Significance Tests Research Articles

Enhancing Autism Spectrum Disorder Classification with Lightweight Quantized CNNs and Federated Learning on ABIDE-1 Dataset

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that presents significant diagnostic challenges due to its varied symptoms and nature. This study aims to improve ASD classification using advanced deep learning techniques applied to neuroimaging data. We developed an automated system leveraging the ABIDE-1 dataset and a novel lightweight quantized one-dimensional (1D) Convolutional Neural Network (Q-CNN) model to analyze fMRI data. Our approach employs the NIAK pipeline with multiple brain atlases and filtering methods. Initially, the Regions of Interest (ROIs) are converted into feature vectors using tangent space embedding to feed into the Q-CNN model. The proposed 1D-CNN is quantized through Quantize Aware Training (QAT). As the quantization method, int8 quantization is utilized, which makes it both robust and lightweight. We propose a federated learning (FL) framework to ensure data privacy, which allows decentralized training across different data centers without compromising local data security. Our findings indicate that the CC200 brain atlas, within the NIAK pipeline’s filt-global filtering methods, provides the best results for ASD classification. Notably, the ASD classification outcomes have achieved a significant test accuracy of 98% using the CC200 and filt-global filtering techniques. To the best of our knowledge, this performance surpasses previous studies in the field, highlighting a notable enhancement in ASD detection from fMRI data. Furthermore, the FL-based Q-CNN model demonstrated robust performance and high efficiency on a Raspberry Pi 4, underscoring its potential for real-world applications. We exhibit the efficacy of the Q-CNN model by comparing its inference time, power consumption, and storage requirements with those of the 1D-CNN, quantized CNN, and the proposed int8 Q-CNN models. This research has made several key contributions, including the development of a lightweight int8 Q-CNN model, the application of FL for data privacy, and the evaluation of the proposed model in real-world settings. By identifying optimal brain atlases and filtering methods, this study provides valuable insights for future research in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.

창업교육이 예비창업자의 창업의지에 미치는 영향: 고객인터뷰와 문제해결능력의 매개효과를 중심으로

Objectives This study aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur, considering entrepreneurship education as the independent variable and entrepreneurial intention as the dependent variable. A partial mediation model was established to investigate the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention through customer interviews and problem-solving skills. Methods To do this, a mediation model analysis was conducted through the responses of 389 learners from 16 universities who performed the KDB entrepreneurial education program conducted by the Korea Entrepreneurship Foundation. The study employed STATA 17 version to conduct basic statistical analysis, correlation analysis, as well as partial mediation analysis and significance testing using the khb analysis method. Entrepreneurship education was assumed as an independent variable, entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneurs was assumed as a dependent variable, and customer interviews and problem-solving skills as mediating variables. Results Firstly, entrepreneurship education had a positive (+) effect on entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur. Secondly, entrepreneurship education positively influenced entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur through customer interviews. Thirdly, entrepreneurship education positively influenced entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur through the improvement of problem-solving skills. Through the results of this study, it was confirmed that entrepreneurship education is necessary to strengthen entrepreneurial intention. To enhance the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education, it was found that customer interviews and problem-solving skills are important during the process of entrepreneurship education, and these educational methods improve entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur. Conclusions The finding that entrepreneurship education positively influences entrepreneurial intention of prospective entrepreneur is significant in confirming the effectiveness and necessity of entrepreneurship education. Additionally, the study is significant in verifying and confirming the partial mediating effect of customer interviews and problem-solving skills in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and the enhancement of entrepreneurial intention. By confirming whether customer interviews and problem-solving skills mediate the effect in the process where entrepreneurship education manifests as improved entrepreneurial intention, this study contributes to elucidating in detail that the effects of entrepreneurship education can lead to entrepreneurial intention. Furthermore, the academic and practical implications are also found in identifying the role of intermediate variables such as customer interviews and problem-solving skills in the process where the effects of entrepreneurship education emerge.

