Sample Size Selection Research Articles

A validity study to consult on a protocol of a home hazard management program for falls prevention among community dwelling stroke survivors.

A fall after a stroke is common but the consequences can be devastating not only for the stroke survivors, but also for caregivers, healthcare, and the society. However, research on falls prevention among the stroke population are limited, particularly on home hazards assessment and home modifications, demanding for a study to be conducted. The aim of the study is to validate the protocol and content of a home hazard management program guided by the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model for falls prevention among community dwelling stroke survivors. Researchers developed their own questionnaire for content validation which consist of 23 items that covers two domains, namely justification for telehealth home hazard management practice and the protocol's overall methodology. Occupational therapists with at least one year of experience in conducting a home hazard assessment were consulted for the content validation of a two-group clinical controlled trial protocol utilizing a home hazard assessment, home modifications and education over the usual care. Written consent was obtained prior to the study. The occupational therapists were given a Google Form link to review the protocol and intervention based on the questionnaire and rated each item using a four-point Likert scale for relevance and feasibility. Open-ended feedback was also recorded on the google form. Content Validity Index (CVI), Modified Kappa Index and Cronbach's Alpha was calculated for the content validity and reliability analysis. A total of sixteen occupational therapists participated in the study. 43.7% of participants had a master's degree, 93.7% worked in the government sector and 56.2% had six years and more experience on conducting home hazard assessments. Content validity of the protocol is satisfactory for relevancy and feasibility (CVI = 0.84, ranging from 0.5 to 1.00), and for the reliability (α = 0.94 (relevance) and α = 0.97 (feasibility), respectively. The Modified Kappa ranged from 0.38 to 1.00 for all items. Feedback was also received regarding the design and procedure of the study protocol which included participant's selection criteria, sample size, equipment provided, cost, location, and care for the participants during the intervention. Introducing a home hazard management program to prevent falls among the stroke population is viewed relevant and feasible. Practical suggestions from the consultation panel were adopted, and minor adjustments were required to strengthen the protocol's overall methodology. This study established a rigorous and robust experimental protocol for future undertaking.

Effect of adding dexmedetomidine on two methods of labor analgesia via epidural among parturient patients.

Continuous epidural infusion (CEI) has been an optimal and acceptable technique for inducing epidural anesthesia. This study compared two methods of programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) with CEI in labor analgesia among patients receiving epidural dexmedetomidine. This study was a randomized clinical trial. The target population was term women candidates for epidural anesthesia. After selection of sample size based on inclusion criteria, a total of 3 cc of dexmedetomidine (0.5 µg/ml) and Ropivacaine 0.1% was injected. Furthermore, 5 ml was injected as a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg /ml and Ropivacaine 0.1%. Then the pain score was recorded. SPSS software Version 23 was used for statistical analysis of data. The neonatal Apgar score in PIEB method was more improved (P = 0.003) and the use of assisted delivery tools such as vacuum, in PIEB method was reduced. (p=0.038) Duration of the first phase of the labor in this method was more reduced than CEI.(p=0.015) Patients in the group undergoing epidural anesthesia by PIEB method were associated with a higher level of satisfaction with the delivery process (p < 0.05) than patients undergoing CEI protocol. PIEB method is associated with further improvement in neonatal Apgar score and maternal outcomes (reduction in the duration of the first phase of labor and no need to use assisted delivery methods) compared to the CEI protocol, but has little effect on hemodynamic conditions or drug dosage.

