Significant Differences In Performance Research Articles

191 Online Multi-media Teaching Modules are Effective for Surgical Education in Electrodiagnostic Interpretation

INTRODUCTION: Though electrodiagnostic studies are the gold standard for diagnosing nerve injuries, most surgeons are not trained to interpret these studies, and therefore typically rely on interpretation from a non-surgical electrodiagnostician. This discrepancy between interpretation and treatment of nerve injuries can lead to suboptimal surgical planning and patient outcomes. METHODS: Hand surgeons at various stages of training were recruited from professional surgical societies. All surgeons completed an educational module, which consisted of a pre-intervention knowledge assessment, an educational video, and a post-intervention assessment. The educational video was a 45-minute lecture on electrodiagnostic indications for nerve injury and included either traditional PowerPoint or Prezi formatting. Participants were randomized into receiving one of the two video formats. A retention assessment, including surgeon satisfaction and feedback, was administered at three-months after initial evaluation. RESULTS: Sixty-three surgeons completed the pre-intervention knowledge assessment, educational video, and post-intervention assessment, 30 of whom underwent the three-month retention assessment. The average assessment score improved by 2 points between pre- and post-intervention (12-point scale, p < 0.001). The majority of participants responded that the educational video was a “perfect” length (81%), was engaging (86%), improved their knowledge (86%), and that they would incorporate the information into their clinical practice (86%). Seventy-two percent of the surgeons preferred the online teaching module compared to a traditional in-person conference presentation. There was no significant difference in assessment performance and surgeon satisfaction between Prezi and PowerPoint formatting (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of an online educational module to support continuing professional development in nerve injury surgery, irrespective of the presentation style (i.e., Prezi vs. PowerPoint). This study highlights the potential behind online educational content and provides a framework for future multimedia modules for surgical education.

Linguistic and cultural properties of the Spanish adaptation of the CAT (SP-CAT): pilot results from neurotypical subjects

ABSTRACT Introduction Aphasia assessments in languages other than English are scarce. In the case of Spanish, this scarcity includes a need for assessments with linguistic and cultural adaptations that consider dialectal varieties and cultural traits across Spanish-speaking populations. Aims of the study This study discusses the linguistic and cultural adaptation of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) to Spanish (SP-CAT), a version that can be used in Spain and Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, and provide pilot results assessing whether performance is comparable across samples. Methods For the linguistic adaptation, we discuss considerations such as typological differences between English and Spanish, Spanish varieties, gender cues, spelling-sound regularities, transparency, and other syntax-related aspects. For the cultural adaptation, we discuss considerations such as culturally relevant items and images, and covering different Spanish varieties within the SP-CAT. The pre-testing of items for the SP-CAT included controlling variables such as name agreement of visual stimuli (examined in n=237 healthy participants), imageability (examined in n=244 healthy participants), and lexical frequency (from the Corpus of Reference of Current Spanish). We also conducted a pilot study of the SP-CAT with 82 healthy participants from Chile, Colombia, and Spain to assess differences in performance within tasks between the included countries; analysis of such differences was completed within a Bayesian framework. Results The SP-CAT provides a linguistic and cultural adaptation of the original English CAT. Item pre-testing included name agreement, lexical frequency, and imageability tests to ensure comparability with the English original version. Our pilot study confirmed that there are no clinically significant differences in performance within tasks between the included countries in healthy participants, a necessary step towards the final validation of a test for the Spanish-speaking world. Discussion The SP-CAT responds to a need to develop linguistically and culturally sensitive adaptations of assessments for Spanish-speaking people with aphasia to be used in clinical practice. Pilot results indicate that the adaptation meets the criteria to be used across Spanish varieties. In light of promising pilot results, the next phase of this study will assess the validity and reliability of the SP-CAT, providing normative data for its administration.

Masticatory function in edentulous patients wearing implant overdentures after graftless maxillary sinus membrane elevation.