Abstract A013: Advanced Gene Signatures for the Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is among the most lethal tumors, with limited treatment options. The absence of reliable screening and diagnostic tools (biomarkers or procedures) significantly contributes to its poor prognosis. Biomarkers that can diagnose PDA, select optimal therapy combinations, and predict the risk of occult metastases are crucial for enhancing treatment outcomes. Previously, we identified methylation signatures capable of predicting outcomes and diagnosing PDA, focusing on genes/proteins with preclinical evidence of influencing key drugs (gemcitabine [Gem], 5-fluorouracil [5FU], oxaliplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel, and irinotecan) used in treatment. To make these findings more clinically applicable and propose a novel approach for personalized treatment selection between Gem-based (Gem/nab-paclitaxel) and 5FU-based (FOLFIRINOX) combinations, we explored the diagnostic value of genes associated specifically with Gem and 5FU. The objective was to develop a gene signature for diagnosing PDA and aiding in treatment selection. Based on recent literature, we updated our previous gene panels (from 55 to 93 for Gem, and from 20 to 28 for 5FU). We analyzed RNA and gene expression differences between normal (NT) and PDA tissues using TNMplot.com, a web tool that leverages data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO), Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) repositories, employing Mann-Whitney or Kruskal-Wallis tests for statistical significance. For the Gem-specific gene panel, the combined RNA expression of 90 out of 93 genes was significantly higher in PDA compared to NT (2.59, p=6.48e-61), while the combined gene expression of 80 out of 93 genes was also significantly higher in PDA tissues (1.62, p=3.48e-29). For the 5FU-specific gene panel, the combined RNA expression of 27 out of 28 genes was significantly elevated in PDA (2.00, p=5.44e-57), and the combined gene expression of 23 out of 28 genes was significantly higher in PDA tissues (1.21, p=1.44e-7). Our preliminary findings suggest that this approach has the potential to serve as an effective tool for diagnosing PDA and guiding treatment selection. However, these results must be validated through larger prospective studies. Additionally, this application could serve as a screening tool for high-risk populations, such as individuals with potentially malignant lesions like intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, first-degree relatives of PDA patients, or those with concerning genetic risks (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations). Citation Format: Harshitha Puram, Deepak Sherpally, Sravan Jeepalyam, Ashish Manne. Advanced Gene Signatures for the Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research; 2024 Sep 15-18; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(17 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A013.

Analysis of Erythrocyte Parameters in Multiple and Long-Term Blood Donors from Northern Pomerania (Poland)

Background/Aims: Assessment of the levels of vital blood parameters in donors is essential to evaluate their health status, ensure their suitability for donation, preserve the integrity of the circulatory system, and facilitate comprehensive health monitoring. The aim of our study was to analyse the levels of haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte count, MCV, MCH, and MCHC in 12 groups of first-time donors and experienced donors of both sexes at the John Paul II Regional Blood Donation and Treatment Centre in Słupsk, northern Poland. The donors were divided into three age groups (18-30 years, 31-45 years, and 46-65 years). Methods: Using MANOVA multivariate significance tests, we examined the main effects of donor-related factors (age, sex, donor stage) on morphological blood parameters to evaluate different haematological parameters, such as Hb, Ht, RBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, and identified statistically significant relationships between all variables. Results: The multivariate analysis of these three main factors showed that the variation in haemoglobin (Hb) levels accounted for 46% of the explained dependence in this statistical model. In particular, approximately half of the variability in the multivariate statistical analysis was attributed to the role of Hb and haematocrit (Ht). In addition, the β-coefficient values for Hb and Ht were statistically higher in relation to donor sex and donor type (single versus repeat). These β-coefficient values from our data represent the strength and direction of the relationship between the haematological parameters (Hb and Ht) and the specific donor characteristics. A higher β-coefficient indicates a stronger influence of donor sex and donor type on these parameters, suggesting that these factors contribute significantly to the variation in the Hb and Ht levels. Based on our results, the comprehensive analysis of the entire statistical model of metabolic biomarkers revealed the following hierarchy: Hb > Ht > MCHC > MCV > RBC > MCH. The results obtained showed strong statistical relationships, as indicated by the high values of the key statistical indicators in our analysis. The coefficient of determination (R²) showed that the model explained a significant proportion of the variance in the data, while the F-test statistic confirmed the significance of the predictors. Conclusion: These strong statistical dependencies provided a clear justification for selecting this model over others, as it effectively represented the underlying relationships within the data. These statistics help to assess how well the model matches the actual data, thereby helping to reduce the risks associated with blood donation, optimise donor safety, and maintain the quality and efficiency of blood transfusion services.

