Significance Level Research Articles

Health economic evaluation of an electronic mindfulness-based intervention (eMBI) to improve maternal mental health during pregnancy – a randomized controlled trial (RCT)

BackgroundAnxiety and depression are the most prevalent psychiatric diseases in the peripartum period. They can lead to relevant health consequences for mother and child as well as increased health care resource utilization (HCRU) and related costs. Due to the promising results of mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) and digital health applications in mental health, an electronic MBI on maternal mental health during pregnancy was implemented and assessed in terms of transferability to standard care in Germany. The present study focused the health economic outcomes of the randomized controlled trial (RCT).MethodsThe analysis, adopting a payer’s and a societal perspective, included women of increased emotional distress at < 29 weeks of gestation. We applied inferential statistics (α = 0.05 significance level) to compare the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) in terms of HCRU and costs. The analysis was primarily based on statutory health insurance claims data which covered the individual observational period of 40 weeks.ResultsOverall, 258 women (IG: 117, CG: 141) were included in the health economic analysis. The results on total health care costs from a payer’s perspective indicated higher costs for the IGi compared to the CG (Exp(ß) = 1.096, 95% CI: 1.006–1.194, p = 0.037). However, the estimation was not significant after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.006). Even the analysis from a societal perspective as well as sensitivity analyses did not show significant results.ConclusionsIn the present study, the eMBI did neither reduced nor significantly increased health care costs. Further research is needed to generate robust evidence on eMBIs for women suffering from peripartum depression and anxiety.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00017210. Registered on 13 January 2020. Retrospectively registered.

Investigating the association between gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the associations between specific bacterial taxa of the gut microbiome and the development of aortic aneurysm diseases, utilizing Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore these associations and overcome the confounding factors commonly present in observational studies.MethodsEmploying the largest available gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm Genome-Wide Association Study databases, including MiBioGen, Dutch Microbiome Project, FinnGen, UK Biobank, and Michigan Genomics Initiative, this study performs two-sample bidirectional MR analyses. Instrumental variables, linked to microbiome taxa at significant levels, were selected for identifying relationships with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA), and aortic dissection (AD). Methods like inverse variance weighted, MR-PRESSO, MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and mode-based estimate were used for MR analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochran Q test. MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO addressed potential unbalanced horizontal pleiotropy.ResultsThe analysis did not find any evidence of statistically significant associations between the gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases after adjusting for the false discovery rate (FDR). Specifically, while initial results suggested correlations between 19 taxa and AAA, 25 taxa and TAA, and 13 taxa with AD, these suggested associations did not hold statistical significance post-FDR correction. Therefore, the role of individual gut microbial taxa as independent factors in the development and progression of aortic aneurysm diseases remains inconclusive. This finding underscores the necessity for larger sample sizes and more comprehensive studies to further investigate these potential links.ConclusionThe study emphasizes the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and aortic aneurysm diseases. Although no statistically significant associations were found after FDR correction, the findings provide valuable insights and highlight the importance of considering gut microbiota in aortic aneurysm diseases research. Understanding these interactions may eventually contribute to identifying new therapeutic and preventive strategies for aortic aneurysm diseases.

Comparison of Coren mix design with other international mix (ACI and DoE) design methods

Because of its quality, which allows for veracities, Today, concrete is the most frequently utilized civil engineering material. Concrete has a low tensile strength and a high compressive strength. Even though Nigeria is Africa's giant, it has been discovered that its local contractor does not have a well-used standard mix procedure. Local Nigerian contractors have relied on an international mix. COREN recently established a mix design. It is critical that we determine whether this design process will be suitable for usage by local contractors. To assess the effectiveness of the published local mix against defined international standards, a complete experimental analysis of the COREN mix design with ACI and DoE was used in this study. With a target compressive strength of 30N/mm2, three concrete mix designs with 0.48 and 0.50 water/cement ratios were used, and this mix was subjected to compressive tests, split tensile tests, and three-point bending. With respect to all the test conducted and analyzed, this attests to the level of significance of COREN i.e. For 28days mix with 0.48w/c, compressive strength with COREN gave 32N/mm2 against 31N/mm2 and 30N/mm2 for ACI and DoE mix, respectively. Splitting tensile strength of 2.7 N/mm2 was achieved with COREN mix against 2.8N/mm2 and 2.7N/mm2 from ACI and DoE, respectively. Likewise, results of flexural strength are 4.7N/mm2, 5.3N/mm2 and 5.1N/mm2 for COREN, ACI and DoE, respectively. For 28days mix with 0.50w/c, compressive strength with COREN gave 29N/mm2 against 30N/mm2 for ACI and DoE mix, respectively. Splitting tensile strength of 2.5N/mm2 was achieved with COREN mix against 2.4N/mm2 and 2.8N/mm2 from ACI and DoE, respectively. Likewise, results of flexural strength are 5.1N/mm2, 4.7N/mm2 and 5.6N/mm2 for COREN, ACI and DoE, respectively.

