Sample Size Research Articles

Visual software defect prediction method based on improved recurrent criss-cross residual network

Purpose This study aims to solve the problems of large training sample size, low data sample quality, low efficiency of the currently used classical model, high computational complexity of the existing concern mechanism, and high graphics processing unit (GPU) occupancy in the current visualization software defect prediction, proposing a method for software defect prediction termed recurrent criss-cross attention for weighted activation functions of recurrent SE-ResNet (RCCA-WRSR). First, following code visualization, the activation functions of the SE-ResNet model are replaced with a weighted combination of Relu and Elu to enhance model convergence. Additionally, an SE module is added before it to filter feature information, eliminating low-weight features to generate an improved residual network model, WRSR. To focus more on contextual information and establish connections between a pixel and those not in the same cross-path, the visualized red as integer, green as integer, blue as integer images are inputted into a model incorporating a fused RCCA module for defect prediction. Design/methodology/approach Software defect prediction based on code visualization is a new software defect prediction technology, which mainly realizes the defect prediction of code by visualizing code as image, and then applying attention mechanism to extract the features of image. However, the challenges of current visualization software defect prediction mainly include the large training sample size and low sample quality of the data, and the classical models used today are not efficient, and the existing attention mechanisms have high computational complexity and high GPU occupancy. Findings Experimental evaluation using ten open-source Java data sets from PROMISE and five existing methods demonstrates that the proposed approach achieves an F-measure value of 0.637 in predicting 16 cross-version projects, representing a 6.1% improvement. Originality/value RCCA-WRSR is a new visual software defect prediction based on recurrent criss-cross attention and improved residual network. This method effectively enhances the performance of software defect prediction.

Attitudes of Health Professionals Toward Digital Health Data Security in Northwest Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Digital health is a new health field initiative. Health professionals require security in digital places because cybercriminals target health care professionals. Therefore, millions of medical records have been breached for money. Regarding digital security, there is a gap in studies in limited-resource countries. Therefore, surveying health professionals’ attitudes toward digital health data security has a significant purpose for interventions. Objective This study aimed to assess the attitudes of health professionals toward digital health data security and their associated factors in a resource-limited country. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to measure health professionals’ attitudes toward digital health data security. The sample size was calculated using a single population. A pretest was conducted to measure consistency. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. For multivariable logistic analysis, a P value ≤.20 was selected using Stata software (version 16; StataCorp LP). Results Of the total sample, 95% (402/423) of health professionals participated in the study. Of all participants, 63.2% (254/402) were male, and the mean age of the respondents was 34.5 (SD 5.87) years. The proportion of health professionals who had a favorable attitude toward digital health data security at specialized teaching hospitals was 60.9% (95% CI 56.0%‐65.6%). Educational status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.292, 95% CI 1.16‐9.34), basic computer skills (AOR 1.807, 95% CI 1.11‐2.938), knowledge (AOR 3.238, 95% CI 2.0‐5.218), and perceived usefulness (AOR 1.965, 95% CI 1.063‐3.632) were factors associated with attitudes toward digital health data security. Conclusions This study aimed to assess health professionals’ attitudes toward digital health data security. Interventions on educational status, basic computer skills, knowledge, and perceived usefulness are important for improving health professionals’ attitudes. Improving the attitudes of health professionals related to digital data security is necessary for digitalization in the health care arena.

Functional Outcome and Patient Satisfaction After Primary vs Secondary Arthrodesis for Lisfranc Injuries: Toward a Single-Surgery Approach.

