Rotation Technique Research Articles

Direct Vertebral Rotation versus Simple Rod Derotation Techniques in Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract Background One method for treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is characterised by abnormal spinal alignment in the coronal, sagittal, and rotational planes, is surgical correction. The two surgical techniques most typically used to correct spine alignment are simple rod derotation (SRD) and direct vertebral rotation (DVR). Aim The study's goal was to assess the effectiveness of two treatment methods for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: simple rod derotation and direct vertebral rotation. Subjects and Methods A randomised controlled research involving 36 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis was done. patients were randomly split into one of two groups: 18 patients in group A had DVR treatment, while 18 patients in group B received SRD with a 2-year follow-up. Results Apical Vertebral Rotation measured from CT scans in DVR group was 24.4° ±8.38° preoperatively and it decreased significantly postoperatively to 14.4°±4.61 °with (42.22%) correction rate while in SRD group it was 25.03°±7.99° preoperatively and it also decreased significantly postoperatively to a mean value of 21.41°±7.01° with (14.65%) correction rate. There were statistically significant differences between both groups postoperative (P < 0.001) Conclusion The most noticeable difference between DVR and SRD was clinical rib hump correction, which was explained by apical vertebral rotation correction determined on an axial CT scan. It also demonstrates that there is no significant difference in coronal curve correction, shoulder height difference, or patient satisfaction between the two techniques.

Comparative Study between Matrix Rotation Technique versus Wide Local Excision of Carcinoma of the Breast Located in the Upper / Upper Outer Quadrant

Abstract Background The breast is a cornerstone image of femininity, and the heart of womanhood, as nourisher and comforter. These roles evoke the idea of the importance and the affection of this delicate organ has in the minds of women. Breast, according to national cancer institute, is the chief site of cancer in women in Egypt, representing ∼38.8% of total malignancies among Egyptian women; it is a crucial cause of mortality among women. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to assess and evaluate wide local excision technique as an oncoplastic procedure for management of breast carcinoma in the upper/upper lateral quadrant with matrix rotation technique regarding cosmetic, surgical outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Patients and Methods This prospective randomized controlled study included 30 patients separated into two groupings cancer breast scheduled for oncology breast surgery divided to two equal group: Group I: wide local excision technique. Group II: matrix rotation technique. Conclusion Wide local excision is a safe oncoplastic technique, causing significantly less post- operative hematoma, mild seroma, minimal blood loss, less areolar deviation and better breast symmetry than matrix rotation technique.

Cost-Effective Planning of Hybrid Energy Systems Using Improved Horse Herd Optimizer and Cloud Theory under Uncertainty

In this paper, an intelligent stochastic model is recommended for the optimization of a hybrid system that encompasses wind energy sources, battery storage, combined heat and power generation, and thermal energy storage (Wind/Battery/CHP/TES), with the inclusion of electric and thermal storages through the cloud theory model. The framework aims to minimize the costs of planning, such as construction, maintenance, operation, and environmental pollution costs, to determine the best configuration of the resources and storage units to ensure efficient electricity and heat supply simultaneously. A novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm named improved horse herd optimizer (IHHO) is applied to find the decision variables. Rosenbrock’s direct rotational technique is applied to the conventional horse herd optimizer (HHO) to improve the algorithm’s performance against premature convergence in the optimization due to the complexity of the problem, and its capability is evaluated with particle swarm optimization (PSO) and manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) methods. Also, the cloud theory-based stochastic model is recommended for solving problems with uncertainties of system generation and demand. The obtained results are evaluated in three simulation scenarios including (1) Wind/Battery, (2) Wind/Battery/CHP, and (3) Wind/Battery/CHP/TES systems to implement the proposed methodology and evaluate its effectiveness. The results show that scenario 3 is the best configuration to meet electrical and thermal loads, with the lowest planning cost (12.98% less than scenario 1). Also, the superiority of the IHHO is proven with more accurate answers and higher convergence rates in contrast to the conventional HHO, PSO, and MRFO. Moreover, the results show that when considering the cloud theory-based stochastic model, the costs of annual planning are increased for scenarios 1 to 3 by 4.00%, 4.20%, and 3.96%, respectively, compared to the deterministic model.