Prostate MRI transitional zone volume predicts Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia enucleation volume better than alternative modalities.

Guidelines for BPH interventions are volume based. The degree to which different imaging modalities actually correlate to treated volume is not known for BPH. The present study compares the accuracy of preoperative Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and MRI Transitional Zone to BPH enucleation weight. A retrospective review of patients who underwent enucleation for BPH and had preoperative TRUS, CT, and/or MRI was performed. Total prostate volumes were measured for CT, MRI, and TRUS; MRI transitional zone volume was also measured. The primary outcome was difference between enucleated pathology weight in grams and preoperative imaging volume. Differences between enucleation and imaging volume for each modality were calculated with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Tukey's honest significance test to determine pairwise significance (RStudio V1.2). From Jan - Oct 2020, there were 114 preoperative imaging studies available for 95 patients. 34 (30%) of the studies were TRUS, 46 (40%) were CT, and 34 (30%) were MRI. MRI Transitional zone most accurately predicted enucleation volume on multivariate analysis (F-statistic p-value <0.001). Preoperative imaging was greater than enucleation volume by a median of 46 cc for TRUS, 51 cc for CT, 53 cc for MRI, and 14 cc for MRI transitional zone. Pairwise significance was reached for MRI transitional zone over CT (p-adj < 0.001), MRI transitional zone over MRI (p-adj <0.001) and MRI transitional zone over US (p-adj = 0.03). Enucleation volume for BPH was most accurately predicted by transitional zone volume on MRI compared to total prostate volume on CT, TRUS, and MRI. MRI total volume was not superior to CT total volume. Focusing on MRI transitional zone volume rather than total prostate volume may more accurately stratify patients for BPH treatment. In experienced hands, median enucleation volume is within 14cc of MRI-TZ volume.

Correction to: A statistical significance test for spatio-temporal receptive field estimates obtained using spike-triggered averaging of binary pseudo-random sequences

Correction to: A statistical significance test for spatio-temporal receptive field estimates obtained using spike-triggered averaging of binary pseudo-random sequences

Prevalence and Predictors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Bus Drivers Engaged in Long- Distance Transportation in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background An increasing number of occupational injuries occur due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in both developing and industrialized countries. These disorders have an impact on workers' health as well as society at large, posing medical, occupational, and economic challenges.  Objectives This research assessed work-related musculoskeletal disorders and its risk factors among Bus drivers for private long-distance Transport Companies in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.  Materials and Methods This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The multi-stage sampling technique was used to sample 338 long-distance bus drivers in the city of Port Harcourt. Participants' demographic data and information regarding work related musculoskeletal disorders were collected using a modified version of the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics determined prevalence and inferential statistics was used to determine associated risk factors of WRMSD. The p-value of the test of statistical significance was set at ≤0.05. The participants were all male.  Result 58.6% of the research sample had WRMSDs, according to the findings. After logistic regression analysis, only marital status (AOR=5.714, 95% CI for AOR=3.046- 10.721; p=0.001), prolonged sitting of ≥8 hours, (AOR=0.350; 95% CI for AOR=0.166-0.741; p=0.006) and previous history of pain in a previous occupation (AOR=5.714, 95% CI for AOR=3.046-10.721; p=0.001), were significantly associated with the prevalence of WRMSD.  Conclusion WRMSDs are prevalent in private long-distance bus drivers and are strongly correlated with marrital status, prolonged sitting times (more than eight hours), and a history of muscle or joint discomfort in a prior job.