OUT OF POCKET EXPENDITURE ON DELIVERY AND POSTNATAL CARE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS

Abstract &#x0D; Background: Pakistan is a developing country of South Asia and currently facing many challenges and public health especially maternal health is one of the emerging issues. There is limited empirical evidence on the out of pocket expenditure (OOPE) on selection of public and private healthcare facility. This area was overlooked in the research and the current study has tried to investigate the impact of OOPE on public and private hospital selection for delivery and postnatal care.&#x0D; Methods: survey approach was used. Primary data was collected from the Rajanpur district of Punjab Pakistan. Descriptive statistics and backward binary logistic regression were used. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used for selection of sample size. Total 368 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis.&#x0D; Findings/Results: results revealed that Results also revealed that mothers with high in age, education were found significant and their spouse with government jobs, self employed prefer to go to public sector hospitals for delivery. Those respondents having income between 10 thousand PKR to 20 thousand PKR likely to go to public sector facility and mothers having more children such as 3-4 or above like to go public hospitals for delivery. Moreover distance from home to hospital and transportation charges and OOPE also play significant role in selection of healthcare facility. On the other hand age of mother, transportation and distance from home to hospital does not play any significant role for postnatal care while remaining factors such as education of mother, occupation of mother and household head, family income, number of children and out of pocket medical expenses plays significant role in selection of hospital for postnatal care.

A Double Threshold Energy Detection-Based Neural Network for Cognitive Radio Networks

In cognitive radio networks (CoR), the performance of cooperative spectrum sensing is improved by reducing the overall error rate or maximizing the detection probability. Several optimization methods are usually used to optimize the number of user-chosen for cooperation and the threshold selection. However, these methods do not take into account the effect of sample size and its effect on improving CoR performance. In general, a large sample size results in more reliable detection, but takes longer sensing time and increases complexity. Thus, the locally sensed sample size is an optimization problem. Therefore, optimizing the local sample size for each cognitive user helps to improve CoR performance. In this study, two new methods are proposed to find the optimum sample size to achieve objective-based improved (single/double) threshold energy detection, these methods are the optimum sample size N* and neural networks (NN) optimization. Through the evaluation, it was found that the proposed methods outperform the traditional sample size selection in terms of the total error rate, detection probability, and throughput.

Knowledge and Skills in Triage Assessment among Nurses in Emergency Department Hospital Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Triage is the nursing process and the first step for patients who came to or were brought to the Emergency Department (ED). As hospitals have more patients, the ED becomes overcrowded with non-emergency patients. An inaccurate triage decision not only delays patient treatment but also incurs unnecessary expenses for the facility. Patients in the waiting area should be reassessed to determine their conditions. Treatment for patients on a first-come, first-served basis without regard to the triage acuity level of their illnesses for severity, may result in delays for critically ill patients. The rationale of triage in the ED is to prioritize incoming patients and identify those who need to be seen first. Methods: Descriptive study using cross-sectional questionnaires for non-random sampling. Quantitative approaches were chosen as the study type. Questionnaires were completed by 41 of the selected sample size. The aim of the study is to determine the level of knowledge and skills in triage assessment among nurses in Emergency Department Hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Results: Response rates of 100% were obtained from the study. 19 (46.3%) of the participants were aged between 31-40 years old. Most of the respondents have Bachelor’s in nursing which are 38 (92.7%). Respondents with experience in ED of about 11-20 years are 18 (43.9%) of the total. 100% of respondents say that they are familiar with the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) triage primary assessment. 100% will change the CTAS level when the patient deteriorates, and 100% agreed to give Paracetamol to the patient with a body temperature of more than 38 degrees. Seven skill level questions were completed with 100% correct answers. There is no significant relationship between triage knowledge and triage skill Conclusion: This finding indicates that there is a high level of knowledge and skill in triage assessment. Hence high knowledge and good skill should be maintained by continuing education, in-service, and training.