Postpartum Excessive Social Support Scale: A Scale Development and Psychometric Testing Study.

In Turkey and other collectivist cultures, child-rearing is a communal effort provided by multiple family members, especially female relatives such as mothers-in-law, aunts, and sisters. Environments with excessively controlling social factors can adversely affect their maternal roles. This study was conducted to develop a measurement tool for determining postpartum excessive social support. This is a scale development and psychometric evaluation study. In the study, a draft of the Postpartum Excessive Social Support Scale (PESSS) was created, subsequently submitted to expert opinion, and administered to mothers in the postpartum period of 1 to 6 weeks online between March and December 2023 (n = 440). A factor analysis (including explanatory factor analysis [EFA] and confirmatory factor analysis) was conducted to determine the construct validity of the scale, while Cronbach's alpha was examined to establish its reliability. Response bias (Hotelling T2) and additivity (Tukey's test of additivity) of the scale were also determined in the study. For the content validity of the scale, 10 experts from the field of midwifery were consulted (content validity index [CVI] = 0.80). As a result of the EFA, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was found as 0.916. Through factor analysis using the direct oblimin rotation technique, a four-factor structure was identified for the scale, explaining 64.197% of the total variance (social pressure, effect of environmental factors on paternal role, effect of environmental factors on maternal role, and barriers in mother-infant interaction). The internal reliability coefficient of the scale was highly reliable (Cronbach's alpha = 0.936). There was no response bias in the scale (Hotelling's T2 = 433.558, p < .001) and it was additive (Tukey's Non-additivity = 0.000, p < .001). The PESSS is a 20-item scale measuring excessive social support between 1 and 6 weeks postpartum. The PESSS serves as a guiding tool for health care professionals to identify excessive environmental pressure hindering mothers' maternal role and to provide care accordingly. In this context, health care professionals can readily utilize the PESSS in routine postpartum assessments for mothers.

Single-Station Back-Azimuth Determination with the Receiver Function Rotation Technique Validated by the Locations of Earthquakes, Impacts, and Explosions

Abstract The success of seismometer installations on the ocean floor, polar regions, remote continental areas, and even other planets’ surfaces has sparked renewed interest in determining the location via the azimuthal direction of a seismic event recorded by a single station, also known as the back azimuth (BAZ). However, classical algorithms for the BAZ estimate, like principal component and polarization analyses based on P-wave particle motions, are prone to ambiguities of 180°. Motivated by the sensor orientation correction techniques used for ocean-bottom seismometers and land stations for known event locations, we explore a receiver function rotation (RFR) method to determine the BAZ for events recorded by a single station. It is a parameter search over a range of horizontal component rotation angles from 0° to 360°. The fundamental feature of the method is that the direct P wave in the radial receiver function (RF) will have the maximum amplitude when the rotation from the ZNE system (vertical, north–south, and east–west) to ZRT (vertical, radial, and tangential) is aligned with the BAZ of the incoming P wave. Hence, the largest amplitude at zero time of the ensemble of RFs computed for different horizontal component rotations shows the optimal BAZ, which is consequently free of the 180° ambiguities. The technique’s performance is validated using the well-documented location of the 2017 Democratic People’s Republic of Korea nuclear explosion and over 1200 cataloged earthquakes on the two permanent stations in Australia. We further benchmark the RFR algorithm by the locations of two ground-truth Martian impact events documented by the orbital camera and recorded by InSight’s seismometer. Our method helps enhance the reliability of BAZ estimation as a complementary scheme to other methods. It can be used in remote areas on Earth and on the future missions to the Moon and other planets.