Evaluation of jaw pathologies of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw using a computer program to assess the bone scan index: comparison of standardized uptake values with bone SPECT/CT.

The aim of this study is to investigate the jaw pathologies of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) using a computer program to assess the bone scan index (BSI), especially comparison of standardized uptake values (SUVs) with bone single-photon emission-computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). Sixty-three patients with MRONJ underwent bone SPECT/CT in this prospective study. BSI and high-risk hot spot as bone metastases in the patients with MRONJ were evaluated using a computer program for BSI that scanned SPECT/CT and automatically defined the data. The maximum and mean SUVs with SPECT/CT were obtained using commercially available software. Statistical analyses were performed by Pearson chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U -test, or one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's honestly significant difference test. A P value lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The maximum and mean SUVs for a high-risk hot spot of the jaw with MRONJ [28.2 ± 10.2 and 11.7 ± 3.8; n = 6 (6/63 : 9.5%)] were significantly higher than those for a low-risk hot spot [18.5 ± 6.4 and 6.2 ± 1.9; n = 23 (23/63 : 36.5%)] and no-risk hot spot [14.2 ± 9.4 and 5.3 ± 5.1; n = 34 (34/63 : 54.0%)], respectively. The computer program for BSI indicated that 9.5% of the jaw with MRONJ were false positive of bone metastases. The study suggests that high-risk hot spots of the jaw with MRONJ depend on the SUVs.

Prevalence and Pattern of Ear Disease Among Primary School Students in Samoa: Preliminary Results from ENT Clinic Outreach to Urban, Rural and Remote Settings.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and pattern of ear disease among students attending primary school in urban, rural, and remote regions of Samoa in order to develop an evidence-based national school ear and hearing health program. Methods: Retrospective clinical data review of all primary school students seen by the Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic of Samoa during school-based outreach visits from March 2022 to April 2024. A purposefully designed spreadsheet was created to extract the following information from the clinical records: school location (urban, rural, remote), gender (male, female), age (years), age category (0-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15+ years), right ear diagnosis, left ear diagnosis. Data were entered into the SPSS statistical software package for descriptive statistical analysis and association tests of significance. Results: A total of 1491 primary school students were seen for ear health examinations (51.1% male, 48.9% female), with a mean age of 9.1 years (SD = 2.3). Five primary schools were included, representing urban (n = 865), rural (n = 258), and remote (n = 368) settings. Overall, 682 (45.7%) students had normal ear examination results for both ears, 237 (15.9%) had an ear pathology in 1 ear only, and 568 (38.1%) had ear pathology in both ears. Bilateral ear pathology was significantly higher among students who were in the 5 to 9 age group (P < .00001), female (P = .035), and from rural settings (P = .0001). The most common pathology was impacted cerumen (36.8%), followed by otitis media with effusion (7.5%). Overall prevalence of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) was 2.6% (n = 39 students). Following the school visits, no further intervention was required for 1180 students (79%), mostly due to successful cerumen and foreign body removals for 468 students (31.4%). Conclusion: Impacted cerumen is a significant issue among Samoan school-aged students, and future school-based ear health programs should include staff members trained in cerumen removal. CSOM prevalence suggests an avoidable burden of disease that must be addressed.