Graftless sinus floor augmentation shows good results in bone gain, radiology and implant survival. Clinically, this technique can be recommended as an alternative to conventional procedures using augmentation materials. This study aims to assess masticatory performance, masticatory ability and patient satisfaction after graftless sinus floor augmentation. The study group consisted of patients who had received a graftless sinus lift procedure in a split-mouth design and was compared to patients with maxillary implant-supported overdentures without augmentation and a natural dentition group. To assess objective masticatory performance, the mixing ability test was performed. Three questionnaires were used to assess patient reported outcomes related to mastication and patient satisfaction. Each group included ten patients. Both the graftless sinus lift group and the edentulous control group had a worse masticatory performance compared to the natural dentition group. Masticatory ability, measured by patient reported outcomes, was not different between the graftless sinus floor augmentation group and implant-retained overdentures group without augmentation, but the natural dentition group showed better results. Thereby, the better the masticatory performance in patients with a graftless sinus membrane elevation the better the patient satisfaction for 'prosthesis', 'appearance of prostheses', 'speech' and 'mastication and eating'. Patients with implant-supported overdentures show inferior masticatory function compared to those with natural dentition. There were no significant differences in masticatory performance between patients with implant-retained overdentures, with or without graftless augmentation. The decision on the preferred procedure should consider additional factors such as anatomical, surgical-technical aspects and patient's preferences.

Effect of heat stress on growth, carcass and sensory parameters in synthetic broiler and native cross chicken

Poultry production in the tropics is mainly affected by environmental stressors, viz. temperature and humidity. The present investigation aimed to study the growth, carcass and meat quality of the two different genetic groups of chicken under control (spring season) and heat stress conditions (summer). During the spring season, the mean temperature of the poultry house was found to be 23.68±0.39°C, while it was 34.41±0.52°C during summer. Under both conditions, the body weights of both the genetic groups were recorded at 0, 7, 21 and 42 days of age. The carcass traits were recorded after 6 weeks of age and sensory evaluation was done by meat product preparation. The results showed no significant difference in the growth performance, carcass traits and sensory parameters of control and heat stress groups of native cross birds which might be due to better adaptability and heat tolerance potential, however, the synthetic broiler variety IBL80 was significantly affected by heat stress causing a 16.82% reduction in marketable weight as compared to the control group. According to the findings of the current study, native cross chickens had a higher capability for heat tolerance even if fast-growing synthetic broilers were superior in terms of growth performance and carcass production.

The Impact of Blocked Practice versus Mixed Practice and the Strategy of Overlearning on Student Performance in Calculus

ABSTRACT In most mathematics textbooks, each lesson is followed by a set of homework problems in one of two ways – blocked practice and mixed practice. Additionally, most mathematics textbooks rely on a common learning strategy called overlearning, that is, mastering a skill and continuing to practice this same skill. This study investigated the effects of blocked practice versus mixed practice and the overlearning strategy on student performance in a university-level Calculus I classroom using an online homework system. Data collection took place throughout the semester and included student scores on homework and exams. An ANCOVA was used to analyze the data and the results indicated that there were no statistically significant differences on final exam scores between the participants in the blocked and mixed practice groups. Additionally, the 50% increase in the number of homework problems per set (i.e. overlearning) did not show statistically significant differences in student performance as measured on final exam scores.

The Role of Gender and Education on Entrepreneurship Performance: The Case of Kenya's Micro and Small Businesses

Although it is believed that entrepreneurship is the main driver of economic growth, it is basically a value-driven activity, and personal values appeared to have a significant impact on both the decision to pursue entrepreneurship as well as how the enterer behaves or performs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of owner/manager gender and educational background on the performance of micro and small businesses in Kenya. A sample of 398 licensed MSEs were chosen from a study population of 65,698 from three counties of Kisumu, Siaya and Vihiga in Western Kenya. Structured questionnaires were used in the study's descriptive survey approach to gather primary data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data after it had been evaluated using statistical software (SPSS). The study's findings showed in objective one, that gender has significant difference in the performance of MSEs since (F₀ = 3.895 > F₁ (1, 397) = 3.86; αo = .049 < αc = .05). Objective two, the education level of owner/manager also has significant difference in MSE performance since, (Fo = 187.090> F₁ (1, 397) = 3.86; αo = .001< αc = .05). The study conclusion was that both gender and education characteristic of entrepreneur’s, determine the level of MSE performance. The study recommends combined efforts to support female gender to access necessary resources as well the training and education to expose them to the new technologies. There is need for in-depth study to find out the extent to which gender disparities are affecting the expansion of the MSE sector.

