappenas in 2019, that is 0.36. The Gini ratio modeling in this study uses a nonparametric regression approach because the form of the regression curve between the Gini ratio and its predictive variables is unknown. One of the estimators in nonparametric regression is spline truncated. Spline truncated has a knot that adjusts to the local characteristics of a function or data more effectively. The number of knots and their location affect the form of regression curve estimation, so it’s important to obtain optimal knot. There are methods for selecting optimal knots, such as Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) and Unbiased Risk (UBR). This study compares GCV and UBR in selecting optimal knots on Gini Ratio data in Indonesia 2017. The criteria of the best model are based on Mean Squared Error (MSE) and R2 values. From the result, the optimal knot from GCV was a combination of 3-2-2-3 knot with MSE of 0.00085 and R2 of 79.18%. Meanwhile, by using UBR, the optimal knot is three knots with MSE of 0.00095 and R2 of 66.42%. In conclusion, GCV generated better model than UBR.

Correlation and regression analysis of fetal facial angles at 11-38 weeks of pregnancy with gestational age

Objective To determine the fetal facial angles at 11-38 weeks of gestation by three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) and analyze the correlation between facial angles and gestational age(GA). Methods From 2013 April to 2014 February, 439 singleton fetuses ranged 11-38 weeks of gestation were enrolled in this study. The details of mid-sagittal plane of facial profile was confirmed with 3DUS. Four facial angels were measured in this plane, including frontomaxillary facial angle(FMF), frontonasal angle(FNA), mandibulomaxillary facial angle(MMF) and maxilla-nasion-mandible angle(MNM). The intra- and interobserver reliability were calculated in first 30 cases, intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC) greater than 0.75 indicated good reliability. Pearson′s correlation coefficient(r), curve estimation and polynomial regression models were used to evaluate the correlation of the fetal facial angles with GA. Results ICC of the same observer were 0.968, 0.962, 0.974 and 0.988, respectively. ICC of different observer were 0.948, 0.905, 0.874 and 0.889, respectively. The fetal facial angles of FMF, FNA, MMF and MNM showed correlations with GA(r=-0.369, 0.447, -0.470, 0.386; all P=0.000). Using GA as the independent variable and the facial angles as the dependent variables, the best fit regressing equation was cubic polynomial: FMF=135.300-6.473×GA+ 0.235×GA2-0.003×GA3(R2=0.240, P=0.000); FNA=58.920+ 7.452×GA-0.274×GA2-0.003×GA3(R2=0.297, P=0.000); MMF=132.329-5.337×GA+ 0.191×GA2-0.002×GA3(R2=0.304, P=0.000); MNM=-24.592+ 4.653×GA-0.173×GA2+ 0.002×GA3(R2=0.413, P=0.000). Conclusions The development of fetal facial angles are related to GA. The growing patterns of fetal facial angles fit with a cubic polynomial function. Key words: Ultrasonography; Fetus; Gestational age; Facial angle

Arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance imaging of brain maturation in early childhood: Mathematical model fitting to assess age-dependent change of cerebral blood flow

PurposeTo determine the trajectory of age-dependent cerebral blood flow (CBF) change in infants and young children by fitting mathematical models to the imaging data. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we reviewed the arterial spin-labeling imaging studies of 49 typically developing infants and young children at postmenstrual age (PMA) ranging from 38 to 194 weeks. All patients had normal structural MR imaging. Coregistration and gray matter segmentation were performed to extract whole-brain CBF values. Regional CBF values were obtained using manual region-of-interest placement. Curve estimation regression procedures with the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) were performed to determine the mathematical model best fitting the relationship between the CBF (whole-brain and regional measurements) and PMA of the patients. ResultsWhole-brain CBF trajectory was best fitted by a cubic model (AICc = 215.95; R2 = 0.566; P < .001). Whole-brain CBF at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months was estimated to be 36, 52, 58, and 55 mL/100 g/min, respectively. Regional CBF trajectory was also best fitted by a cubic model in the frontal (AICc = 233.63; R2 = 0.442; P < .001), parietal (AICc = 229.18; R2 = 0.614; P < .001), basal ganglion (AICc = 239.39; R2 = 0.178; P = .043), temporal (AICc = 236.01; R2 = 0.441; P < .001), and occipital (AICc = 236.46; R2 = 0.475; P < .001) regions. ConclusionsIn early childhood, the trajectory of CBF change was nonlinear and best fitted by the cubic model for the whole brain and all brain regions.