Review of selected features of hausa vernacular architecture, case study of Dakali and Zaure in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Hausa Vernacular architecture is informed and shaped by cultural and religious values, wherein, Dakali and Zaure are unique features that plays a pivotal role. Cities are metaphorically described as historically solidified environment in time and in space. Thus, depicting physical, archival and artefacts of the past and present, from which it develops the future of human civilization and cultures set in a time series continuum. Hausa vernacular architecture is gradually getting evolved through modern trends by renewing, re-ordering and replacement of these features. Therefore, there is the need for studies to be carried out extensively on or before adaptation, adoption and implementation of evolving trends, in order to conserve and preserve the Hausa man’s cultural and religious values in their architecture. The paper seeks to draw attention towards the preservation and conservation of indigenous heritages through vernacular architecture, especially with the examples from the characters of Hausa architecture, without arguing for a complete reversal to the past life styles, value and techniques that would neither be out-of-place with emerging trends and acceptability of modern technology nor be balkanized. Information was essentially extracted from relevant literature on the subject matter; adopts purposive sampling and content analysis method in the selection of study area and sample size; as well as, in the extraction of features of Hausa vernacular architecture respectively. This was complimented with field survey in the form of interviews, observation and case study. Results therefrom were discussed and descriptively presented. Findings revealed that, the identified features have remained prominent and continued to perform their expected functions. The paper conclude by underscoring the need to stimulate awareness, rejuvenate and regenerate the Hausa/Fulani vernacular architecture and cultural-heritage perceptibility through creative and integrative use of architectural designs and planning concepts and skills that will be sensitive to the rebirth of cultural symbols, relics, configurations, ornamentations as symbolic expressions depicting history, branding and conveying one message or the other, about the inhabitants for better understanding and conservation of fun-memories of the cultural/traditional values and heritages.

Using pseudo-absence models to test for environmental selection in marine movement ecology: the importance of sample size and selection strength

BackgroundUnderstanding the selection of environmental conditions by animals requires knowledge of where they are, but also of where they could have been. Presence data can be accurately estimated by direct sampling, sightings, or through electronic tag deployments. However, absence data are harder to determine because absences are challenging to measure in an uncontrolled setting. To address this problem, ecologists have developed different methods for generating pseudo-absence data relying on theoretical movement models. These null models represent the movement of environmentally naive individuals, creating a set of locations that animals could have been if they were not exhibiting environmental selection.MethodsHere, we use four different kinds of null animal movement models—Brownian motion, Lévy walks, Correlated random walks, and Joint correlated random walks to test the ability and power of each of these null movement models to serve as appropriate animal absence models. We use Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests to detect environmental selection using two data sets, one of simulated animal tracks biased towards warmer sea surface temperatures, and one of 57 observed blue shark tracks of unknown sea surface temperature selection.ResultsThe four different types of movement models showed minimal difference in the ability to serve as appropriate null models for environmental selection studies. Selection strength and sample size were more important in detecting true environmental selection. We show that this method can suffer from high false positive rates, especially in the case where animals are not selecting for specific environments. We provide estimates of test accuracy at different sample sizes and selection strengths to avoid false positives when using this method.ConclusionWe show how movement models can be used to generate pseudo-absences and test for habitat selection in marine organisms. While this approach efficiently detects environmental selection in marine organisms, it cannot detect the underlying mechanisms driving this selection.

Farmers attitude towards zero budget natural farming

India has always had an advantage and strength in natural farming. Natural products are currently in the spotlight on a local, national, and international level due to changes in global consumption patterns, consumer health awareness, and the growing importance of sustainability. The study was conducted on farmers’ attitude towards Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) practices in Anand district by selected sample size of 120 farmers based on highest number of the farmers who had gone through training on ZBNF. The data were collected through personal interview and analyzed by using appropriate statistical tools. Majority of the respondents had favourable attitude towards ZBNF, followed by a neutral attitude and a strongly favourable attitude towards ZBNF. The independent variables viz., innovativeness, training received, economic motivation and farm mass media exposure had a positive and significant relationship with farmers’ attitude towards ZBNF practices. Further, variables viz., education, risk orientation, size of landholding, social participation, farm mass media exposure, extension contact, economic motivation, innovativeness, farming experience, herd size, training received and gender had maximum positive indirect effect on farmers’ attitude towards ZBNF practices.