Performance Characterization of the Field Aged Asphalt Pavement Materials at Mortar Scale: Testing Method Optimization and Rheology Analysis

Performance evaluation at the asphalt mortar scale offers increased sensitivity to aging and is less affected by extraction processes comparated to asphalt mixture. Despite these benefits, there is currently a lack of standardized methods for directly processing mortar samples obtained from field mixtures. This study aims to improve and validate a manufacturing procedure for aged mortar specimens derived from field aging cores, and to evaluate the field damage level of asphalt paving materials at the mortar scale. A novel approach was developed that incorporates warm sieving, compaction, coring, and cutting to manufacture mortar specimens suitable for Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests. This study selected mortar specimens with different service ages and conducted rheological tests, including frequency sweep tests and modified Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests, to assess their rheological performance. And the significance test of all the indcies were conducted to select suitable indcies.The results show the proposed aged mortar manufacture approach can prepare eligible mortar specimens for rheology tests. The rheology test results show that several indices can distinguish different mortar types and service ages, and the indices of surface layer mortar follow a linear relationship with service age. The linear viscoelastic zone (LVE), representative shear modulus (G0), and unrecovered creep compliance at 1.6kPa (Jnr1.6) and 3.2kPa (Jnr3.2) are identified as effective indices for evaluating the behavior of field aged mortar because of their effectiveness, lower variability, and better distinction.

A novel hybrid BWO-BiLSTM-ATT framework for accurate offshore wind power prediction

Accurate wind power forecasting is pivotal in facilitating the efficient integration of renewable energy sources into existing power grids. This study proposes a novel hybrid framework, termed BWO-BiLSTM-ATT, which synergistically combines the strengths of a bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network, a self-attention mechanism, and the Beluga Whale Optimization (BWO) algorithm. The BiLSTM architecture, with its unique ability to capture bidirectional temporal dependencies, effectively models the intricate dynamics present in wind power time series data. Integrating the self-attention mechanism further enhances the model's performance by discerning and emphasizing the most salient features within the input data. Furthermore, employing the BWO algorithm optimizes the model's hyperparameters, ensuring optimal configuration and enhancing its predictive accuracy and generalization capabilities. The proposed BWO-BiLSTM-ATT framework was rigorously evaluated using real-world data from an offshore wind farm in Yangjiang City, China. Comparative analyses were conducted against several baseline algorithms, including persistence, ARIMA, SVR, and vanilla LSTM models. The results demonstrate the superior performance of the BWO-BiLSTM-ATT framework, achieving higher R-squared and explained variance scores, coupled with lower error metrics such as MSE, RMSE, MedAE, and MAE. Statistical significance tests further corroborated the substantial performance improvements offered by the proposed framework. The combination of advanced deep learning techniques and metaheuristic optimization algorithms embedded in the BWO-BiLSTM-ATT framework provides a robust and accurate solution for wind power forecasting, enabling efficient management and seamless integration of renewable energy resources into existing power grids.

Identifying neural correlates of balance impairment in traumatic brain injury using partial least squares correlation analysis

Objective.Balance impairment is one of the most debilitating consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To study the neurophysiological underpinnings of balance impairment, the brain functional connectivity during perturbation tasks can provide new insights. To better characterize the association between the task-relevant functional connectivity and the degree of balance deficits in TBI, the analysis needs to be performed on the data stratified based on the balance impairment. However, such stratification is not straightforward, and it warrants a data-driven approach.Approach.We conducted a study to assess the balance control using a computerized posturography platform in 17 individuals with TBI and 15 age-matched healthy controls. We stratified the TBI participants into balance-impaired and non-impaired TBI usingk-means clustering of either center of pressure (COP) displacement during a balance perturbation task or Berg Balance Scale score as a functional outcome measure. We analyzed brain functional connectivity using the imaginary part of coherence across different cortical regions in various frequency bands. These connectivity features are then studied using the mean-centered partial least squares correlation analysis, which is a multivariate statistical framework with the advantage of handling more features than the number of samples, thus making it suitable for a small-sample study.Main results.Based on the nonparametric significance testing using permutation and bootstrap procedure, we noticed that the weakened theta-band connectivity strength in the following regions of interest significantly contributed to distinguishing balance impaired from non-impaired population, regardless of the type of stratification:left middle frontal gyrus, right paracentral lobule, precuneus, andbilateral middle occipital gyri. Significance.Identifying neural regions linked to balance impairment enhances our understanding of TBI-related balance dysfunction and could inform new treatment strategies. Future work will explore the impact of balance platform training on sensorimotor and visuomotor connectivity.