PERTUMBUHAN ALOMETRI DIMENSI PANJANG TUBUH BABI BATAM PERSILANGAN FASE STARTER

Research was conducted at AR0-M Pig Farming in Bumi Marina, Manokwari from August to September 2017 to investigate the body length dimension of Batam Cross Pig. Eight young male Batam Cross pig at 8 month years old were measured five times. Collected data was analysed using regression curve estimation. Result showed that body length had a high potential growth. Both head and neck length had medium potential growth, length had a while tail length had a law potential growth.

Do adding attachment, oppression, cumulative and proliferation trauma dynamics to PTSD Criterion “a” improve its predictive validity: Toward a paradigm shift?

The study investigated the predictive validity of Criterion A for PTSD and evaluated a new development-based trauma dynamic non-linear system paradigm that considers global trauma dynamics of accumulation and trauma proliferation. We conducted secondary analyses of two combined samples (clinical sample N = 1048, and non-clinical sample N = 1706) that used measures for trauma and PTSD. We performed a hierarchical regression to test the incremental predictive validity of adding additional stress and trauma types. To test the non-linear dynamics of cumulative trauma and trauma types, we conducted curve estimation regression. We performed path analysis and PROCESS macro to examine the potential mediating roles of these factors in predicting PTSD. We also examined possible gender differences in the path models. Results of the study indicated that adding the non-criterion A traumas of attachment and collective identity trauma types (a non-criterion A stressors) resulted in the increased incremental predictive validity of criterion A over six-fold and fully mediated the effects of Criterion A on PTSD. The non-linear models of the relationship between trauma and PTSD explained over three times the variance explained by the linear model. The path models were found to be strongly invariant across genders. We concluded that adopting a development-based trauma paradigm, and expanding Criterion A in a formula that includes such stressor/ trauma types and their dynamics, should increase its predictive validity and advance our understanding of PTSD etiology and its non-linear dynamics and improve on current prevention and intervention strategies.

Cumulative Stressors and Traumas and Suicide: A Non-Linear Cusp Dynamic Systems Model

The unpredictability of suicide is one of the mental health challenges. Based on the threshold model cumulative stressors and traumas interact with a person’s characteristics to produce non-linearly suicidality. The current study tests this non-linear relationship using Catastrophe cusp theory. We used cumulative stressors and traumas (CST) as bifurcation control factor and age as asymmetry control factor and suicide as outcome Cusp factor. We utilized three combined previously collected data sets (N = 967) from Western (the UK, N = 177) and non-Western countries (Egypt: N = 490, and Kuwait: N = 300). The combined dataset included 22% adolescents, 40.2% males. Age ranged from 14 - 75. The measures included cumulative stressors and traumas, interfaith spirituality, religiosity, and identity salience and suicidality. Further, we used measures of interfaith spirituality, religiosity, and identity salience to explore some of the protective factors. We used correlation, curve estimation regression and Cusp catastrophe statistical method to test the hypothesis of the non-linear threshold cusp (sudden shift) model. The explained variance by Cusp catastrophe model non-linear model was highly superior (R2 = 0.762) to the linear model (R2 = 0.045) in predicting suicidality. Further, results found that interfaith spirituality, religiosity, and identity salience were powerful protective factors from the sudden emergence of suicidality. We discussed the implications of the results to the conceptualization, prevention, and interventions with suicidal behavior.