No evidence that visual exploratory activity distinguishes the super elite from elite football players

ABSTRACT Visual exploratory activities (VEA) refer to head and body movements that football players make prior to receiving the ball to search possibilities for action. VEA is considered a key performance indicator that differentiates the skill level of players. This study revisited whether VEA also distinguishes super elite, award winning players from their elite teammates without awards. To this end, video footage from the men’s UEFA Champions League season 2018–2019 featuring the super elite players (n = 18) and the elite players (n = 18) was analyzed. To reduce the potential differences in match dynamics as much as possible, the selected players in the two groups were of the same team, playing the same match, in the same positioning line. VEA (i.e. frequency per unit time) during the penultimate and final pass prior to ball reception and performance (i.e. percentages of adequate ball contacts and subsequent actions) were compared between the two groups of players using ANOVA and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively. In addition, hierarchical stepwise regression analyses were conducted to explore the degree to which VEA was predicted by group and subsequent performance. The results showed that the players had higher VEA during the final pass (M = 0.45) than the penultimate pass (M = 0.41). There were no significant differences in VEA or performance between the two groups. Also, the regression analyses did not deliver significant models. We conclude that with partial control for match dynamics, no evidence emerged to support that VEA distinguishes super elite players from elite football players.

The influence of early life socio-environmental factors on executive performance in a healthy adult sample.

Attempts have been made (with research efforts encouraged) to deconstruct the "race" concept into language, cultural, and life experience variables that can help explain performance differences found between ethnic groups (Romero et al., 2009). The extant empirical literature reveals that early environmental factors and life experiences (e.g., socioeconomic status) are related to cognitive test performance in adulthood (Byrd et al., 2006). This study examined the explanatory value of early life childhood resources in the relationship between ethnicity and neuropsychological test performance in adulthood. Neurologically and psychologically healthy African American (n = 40), Caucasian (n = 14), and Hispanic (n = 107) college students ranging from 19-38 years of age. On average, participants had completed around 13 years of education, indicating that the majority were in the early stages of their undergraduate studies and mostly consisted of females (72%). Each participant completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery that included tests of executive function and an extensive background questionnaire. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the CA group was significantly older (F (2, 160) = 18.38, p = .045) compared to the AA and H groups, but the groups did not differ in terms of number of years of educations or gender. Also, an ANOVA revealed significant group test performance differences on the Stroop-C [F (2, 160) = 1.53, p = .047], but not on the TMT-B and COWAT. Furthermore, a Tukey post hoc revealed that there were no significant differences in test performance on Stroop-C between the groups. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that group performance differences on executive function tests were medium or non-existent and only partially explained by years of education and early life financial resources. The results are discussed in light of the existing literature, study strengths and limitations, as well as directions for future research. This research can aid in pinpointing variables crucial for interpreting differences in neuropsychological assessments among diverse populations, holding potential implications for intervention research and policy settings. It is particularly relevant in the context of the continuously evolving social, political, and economic landscapes of societies.

Modeling Pharmacokinetics in Individual Patients Using Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Artificial Population Quasi-Models: A Study with Piperacillin.

Population pharmacokinetic (pop-PK) models constructed for model-informed precision dosing often have limited utility due to the low number of patients recruited. To augment such models, an approach is presented for generating fully artificial quasi-models which can be employed to make individual estimates of pharmacokinetic parameters. Based on 72 concentrations obtained in 12 patients, one- and two-compartment pop-PK models with or without creatinine clearance as a covariate were generated for piperacillin using the nonparametric adaptive grid algorithm. Thirty quasi-models were subsequently generated for each model type, and nonparametric maximum a posteriori probability Bayesian estimates were established for each patient. A significant difference in performance was found between one- and two-compartment models. Acceptable agreement was found between predicted and observed piperacillin concentrations, and between the estimates of the random-effect pharmacokinetic variables obtained using the so-called support points of the pop-PK models or the quasi-models as priors. The mean squared errors of the predictions made using the quasi-models were similar to, or even considerably lower than those obtained when employing the pop-PK models. Conclusion: fully artificial nonparametric quasi-models can efficiently augment pop-PK models containing few support points, to make individual pharmacokinetic estimates in the clinical setting.

MusiKeys: Exploring Haptic-to-Auditory Sensory Substitution to Improve Mid-Air Text-Entry.

