Significant Statistical Relationship Research Articles

An in-depth analysis of financial metrics and their interrelations in shaping the performance of commercial banks in Cambodia

This study aims to systematically identify and analyze key financial metrics that influence the performance of commercial banks in Cambodia. Utilizing 2023 data from the National Bank of Cambodia across 59 banks, the research adopts an explanatory framework based on cross- sectional data analysis. The findings reveal that Loan Growth (LG) exhibits no statistical significance in relation to Return on Equity (ROE), suggesting that increases in lending do not necessarily enhance bank profitability in the Cambodian context. Conversely, Non-Performing Loans (NPL) demonstrate a marginally significant positive relationship with ROE, indicating that effective management of these loans can still yield profitability. Additionally, the Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR) shows a significant negative impact on ROE, suggesting that higher liquidity risks associated with elevated LDR levels may hinder profitability. The study further confirms that Market Share (MS), Loan Loss Provision (LLP), Cost to Income Ratio (CIR), Effective Tax Rate (ETR), and Net Interest Margin (NIM) significantly influence ROE. These results underscore the importance of effective risk management, operational efficiency, and strategic financial planning in enhancing bank profitability. Recommendations for Cambodian commercial banks include improving risk management practices, focusing on loan portfolio quality, optimizing LDR, implementing cost efficiency measures, and enhancing tax management strategies.

Evaluation of caries risk assessment practices among dental practitioners in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate dental practitioners' knowledge and practices regarding Caries risk assessment (CRA) in routine clinical practice in Guangzhou, China. An online questionnaire was disseminated to dental practitioners to gather socio-demographic information, factors associated with CRA, the implementation of preventive treatment, and the level of awareness regarding personalized preventive treatment in relation to CRA. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, ANOVA, MANCOVA, linear regression, and scatter plots. Out of the 695 dental practitioners who were contacted, 206 dentists participated in the online survey. However, out of the total number of dentists, 198 were successfully recruited, while the remaining 8 dentists had incomplete data in their questionnaires. 92.4% of dentists provided in-office fluoride treatments, and 73.2% held a strong belief in the correlation between current oral hygiene and tooth cavities. 23.7% of dentists evaluated caries risk on an individual basis, and a significant 41.9% never utilized a particular type of CRA. 53.5% of dentists recommended non-prescription fluoride rinses, whereas 51% advocated prescription fluoride treatments. Significant statistical relationships were found between the use of in-office fluoride and the effectiveness of restorative treatment (P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant association was discovered between the use of a specific form for CRA and the kind of dental school (P < 0.05). The study suggests that a significant number of dental practitioners in Guangzhou, China, do not utilize dedicated assessment forms for CRA in their routine professional activities. These findings highlight the im-portance of encouraging dentists to utilize CRA systems to effectively identify patients who are at risk of acquiring dental caries.

Geographic analysis of soil moisture recorded and estimated in Erbil governorate

Calculating of soil moisture and its monitoring is one of the important processes of water balance and sustainable agriculture. The intended goal of this study is to determine soil moisture values in Erbil Governorate and reveal the correlation coefficient and the degree of influence between its values with the elevation and total annual rainfall. The importance of the study lies In its discussion of the accuracy of extracting soil moisture values using satellite images, by comparing its results with the soil moisture values recorded in the governorate’s climate stations, the study reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is: The results of using satellite images to estimate soil moisture are inaccurate. It is closer than guessing, and the results of applying the linear regression process indicated that there was a significant statistical relationship between the soil moisture values recorded with the two factors of elevation and the total annual rainfall, where the probability values were less than 0.01 and the values of the degree of influence between them reached 0.583 and 0.491 for each of them, respectively.‏

The relationship between moral distress and clinical care quality among nurses: an analytical cross-sectional study