The choice between primary arthrodesis (PA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for acute Lisfranc injuries remains contentious. Apart from primary treatment, arthrodesis is often used for treating chronic Lisfranc injuries, including patients in whom initial ORIF or nonoperative treatment failed. The aim of this study was to compare PA and secondary arthrodesis (SA) in terms of complications and functional outcome. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on trauma patients with Lisfranc injuries treated at a level 1 trauma center between July 1, 2010, and July 1, 2020. Selected patients were evaluated at the outpatient clinic and received a survey. Demographics, injury characteristics, management, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society midfoot score, Foot Function Index) were analyzed. Twenty-nine of 37 potential patients (78.4%; PA n = 11, SA n = 18) completed the survey with a median follow-up of 7.1 (PA) to 9.3 (SA) years (P = .01). The majority were female (n = 18, 62.1%); the mean age of PA patients was 57.1 years (SD 14.2) compared with 43.5 years (SD 17.1) in SA patients (P = .04). In the PA group, there was no infection, 100% union, and implants were removed in 5 of 11 patients. In the SA group, 11.1% (n = 2) developed infection, malunion rate was 11.1%, implants were removed in 33.3% (n = 6), and 22.2% required revision surgery. AOFAS was "good" in PA (77.7, SD 17.3) compared with rated "fair" in SA (67.1, SD 21.3, P = .19). FFI was better in PA (26.0, SD 26.2) than SA (37.6, SD 30.8, P = .32), which exceeded the minimally important clinical difference. Although this study was limited by sample size, the overall results suggest equivalent functional outcome, pain and treatment satisfaction in primary arthrodesis compared with secondary arthrodesis patients for treatment of Lisfranc injury.

Combined Nabpaclitaxel pressurized intraPeritoneal aerosol chemotherapy with systemic Nabpaclitaxel-Gemcitabine chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer peritoneal metastases: protocol of single-arm, open-label, phase II trial (Nab-PIPAC trial)

Abstract Objectives Current therapies show limited efficacy against peritoneal metastases (PM) from pancreatic cancer. Pressurized intra-peritoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) has emerged as a novel intraperitoneal drug delivery method. Recently, a dose-escalation study identified the safe dose of Nabpaclitaxel for PIPAC administration, an ideal intraperitoneal chemotherapy agent against pancreatic cancer. Combining systemic NabPaclitaxel-Gemcitabine with NabPaclitaxel-PIPAC may enhance disease control in pancreatic cancer patients with PM. Methods The Nab-PIPAC trial is a single-center, prospective, open-label, phase II study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05371223). Its primary goal is to evaluate the antitumor activity of the combined treatment based on Disease Control Rate (DCR) using RECISTv.1.1 criteria. Secondary objectives include feasibility, safety, pathological response, progression-free and overall survival, nutritional status, quality of life, pharmacokinetics of NabPaclitaxel-PIPAC, and PM molecular evolution via translational research. The treatment protocol consists of three courses, each with two cycles of intravenous NabPaclitaxel-Gemcitabine and one cycle of NabPaclitaxel-PIPAC, with standard metastatic pancreatic cancer doses for the former and 112.5 mg/m2 for the latter. Sample size follows Simon’s two-stage design: 12 patients in stage one and 26 in stage two (80 % power, 0.1 alpha). Results Partial results will be available after first stage enrollment. Conclusions This trial aims to determine the antitumor efficacy and safety of combining NabPaclitaxel-PIPAC with systemic NabPaclitaxel-Gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients with PM.

Mechanisms for activating social empowerment of deaf people of determination in Kuwait: A study from the perspective of the deaf in the Kuwait club for the deaf

Encouraging the social empowerment of persons with disabilities—also known as “people of determination” is a crucial step toward advancing equality and inclusion in our communities. Consequently, the current study aimed to identify the mechanisms for activating social empowerment for people of determination from the deaf category. Identify the most prominent mechanisms and proposals from the point of view of the deaf. The study used a social survey approach based on a questionnaire on a sample of (30) deaf males in the Kuwaiti Sports Club for the Deaf, and it is the full sample size. The study reached several results, the most important of which are: integrating deaf people with disabilities into jobs integrated into society, raising the level of cultural awareness of sign language, in addition to spreading awareness of how to deal with deaf people. The study presented some recommendations and proposals, including media focus on the deaf group, and working to hold conferences and workshops targeting the community to spread awareness about the deaf group.