Physical QWERTY keyboards are the current standard for performing precision text-entry with extended reality devices. Ideally, there would exist a comparable, self-contained solution that works anywhere, without requiring external keyboards. Unfortunately, when physical keyboards are recreated virtually, we currently lose critical haptic feedback information from the sense of touch, which impedes typing. In this paper, we introduce the MusiKeys Technique, which uses auditory feedback in virtual reality to communicate missing haptic feedback information typists normally receive when using a physical keyboard. To examine this concept, we conducted a user study with 24 participants which encompassed four mid-air virtual keyboards augmented with increasing amounts of feedback information, along with a fifth physical keyboard for reference. Results suggest that providing clicking feedback on key-press and key-release improves typing performance compared to not providing auditory feedback, which is consistent with the literature. We also found that audio can serve as a substitute for information contained in haptic feedback, in that users can accurately perceive the presented information. However, under our specific study conditions, this awareness of the feedback information did not yield significant differences in typing performance. Our results suggest this kind of feedback replacement can be perceived by users but needs more research to tune and improve the specific techniques.

Effects of Verbal and Tactile Cues on Gluteal Force Production and Broad Jump Distance.

Verbal and tactile cues can increase muscle activity, force production, and kinematics. Several studies demonstrate the effects of verbal and tactile cues on upper extremity muscles, while relatively few examined lower extremity muscles, specifically the gluteals. Studies that observed changes in gluteal function from verbal and tactile cues examined muscle activity via electromyography rather than force production or functional activities such as jumping. The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of verbal and tactile cues on gluteal force production and broad jump distance. Cross-Sectional cohort. Gluteus maximus force production and broad jump distance were tested in forty-two healthy male and female university students at baseline and after verbal and tactile cues given in random order. Gluteus maximus force was measured using handheld dynamometry and reported in kilograms. Verbal cues included "push, push, push" before both tests. The examiner provided tactile cues to the gluteus maximus before force production testing, and the participant provided tactile cues to both gluteus maximus muscles before performing the broad jump. Performance on the broad jump was measured in centimeters. Descriptive statistics and test-retest reliability via Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated, differences in performance between sexes were analyzed with an independent t-test, and changes in force production and jump distance from baseline were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. Mean gluteus maximus force production following verbal cues significantly increased (p = 0.000) by 13.48% (3.83 kg) compared to the control condition, while gluteal force production following the tactile cues was not significantly different. Broad jump distance following the verbal cues significantly increased (p = 0.000) 3.99% (7.71 cm) compared to the control condition and significantly increased (p = 0.000) by 2.95% (5.71 cm) following the tactile cues. There were no significant differences in performances between males and females. The test-retest reliability of all measurements was 0.97-0.99. Verbal cues significantly increased gluteus maximus force production and broad jump distance. Tactile cues significantly increased broad jump distance but had no significant effect on gluteus maximus force. These results have implications for clinical testing and athletic performance when gluteus maximus force and jump distance are concerned. 3.

Hyperventilation During Manual Ventilation Can Be Reduced Using a Novel Ventilator but Not With Education Interventions.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of combat casualties in modern war with an estimated 20% of casualties experiencing head injury. Since the release of the Brain Trauma Foundation's Guidelines for the Management of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in 1995, recommendations for management of TBI have included the avoidance of routine hyperventilation. However, both published and anecdotal data suggest that many patients with TBI are inappropriately ventilated during transport, thereby increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality from secondary brain injury. Enlisted Air Force personnel with prior emergency medical technician training completing a 3-week trauma course were evaluated on their ability to provide manual ventilation. Participants provided manual ventilation using either an in-situ endotracheal tube (ETT) or standard face mask on a standardized simulated patient manikin with TBI on the first and last days of the course. Manual ventilation was provided via a standard manual ventilator and a novel manual ventilator designed to limit tidal volume (VT) and respiratory rate (RR). Participants were given didactic and hands-on training on the third day of the course. Half of the participants were given simulator feedback during the hands-on training. All students provided 2 minutes of manual ventilation with each respirator. Data were collected on the breath-to-breath RR, VT, and peak airway pressures generated by the participant for each trial and were averaged for each trial. A minute ventilation (MV) was then derived from the calculated RR and VT. One hundred fifty-six personnel in the trauma course were evaluated in this study. Significant differences were found in the participant's performance with manual ventilation with the novel compared to the traditional ventilator. Before training, MV with the novel ventilator was less than with the traditional ventilator by 2.1 ± 0.4 L/min (P = .0003) and 1.6 ± 0.5 L/min (P = .0489) via ETT and face mask, respectively. This effect persisted after training with a difference between the devices of 1.8 ± 0.4 L/min (P = .0069) via ETT. Both traditional education interventions (didactics with hands-on training) and simulator-based feedback did not make a significant difference in participant's performance in delivering MV. The use of a novel ventilator that limits RR and VT may be useful in preventing hyperventilation in TBI patients. Didactic education and simulator-based feedback training may not have significant impact on improving ventilation practices in prehospital providers.