BackgroundNurses constitute the largest group of service providers in the healthcare system and significantly influence the quality of healthcare services. Factors such as ethical considerations may be related to the quality of care. This study aimed to determine the relationship between moral distress and the quality of clinical care among nurses working in Gonabad, Iran.MethodsAn analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 252 nurses working in emergency, internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, critical care and maternity wards at Allameh Bohlool Hospital from May to July 2023. This research used demographic information questionnaire, the revised Moral Distress Scale (MDS-R), and the Quality Patient Care Scale (QUALPAC). The significance level for the study was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThere was a significant relationship between the frequency of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (p = 0.032), as well as between the intensity of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (p = 0.043). Nurses who experienced moral distress more frequently and intensely provided better quality care. However, there was no significant relationship between the effect of moral distress and the quality of clinical care (r = 0.032, p = 0.619). Additionally, a significant statistical relationship was found between the intensity of moral distress and the physical dimension of clinical care quality (r = 0.171, p = 0.007), indicating that increased moral distress intensity was associated with higher quality of physical care.ConclusionsNurses who experience higher levels of moral distress, both in terms of frequency and intensity, perform better in the care they provide and deliver it in the best possible manner, particularly in the physical dimension of care.

Quality of Life and Complications Among Hemodialysis Patients.

Background Patients with renal impairment who require frequent hospitalizations or dialysis must undergo the rigorous process known as hemodialysis (HD). Hemodialysis is a complex treatment for people who require frequent hospital or dialysis appointments, typically three times each week. We aim to explore the quality of life of hemodialysis patients and their complications. Methodology This case-control study focuses on renal failure patients in Riyadh's hemodialysis units. The case group included 50 hemodialysis patients with 50 healthy individuals medically free in the control group who were the same gender and age as the case group. The comparison was made using a quality of life (QoL) short form 36 questionnaire conducted by a trained physician via Google Forms. The data was obtained in February and March 2023. Results The majority of participants were male (68; 68%), aged 40-50 years (42; 42%), 53 (53%) were non-Saudi, 76 (76%) began hemodialysis one year ago, and 30 (30%) developed an infection as a complication. There was a significant statistical relationship between our results and the results of a medical outcome study in the emotional problem and energy/fatigue domains. Conclusion In all domains, HD patients performed worse on subscales than healthy people of the same age and socioeconomic status. The average QoL score for HD patients was lower than that of healthy individuals. There was a statistically significant relationship between healthy people and hemodialysis patients in two domains: emotional problems and energy/fatigue levels.

The Influence of Kinesiophobia and Pain Catastrophizing on Disease-Specific Quality of Life in Patients With Recurrent Patellofemoral Instability

Background: The Banff Patellofemoral Instability Instrument 2.0 (BPII 2.0) is a disease-specific, quality of life patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that is valid and reliable in patients with recurrent lateral patellofemoral instability (LPI). Quality of life encompasses the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of patient functioning and recovery. Purposes: To concurrently validate the BPII 2.0 to the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport after Injury Scale (ACL-RSI) in patients presenting with recurrent LPI and to assess baseline values for the PROMs in patients with LPI. Study Design: Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 107 consecutive patients with recurrent LPI were assessed between January and October 2021. Patients completed the BPII 2.0, TSK-11, PCS, and ACL-RSI. A Pearson r correlation coefficient was employed to examine relationships between the PROMs. Baseline values, as well as floor and ceiling effects and Cronbach alpha, were assessed for all PROMs. Results: All 107 patients completed the 4 PROMs. Patients included 28 men (26.2%) and 79 women (73.8%), with a mean (SD) age of 25.7 (9.8) years. The mean (SD) age at first dislocation was 14.8 (6.3) years. The TSK-11, PCS, and ACL-RSI were all statistically significantly correlated with the BPII 2.0 (P < .01; 2-tailed), with moderate correlations (r = -0.361-0.628) The R2 values indicated an overlap of the constructs measured by the PROMs. Conclusion: A statistically significant correlation was evident between the BPII 2.0 and the other PROMs. The BPII 2.0 does not explicitly measure kinesiophobia or pain catastrophizing; however, the significant statistical relationship of the TSK-11 and PCS to the BPII 2.0 suggests that this information is being captured and reflected.

The Immune Modulation HLA-G*01:01:01 Full Allele Is Associated with Gastric Adenocarcinoma Development.