Rovibrational analysis of AlCO3, OAlO2, and HOAlO2 for possible atmospheric detection.

The lack of observational data for the AlO molecule in the mesosphere/lower thermosphere may be due to ablated aluminum reacting quickly to form other species. Previously proposed reaction pathways show that aluminum could be ablated in the atmosphere from meteoritic activity, but there currently exist very limited spectroscopic data on the intermediates in these reactions, limiting the possible detection of said molecules. As such, rovibrational spectroscopic data are computed herein using quartic force field methodology at four different levels of theory for the neutral intermediates AlCO3, OAlO2, and HOAlO2. Each molecule exhibits multiple vibrational modes with large vibrational transition intensities. For instance, the C-O stretch (ν1) in AlCO3 has a harmonic intensity of 536 km mol-1, the Al-O stretch (ν2) in OAlO2 has an intensity of 678 km mol-1, and the out-of-plane torsion (ν9) in HOAlO2 has an intensity of 158 km mol-1. All three molecules have exceptionally large dipole moments of 6.27, 4.21, and 5.04D, respectively. These properties indicate that all three molecules are good candidates for potential atmospheric observation utilizing vibrational and/or rotational spectroscopic techniques.

Application of 9-component S-wave 3D seismic data to study sedimentary facies and reservoirs in a biogas-bearing area: A case study on the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area, Sanhu Depression, Qaidam Basin, NW China

To solve the problems in restoring sedimentary facies and predicting reservoirs in loose gas-bearing sediment, based on seismic sedimentologic analysis of the first 9-component S-wave 3D seismic dataset of China, a fourth-order isochronous stratigraphic framework was set up and then sedimentary facies and reservoirs in the Pleistocene Qigequan Formation in Taidong area of Qaidam Basin were studied by seismic geomorphology and seismic lithology. The study method and thought are as following. Firstly, techniques of phase rotation, frequency decomposition and fusion, and stratal slicing were applied to the 9-component S-wave seismic data to restore sedimentary facies of major marker beds based on sedimentary models reflected by satellite images. Then, techniques of seismic attribute extraction, principal component analysis, and random fitting were applied to calculate the reservoir thickness and physical parameters of a key sandbody, and the results are satisfactory and confirmed by blind testing wells. Study results reveal that the dominant sedimentary facies in the Qigequan Formation within the study area are delta front and shallow lake. The RGB fused slices indicate that there are two cycles with three sets of underwater distributary channel systems in one period. Among them, sandstones in the distributary channels of middle-low Qigequan Formation are thick and broad with superior physical properties, which are favorable reservoirs. The reservoir permeability is also affected by diagenesis. Distributary channel sandstone reservoirs extend further to the west of Sebei-1 gas field, which provides a basis to expand exploration to the western peripheral area.

Improving Scanning Performance of Patch Phased Array Antenna by Using a Modified SIW Cavity and Sequential Rotation Technique

Improving Scanning Performance of Patch Phased Array Antenna by Using a Modified SIW Cavity and Sequential Rotation Technique

Gelatin-containing functionally graded calcium sulfate/bioactive glass bone tissue engineering scaffold