Statistical power and optimal design for randomized controlled trials investigating mediation effects.

Mediation analyses in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can unpack potential causal pathways between interventions and outcomes and help the iterative improvement of interventions. When designing RCTs investigating these mechanisms, two key considerations are (a) the sample size needed to achieve adequate statistical power and (b) the efficient use of resources. The current study has developed closed-form statistical power formulas for RCTs investigating mediation effects with and without covariates under the Sobel and joint significance tests. The power formulas are functions of sample size, sample allocation between treatment conditions, effect sizes in the treatment-mediator and mediator-outcome paths, and other common parameters (e.g., significance level, one- or two-tailed test). The power formulas allow us to assess how covariates impact the magnitude of mediation effects and statistical power. Accounting for the potential unequal sampling costs between treatment conditions, we have further developed an optimal design framework to identify optimal sample allocations that provide the maximum statistical power under a fixed budget or use the minimum resources to achieve a target power. Illustrations show that the proposed method can identify more efficient and powerful sample allocations than conventional designs with an equal number of individuals in each treatment condition. We have implemented the methods in the R package odr to improve the accessibility of the work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors alleviate the dominant toxicity of ALS-FTD-associated CHCHD10S59L by reducing the PINK1/Parkin pathway.

Mutations in coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 10 (CHCHD10) have been identified as a genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and/or frontotemporal dementia(ALS-FTD). In our previous studies using in vivo Drosophila model expressing CHCHD10S59L, and human cell models expressing CHCHD10S59L, we have identified that the PINK1/Parkin pathway is activated and causes cellular toxicity. Furthermore, we demonstrated that pseudo-substrate inhibitors for PINK1 and mitofusin2 agonists mitigated the cellular toxicity of CHCHD10S59L. Evidences using in vitro, in vivo genetic, and chemical tools indicate that inhibiting PINK1 would be the most promising treatment for CHCHD10S59L-induced diseases. An in vivo human cell culture and in vivo Drosophila models expressing CHCHD10S59L mutant were utilized in this study to evaluate the effect of PDE4 inhibitors in PINK-parkin mediated cytotoxicity through immunohistochemical and seahorse assays. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Dunnett's test for statistical significance. We investigated cellular pathways that can modulate the PINK1/Parkin pathway and reduce CHCHD10S59L-induced cytotoxicity. Here, we report that FDA-approved PDE4 inhibitors reduced CHCHD10S59L-induced morphological and functional mitochondrial defects in human cells and an in vivo Drosophila model expressing C2C10HS81L. Multiple PDE4 inhibitors decreased PINK1 accumulation and downstream mitophagy induced by CHCHD10S59L. These findings suggest that PDE4 inhibitors currently available in the market may be repositioned to treat CHCHD10S59L-induced ALS-FTD and possibly other related diseases, and that disease treatment with PDE4 inhibitors should include careful consideration of the PINK1/Parkin pathway, as it is generally recognized as a protective pathway.

EFFECTS OF BREED ON GROWTH AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF WEANER RABBITS

This study was aimed at evaluating breed effects on the growth and haematology in weaner rabbits. Forty-eight weaner rabbits, 6-7 weeks old that comprised pure strains of Californian (CL), Rex hybrid (RX) and locally adapted breeds (LAB) were used at sixteen rabbits per breed in a completely randomized design. A feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks using formulated diet after an initial adaptability period of two weeks. Throughout the feeding trial, individual feed intake was recorded twice daily to determine daily feed intake while the body weights were taken weekly to determine weekly weight gain. At the end of the feeding trial, blood samples were collected from the ear vein for haematology and serum biochemical studies. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS IBM version 26.0 while means were separated using Tukey’s honestly significant difference Test at the probability level of 5% (p&lt;0.05). Results obtained showed no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in total feed consumed, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio among the breeds. There were also no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in the haematological indices except in the monocytes and eosinophils (P&lt;0.05). The serum biochemistry composition showed no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) except for triglyceride and urea which showed significant differences (P&lt;0.05). From the results, breed plays no significant role in growth and haematology composition of rabbits raised under the same climatic and management conditions. Therefore, efforts should be made to improve on other factors that are determinants of rabbit growth and welfare.

NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF BROILER CHICKENS FED DIFFERENT INCLUSION LEVELS OF A SYNBIOTIC FEED ADDITIVE AS A REPLACEMENT FOR ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the response of broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with a synbiotic feed additive, Poultrystar®, as replacement for antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs). A total of 225, day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were allotted randomly to five dietary treatments each replicated thrice, with 15 chicks per replicate. Poultrystar® was included at 0, 40, 60 and 80g/100 kg diet for T1-T4, respectively while T5 had Oxytetracycline. Data was collected on digestibility and blood haematoligical indices. All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and significant differences among treatment means were compared using the Dunnett test of significance. Values for PCV, Hb and WBC did not show differences (P&gt;0.05) when the Poultrystar®-fed groups were compared to the control, but monocytes and eosinophils were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the 60 g/100kg fed group. The group of birds fed 60 g Poultrystar® had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher digestibility values in all the parameters compared to both oxytetracycline and control groups. Poultrystar significantly improved feed conversion in the starter and finisher phases and increased weight gain in the latter, similarly, it lowers feed cost and improves feed conversion ratio ultimately leading to more profit.

Improving inferential analyses predata and postdata.

The standard statistical procedure for researchers comprises a two-step process. Before data collection, researchers perform power analyses, and after data collection, they perform significance tests. Many have proffered arguments that significance tests are unsound, but that issue will not be rehashed here. It is sufficient that even for aficionados, there is the usual disclaimer that null hypothesis significance tests provide extremely limited information, thereby rendering them vulnerable to misuse. There is a much better postdata option that provides a higher grade of useful information. Based on work by Trafimow and his colleagues (for a review, see Trafimow, 2023a), it is possible to estimate probabilities of being better off or worse off, by varying degrees, depending on whether one gets the treatment or not. In turn, if the postdata goal switches from significance testing to a concern with probabilistic advantages or disadvantages, an implication is that the predata goal ought to switch accordingly. The a priori procedure, with its focus on parameter estimation, should replace conventional power analysis as a predata procedure. Therefore, the new two-step procedure should be the a priori procedure predata and estimations of probabilities of being better off, or worse off, to varying degrees, postdata. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

PENGARUH KEPEMIMPINAN TRANSFORMASIONAL DAN BUDAYA ORGANISASI TERHADAP DISIPLIN KERJA PEGAWAI DI KANTOR KECAMATAN BAROS KABUPATEN SERANG

In the current era in an organization or institution, human resources (HR) are a very important component. For organizations or agencies, two factors that are worth studying in depth are leadership and organizational culture, which can increase employee motivation and commitment. And can uphold the values of Leadership, Organizational Culture and Work Discipline of employees at the Baros District Office, Serang Regency. The purpose of this research is to find out whether Transformational Leadership has an effect on employee work discipline, to find out whether Organizational Culture has an effect on employee work Discipline, to find out whether Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture have an effect on employee work Discipline.The research method used in this research is a correlational quantitative approach. namely to test the influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable which in this research uses 2 independent variables (Transformational Leadership, Organizational Culture) and 1 dependent variable (Discipline). The approach used in this research is a survey method of 34 employees.The results of this research are that there is a significant influence of leadership on employee work discipline. Based on the calculation results of SPSS Version 27, the value of tcount &gt; ttable (-4,939 &gt; 1.693) is obtained, so H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. And there is a significant influence of organizational culture on employee discipline. Based on the SPSS Version 27 calculation results, the value of tcount &gt; ttable (13,102 &gt; 1.693), H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted.Based on the significance test, the Fcount value was 99,220 and Ftable was 3.30. Based on the significance test, the Fcount value is greater than Ftable, so there is an influence between Leadership and Organizational Culture values on employee work discipline.

Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Berbasis Kurikulum Merdeka terhadap Peningkatan Motivasi Belajar Pendidikan Agama Kristen dan Budi Pekerti Siswa Kelas X SMA Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar Tahun Ajaran 2023/2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the positive and significant influence between the Influence of the Problem Based Learning Model Based on the Independent Curriculum on Increasing Motivation to Learn Christian Religious Education and Character Education of Class X Students of SMA Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar in the 2023/2024 Academic Year. The research method used is a quantitative method with descriptive inferential data analysis. The population is all students of class X SMA Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar who are Protestant Christians, totaling 372 people and a sample of 52 people is determined using the sample random sampling technique. Data were collected using a closed questionnaire of 44 items, namely 22 items for variable X and 22 items for variable Y. The results of the data analysis showed that there was a positive and significant influence of the Problem Based Learning Model Based on the Independent Curriculum on Increasing Motivation to Learn Christian Religious Education and Character Education of Class X Students of SMA Negeri 1 Pematang Siantar in the 2023/2024 Academic Year, as evidenced by the following data analysis: 1) Analysis requirements test: a) positive relationship test obtained rxy value = 0.612&gt; rtable (a=0,05,n=52) = 0.297. b) Significant relationship test obtained tcount value = 5.600&gt; ttable (a=0,05,dk=n-2=50)= 2.000. 2) Influence test: a) Regression equation test, obtained regression equation Y ̂="36.60" + 0.45X. b) Test of regression determination coefficient (r2) = 38.5%. 3) Hypothesis test using F test obtained Fcount &gt; Ftable = =(a=0,05,dk numerator k=33,dk denominator t=n-2=52-2=50) which is 31.29 &gt; 1.51. Thus Ha is accepted and H0 is rejected.

Physical test instrument: a development study for junior Karateka in the kata category

Good physical condition is very important for the karate martial arts branch, especially the kata category. Where physical condition is the main supporting factor so that the ability of kihon, kumite and kata karateka can develop properly. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a valid and reliable karate physical condition test and measurement instrument for the kata category so that it can be used in karate development. The purpose of this study was to develop tests and compile a norm instrument for junior category karate physical tests aged 16-17 years that can be used as a measuring tool to test the physical condition of karateka. Research and development (R&amp;D) method. This research was conducted at a karate dojo under the guidance of the Indonesian Karate-Do Sports Federation (FORKI). Small-scale trial subjects included 55 respondents and a large trial group included 114 respondents. The karate trial subjects were 16-17 years old (junior) and determined the trial sample with purposive sampling technique. Data analysis techniques using correlation tests, validity tests and reliability tests. The results of this study showed two series of karate physical test instruments for junior karate athletes (aged 16-17 years) male and female consisting of; V Sit And Reach, Hexagonal Obstacle, Stork Standing balance, Throw Catch Ball tennis, Two Hands Medicine Ball Put, Standing Broad Jump, 2 Minute Sit Ups, Multistage Fitness Test. The validity of the eigenvalue of factor analysis &gt; 1 and can be said to be valid. Reliability is done by re-testing or correlation between the same groups for two treatments. Based on the difference significance test, it shows that t-count = 3.617, df = 59 and P-Value = 0.01 &lt;0.05, which means there is a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test results. Based on this information, it can be said that the physical test instrument model developed is effective, so it can be said that the test used is reliable. In conclusion, 8 items of karate physical test instruments have been produced for junior kata karate category athletes, the preparation of karate physical test norms for junior kata category athletes, and 8 items of physical test instruments have been produced that are effectively used to improve the achievements of junior male and female karate athletes. It is recommended that research be carried out on a larger scope of subjects and a wider research location, so that this measuring instrument product is more tested for feasibility. Keywords: Test Instruments, Condition Physique, Karate juniors, Category Kata