Utility of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics for preventing surgical site infections in children with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of prophylactic antibiotics before pyloromyotomy for the prevention of Surgical Site Infections (SSI) among children with Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis (IHPS). A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify papers published till 30th July 2024. The main outcome of interest was the incidence of SSIs. The relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using a random effects model. The I2 statistic was used to calculate the heterogeneity. The Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale (NOS) was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Five studies, published between 1999 and 2024, were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The risk of developing SSI among those treated was RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.78, with I2 = 0%, indicating no incremental benefit of administration of prophylactic antibiotics. A sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding the database studies. Results from this analysis (RR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.20, I2 = 0%) demonstrated that no significant difference was observed after excluding studies with large sample sizes. All included studies were of good methodological quality as assessed with the NOS. The findings of this review demonstrate no incremental benefit of the administration of prophylactic antibiotics before pyloromyotomy in preventing SSIs in children with IHPS. However, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials need to be conducted in the future before any definite conclusions are drawn in this regard.

Scrutinizing the Statistical Distribution of a Composite Index of Soil Degradation as a Measure of Early Desertification Risk in Advanced Economies

Using descriptive and inferential techniques together with simplified metrics derived from the ecological discipline, we offer a long-term investigation of the Environmental Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) as a proxy of land degradation vulnerability in Italy. This assessment was specifically carried out on a decadal scale from 1960 to 2020 at the province (NUTS-3 sensu Eurostat) level and benefited from a short-term forecast for 2030, based on four simplified assumptions grounded on a purely deterministic (‘what … if’) approach. The spatial distribution of the ESAI was investigated at each observation year (1960, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020, 2030) calculating descriptive statistics (central tendency, variability, and distribution shape), deviation from normality, and the increase (or decrease) in diversification in the index scores. Based on nearly 300 thousand observations all over Italy, provinces were considered representative spatial units because they include a relatively broad number of ESAI measures. Assuming a large sample size as a pre-requisite for the stable distribution of the most relevant moments of any statistical distribution—because of the convergence law underlying the central limit theorem—we found that the ESAI scores have increased significantly over time in both central values (i.e., means or medians) and variability across the central tendency (i.e., coefficient of variation). Additionally, ecological metrics reflecting diversification trends in the vulnerability scores delineated a latent shift toward a less diversified (statistical) distribution with a concentration of the observed values toward the highest ESAI scores—possibly reflecting a net increase in the level of soil degradation, at least in some areas. Multiple exploratory techniques (namely, a Principal Component Analysis and a two-way hierarchical clustering) were run on the two-way (data) matrix including distributional metrics (by columns) and temporal observations (by rows). The empirical findings of these techniques delineate the consolidation of worse predisposing conditions to soil degradation in recent times, as reflected in a sudden increase in the ESAI scores—both average and maximum values. These trends underline latent environmental dynamics leading to an early desertification risk, thus representing a valid predictive tool both in the present conditions and in future scenarios. A comprehensive scrutiny of past, present, and future trends in the ESAI scores using mixed (parametric and non-parametric) statistical tools proved to be an original contribution to the study of soil degradation in advanced economies.

Once-a-Week Ablative Radiotherapy as Replacement of Prolonged Fractionation in Frail Patients: Feasibility and Toxicity Results.

The aim of this work was to explore the use of an original once-weekly radiotherapy fractionation in elderly or frail patients with recurrence or metastasis from different solid malignancies. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 patients treated from 2011 to 2019 with a once-weekly radiotherapy schedule. Patients received a median dose of 27.5 Gy, with weekly fractions of 4-5 Gy over 7-10 weeks. The treatment aimed at both palliative and cytoreductive objectives. Primary endpoints were feasibility and compliance, secondary outcome was acute toxicity. All patients completed the planned radiotherapy without interruptions. Acute toxicity was mild, with only one patient developing grade 3 toxicity (bowel perforation). Three months post-treatment, 74% of patients experienced symptom relief and tumor response. One-year local control rates were 26.7%, and treatment was generally well-tolerated. This once-weekly hypofractionated radiotherapy regimen demonstrated feasibility, good tolerance, and promising tumor response in frail and elderly patients. Although limited by a small sample size, the approach offers a practical alternative for patients unable to undergo conventional daily radiotherapy. Further studies on larger cohorts are required to validate these findings.

Periodontal status after autologous tooth transplantation (ATT) of premolars and wisdom teeth.