The Preferred Use of Google Classroom Features for Online Learning in Indonesian EFL Classes

Google Classroom has been frequently used as an e-learning platform to substitute for Learning Management System (LMS), and the use of its features (Classwork, Stream, People, etc.) varies among teachers with different goals, focuses, and familiarity. However, research has not addressed how the selection of Google Classroom features affects students learning experience. Therefore, this study was aimed at finding out how Google Classroom features should be used to better facilitate online learning among students in English as a foreign language (EFL) classes. The data for this research was collected from ten leading schools in Indonesia, and 373 students participated in this study. Two questionnaires were used and delivered online, i.e. a Google Classroom Use questionnaire with Google Classroom features, consisting of 23 items, and a Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire specified for EFL, consisting of 21 items with four constructs, i.e. usefulness, ease of use, intention, and actual system of use. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression model to determine the effect of each Google Classroom feature on students’ perception of TAM indicators. The hypotheses were rejected at the significance level of 0.05. The research results show that there is a correlation between both variables. The results also show that Classwork and Stream features were significant predictors for almost all TAM indicators. In this case, Classwork feature covers learning activities, and Stream feature includes interaction or communication facilities. Based on these results, it can be suggested that e-learning needs to facilitate students learning activities (e.g., quizzes, assignments, materials, and schedules) and student interaction/communication (e.g., announcements, notices, discussions, and shared posts). The results of this study contribute to educators and e-learning developers to consider maximizing the use and design of learning activity and interaction features due to their significance in online learning.

The Effect of Endorphin Massage on the Intensity of Dysmenorrhea in Adolescent Girls

Dysmenorrhea is often experienced by young women, this can disturb your sense of comfort and interfere with daily activities, generally it is not dangerous but must be treated immediately. Dysmenorrhea usually occurs before or during menstruation, starting from one to two days before menstruation or during menstruation. Dysmenorrhea treatment can be divided into two categories, namely pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Pharmacological treatment such as consuming non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), while non-pharmacological treatment can be done with Endorphin Massage. Endorphin Massage has the effect of stimulating the body to release endorphin compounds which are pain relievers and can create a feeling of comfort, which is a therapeutic action that is useful for improving physical and psychological conditions. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of giving endorphin massage on reducing dysmenorrhea in young women. The research design used was Quasi Experimental with a pre-experimental design, with one group pretest-posttest. to see the effect of Endorphin Massage before and after the intervention. The sample size was 30 respondents. The sampling technique used consecutive sampling which had been adjusted to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. This study used the Wilcoxon statistical test with a significance level of α = 0.05. The results of this study showed a value of ρ = 0.000, where the value of ρ

Examining the association between the FTO gene and neuroticism reveals indirect effects on subjective well-being and problematic alcohol use

Associations between the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene and obesity are well-established. However, recent studies have linked FTO to addiction phenotypes and dopaminergic signaling, thus suggesting broader psychiatric implications. We explored this assumption by conducting a phenome-wide association study across 4756 genome-wide association studies, identifying 23–26 psychiatric traits associated with FTO at the multiple-corrected significance level. These traits clustered into four categories: substance use, chronotype/sleep, well-being, and neuroticism. To validate these findings, we analyzed a functionally suggestive FTO variant (rs1421085) in a separate cohort, examining its impact on (i) alcohol use based on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), (ii) subjective well-being based on the WHO (Ten) Well-Being Index, and (iii) neuroticism based on Schafer’s Five Factor Model or the Karolinska Scales of Personality. Our results confirmed a direct association between rs1421085 and neuroticism that was independent of age, sex, alcohol use, body mass index (BMI), and childhood adversities. Interestingly, while no direct association with alcohol intake was observed, both cross-sectional and lagged longitudinal mediation analyses uncovered indirect relationships between rs1421085 and problematic alcohol use (AUDIT-P), with increased neuroticism acting as the intermediary. Mediation analyses also supported an indirect effect of rs1421085 on lower well-being through the pathways of increased neuroticism and BMI. Our study is the first to validate a direct association between FTO and neuroticism. However, additional studies are warranted to affirm the causal pathways linking FTO to well-being and alcohol use through neuroticism.