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system contains a set of genes involved at many levels in the innate and adaptive immune response. Among the non-classical HLA class I genes, HLA-G stands out for the numerous studies about its pivotal role in regulating/modulating immune responses. Also, its involvement in extravillous cytotrophoblast function, viral infections, autoimmunity, and cancer has been extensively documented. The present study explores for the first time the relationship between natural alleles of HLA-G, rather than STSs, SNPs, or partial gene polymorphisms, and the development of gastric adenocarcinoma, by analyzing the genetic profile of a cohort of 40 Spanish patients with this type of tumor using DNA extracted from paired biopsies of tumoral and adjacent non-tumoral gastric tissue. Our results reveal a significant statistical relationship between the presence of the HLA-G*01:01:01 allele and the development of gastric cancer, while other common alleles such as -G*01:04 or -G*01:05N did not demonstrate a significant correlation. Studying the involvement of HLA genes in the development of many diseases is relevant to understanding their pathophysiology. However, the absence of specific mechanisms underlying these associations suggests that investigating complete HLA natural alleles' extended haplotypes or complotypes may offer a more precise and valuable approach to elucidating the association of HLA with the pathogenesis of disease.

Impact of Job Satisfaction on the Labour Productivity of Healthcare Personnel

Introduction. The healthcare sector, a cornerstone of society and the economy, brings together specialists from various fields and departments. As healthcare organisations grapple with similar human resource management and policy development challenges as other types of organisations, research on increasing job satisfaction, a key indicator of effective management and employee attitudes, becomes increasingly relevant. Aim and tasks. This study aims to determine the level of satisfaction among those employed in the healthcare sector, particularly in Georgia, and to underscore its profound impact on performance. Results. Findings revealed that various factors affect job satisfaction and, consequently, the quality of service provided. Using the F test, it was found that there is a significant statistical relationship between education (0.01 level (p &lt; 0.001, F = 9.992)), work experience (0.01 level (p &lt; 0.001, F = 9.299)), age (0.01 level (P&lt;0.001, F= 9.164)) and job satisfaction and quality of service. Also, the research results showed that 70% of the respondents believe job satisfaction enhances their performance. Specialized expertise, knowledge, and an appropriate strategy are required to manage these professionals. It is highly significant and essential for employees to have constant development opportunities, access to professional training, and work in a high-satisfaction environment. Conclusions. That is critically important for improving performance in healthcare and any organization. However, it is worth mentioning this sector faces stress, high mental load, and burnout. In order to address these issues, organizations should have their own clear policy, properly distribute roles and resources, involve employees in processes from the start, and provide relevant information. Hinged on the previously conducted research, opportunities for personnel development and training are limited in Georgia, which in turn is leading to a shortage of qualified personnel and high staff turnover. The presented recommendations will help managers of organizations analyse the importance of job satisfaction in the growth of productivity and success of the organization and its constituent indicators and develop an appropriate strategy for their improvement in the future.

Assessing Credibility in Bayesian Networks Structure Learning.

Learning Bayesian networks from data aims to create a Directed Acyclic Graph that encodes significant statistical relationships between variables and their joint probability distributions. However, when using real-world data with limited knowledge of the original dynamical system, it is challenging to determine if the learned DAG accurately reflects the underlying relationships, especially when the data come from multiple independent sources. This paper describes a methodology capable of assessing the credible interval for the existence and direction of each edge within Bayesian networks learned from data, without previous knowledge of the underlying dynamical system. It offers several advantages over classical methods, such as data fusion from multiple sources, identification of latent variables, and extraction of the most prominent edges with their respective credible interval. The method is evaluated using simulated datasets of various sizes and a real use case. Our approach was verified to achieve results comparable to the most recent studies in the field, while providing more information on the model's credibility.