Improved SOSK-Means Automatic Clustering Algorithm with a Three-Part Mutualism Phase and Random Weighted Reflection Coefficient for High-Dimensional Datasets

Automatic clustering problems require clustering algorithms to automatically estimate the number of clusters in a dataset. However, the classical K-means requires the specification of the required number of clusters a priori. To address this problem, metaheuristic algorithms are hybridized with K-means to extend the capacity of K-means in handling automatic clustering problems. In this study, we proposed an improved version of an existing hybridization of the classical symbiotic organisms search algorithm with the classical K-means algorithm to provide robust and optimum data clustering performance in automatic clustering problems. Moreover, the classical K-means algorithm is sensitive to noisy data and outliers; therefore, we proposed the exclusion of outliers from the centroid update’s procedure, using a global threshold of point-to-centroid distance distribution for automatic outlier detection, and subsequent exclusion, in the calculation of new centroids in the K-means phase. Furthermore, a self-adaptive benefit factor with a three-part mutualism phase is incorporated into the symbiotic organism search phase to enhance the performance of the hybrid algorithm. A population size of 40+2g was used for the symbiotic organism search (SOS) algorithm for a well distributed initial solution sample, based on the central limit theorem that the selection of the right sample size produces a sample mean that approximates the true centroid on Gaussian distribution. The effectiveness and robustness of the improved hybrid algorithm were evaluated on 42 datasets. The results were compared with the existing hybrid algorithm, the standard SOS and K-means algorithms, and other hybrid and non-hybrid metaheuristic algorithms. Finally, statistical and convergence analysis tests were conducted to measure the effectiveness of the improved algorithm. The results of the extensive computational experiments showed that the proposed improved hybrid algorithm outperformed the existing SOSK-means algorithm and demonstrated superior performance compared to some of the competing hybrid and non-hybrid metaheuristic algorithms.

Sample size determination: A practical guide for health researchers.

Although sample size calculations play an essential role in health research, published research often fails to report sample size selection. This study aims to explain the importance of sample size calculation and to provide considerations for determining sample size in a simplified manner. Approaches to sample size calculation according to study design are presented with examples in health research. For sample size estimation, researchers need to (1) provide information regarding the statistical analysis to be applied, (2) determine acceptable precision levels, (3) decide on study power, (4) specify the confidence level, and (5) determine the magnitude of practical significance differences (effect size). Most importantly, research team members need to engage in an open and realistic dialog on the appropriateness of the calculated sample size for the research question(s), available data records, research timeline, and cost. This study aims to further inform researchers and health practitioners interested in quantitative research, so as to improve their knowledge of sample size calculation.

Radiomics in veterinary medicine: Overview, methods, and applications.

Radiomics, or quantitative image analysis from radiographic image data, borrows the suffix from other emerging -omics fields of study, such as genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This report provides an overview of the general principles of how radiomic features are computed, describes major types of morphological, first order, and texture features, and the applications, challenges, and opportunities of radiomics as applied in veterinary medicine. Some advantages radiomics has over traditional semantic radiological features include standardized methodology in computing semantic features, the ability to compute features in multi-dimensional images, their newfound associations with genomic and pathological abnormalities, and the number of perceptible and imperceptible features available for regression or classification modeling. Some challenges in deploying radiomics in a clinical setting include sensitivity to image acquisition settings and image artifacts, pre- and post-image reconstruction and calculation settings, variability in feature estimates stemming from inter- and intra-observer contouring errors, and challenges with software and data harmonization and generalizability of findings given the challenges of small sample size and patient selection bias in veterinary medicine. Despite this, radiomics has enormous potential in patient-centric diagnostics, prognosis, and theragnostics. Fully leveraging the utility of radiomics in veterinary medicine will require inter-institutional collaborations, data harmonization, and data sharing strategies amongst institutions, transparent and robust model development, and multi-disciplinary efforts within and outside the veterinary medical imaging community.