One of the challenges and limitations of bone tissue engineering includes fast degradation rates, reduced bioactivity, donor site morbidity, and unresolved risks of pathogen transmission. In the field of bone tissue engineering, gradient materials are promising for treating bone defects because they can create graded structures and compositions similar to natural bone. By controlling the amount of components in the structure, the degradation rate, bioactivity, and osteogenic capacity can be manipulated. In the current study, a gradient, multilayer, porous nanocomposite of calcium sulfate/glass (Gn CS/BG) with a gelatin coating (Gn CS/BG-Gel) was prepared using rotational casting technique. The SEM results showed an average pore size of approximately 400 μm within the Gn CS/BG-Gel nanocomposite. An elastic modulus (E) of around 240 MPa and an ultimate tensile strength (σ) of approximately 5.5 MPa were achieved for Gn CS/BG-Gel nanocomposite. The degradation analysis in a dynamic tris-buffer environment revealed a degradation rate of 68 % over a 63-day period, with a decrease in degradation rate as the bioactive glass (BG) content increased in each layer, indicating the influence of BG on the degradation process. The bioactivity results in a dynamic simulated body fluid suggested that increased BG content in each layer promoted hydroxyapatite formation, indicating improved bioactive behavior. The evaluation of ion release with ICP-OES, MTT and Acridine Orange assays using human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) confirmed the non-toxic nature of Gn CS/BG-Gel. Assessments of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, Alizarin Red staining and cell attachment behavior substantiated the osteogenic potential of Gn CS/BG-Gel. Collectively, the three-dimensional structure along with the Gn CS/BG-Gel composition contributed to the enhanced cellular responses. These findings hold significant promise for the development of biomaterials with potential applications in bone tissue engineering, and they contribute valuable insights to the field.

The Evolution of the Phase Space Structure Along Pitchfork and Period-Doubling Bifurcations in a 3D-Galactic Bar Potential

We investigate how the phase space structure of a Three-Dimensional (3D) autonomous Hamiltonian system evolves across a series of successive Two-Dimensional (2D) and 3D pitchfork and period-doubling bifurcations, as the transition of the parent families of Periodic Orbits (POs) from stability to simple instability leads to the creation of new stable POs. Our research illustrates the consecutive alterations in the phase space structure near POs as the stability of the main family of POs changes. This process gives rise to new families of POs within the system, either maintaining the same or exhibiting higher multiplicity compared to their parent families. Tracking such a phase space transformation is challenging in a 3D system. By utilizing the color and rotation technique to visualize the Four-Dimensional (4D) Poincaré surfaces of section of the system, i.e. projecting them onto a 3D subspace and employing color to represent the fourth dimension, we can identify distinct structural patterns. Perturbations of parent and bifurcating stable POs result in the creation of tori characterized by a smooth color variation on their surface. Furthermore, perturbations of simple unstable parent POs beyond the bifurcation point, which lead to the birth of new stable families of POs, result in the formation of figure-8 structures of smooth color variations. These figure-8 formations surround well-shaped tori around the bifurcated stable POs, losing their well-defined forms for energies further away from the bifurcation point. We also observe that even slight perturbations of highly unstable POs create a cloud of mixed color points, which rapidly move away from the location of the PO. Our study introduces, for the first time, a systematic visualization of 4D surfaces of section within the vicinity of higher multiplicity POs. It elucidates how, in these cases, the coexistence of regular and chaotic orbits contributes to shaping the phase space landscape.

Paisaje Agrario: Producción Agrícola Familiar en la Campaña Dange-Quitexe 2019-2022

Family farming in Angola has pre-colonial historical roots. It faced challenges during the colonial period and the war of independence, but after 1975, the government promoted it as essential for economic development. Despite the obstacles, the province of Uíge plays a crucial role in food security and rural development, receiving investment for strengthening and sustainable growth. The aim of the research was to analyse the influence of agricultural practices on food availability in the region and to represent the temporal evolution of land use and land cover in the agricultural production of families in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe. The methodology used was a temporal land use study, involving the collection of data on traditional agricultural practices, analysing soil conditions, defining sustainability goals and implementing management practices such as crop rotation, intercropping, water management and soil conservation techniques. The results of this study offered a deeper understanding of family farming over the two agricultural seasons, and provided valuable information to guide future actions and initiatives in the area of agriculture and regional development, land use revealed significant improvements in productivity and resilience, the implementation of sustainable practices, such as crop rotation, intercropping and water management, resulted in healthier harvests and more stable yields over time, in addition, it presented the level of production for food security in the municipality of Dange-Quitexe-Uíge in the 2019-2022 agricultural seasons.