This study explored the clinical and radiological outcomes after autologous premolar and wisdom tooth transplantation, with a focus on periodontal status. A systematic search was conducted using all relevant databases up to April 5, 2024. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) human participants, b) a sample size of at least five autotransplanted teeth, c) molar or premolar transplants, d) English language use, and e) at least 1 year of follow-up. The following parameters were assessed: probing pocket depth, recession, tooth mobility, ankylosis, bone level, and tooth loss. Our search identified 466 records, and after our selection process, 25 articles were suitable for analysis, with a total of 3732 teeth (569 premolars and 350 molars) with a mean follow-up duration of 6.1 years. The 10-year survival rate of autologous tooth transplants ranged from 33.8% to 100%, and the mean complication rates of root resorption and ankylosis were 8.9% (13 studies) and 14.0% (10 studies), respectively. Periodontal complications such as periradicular radiolucency, periodontal defects, and attachment loss occurred in less than 10% of patients. The premolars exhibited superior clinical and radiological outcomes compared with the molars. In conclusion, the survival rate and periodontal status after autologous tooth transplantation (ATT) of premolars and molars were consistent with those of traditional dental implants. Therefore, autotransplantation may be considered in cases where dental implants are indicated. As specific reports on periodontal complications are scarce, further research is warranted to identify the specific factors associated with periodontal complications in autologous transplant recipients.

The Nexus of Influencers and Purchase Intention: Does Consumer Brand Co-Creation Behavior Matter?

The advancement of social media has led to the rise of influencers who are powerful in shaping consumer purchasing behavior. While influencer attributes play a role in shaping consumer behavior, little attention has been paid to the interplay of the attributes of social presence, influencer congruence with the endorsed brand, and purchasing intention. Thus, the current study investigates the effect of social presence and influencer congruence on purchase intention through consumer brand co-creation behavior. A survey approach was used to collect data from consumers who actively interact with at least one social media influencer in Tanzania. Using a sample size of 422, PLS-SEM was applied to test the hypotheses. The results showed that social presence and congruence affected consumer brand co-creation behavior, which subsequently affected purchase intention. Unlike influencer congruence, the social presence of the influencer did not directly affect purchase intention. Furthermore, the study holds that stimulating consumer brand co-creation behavior catalyzes the effects of social presence and influencer congruence on purchase intention. Therefore, in designing an influencer marketing campaign, selecting an influencer with social presence and congruence attribute is pivotal for the effectiveness of the influencer marketing strategy. Marketers should be relational rather than transaction-focused when designing and implementing the influencer marketing strategy.

A novel conformable embolic for selective transarterial embolization of acute hemorrhages: a technical note.

Obsidio conformable embolic (OCE, Boston Scientific, MA) is a novel, radiopaque and conformable embolic. The purpose of this report is to describe its use for treatment of acute intra-abdominal hemorrhages. Three patients presented with acute hemorrhage and were treated with OCE, including post-paracentesis hemorrhage, penetrating trauma to the liver, and blunt trauma in the spleen. All cases were performed under moderate sedation, with hemostasis achieved by end of procedure using less than 1 vial of OCE (0.2-0.4ml). No severe adverse events occurred. None required repeated treatment. OCE is a safe and effective embolic agent for treatment of intra-abdominal or visceral hemorrhage. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted.

HyProCure for Flatfoot Deformity: A Clinical Characteristics Analysis in China.