A study to assess the knowledge and practice regarding sanitation and hygiene among women living in selected areas of Dhaka city

Background: Access to improved sanitation and hygiene is one of the prime concerns around the globe. This study aimed at assessing knowledge and practice regarding sanitation and hygiene among women living in selected areas of Dhaka city. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slums of Vellore using the systematic random sampling method. Data was analyzed using frequency and WASH scoring. Further bi-variate and multivariate analyses was done using chi-square test and logistic regression. A total number of 140 households were surveyed using a semi-structured, pilot-tested questionnaire. Results: The 230 participants, with a mean age of 43.2 years, who were mostly from nuclear families (72.6%) and had monthly family incomes of at least 20,000 BDT, were included in the study. The 37% of respondents had hygienic sanitation facilities, while 42% of respondents had access to Kacha latrines. 69% of the participants used sandals while defecating, and 64% washed their hands with water and soap or ash. A significant association between WASH practices and household members with less than five members and upper middle SES group was found by multivariate logistic regression analysis, with a significance level of less than 0.01. Conclusions: Since good hygiene will stop the spread of infectious diseases, knowledge and practice of proper personal hygiene and sanitation are essential in day-to-day living. Comprehensive knowledge, more awareness programs, and subsidy policies should be implemented in order to improve sanitation and reduce the burden of transmissible diseases while taking into account regional variations in hygiene practice.

Apical periodontitis as an aggravating factor for the severity of rheumatoid arthritis: An animal study.

The present study investigated the influence of apical periodontitis (AP) on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a Wistar rat model. Forty male Wistar rats were distributed across four groups (n = 10) based on the induction of RA and AP: Control, RA, AP, and RA + AP. RA was induced through two immunisations with type II collagen emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant, followed by one immunisation with complete Freund's adjuvant. After 21 days of RA induction, AP was induced by exposing the pulp of four molars. Animals were euthanized after 28 days of pulp exposure. Through the experiment, visual and behavioural assessments tracked RA development and the knees and hind paw joints were measured. Micro-computed tomography scans of knees and hind paws, as well as mandibles and maxillae, were conducted to evaluate RA severity and the presence of AP, respectively. Serum samples were collected to analyse proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-17, and TNF-α). Non-parametric data were analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test, while one-way anova followed by Tukey's test was performed for parametric data. A significance level of 5% was employed. All molars submitted to access cavity developed AP. All joints subjected to arthritis induction developed the disease, with AP + RA demonstrating a higher arthritis severity when compared to the RA group (p < .05). RA + AP group displayed a significantly larger hind paw and knee circumference compared to the RA group (p < .05). Micro-CT images of RA and RA + AP groups revealed joints with erosions and bone deformities, with a significantly lower bone surface density, lower trabecular number and higher trabecular separation in the hind paw and a significantly lower percent bone volume and higher trabecular separation in the knees of RA + AP group compared to RA group (p < .05). RA + AP group exhibited a significantly higher level of TNF-α and a lower level of IL-2 compared to all other groups (p < .05). Both RA and RA + AP groups had significantly higher IL-17 levels (p < .05), while there was no significant difference in IL-1β levels among the groups (p > .05). The findings from this study underscore a possible relationship between apical periodontitis and the exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis.

Assessing the Probability of Winning a Point in Men’s Padel: A Comprehensive Analysis