Perceived Impact of Personality Traits on the Academic Performance of Students in Biology

The study examined the perceived impact of personality traits on the academic performance of biology students in Makurdi, a local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions were raised and two hypotheses were also formulated and tested. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey design. The study sample comprises 384 students who were randomly selected from the total population of 9,748 students of the 20 government secondary schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. The instruments used for data collection in this study were the Five-Factor Inventory Questionnaire (FFIQ) for personality traits and “The Biology Performance Test (BPT)” for academic performance. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while ANOVA statistics and t-tests were used to test the hypotheses at a .05 significance level. The findings revealed that there was no significant mean difference in the five personality traits of students and the personality traits of Biology students had no significant relationship with their performance in the subject. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean performance of students in each of the five personality traits based on gender. The findings further revealed no significant difference in students’ personality traits according to gender and no significant difference in the performance of students who were offered biology according to gender. This study recommends that Special attention be paid to improving the performance of students in Biology in Makurdi to strike an association between the traits. Also, male and female students should be given equal opportunities in biology since there is no gender difference in their personality traits and academic performance.

Possibility of Enhancing Students’ Academic Performance in Electrolysis Using Collaborative-Predict-Observe-Explain-Write (CPOEW) and 3E’s Learning Models

This research investigated the possibility of enhancing senior secondary school students’ academic performance in electrolysis using Collaborative-Predict-Observe-Explain-Write (CPOEW) and Exploration, Explanation and Evaluation (3E’s) learning models. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. Electrolysis Performance Test (EPT) was the instrument used for data collection. Kuder-Richardson (KR-21) formula was used to test the internal consistency of EPT which yielded a reliability value of 0.91. The population was 7,152 SS2 students offering chemistry in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A sample of 143 students drawn from 3 schools in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The research questions were answered using Mean and Standard Deviation scores while the null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using results from Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed that there was significant difference in the mean academic performance of students taught Electrolysis using CPOEW, 3E’s model and discussion method [F2, 140=1943.116, P<0.05]. The study revealed that there was no significant interaction effect of treatments and gender on the mean academic performance scores of students in electrolysis [F2, 140=114.340, P<0.05]. It was recommended among others that to enhance students’ academic performance in electrolysis, serving teachers should be encouraged to use CPOEW and 3E’s learning models in teaching electrolysis.

Neurocognitive Hop Performance in Patients With Chronic Ankle Instability

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in neurocognitive hop function among individuals with chronic ankle instability, ankle sprain copers, and control participants and identify the relationship between the self-reported function and neurocognitive hop performance; 61 participants across control, ankle sprain coper, and chronic ankle instability groups completed the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and the Choice-Reaction Hop Test. There was no significant difference in neurocognitive hop performance among groups. However, there was a large correlation between the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool and the Choice-Reaction Hop Test. Those with chronic ankle instability with worse self-reported disability concurrently demonstrated decreased performance during the Choice-Reaction Hop Test, reflecting poorer neurocognitive hop performance.

Continuous Gesture Control of a Robot Arm: Performance Is Robust to a Variety of Hand-to-Robot Maps.

Despite advances in human-machine-interface design, we lack the ability to give people precise and fast control over high degree of freedom (DOF) systems, like robotic limbs. Attempts to improve control often focus on the static map that links user input to device commands; hypothesizing that the user's skill acquisition can be improved by finding an intuitive map. Here we investigate what map features affect skill acquisition. Each of our 36 participants used one of three maps that translated their 19-dimensional finger movement into the 5 robot joints and used the robot to pick up and move objects. The maps were each constructed to maximize a different control principle to reveal what features are most critical for user performance. 1) Principal Components Analysis to maximize the linear capture of finger variance, 2) our novel Egalitarian Principal Components Analysis to maximize the equality of variance captured by each component and 3) a Nonlinear Autoencoder to achieve both high variance capture and less biased variance allocation across latent dimensions Results: Despite large differences in the mapping structures there were no significant differences in group performance. Participants' natural aptitude had a far greater effect on performance than the map. Robot-user interfaces are becoming increasingly common and require new designs to make them easier to operate. Here we show that optimizing the map may not be the appropriate target to improve operator skill. Therefore, further efforts should focus on other aspects of the robot-user-interface such as feedback or learning environment.