Inflammatory biomarkers and cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients.

Cardiac injury has received considerable attention due to the higher risk of morbidity and mortality associated with coronavirus disease. However, in a developing country, there is a scarcity of data on cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients related to inflammatory biomarkers. Therefore, the present research retrospectively analyzes data from three territorial hospitals in Pakistan's Punjab province to investigate the potential impact of the cardiac injury on the mortality and severity of COVID-19-infected patients. We evaluated 2,051 patients between January 16 and April 18, 2022, with confirmed COVID-19. The in-hospital mortality recorded for the selected sample size was about 16.28%. The majority of the participants were identified as male (64%) with a median age of 65 years. Also, fever, fatigue, and dyspnea were reported as common symptoms. An aggregate of 623 patients (30.38%) had a cardiac injury, and when these patients are compared to those without cardiac injury, the participants were significantly older and had more comorbidities with higher leukocyte counts, elevated levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, procalcitonin, myohemoglobin, creatinine kinase-myocardial band, serum creatinine, high-sensitivity troponin-I, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide had a significant amount of multiple ground-glass opacity and bilateral pulmonary infiltration in radiographic results. Participants with heart injury required more non-invasive or invasive mechanical respiration than those who did not have a cardiac injury. Individuals with cardiac injury had higher rates of sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), d-dimer concentration, and respiratory failure than those without cardiac injury. Patients who had had a cardiac injury died at a higher rate than those who had not suffered cardiac damage. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, participants with cardiac injury showed greater odds of COVID-19 mortality and were found associated with older age (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 0.04-3.19), elevated cardiac troponin I (OR = 18.64, 95% CI = 13.16-23.01), the complication of sepsis (OR = 10.39, 95% CI = 7.41-13.39) and ARDS (OR = 6.65, 95% CI = 4.04-8.91). Cardiac injury is a frequent complication among patients with coronavirus-induced infection in Punjab, Pakistan, and it is significantly linked to a greater risk of in-hospital mortality.

Assessing factors contributing to students’ academic performance in Plateau State Polytechnic, Nigeria

Education is one of the most important factors that not only instil critical skills, abilities, and knowledge in individuals, but also lead toindividual, community, and national growth and progress. This study investigates factors that influenced academic performance amongstudents of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Nigeria. Primary and secondary data were obtained through the administering ofquestionnaires and the collection of student results from the school records. A sample of 363 final year students from the population of3860 final year students was selected using the Yamane sample size selection method. The data collected were analyzed using QuantileRegression with the help of R-Package Version 3.6.1. From the result obtained, different factors were identified at different quantile levelsto have a significant influence on students’ CGPA. At the higher quantile level (i.e. 75% and 95%), gender, number of siblings, mother’seducational level, father’s educational level, Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) score and how school fee is financed hadsignificant effects on student CGPA. At the lower quantile (i.e. 5% and 25%), the number of siblings, mother’s educational level, how schoolfee is financed, secondary school attended and UTME score had significant effects on student CGPA. Therefore, as the male students’results in the research seem to be lower than those of females, parents and schools should pay more attention to their education. Besides,the researcher recommends that government and schools provide support to children from large families.

Pengaruh Bermain Puzzle dan Dukungan Sosial Guru Terhadap Resiliensi Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini Kenanga Raya Medan

This study aims to determine: To determine the effect of playing puzzles and PAUD teacher social support on the resilience of children aged 5-6 years at PAUD Kenanga Raya Medan for the 2020/2021 academic year. This research method is a quantitative descriptive correlational type by placing the research variables in two groups, namely the independent variable and the dependent variable. The population of this research is PAUD Kenanga Raya Medan children. The sampling technique used was the purposive sampling technique with the selected sample size of 30 children, the data collection method used the puzzle playing observation sheet and the parental social support observation sheet, and the child resilience observation sheet. Analysis of research data shows that (1) there is a significant effect between playing puzzles on the resilience of children aged 5-6 years at PAUD Kenanga Raya Medan as indicated by a significance value of 0.047&lt;0.05; (2) there is a significant effect between teacher social support on the resilience of children aged 5-6 years in PAUD Kenanga Raya, which is indicated by a value of 0.034 &lt;0.05; (3) there is an effect of playing puzzles and teacher's social support on the resilience of children aged 5-6 years at PAUD Kenanga Raya.