Background—The number of studies on padel has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the growing importance of the sport. However, more research is still needed on a comprehensive analysis of performance indicators. This study had a double objective: on the one hand, to analyze the probability of winning a point as a function of several variables and, on the other hand, to develop a match analysis. Methods—A total of 980 points from the Menorca 2020 World Padel Tour Master Final Men’s category were examined using observational methodology. The participants were the eight pairs who competed in the final rounds of the tournament. To obtain the results, various analytical techniques were used, such as descriptive analysis and the chi-square test, with a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results—The results indicated that most points were initiated on the first serve (88.5%) and were most often won by the serving pair (59.3%). Short rallies predominated (42.2%), with the serving pair most likely to win the point (71%). As the rally became longer, the probability of winning the point decreased, reaching 57% for medium rallies and 47% for long rallies. Almost half of the points were completed in less than 10 s, with an average point duration of 15 s. Most points were finished from the middle area and near the net (41.4% and 36%, respectively), mainly by smashes (25.9%) or volleys (28.9%), with the cross-court trajectory being the most effective. Conclusions—Short rallies (0–6 shots) were the most common, with an average point duration of approximately 15 s. Most points ended with a shot from the middle of the court, using a volley or a smash with a cross-court trajectory. There is a clear relationship between proximity to the net on the final shot and an increased probability of winning the point.

Parental Characteristics and Its Association with Nutritional Status among Girls in Padang Pariaman District, West Sumatera, Indonesia

The prevalence of being underweight amongst adolescent girls has increased in Indonesia. One of the factors hat affects weight is parental characteristics. The study aimed to describe and analyze the association between parental characteristics and the nutritional status of adolescent girls. A cross sectional study was conducted to collect data characteristics of girls and their parents related to nutrition. 112 girls in MTSN 2 Padang Pariaman were respondents selected through a proportional stratified random sampling technique. The nutritional status of adolescent girls was determined through weight and height measurement; after that, it was compared with age. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, and then the data was analyzed using a computer program. Chi-square tests were used to analyze bivariate with a significant level determined if p-value was less than 0.05. The result showed that about 50% of girls were underweight. The percentage of underweight girls was higher for girl’s whose father’s were less educated and mother’s highly educated, but itwas not statistically significant. There was an association between economic status and nutritional status (p-value&lt;0.05), and other factors tended to be associated with underweight status among adolescent girls. Health and nutrition education is needed to increase the knowledge of adolescent girls about nutritious food and nutritional status. Collaboration activities of health institutions with health education institutions could be done routinely in schools to prevent and combat malnutrition problems, specifically among adolescent girls. Keywords: Adolescent Girls; Nutritional Status; Parental characteristics

Biosafety assessment and In vitro antioxidant activity of Musanga cecropioides root sap

The present study evaluated the biosafety and in vitro antioxidant activity of Musanga cecropioides root sap, a traditional remedy known for its health benefits. The sap was found to be rich in bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols, confirming existing literature. Proximate analysis revealed high moisture, fat, and protein content, alongside significant levels of essential vitamins and amino acids, indicating potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits. Acute toxicity assessments in mice demonstrated safety at doses up to 100 ml/kg, while the sub-acute toxicity assessment using rats showed no significant changes in haematological parameters or liver and kidney function markers. Histological examinations showed minor, non-significant alterations in liver and lung tissues. Antioxidant assays (DPPH and ABTS) revealed considerable radical scavenging activities, attributed to the presence of known antioxidant compounds. These findings support the traditional use of Musanga cecropioides root sap, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. Further research is recommended to explore its mechanisms and clinical efficacy, paving the way for its development into a standardized natural remedy.

The impact of pregnancy on sexual functioning in Polish women.

Sexual life of pregnant women alters during pregnancy due to the physiologic,' anatomic and hormonal changes in her body. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate female sexual functioning after becoming pregnant. A prospective survey study including 148 pregnant women. An anonymous questionnaire including 60 inquiries concerning intimate relationship before and during pregnancy was performed. The following statistical test were used: Chi-square test of independence, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Wilcoxon test. The significance level of p = 0.05 was assumed. Most of the respondents were between 31 and 40years old (55%). Majority of them were married (86%). During pregnancy, slightly more than half of women had a moderate need for sexual intercourse (51%), a large percentage of them had a low need (32%), a high need for intercourse was declared by 17% of women. The correlation analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between women's education and the need for sex before pregnancy (p = 0.049). Respondents with higher degrees of education more often felt the need for intercourse before pregnancy. No correlation was found between education and the need for intercourse after pregnancy (p = 0.107). After becoming pregnant, 51% of women had less need for intercourse, 7% more, and 42% the same as before pregnancy, and these differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Also, a decreased satisfaction with sexual intercourse was reported during pregnancy (p < 0.001). After getting pregnant, the average number of intercourses decreased in majority (71%) of respondents, and differences in the number of intercourses before and during pregnancy were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Pregnancy has significant impact on woman's sexuality. After becoming pregnant majority of women declare less need for sexual intercourses, decreased number of intercourses with less satisfaction.