Optimisation strategy for coplanar array capacitance imaging in rotational scanning mode

ABSTRACT Coplanar array capacitive imaging represents a non-destructive testing technology. To address the challenge of reduced utilisation of the high-sensitivity region caused by the ‘soft field’ effect characterised by severe nonlinear and inhomogeneous distribution of coplanar array capacitance sensitivity, resulting in difficulties in solving the problem of medium distribution, the proposed approach involves coplanar array capacitance sensor rotational scanning technology. This paper establishes both a physical rotation model and a sensitive field rotation model for a coplanar array capacitance sensor, demonstrating the inability to resolve the low-sensitivity region for medium distribution and illustrating how rotary scanning detection can enhance the utilisation rate of the high-sensitivity region. In conjunction with improved regional energy contrast, the images acquired under various rotation angles are fused, and experimental verification is conducted. The experimental results underscore that rotational scanning detection techniques can increase the utilisation rate of the high-sensitivity region within the coplanar array capacitance sensor by 74.69%. This enhancement effectively captures essential information within the reconstructed image and successfully addresses the challenge of solving difficulties in dielectric distribution. The research outcomes provide valuable insights for advancing non-destructive testing technologies employing coplanar array capacitance sensors.

Studies on Benefits of Organic Food Products in Human Life during Covid-19

Organic food products have gained considerable attention in recent years due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. This comprehensive review examines the scientific evidence surrounding the advantages of consuming organic foods compared to conventionally produced counterparts. Firstly, organic farming practices emphasize the use of natural fertilizers and biological pest control methods, avoiding synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Numerous studies have demonstrated that organic produce tends to have lower pesticide residues, reducing the potential health risks associated with pesticide exposure. Moreover, organic farming promotes soil health and biodiversity by minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Healthy soils are essential for nutrient-rich crops and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, organic agriculture typically utilizes crop rotation and intercropping techniques, which enhance soil fertility and resilience. Furthermore, organic livestock production adheres to stringent animal welfare standards, including access to outdoor grazing and the prohibition of routine antibiotic use and growth hormones. As a result, organic meat, dairy, and poultry products often contain higher levels of beneficial nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. In terms of nutritional quality, several meta-analyses have suggested that organic fruits and vegetables may have slightly higher levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to conventionally grown counterparts. While the differences may be modest, the cumulative effects of consuming organic foods over time could contribute to improved overall health outcomes. Beyond individual health benefits, supporting organic agriculture also has positive implications for environmental conservation and sustainable food systems. By minimizing chemical inputs and promoting biodiversity, organic farming helps mitigate soil erosion, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional agriculture.

Spacer rotation technique allows precise evaluation of gap balance in total knee arthroplasty.

The symmetry of the flexion and extension gap influences the functional and long-term outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Most surgeons check it by applying varus and valgus stress using spacers. This technique has limited accuracy and could be easily extended by rotational movement of the spacer. The objective was to determine the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of this technique. In an in vitro setting with a human cadaveric knee, gap asymmetries were simulated by different medially and laterally applied forces. Using an optical measurement system, the pivot point of the spacer was calculated as a function of the gap symmetry in the first part of the experiment. In the second part, the detection threshold and interobserver reliability of 4 surgeons were determined. For this purpose, gap asymmetries were adjusted to between 0 and 120N in a blinded trial. With a symmetrical gap, the centre of rotation of the spacer was located in the centre of the tibia. With increasing gap asymmetry, the centre of rotation of the spacer shifted to the tight side. This shift was approximately linearly dependent on the force difference. A perfectly balanced gap was detected by the examiners in 50% of the cases. From a force difference of 40N, all examiners identified the gap asymmetry in all cases (ICC = 1.0). The method of spacer rotation described is suitable for reliably detecting gap differences at ≥ 40N, independently of the examiner.

Peripheral Refraction Using Ancillary Retinoscope Component (P-ARC).