Flatfoot is a common foot disorder involving progressive foot deformity of the three-dimensional structures of the forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot. Currently, Chinese surgeons and patients favor subtalar arthroereisis (SA) due to its minimally invasive and low-damage characteristics. HyProCure device is widely used. However, there is limited analysis of large sample sizes. This study utilized statistical evaluation with a large sample size to analyze clinical characteristics trends of SA for flatfoot, including baseline indicators, selection of HyProCure size and surgical strategy, complications, and implant removal. This study will enhance the understanding of SA in China. A retrospective analysis of 732 patients (1008 ft) who underwent SA from June 2015 to June 2023, with 509 pediatric and adolescent patients (772 ft) and 223 adult patients (236 ft). Based on the patient's age, patients aged ≤ 18 were included in the children and adolescent group, while adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) patients aged > 18 were included in the adult group. General data was collected, including patient sex, age, side, body mass index (BMI), surgery date, HyproCure size, and surgical data, and trends were analyzed. Postoperative complications and HyProCure removal were collected as outcome measures during follow-up. The age of patients treated with SA was gradually getting younger, with male patients predominating, mainly concentrated in the 11-14 age group. HyProCure 7 has the highest usage rate. In the children and adolescent group, 288 ft (37.31%) only underwent SA. In the adult group, 18 ft (7.63%) only underwent SA. Complications include sinus tarsi pain, peroneal spasms, achilles tendon tension, and muscle strength decline. The complication rate in the children and adolescent group was 5.05%, while in the adult group it was 28.81%. Overall, it was 10.62%. The removal rate of HyProCure in the children and adolescent group is 1.04%, in the adult group is 15.25%, and overall is 4.37%. The trend in flatfoot treated with SA was towards children and adolescent male patients, and sinus tarsi pain was the most common complication after SA. The complication rate and removal rate in the children and adolescent group were lower than those in the adult group. HyProCure can be removed without additional adverse effects.

GWAS Meta-analysis of Kidney Function Traits in Japanese Populations.

Genetic epidemiological evidence for the kidney function traits in East Asian populations, including Japanese, remain still relatively unclarified. Especially, the number of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) for kidney traits reported still remains limited, and the sample size of each independent study is relatively small. Given the genetic variability between ancestries/ethnicities, implementation of GWAS with sufficiently large sample sizes in specific population of Japanese is considered meaningful. We conducted the GWAS meta-analyses of kidney traits by leveraging the GWAS summary data of the representative large genome cohort studies with about 200,000 Japanese participants (n = 202,406 for estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and n = 200,845 for serum creatinine [SCr]). In the present GWAS meta-analysis, we identified 110 loci with 169 variants significantly associated with eGFR (on chromosomes 1-13 and 15-22; P < 5 × 10-8), whereas we also identified 112 loci with 176 variants significantly associated with SCr (on chromosomes 1-22; P < 5 × 10-8), of which one locus (more than 1 Mb distant from known loci) with one variant (CD36 rs146148222 on chromosome 7) for SCr was considered as the truly novel finding. The present GWAS meta-analysis of the largest genome cohort studies in Japanese subjects provided some original genomic loci associated with kidney function, which may contribute to the possible development of personalized prevention of kidney diseases based on genomic information in the near future.

Credit Risk Management Practices and Asset Quality of Deposit Taking Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Kenya

Despite the key role DT-SACCOs play towards the growth of Kenyan economy, there is reported increasing occurrence of unsustainable levels of NPLs among these financial institutions. The increasing occurrence of NPLs are significantly obstructing asset quality; highly threatening their survival. This study closed this gap by assessing; risk identification, risk measurement, risk monitoring, and risk governance.as determinants of Kenya DT-SACCOs. The study used descriptive research design with the credit managers of Kenya's 176 licensed DT-SACCOs as the target population. The study employed census because the sample size was modest, easily accessible, and controllable. The data for the study was gathered from primary sources utilizing questionnaire. To create descriptive statistics for the study, the data was analyzed using quantitative analysis. Inferential statistics was then used to obtain a model. The study found that, at 5% significance level, risk identification has positive significant effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya in Kenya (p=0.015; β= 0.337; r= 0.394). risk measurement has a statistically significant and positive effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p=0.023; β=0.212; r= 0.358), risk monitoring has positive significant effect on asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p= 0.049; β= 0.182; r= 0467) and risk governance positively and significantly affects asset quality of DT-SACCOS in Kenya (p= 0.034; β= 0.236; r= 0.470). The study recommends that the DT-SACCOS in Kenya should; enhance their risk identification policies by ensuring that their procedure authenticity of business proposal and business plan are effective to bale to identify credit risks and net worth of the borrowers, enhance their risk measurement procedure to ensure that there is thorough analysis and appraisal of the borrower before approving loan. enhance their risk monitoring polices and procedures to ensure approval authorities are well specified and empowered, and ensure their risk governance guidelines correctly address credit procedures and policies on review and recommendations and clearly spell out the requirements concerning checks on collateral of the borrower during credit review.

Validity and reliability of the TechPH scale in assessing Iranian older adults' attitudes toward technology.