Investigating developmental characteristics of biopsied blastocysts stratified by mitochondrial copy numbers using time-lapse monitoring

BackgroundFor in vitro fertilization (IVF), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in the trophectodermal (TE) cells of biopsied blastocysts have been suggested to be associated with the cells’ developmental potential. However, scholars have reached differing opinions regarding the use of mtDNA levels as a reliable biomarker for predicting IVF outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to assess the association of mitochondrial copy number measured by mitoscore associated with embryonic developmental characteristics and ploidy.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the developmental characteristics of embryos and mtDNA levels in biopsied trophectodermal cells. The analysis was carried out using time-lapse monitoring and next-generation sequencing from September 2021 to September 2022. Five hundred and fifteen blastocysts were biopsied from 88 patients undergoing IVF who met the inclusion criteria. Embryonic morphokinetics and morphology were evaluated at 118 h after insemination using all recorded images. Blastocysts with appropriate morphology on day 5 or 6 underwent TE biopsy and preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Statistical analysis involved generalized estimating equations, Pearson’s chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal–Wallis test, with a significance level set at P < 0.05.ResultsTo examine differences in embryonic characteristics between blastocysts with low versus high mitoscores, the blastocysts were divided into quartiles based on their mitoscore. Regarding morphokinetic characteristics, no significant differences in most developmental kinetics and observed cleavage dysmorphisms were discovered. However, blastocysts in mitoscore group 1 had a longer time for reaching 3-cell stage after tPNf (t3; median: 14.4 h) than did those in mitoscore group 2 (median: 13.8 h) and a longer second cell cycle (CC2; median: 11.7 h) than did blastocysts in mitoscore groups 2 (median: 11.3 h) and 4 (median: 11.4 h; P < 0.05). Moreover, blastocysts in mitoscore group 4 had a lower euploid rate (22.6%) and a higher aneuploid rate (59.1%) than did those in the other mitoscore groups (39.6–49.3% and 30.3–43.2%; P < 0.05). The rate of whole-chromosomal alterations in mitoscore group 4 (63.4%) was higher than that in mitoscore groups 1 (47.3%) and 2 (40.1%; P < 0.05). A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze associations between the mitoscore and euploidy of elective blastocysts. After accounting for factors that could potentially affect the outcome, the mitoscore still exhibited a negative association with the likelihood of euploidy (adjusted OR = 0.581, 95% CI: 0.396–0.854; P = 0.006).ConclusionsBlastocysts with varying levels of mitochondrial DNA, identified through biopsies, displayed similar characteristics in their early preimplantation development as observed through time-lapse imaging. However, the mitochondrial DNA level determined by the mitoscore can be used as a standalone predictor of euploidy.

Economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon

Background: In low-income countries, the demand of family planning methods can help to address the imbalance between the population growth rate and the volume of the production of wealth. However, the contraceptive prevalence remains low in resources limited countries. Different strategies have been used to encourage the demand of modern family planning methods. This article examined the economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with a two-stage stratified sampling, including 9,633 women of childbearing age. A logistic regression model was used for bivariate and multivariate analysis with a statistically significant level of p&lt;0.05. Results: Women’s demand for modern family planning methods was relatively low (28.8%). Demand for modern family planning methods was significantly associated (p&lt;0.05) with women’s economic and social characteristics, such as age groups (15 to 24 and 35 to 49), level of education (possibly for the spouse too), experiencing domestic violence, professional status, religion, place of residence, income, access to the media and place for antenatal visits, and women living in west, south and south-west, Adamawa, extreme-north, and Littoral regions. However, the women’s demand for modern family planning methods was non-significantly associated (p&gt;0.05) with age between 25 and 34, marital status and women living in east, north and north-west regions. Conclusions: With a view of reducing poverty by controlling the birth rate, decision-makers should strive to improve economic and social conditions and raise women's awareness of how to demand family planning methods.