To assess the agreement of retinoscope-based peripheral refraction techniques with the criterion standard open-field autorefractor. Fifty young adults (mean age, 24 ± 3years) participated in this study. Two masked, experienced senior examiners carried out central refraction and peripheral refraction at the temporal 22° (T22°) and nasal 22° (N22°) eccentricities. Peripheral refraction techniques were (a) peripheral refraction using ancillary retinoscope component (P-ARC), (b) retinoscopy with eye rotation, and (c) open-field autorefractor. Peripheral refraction with retinoscopy values was compared with an open-field autorefractor (Shinn Nippon NVision-K) to assess the agreement. All measurements were taken from the right eye under noncycloplegic conditions. The mean difference ±95% limits of agreement of peripheral refraction values obtained using P-ARC from T22° (+0.11 diopters [D] ± 1.20 D; P=0.20) or N22° (+0.13 D ± 1.16 D; P = 0.13) were comparable with open-field autorefractor. The eye rotation technique compared to autorefractor showed a significant difference for T22° (+0.30 D ± 1.26 D; P=0.002); however, there was an agreement for N22° (+0.14 D ± 1.16 D; P=0.10). With respect to the identification of peripheral refraction patterns, examiners were able to identify relative peripheral hyperopia in most of the participants (77%). Peripheral refraction with P-ARC was comparable with open-field autorefractor at T22° and N22° eccentricities. Peripheral retinoscopy techniques can be another approache for estimating and identifying peripheral refraction and its patterns in a regular clinical setting. Retinoscope with P-ARC has high potential to guide and enable eye care practitioners to perform peripheral refraction and identify peripheral refraction patterns for effective myopia management.

Reverse (180° rotation) technique for LMA protector insertion.

Reverse (180° rotation) technique for LMA protector insertion.

Geometric Algebra based 2D-DOA Estimation for Non-circular Signals with an Electromagnetic Vector Array

This paper presents two novel methods based on geometric algebra (GA) to estimate two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-arrival (DOA) of non-circular (NC) signals for uniform rectangular array (URA). Traditional methods treat the received NC signals as a long vector which will inevitably lose orthogonality inside each electromagnetic vector sensor (EMVS) and thus miss some information of second-order statistical properties. Furthermore, the computational complexity will also increase. By contrast, the GA-based estimating signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) and propagation method (PM) algorithms are proposed to estimation DOA of NC signals. Taking advantage of GA, the relationship among multidimensional signals can be maintained. First, the six components of the EMVS are represented as a multivector in GA space. Then, we construct the GA-based extended covariance matrix to utilize the signal information more completely. The DOA parameters can be estimated through the ESPRIT and PM principle. The proposed GA-based estimation of signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques for NC signals processing (GANC-ESPRIT) can estimate DOA with high estimation accuracy. The proposed GA-based propagation method for NC signals estimation (GANC-PM) uses linear transformation to calculate angle parameters. Our model has much lower memory requirements and less computational burden compared with long vector models. Simulation results demonstrate the robustness and superiority of the proposed GANC-ESPRIT algorithm in terms of angular resolution. Complexity analysis shows that the proposed GANC-PM algorithm performances better with less computations.

Determinants of Agribusiness Sustainability: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The research conducted in this study focused on exploring the determinants of sustainability of agribusinesses. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and targeted managers and operational staff working in agribusinesses affiliated with the National Association of Seed Traders of Ghana (NASTAG). The collected data underwent a series of statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation. These analyses were performed on the questionnaires, which contained variables assessing the determinants of sustainability of agribusinesses. The findings of the study revealed some sustainability dimensions of agribusinesses in Ghana. These determinants were categorised into three dimensions: social, environmental and economic sustainability dimensions. These dimensions emerged after applying exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation techniques. Together, these three dimensions accounted for 74.3% of the explained variance in the data. The identified sustainability determinants have both theoretical and practical implications for enhancing agribusinesses. They provide valuable insights into the specific areas that need attention and improvement to promote the long-term viability of agribusiness operations. However, despite the significance of these findings, the study also recommended that future researchers should consider exploring the interconnectedness and potential trade-offs between the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of agribusiness sustainability. It would be valuable to investigate the effectiveness of various strategies and interventions in achieving balanced sustainability outcomes across these dimensions.