Challenging the Atacama desert: Agronomic and water conditions for pre-Hispanic maize agriculture in hyper arid environments inferred by δ18O isotopes

During the Formative Period (ca.2400–950 years BP), pre-Hispanic farmers in Pampa del Tamarugal developed a complex agricultural system in the hyper-arid Atacama Desert in Tarapacá, northern Chile. This system involved numerous agricultural fields congregated near the Tarapacá Valley’s perennial stream and the Guatacondo ravine’s ephemeral stream. Well-established villages such as Caserones, Pircas, Ramaditas, and Guatacondo accompanied these developments. However, the importance of understanding the water sources has been neglected despite the efforts to understand the relationships between pre-Hispanic agriculture and their living environment. Thus, we presumed the use of local water sources without a clear understanding of their exploitation methods or the associated technological implications. Furthermore, there is limited research on groundwater use in Tarapacá. This research aims to understand water sources used in the cultivation of maize (Zea mays) using δ18O isotope values obtained from pre-Hispanic maize kernels in Tarapacá. We compared these values with published δ18O values of water sources and applied a generalized linear model (GLM) with a Gaussian distribution, performing a Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparisons of means with heteroscedasticity-consistent covariance estimation. The best-fit model was identified using a stepwise model selection procedure based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Our results indicate that mean δ18O values of organic matter from maize kernels range from 24.73 ‰ to 31.65 ‰. The best performing model on δ18O only included Group (BIC=298.2) as the explanatory variable as Period, Site, and Weight had no effects. These findings point towards a significant statistical relationship between the δ18O values of organic matter derived from maize kernels and the specific geographic regions they originate from. These values also show an enrichment of δ18O isotope in Tarapacá samples, except for Pica 8. These results indicate diverse agricultural strategies that utilized different water sources including perennial flow in the Tarapacá River, ephemeral runoff at Guatacondo, and groundwater in the Pampa del Tamarugal. Also, due to the enrichment of δ18O, we suggest that the circular structures found among the fields were used as water reservoirs leading to the observed enrichment of δ18O isotope values. We discuss the role of ancient agriculture technology in water management, the role of maize, cultural strategies, and the relationships with their environment. In conclusion, pre-Hispanic farmers managed limited water sources successfully despite intermittent drought for hundreds of years until the 1970 s, when agriculture was abandoned due to multiple factors.

Investigating the Effect of COVID-19 on Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (HTN): A Case-Control Study.

Suppression of the body's immune system can cause high blood pressure. Also, many people with COVID-19 have underlying diseases, including high blood pressure. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of COVID-19 infection on blood pressure caused by pregnancy in women referred to Kashani Hospital in Jiroft City. This study was a case-control study with a census sampling method on 266 pregnant women referring to Kashani Hospital in Jiroft City in 2021-2022. Pregnant women were divided into two control groups (pregnant women without COVID-19) and intervention (pregnant women with COVID-19). SPSS software version 22 was analyzed. 266 pregnant women participating in the study were divided into two equal control (133) and intervention (133) groups. The average age of pregnant women was 29 ± 6.8 years. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group was 112.6 and 70, and in the control group, it was 107.8 and 66.6, which was not statistically significant (P_Value>0.05). Also, the results showed that there was a difference between home blood pressure during pregnancy and there is a statistically significant relationship between the age of pregnant women (P_Value< 0.05).. while there is no significant statistical relationship between gestational age and body mass index (P_Value>0.05). According to the results of this study, COVID-19 affects blood pressure caused by pregnancy, and gestational age is an important factor in the prevalence of high blood pressure in women with COVID-19.

Modelling Water Availability in Livestock Ponds by Remote Sensing: Enhancing Management in Iberian Agrosilvopastoral Systems

Extensive livestock farming plays a crucial role in the economy of agrosilvopastoral systems of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula (known as dehesas and montados in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively) as well as providing essential ecosystem services. The existence of livestock in these areas heavily relies on the effective management of natural resources (annual pastures and water stored in ponds built ad hoc). The present work aims to assess the water availability in these ponds by developing equations to estimate the water volume based on the surface area, which can be quantified by means of remote sensing techniques. For this purpose, field surveys were carried out in September 2021, 2022 and 2023 at ponds located in representative farms, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with RGB sensors and survey-grade global navigation satellite systems and inertial measurement units (GNSS-IMU). These datasets were used to produce high-resolution 3D models by means of Structure-from-Motion and Multi-View Stereo photogrammetry, facilitating the estimation of the stored water volume within a Geographic Information System (GIS). The Volume–Area–Height relationships were calibrated to allow conversions between these parameters. Regression analyses were performed using the maximum volume and area data to derive mathematical models (power and quadratic functions) that resulted in significant statistical relationships (r2 &gt; 0.90, p &lt; 0.0001). The root mean square error (RMSE) varied from 1.59 to 17.06 m3 and 0.16 to 3.93 m3 for the power and quadratic function, respectively. Both obtained equations (i.e., power and quadratic general functions) were applied to the estimated water storage in similar water bodies using available aerial or satellite imagery for the period from 1984 to 2021.