Effect Of Online Tracking System And Delivery Timeliness On Customer Satisfaction (Case Study On J &amp; T Express Sampit)

The title of this study is the effect of Online tracking system and Keteptan delivery time on customer satisfaction (Case Study on J&amp;T Express Sampit). This study was conducted at J &amp; T Express Sampit which is located at Jalan MT. Haryono No. 095, Mentawa Baru Hulu, District. Mentawa Baru Ketapang, East Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. This study was conducted on customers who use the services of J &amp; T Express Sampit with accidental sampling technique. And the data were tested using validity test, reliability test, hypothesis test and analysis of research data using descriptive analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, correlation coefficient analysis and determination analysis. Based on the results of the hypothesis test in this study is a T-test for online tracking system variables (X1) IE t count 3.146 &gt; t table 2.00324 and a significant level of 0.001 &lt; 0.05 then H0 rejected and Ha accepted. This means that there is a significant influence of Online tracking systems on customer satisfaction. As for the T-test for variable timeliness of delivery (X2) is t count 4.763 &gt; t table 2.00324 and a significant level of 0.000 &lt; 0.05 then H0 rejected and Ha accepted. This means that there is a significant influence between the timeliness of delivery to customer satisfaction. Then for the F-test, namely F count 25.098 &gt; F table 3.16 and a significant level of 0.000 &lt; 0.05 means that simultaneously the Online tracking system and delivery timeliness have a significant effect on customer satisfaction. R number of 0.690 shows the relationship / correlation between customer satisfaction with the independent variable is strong (significant). Adjust R Square of 0.552 means that 55.20% of customer satisfaction variable (Y) can be explained by Online Tracking System variables (X1) and delivery timeliness (X2). While the remaining 44.8% were influenced by other variables that were not included in this study. Based on the results of multiple linear regression test obtained by the equation Y = 1.233+ 0.407 (X1) + 0.580 (X2) means that the score/value of the constant ( ③ ) shows that if there is no increase in the variables of the online tracking system and the accuracy of delivery time then the value of customer satisfaction is equal to 1.233. And each addition of one score / variable value of the online tracking system provides an increase of 0.407 to customer satisfaction with fixed X2 conditions and each addition of one score/variable value of delivery timeliness provides the same increase of 0.580 to customer satisfaction with fixed X1.

Weather variable selection for whitefly population prediction modeling by using backward elimination regression

The present investigation discusses the selection process of the most influencing weather variables for developing a prediction model for whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), based on the backward elimination method. This method aids in the selection of a model with fewer variables by eliminating those that are less pertinent, thereby enhancing precision and mitigating model complexity. In the pursuit of achieving a balance between simplicity and model fit, the conventional 5% level of significance (p-value ≤ 0.05) was utilized along with six weather variables viz., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, evaporation rate, sunshine hours, rainfall, and evening relative humidity. Through an iterative elimination process, it was determined that only three variables-minimum temperature, sunshine hours, and evening relative humidity-significantly contributed to the prediction model. Subsequently, these three variables were retained for predicting whitefly population counts, while the remaining less relevant variables were discarded. The model was found to be around 74 percent accurate in predicting the dynamics of whitefly.

Strategic Planning and Quality Education in the Framework of the Ods in a Peruvian Public Technological Institute

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of strategic planning on educational quality in a Peruvian public technological institute. This is associated with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) "Quality Education". Theoretical framework: Strategic planning is a systematic process of formulating, implementing and evaluating strategies to achieve objectives, using resources and making appropriate decisions to optimize results. Educational quality is a fundamental right characterized by being equitable, relevant, pertinent, effective and efficient. Method: This was a basic study with a quantitative approach and a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 74 teachers, the technique used was the survey and a questionnaire was used for each variable. The ordinal logistic regression test was used for inferential analysis, considering a significance level &lt; 0.05. Results and Discussion: A p-value &lt; 0.001 was found, which shows that there is a significant influence of strategic planning on educational quality, showing an influence of 41.8%. Implications of the research: Better strategic planning in the institution translates into better performance to achieve quality education in the Peruvian public higher technological institute, with an impact on the educational sector. Originality/value: Strategic planning in educational quality in Peruvian public higher technological institutes has not been widely explored, so this study

Turkish cross-cultural adaptation, construct validity, and reliability of the treatment expectations in chronic pain scale.