Sustainability practices and firm performance: The moderating role of firm‐, industry‐, and country‐level factors

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the effect of sustainability practices on firm performance and the moderating role of firm, industry, and country‐level factors on that association. The samples of our study are listed firms in ASEAN 5 (Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines), with total observations are 1069 from the years 2004–2019. We use regression analysis to test our hypotheses. We find that sustainability performance has a significant positive association with firm performance, which supports our prediction. By engaging in socially responsible activities, companies can gain trust and loyalty from customers and other stakeholders, maintain their competitive advantage, and thus higher financial performance. However, there are no significant differences in the financial performance between firms that issue stand‐alone sustainability reports and those that do not. We cannot find any significant moderating role of the firm, industry‐, and country‐level factors on the association between sustainability practices and firm performance. We have not found any extant studies that have examined firm‐, industry‐, and country‐level factors simultaneously on the association between sustainability practices and firm performance. Our study also contributes to a better understanding of the impact of sustainability practices on firm performance in ASEAN, where sustainability practices are expected to be in greater demand than in mature markets due to the higher social and environmental concerns in such regions.

Effects of Supplementation with Oregano Essential Oil during Late Gestation and Lactation on Serum Metabolites, Antioxidant Capacity and Fecal Microbiota of Sows.

A total of 20 healthy white × landrace sows were evenly and randomly divided into two groups, and fed basal diets unsupplemented or supplemented with 500 g/t Meriden-Stim® from day 100 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Serum and fecal samples were collected from the sows on the final day for subsequent analysis. Compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in the sows' performances; however, an increase was observed in the piglets' weight at weaning (p = 0.08). Moreover, oregano essential oil (OEO) significantly reduced the levels of urea (UREA) (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p < 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) in serum. In terms of antioxidant indexes in serum, the catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels showed significant increases (p < 0.05) while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level exhibited a decrease tendency (p = 0.09). 16S rRNA analysis identified the specific bacteria taxa in feces. OEO significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level (p < 0.05). At the genus level, OEO significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotellaceae UCG 003 and UCG 005, while decreasing that of Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05). Taken together, OEO supplementation in maternal diets during late gestation and lactation improved serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and regulated the intestinal-flora balance of sows, thereby tending to increase the piglets' weight at weaning.

Revitalizing Banking: An In-Depth Analysis of Business Model Performance in Indonesian Digital Banking – Neo-Banks Vs Unit Business Banks

The study uses the Independent Test Analysis approach to calculate the business model bank performance of Indonesian commercial banks, focusing on digital banks. The research uses quarterly reports from 2020 to 2023 to collect secondary data. The study includes Digital Banks in Indonesia, including 4 neo-banks and 14 unit business banks. The results show a significant difference in bank business model performance between unit business banks and neo-banks. The Non-Interest Income (NII) results show no significant difference, but the mean results show a slight difference in performance. The author assumes that unit business banks have a diverse and comprehensive ecosystem in banking activities due to their wider scope of business activities compared to neo-banks.

Proposal of a methodology for prediction of heavy metals concentration based on PM2.5 concentration and meteorological variables using machine learning

In this study, we developed a prediction model for heavy metal concentrations using PM2.5 concentrations and meteorological variables. Data was collected from five sites, encompassing meteorological factors, PM2.5, and 18 metals over 2 years. The study employed four analytical methods: multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest regression (RFR), gradient boosting, and artificial neural networks (ANN). RFR was the best predictor for most metals, and gradient boosting and ANN were optimal for certain metals like Al, Cu, As, Mo, Zn, and Cd. Upon evaluating the final model’s predicted values against the actual measurements, differences in the concentration distribution between measurement locations were observed for Mn, Fe, Cu, Ba, and Pb, indicating varying prediction performances among sites. Additionally, Al, As, Cd, and Ba showed significant differences in prediction performance across seasons. The developed model is expected to overcome the technical limitations involved in measuring and analyzing heavy metal concentrations. It could further be utilized to obtain fundamental data for studying the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances such as heavy metals.