Given the rapid technological advancements and increased usage of digital tools, understanding older people's attitudes toward technology is vital. Assessing their views can help identify barriers and facilitators to adoption. This understanding is essential for developing effective educational strategies and user-friendly technologies that enhance seniors' quality of life. Therefore, the present study aimed to psychometrically evaluate the scale for measuring attitudes-both willingness and anxiety-toward technology (TechPH) in Iranian older adults. This methodological study was conducted on 420 older individuals (aged 60 and above) in Tehran in 2024 to perform a psychometric test of the attitudes toward technology scale (TechPH). Validation was carried out using translation validity methods, including translation-back translation with bilingual experts (n = 2), face validity with a sample of the older population (n = 10), content validity with a panel of 11 experts, and construct validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) (n = 420). Instrument reliability was determined through test-retest and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) methods with a sample of older individuals (n = 30). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 and EQS 6.4 software. A comparison of Persian and English translations revealed acceptable translation validity and cultural adaptability for the scale. Each item's Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were determined, with a total average CVI of 0.95. The results of EFA indicated that the sample size was adequate, as shown by the KMO value of 0.754. Additionally, Bartlett's sphericity test demonstrated a significant correlation between the items (χ2 = 221.819, df = 15, P < 0.0001). EFA revealed that two extracted factors explained 41.002% and 18.111% of the total variance. Furthermore, CFA yielded suitable estimates based on the general fit indices of the model (RMSEA = 0.061, IFI = 0.979, GFI = 0.983, CFI = 0.978, CMIN/DF = 1.769, MFI = 0.989, AGFI = 0.942). In evaluating test-retest stability and internal consistency, the values of the Intra-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach's α were 0.85 and 0.77, respectively, indicating appropriate reliability for the scale. P.TechPH, the first Persian version of the scale for measuring technophilia and technophobia among Iranian older people, has favorable psychometric properties. It can serve as a standard tool for assessing older people's attitudes toward technology in various studies.

Data saturation in qualitative research: A literature review in entrepreneurship study from 2004–2024

This systematic literature review examines data saturation in qualitative research within the context of entrepreneurship studies from 2004 to 2024. Data saturation, a critical concept in ensuring the rigor of qualitative research, remains inadequately defined in terms of sample size and assessment criteria across various studies. This review synthesizes 11 empirical studies, focusing on strategies such as stopping criterion, code frequency counts, and comparative methods for determining saturation. It identifies sample sizes ranging from 7 to 39 interviews, with an average saturation occurring between 10 and 12 interviews. Furthermore, the study explores the influence of different sampling methods and homogeneity of study populations on saturation outcomes. Despite the reliability of existing methods, the findings underscore the need for greater transparency and consistency in reporting saturation criteria. The review offers valuable insights for entrepreneurial researchers aiming to design qualitative studies, emphasizing the importance of tailored saturation standards based on research objectives and methodologies. This research contributes to a clearer understanding of data saturation in entrepreneurial studies and highlights the necessity for further empirical investigation into saturation across diverse qualitative methods.

Assessing the Effectiveness of TVET Training in Enhancing Youth Employability: A Case Study of Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract: TVET offers opportunities to equip youth with industry-relevant skills, bridging the gap between education and employment. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, limited access to modern equipment, and negative perceptions hinder its potential. This study assessed the effectiveness of TVET training in enhancing youth employability n Kisumu County, Kenya. Social learning theory and Human capital theory were adopted. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The study targeted a population of 20,857 consisting of 20,814 TVET students, 42 Heads of TVET institutions and 1 County Education Officer in Kisumu County Government. The sample size was 379 determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula. Sampling was conducted by means of disproportionate stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data. Data analytical methods were content analysis, descriptive and inferential statistics. Linear relationships between variables were determined using Pearson`s Correlation analysis method. The correlational coefficient for youth employment was=0.57 implying a moderate positive relationship between TVET training and youth employability. Government as policy-maker was recommended to institute regular reform for reviewing the existing TVET curricula in order to incorporate feedback from students and adapt to emerging dynamics of demographic dividends. The Government should increase funding, resources for TVET Institutions: The government should allocate more financial resources to TVET institutions to enhance infrastructure and support the development of industry-relevant programs and strengthen industry partnerships and collaborations between TVET institutions and industries to ensure that training programs are aligned with current labor market demands.