A Scale Development Study to Determine University Students' Perceptions towards Distance Education

Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to develop a valid and reliable Likert-type measurement tool to determine how university students perceive distance education, which they experienced during the pandemic (COVID 19) period and is becoming more widespread day by day. In addition, in line with the main purpose answers were sought to the questions how university students perceive distance education and what the variables are that affect these perceptions. This research, which was conducted to determine how university students perceive the distance education they experienced during the epidemic process and the variables affecting this perception, is in a comparative type of relational screening model.&#x0D; Methodology: The scanning model is used to detect a situation, individual or object that occurred in the past or is still ongoing, in its own conditions and as it exists. In determining the sample size, the number corresponding to 95% confidence level and 5% acceptable margin of error according to the number constituting the research population and the number corresponding to 5 times the number of items in the scale were taken as the basis. According to these criteria, the sample must be at least 350. The participants of this research are 406 students studying in Anadolu University, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Social Work Undergraduate Programs Turkey in the spring semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. The data was collected with the “Distance Education Perception Scale” (DEPS) developed by the researcher and consists of two sections. The first part of DEPS includes 15 open and close-ended questions related to the demographic and personal information of students and their attitudes towards distance education. The second section of DEPS includes 71 statements related to perceptions towards the distance education of students on a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 5 choices, from 1=Strongly Disagree to 5=Strongly Agree. In the analysis of the data, the statistical package SPSS 21.00 was used. Exploratory Factor Analysis method and Varimax Rotation technique were used to understand whether the DEPS consists of measuring the same quality. The reliability coefficient α formula, and the relationship between the response given to each item in the scale and the total score obtained from the scale was calculated using the Item-Total Correlation technique. Students' perceptions of distance education were evaluated using the median, mode and arithmetic mean on the basis of all scales and subscales.&#x0D; Findings: The results revealed that the scale used in the collection of data in the research is valid and reliable, students are generally hesitant about distance education and these hesitations increase in terms of practice courses and internship practices, and their perception levels about the benefit and importance of distance education are lower than other dimensions of distance education such as learning and communication, technology and measurement-evaluation. Again, the results of the research show that classroom and opinions and attitudes about distance education are important variables that affect the perceptions of students towards distance education.&#x0D; Unique contributor to theory, policy and practice: It is expected that the research results will be guiding in terms of developing distance education policies and studies on improving the quality of education in universities, and will make a significant contribution to the national and international literature and researchers working in the field of distance education.

Success Factors Associated with Frugal Business Modelling: An Exploratory Factor Analysis

The research conducted in this study focused on exploring the success factors associated with frugal business modelling in the context of agribusinesses. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design and targeted managers and operational staff working in agribusinesses affiliated with the National Association of Seed Traders of Ghana (NASTAG). The collected data underwent a series of statistical analyses, including exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation. These analyses were performed on the questionnaires, which contained variables assessing the success factors related to frugal business modelling. The findings of the study revealed several success factors that aid frugal business modelling in Ghana. These success factors were categorised into six factors: coordination, information and dissemination, regulation and supervision, funding, service delivery, and the institutional framework. These factors emerged after applying exploratory factor analysis, principal component analysis, and varimax rotation techniques. Together, these six factors accounted for 77.9% of the explained variance in the data. The identified success factors have both theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the sustainability of agribusinesses. They provide valuable insights into the specific areas that need attention and improvement to promote the long-term viability of agribusiness operations. However, despite the significance of these findings, the study also recommended the exploration of longitudinal studies. Conducting longitudinal research would provide an understanding of specific policies, regulations, and supportive measures needed to promote the adoption of frugal business models to create an enabling environment for their implementation.&#x0D;