Truncated Spline Regression to Estimate Regression Curve of Strontium Titanate XRD Data

Characterization of ferroelectric material using X-Ray Diffraction tools (XRD) resulted in 2θ degree and intensity of diffraction data. The result of XRD characterization showed that the relationship between 2θ degree and diffraction intensity formed spectrum pattern; fluctuation of diffraction intensity value along with the increasing of 2θ degree. The high fluctuation of diffraction intensity value affected the inconsistency of mean and variance value. Thus the model used to estimate curve shape could not be analysed by parametric method which is strict with assumptions. Spline regression is a polynomial model with segmented character that has high flexibility to generate regression curve estimation through data fitting method. This research used the truncated spline regression model to estimate regression curve of Strontium Titanate (SrTiO3) and SrTiO3 doping with 2 % of RuO2 (SrTiO3+RuO2) XRD data. The best truncated spline regression model to estimate regression curve of SrTiO3 was model with 42 knots. This model has the smallest Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) value and the biggest R2, that is 13403.33 and 0.6503 respectively. Meanwhile, the best truncated spline regression model to estimate regression curve of SrTiO3 RuO2 was model with 37 knots. This model has the AIC value of 13953.68 and R2 of 0.6302.

Parathyroid hormone assay in total thyroidectomy

Background: Total thyroidectomy is commonly practice now-a-days for either malignant or benign multinodular goitre. And post-operative hypocalcaemia is a squeal in this operation.Objectives: To find out whether post-operative PTH level is a parameter to identify hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy.Materials &amp; Methods: This study was carried out from July 2013 to July 2014 in department of Surgery Sir Salimullah Medical College &amp; Mitford Hospital. Total 116 patients were selected. PTH assay was performed before and after thyroidectomy. 92 patients were undergoing total thyroidectomy and were selected as test group. Rest 24 patients were undergoing unilateral lobectomy and were selected as control group. Serum calcium levels were measured in 1st and 2nd post-operative day.Results: Out of 92 test group patients 31(26.7%) developed postoperative hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemic patients had significantly lower post-operative PTH 5.43 ± 5.32 (median 3.3) compared with that of normocalcemic patient 16.04 ± 11.96 (median 12.5). Serum calcium was significantly lower in hypocalcemic patients at 2nd post-operative day (median 9.8) than in 1st post-operative day (median 10.15). Linear regression curve estimation revealed significant association between post-operative PTH with 2nd post-operative serum calcium.Conclusion: PTH assay can identify patients at risk of clinically significant hypocalcemia much earlier than serum calcium monitoring. A single PTH level post-operatively can reflect early result and help to take necessary measure to avoid hypocalcaemic effect.KYAMC Journal Vol. 9, No.-2, July 2018, Page 43-47

Does favoring male gender hurt or benefit men? the linear and non-linear dynamics of the impact of favoring male gender by family and society on men’s mental health in two cultures

Research on the mental health impact of favoring male gender (FMG) on males is lacking. Further, research on the impact of FMG by parents, compared to FMG by social institutions does not exist. To fill these gaps, we recruited two samples of male college students (Egyptian: N = 204, age range 18–22, M = 19.28, SD = 1.08; Polish: N = 190, age range 18–29, M = 20.88, SD = 2.17). Measures administered included FMG by family and society, internalized male superiority (IMS), cumulative trauma (CT), self-esteem, authoritarianism, internalizing, externalizing, and thought disorder. Path analysis and curve estimation regression showed that FMG by parents was associated with increased IMS, increased self- esteem, increased externalizing, internalizing and psychoticism in both samples. FMG by society was associated with increased self-esteem and decreased internalizing behavior in the Egyptian sample, but was associated with increased internalizing, externalizing and psychotic behavior in the Polish sample. Curve estimation regression clarified the non-linear dynamics behind the differences between Polish and Egyptian youth in the effects of self-esteem and authoritarianism. Results suggest that favoring male gender is rather hurting males, and FMG by parents vs. FMG by society may be discrepant and have different trajectories.