Measuring treatment expectations using the Treatment Expectations in Chronic Pain (TEC) scale has the potential to help clinicians and researchers better understand the role that treatment expectations play within the framework of multimodal pain management settings. The purpose of this study is to determine the cross-cultural adaptation, construct validity and reliability of the TEC Scale in the Turkish language. The study included 191 volunteers aged 22-65 with chronic musculoskeletal diseases. This study composed of a six-stage cross-cultural adaptation process, which included translation, translation synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review, pre-testing and documentation submission. The Positivity Scale and Illness Cognition Questionnaire were used to measure convergent validity while the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to test divergent validity. The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the TEC scale was examined by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Scale's internal consistency was examined using Cronbach's alpha. Pearson correlation coefficients were utilized to evaluate both convergent and divergent validity. The significance level was set at p < .05. The results of the CFA showed that factor structure of predicted subscale fitted well the data (x2/df = 3,07;CFI = 0,91,IFI = 0,91 TLI = 0,87,RMSEA = 0,10). The results of the CFA indicated that factor structure of ideal subscale fitted well with the data (x2/df = 2,38;CFI = 0,92,IFI = 0,93,TLI = 0,90,RMSEA = 0,08). Both subscales of the TEC were strongly correlated. The predicted subscale had moderate relationships to depression, anxiety, and positivity (r=-0.37 to r = 0.55) but poor correlations with measures of acceptance, perceived benefits and helplessness (r=-0.24 to 0.35). The ideal subscale had moderate correlations with measures of positivity (r = 0.36) and depression (r=-0.38) but poor correlations with measures of acceptance, perceived benefits helplessness and anxiety (r = 0.14). The Turkish version of the TEC scale is acceptable, valid, and reliable for use in Turkish patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in physiotherapy outpatient practice.

Effects of Photobiomodulation Associated with Platelet-Rich Plasma in Acute Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced in Female Wistar Rats' Knee.

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, pain, and joint degradation, necessitating treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, posing various challenges. We aimed to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) at two different doses associated to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in an invivo model of induced acute arthritis in Wistar rats' knee. Methods: Eighty-four Wistar rats were assigned into seven groups, including animals treated with PBM and/or PRP. On day 0, arthritis was induced in sham and treated groups through the intra-articular injection of zymosan (200 μg). Twenty-four hours after induction, the PBM groups were treated with an AsGaAl laser, whereas the PRP-treated groups received intra-articular injections with a concentration of 8 × 105 platelets obtained from another four animals. After 3 days, the animals were euthanized, and the interleukin (IL)-6 and complement C3 gene and protein expression levels were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the mean ± SD with analysis of variance and Tukey's posttest, with a significance level set at 5% (p < 0.05). Results: Synovial inflammation decreased in PBM-treated groups; however, PRP alone showed no significant difference. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant difference in IL-6 and C3 levels in the PBM and PBM+PRP-treated groups. Meanwhile, the PRP alone group exhibited significance for IL-6. Moreover, the PBM and PBM+PRP-treated groups showed a significant difference in C3 protein expression levels, whereas the PRP alone group showed no difference. Conclusion: The increase in cellular activity in the synovial membrane and the decrease protein expression levels are owing to the reduction in proinflammatory mediators following PBM therapy.

Impact of long contact areas for the management of varying levels of interdental papilla loss on the perception of smile esthetics between dentists and laypersons in asymmetric and symmetric situations.

To determine the effect of restorations with long contact areas for the management of interdental papilla deficiencies, in smile attractiveness among laypersons and dentists. A full-portrait image was used to create a set of digitally modified images, simulating the management of various levels of interdental papilla loss. In a total of 48 modified images, single as well as multiple loss of interdental papilla among the anterior teeth, treated with a single or multiple restorations were simulated for unilateral and bilateral situations. Through a digital monitor 160 laypeople and dentists were asked to assess the attractiveness of each displayed image utilizing a visual-analog-scale. Multiple Wilcoxon-signed-rank tests followed by Mann-Whitney U tests were performed considering a significance level of 0.05. The management of an open gingival embrasure due to interdental papilla loss, by simulating the restoration of both central incisors led to a significantly higher mean smile attractiveness compared to the restoration of a single central incisor. Among the investigated regions, the management of open gingival embrasure in the area of central incisors using a restorative approach was perceived as the least esthetic (p<0.05). Despite the restorative management of interdental papilla loss, with the establishment of longer contact areas for the reduction of open gingival embrasures, as the level of the interdental papilla loss is increased, facial esthetics are compromised. When a longer contact area is accomplished through a single restoration, asymmetry among the teeth can be induced, especially in the region of the central incisors.