The Prevalence and Impact of Low Oxygen in People with Sickle Cell Anemia: A Pilot Study

Introduction Low blood oxygen (hypoxia/hypoxemia) is common in people living with sickle cell disease (SCD), and has been attributed to combinations of hypoventilation, diffusion impairment, intracardiac/intrapulmonary shunts, and/or ventilation/perfusion mismatch. Low oxygen has been associated with high reticulocyte counts, abnormal red blood cell rheology, and cerebrovascular disease in homozygous sickle cell anemia (SCA), but its prevalence and impact on disease progression in adults is not well understood. Our primary objective in this study was to assess the prevalence of low oxygen in a cohort of adults living with SCD, focusing on occult night-time hypoxemia (nocturnal hemoglobin desaturation (NHD)). Our secondary objective was to explore the association between NHD and clinical history and lab values. Methods In this single institution cross-sectional study, we assessed NHD in adults with SCD genotype HbSS and HbSβ0-thlassemia, with a history of priapism, nocturnal symptoms, and/or an absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) above 275 x 103 cells/μL. Oximetry was performed with the WatchPAT™ ONE home sleep apnea test device. The threshold for identification of NHD was a measured SpO2 ≤ 88% for ≥ 5 minutes of sleep time, per Medicare guidelines for eligibility for oxygen therapy. Clinical data via medical chart abstraction and patient reported outcomes (ASCQ-Me Pain Impact, PROMIS Fatigue, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were collected prospectively upon enrollment. All participants gave informed consent, and the protocol was reviewed by the University of North Carolina Institutional Review Board. Results Twenty-four individuals were consented for the study, with 20 completing their oximetry testing. These participants ranged in age from 21 to 46 years (median 38, interquartile range [IQR] 33-43). Nineteen participants had HbSS, and one had HbSβ0-thalassemia. Nine participants (45%) were positive for NHD and were prescribed oxygen, with a median time at or under 88% SpO2 (desaturation time) of 31.6 minutes (IQR 19.7-226.4). Three participants had extreme desaturation times, >200 minutes, while all others were <75, and these 3 were excluded from analyses of clinical associations. Of the 17 evaluable participants, we found that increasing age, more hospitalizations, and decreased hemoglobin associated with more hemoglobin desaturation at night (Table 1 & Figure 1). Conversely, hemolysis (e.g. LDH and ARC) did not associate with the extent of hemoglobin desaturation; however, ARC was not a reliable indicator because of its central role in selection criteria. Reported pain impact, fatigue, and worsening sleep quality were not unequivocally associated with NHD in this small sample. Conclusion In a selected subset of people living with SCA, 45% had NHD of sufficient degree to be eligible for oxygen therapy per Medicare guidelines. Longer NHD times associated with anemia, increased age, and more hospitalizations. In ongoing work, we are examining the impact of oxygen therapy, qualitatively and quantitatively, on clinical measures and red blood cell health in this population, seeking to learn whether screening for occult hypoxemia could improve clinical outcomes in people living with SCA. Limitations of this study include the small sample size and strict selection criteria, constraining its power to represent the SCA population as a whole. Nonetheless, this pilot study suggests that NHD is more common in adults with SCA than is generally appreciated, and may be of clinical relevance. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

The Influence of Prosocial Behavior and Parental Support on Students' Interest in Studying at Parbuluan 1 Public High School in Dairi Regency