Low PAPPA and Its Association with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Twin Pregnancies: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

Background: It is well established in the literature that pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is linked to several adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), and preterm birth (PTB) in singleton pregnancies. However, data regarding such an association in twin pregnancies are lacking. The primary goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the potential value of low PAPP-A levels in the prediction of the subsequent development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs), PTB, and small for gestational age (SGA)/FGR fetuses in twin pregnancies and investigate its association with the development of gestational diabetes, intrauterine death (IUD) of at least one twin, and birth weight discordance (BWD) among the fetuses. Methods: Medline, Scopus, CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched from inception until 31 July 2024. All observational studies reporting low PAPP-A levels after the performance of the first-trimester combined test as part of the screening for chromosomal abnormalities with reported adverse pregnancy outcomes were included. Results: The current systematic review encompassed a total of 11 studies (among which 6 were included in the current meta-analysis) that enrolled a total of 3741 patients. Low PAPP-A levels were not associated with HDPs (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.78, 2.02, I-square test: 13%). Low PAPP-A levels were positively associated with both the development of preterm birth prior to 32 (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.70, 4.77, I-square test: 0%) and 34 weeks of gestational age (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34, 3.28, I-square test: 0%). Furthermore, low PAPP-A levels were positively associated with SGA/FGR (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.04, 2.41, I-square test: 0%). Prediction intervals indicated that the sample size that was used did not suffice to support these findings in future studies. Conclusions: Our study indicated that low PAPP-A levels are correlated with an increased incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. Identifying women at elevated risk for such adversities in twin pregnancies may facilitate appropriate management and potential interventions, but additional studies are required to identify the underlying mechanism linking PAPP-A with those obstetrical complications.

Factors Influencing Generation Z Students in Banten Province to Use Sharia Mobile Banking in 2024

Generation Z, born in the digital era, has become increasingly reliant on mobile banking services for financial transactions. This shift in consumer behavior towards digital transactions is accelerating in Indonesia, particularly in Banten Province, where Sharia Banks are expanding their market penetration. The adoption of Islamic Mobile Banking is influenced by perceived ease, convenience, and benefits. The ease of access and financial benefits obtained are determining factors for customers to use the service. This research aims to explore the factors affecting Generation Z students' interest and behavior in using Sharia mobile banking services at Islamic Banks in Banten Province in 2024. The study uses a quantitative research method, focusing on all Generation Z customers of Islamic Banks in Banten Province. The sample size is 100 people, providing a fairly representative sample. The research aims to provide a deeper understanding of consumer preferences in Islamic finance and contribute to the development of Islamic banking services that are more in line with the needs of students in the region.

Male and Female Perceptions of Supervision During Strength Training

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 1322 members of a 1-on-1 personalized strength training studio. A total of 366 respondents (n = 134 male and n = 232 female), all aged over 20 years, reported considerable training experience, with 55% of the males and 42% of the females reporting 5+ years of experience. The data were analyzed and reported descriptively with differences &gt;5% identified based on the use of a 5-point Likert scale, the sample size, and the nature of the observations. Disparities between the males and females were identified; the males reported higher perceptions of managing effort, technique, and programming without supervision compared to the females. Safety was noted as being more important to the females compared to the males. Qualitatively, additional themes were raised including an analogy of the personal relationship between the trainer and trainee being similar to that between medical professionals and patients. This was validated where the participants discussed their adaptations from supervised strength training for maintaining quality of life in aging and recovering from medical conditions and injury. The data are discussed in the context of a previous body of literature suggesting males falsely report higher levels of confidence in tasks compared to females, particularly in relation to effort, role models, and verbal encouragement. We posit that the greater confidence expressed by males at least partially explains the greater engagement in strength training practices by males compared to females, as well as explaining the higher level of participation in supervised strength training by females compared to males. This research proves beneficial for strength training practitioners in enhancing their understanding and expectations of clients, as well as hopefully proving insightful in engaging more people in strength training.