This study aims to determine the significant effect of Prosocial Behavior and Parental Support on Students' Interest in Learning at SMA Negeri 1 Parbuluan, Dairi Regency. The research method is a quantitative descriptive correlational type by placing the research variables in two groups, namely the independent variable and the dependent variable. The research population is SMA Negeri 1 Parbuluan, Dairi Regency. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling with a selected sample size of 100 children, the data collection method used prosocial behavior questionnaires, parental support questionnaires, and student learning interest questionnaires. The analysis used is Multiple Regression Analysis. Analysis of research data shows that (1) there is a significant effect of prosocial behavior on students' interest in learning which is indicated by the coefficient R = 0.561 and p = 0.000, namely p &lt; 0.00; (2) there is a significant effect of parental support on student interest in learning, which is indicated by the coefficient R = 0.138 and p = 0.000, namely p &lt;0.05 and (3) a significant effect of prosocial behavior and parental support on student interest in learning. indicated by the coefficient F = 25.996 and R (regression coefficient) = 0.591 while R2 = 0.349 with p &lt; 0.05 and Std. Error of the Estimate 9.46953, The accuracy rate is 100% - 9.46953= 90.53047%. The third hypothesis in this study is to determine the effect of prosocial behavior and parental support on students' interest in learning.

Pengaruh Reward dan Punishment Guru terhadap Resiliensi Anak Usia Dini Kelompok B di Taman Kanak-kanak Negeri Pembina Kabanjahe

This study aims to determine the effect of giving rewards and punishments to the resilience of the children of the TK Negeri Pembina Kabanjahe TA. 2020/2021. The research method is a quantitative descriptive correlational type by placing the research variables in two groups, namely the independent variable and the dependent variable. The research population is the children of the Kabanjahe State Kindergarten. The sampling technique used was the Saturated Sampling technique with a selected sample size of 30 children, the data collection method used an observation sheet for giving rewards, giving punishment, and child resilience. Analysis of research data shows that (1) there is a significant effect between reward giving and children's resilience as indicated by the coefficient R = 0.521 and p = 0.000, namely p &lt; 0.05; (2) there is a significant effect of giving punishment to children's resilience, which is indicated by the coefficient R = 0.655 and p = 0.008, namely p &lt;0.05 and (3) there is a significant effect of giving rewards and giving punishment to children's resilience which is indicated by the coefficient F = 21.596 and R (regression coefficient) = 0.657 while R2 = 0.431 with p &lt; 0.05 and Std. Error of the Estimate 6,1055, The accuracy rate is 100% - 6,1055= 93,8945%. The analysis used is Multiple Regression Analysis and Wilcoxon.parental support; self-concept; and self-confidence of students.

Deriving Right Sample Size and Choosing an Appropriate Sampling Technique to Select Samples from the Research Population During Ph.D. Program in India

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explain standard formulas available for deriving sample size, the essence of every component of formulas, and available techniques for selecting samples from the research population in turn, guiding the Ph.D. scholars to finalize appropriate sample size and sampling technique. Design/Methodology/Approach: Postmodernism philosophical paradigm; Inductive research approach; Observation data collection method; Longitudinal data collection time frame; Qualitative data analysis. Findings/Result: As long as the Ph.D. scholars can understand an appropriate sample size and available sampling techniques and make mindful choices of sample size and sampling technique across various stages/phases of the research to answer their research questions they will be able to determine (on their own) all the other choices in succeeding steps of doctoral-level research such as i) data collection instrument and iii) data analysis techniques. Originality/Value: There is a vast literature about how to derive the sample size and how to select samples from the research population. However, only a few have explained them together comprehensively which is conceivable to Ph.D. scholars. In this article, we have attempted to explain every component of sample size formulas and capture most of the sampling techniques briefly that would enable Ph.D. scholars in India to glance through and make a scholarly choice of appropriate sample size and sample selection techniques. Paper Type: Conceptual.

Primer on Logistic Regression for Emergency Care Researchers

BackgroundLogistic regression plays a fundamental role in the production of decision rules, risk assessment, and in establishing cause and effect relationships. This primer is aimed at novice researchers with minimal statistical expertise. ObjectiveIntroduce the logit equation and provide a hands-on example to facilitate understanding of its benefits and limitations. DiscussionThis primer reviews the mathematical basis of a logit equation by comparing and contrasting it with the simple straight-line (linear) equation. After gaining an understanding of the meaning of beta coefficients, readers are encouraged to download a free statistical program and database to produce a logistic regression analysis. Using this example, the narrative then discusses commonly used methods to describe model fitness, including the C-statistic, chi square, Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria, McFadden's pseudo R2, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The authors provide a how-to discussion for variable selection and estimate of sample size. However, logistic regression alone can seldom establish causal inference without further steps to explore the often complex relationship amongst variables and outcomes, such as with the use of a directed acyclic graphs. We present key elements that generally should be considered when appraising an article that uses logistic regression. This primer provides a basic understanding of the theory, hands-on construction, model analysis, and limitations of logistic regression in emergency care research. ConclusionsLogistic regression can provide information about the association of independent variables with important clinical outcomes, which can be the first step to show predictiveness or causation of variables on the outcomes of interest. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.

Moderation of Institutional Factors on the Relationship between Stakeholders' Management Practice and Sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project in Embu County, Kenya

The sustainability of a project is indicated by continuous benefits to the targeted beneficiaries. However, the concept of project sustainability has erroneously been generalized without consideration of the context in which it is built. In addition, projects operate in dynamically unique environments which persuade sustainability decisions and outcomes. The present study sought to achieve two objectives, namely: To determine the influence of stakeholders' management practices on the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project in Embu County, and To examine the moderating influence of institutional factors on the relationship between stakeholders' management practice and the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project in Embu County The study was anchored by sustainability, institutional, and stakeholders' theory. A descriptive survey research design with a cross-sectional approach was adopted. The targeted population was 152 personnel, including 7 managers and 145 registered dairy farmers. A sample size of 108 was determined using Krejcie and Morgan table for selecting sample sizes given the total population. The 108 respondents were picked through systematic random sampling (101 farmers) and census (7 managers). Narrative and numerical data were collected using interviews and structured questionnaires correspondingly. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences were used in the computation of numerical data. Descriptive statistics, such as percentage, mean, frequency, and standard deviation, were generated from the quantitative data. Also, parametric tests like Pearson correlational analysis and regression analysis were used in the data analysis. Narrative data were coded, and themes and summaries were generated. Hypotheses were tested at a 95% confidence interval using the F-test. Statistical data were summarized in tables. The relationship between stakeholders' management practice and the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project was found to be strong and positive (r = 0.77), and management practice predicted a 59% variation in the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project (R Square= 0.59). Thus, the null hypotheses were rejected, and it concluded that stakeholders' management practices have a significant relationship with the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project. The introduction of institutional factors to stakeholders' management practice caused a 19% variation in the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project. The 19% was statistically significant for p equals to 0.00, which is less than 0.05. This led to the rejection of the null hypothesis and concluded that institutional factors moderated the relationship between stakeholders' management practices and the sustainability of Ugweri Dairy Project. Project planners and designers should ensure that stakeholders are continuously engaged while prioritizing their needs and interest and resolving disputes to promote the delivery of sustainable impacts. The findings from the current study provide empirical evidence upon which the government can rely to develop operational guidelines with regard to stakeholder participation while aligning their needs with the development projects. Equally, the government can legislate on establishing a dispute-handling mechanism between stakeholders and project developers while strengthening and stabilizing the environments in which projects operate. Future methodologies should consider triangulation research like multiple data collection instruments for the greater conclusion and generalization of the findings. Potential areas for further study include: Interaction of stakeholders' management practice with organizational processes and performance and project success, and Mediation role of institutional factors on stakeholder management and project sustainability