Novel Methods to Calculate and Estimate the Factors Influencing the Ecological Footprints of Pakistan

Increasing demand for natural resources has exacerbated the scarcity of natural resources. Shortage of natural resources for timely needs is raising some significant environmental issues for the fast-growing population. It is argued that there is a trade-off between economic growth and environmental quality but it is debatable. To expand this debate, this article examines the short-run and long-run relationship between ecological footprints and income growth accompanied by other macroeconomic indicators. This study investigated the validity of the Environmental Kuznets curve between income growth and environmental pressure in Pakistan. This paper is based on secondary data for the period (1970 to 2021). The Auto-Regressive Distributive lag-bound testing method is utilized to determine the short-run and long-run links between income growth and ecological footprints per capita. The study found that a larger proportion of Pakistan’s imports are contaminated with high embodied emissions. An increase in economic prosperity has dynamic implications for the environment across international borders. The products embodied emissions imported in Pakistan are greater than the emissions exported to other economies. The net effect of trade is negative on the environment in Pakistan. The study confirms that there exists a significant statistical relationship between ecological footprints and economic growth. This validates the evidence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve in the case of Pakistan.

Consequences and Explanatory Factors of Late Start to Prenatal Consultation by Pregnant Women at the MAZIBA Reference Health Center, in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: It is undeniable that the NPC plays a crucial role in the development process of nations; “because maternal and neonatal deaths, which hinder economic growth and cause global losses in productivity, can be avoided thanks to ANC, which is all the more effective if it is early and regularly repeated. This consultation effectively contributes to avoiding “complications of pregnancy and its consequences, which are a major challenge for the health of women of childbearing age; and the leading global cause of morbidity, disability and mortality in this target, especially in developing countries. This research seeks to determine the repercussions and explanations explanations of the beginning late arrival of women to prenatal consultation. Method: This study is quantitative of the cross-sectional descriptive correlational type, carried out at the MAZIBA health and maternity center, more precisely in the Bonhomme district, in the commune of Matete, city of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, during the period from January 29 2022 to April 8, 2023. It used the survey method, combined with the interview technique and a survey questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Results: The late onset of CPN remains a major public health issue in the study region. The late arrival of pregnant women at the CPN is influenced by different variables such as neglect, fatigue, distance, lack of financial means, high cost of care, poor reception, lack of space, lack of chairs or benches. The consequences linked to late arrival at the ANC are on two levels: the consequence for the pregnant woman and for the fetus. In the pregnant we obtained an average of 18.7% and 31.3% in the fetus. This study demonstrated that there is a significant statistical relationship between It also appears that there is a significant statistical relationship between personal, socio-economic, organizational, cultural factors and the consequences in the fetuses (p = 0.00. P=0.01, and p=0.00). Conclusion: Thus, healthcare professionals have the opportunity to provide ongoing education on the importance of starting prenatal care visits early to avoid adverse pregnancy outcomes, taking into account all the elements mentioned.

Factors Affecting Choice of Subspecialisation amongst Orthopaedic Surgery Residents in Southern Nigeria

Abstract Background: As the field of surgery continues to evolve, subspecialty training is fast becoming integral to surgical education. Presently, orthopaedic surgery residents have opportunities to subspecialise in different areas. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting the choice of desired subspecialties amongst orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst senior orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria. A well-structured questionnaire designed using the free software Google Forms was electronically distributed to senior orthopaedic residents in Nigeria through online forums (WhatsApp, email, and Telegram). Data obtained were analysed using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 26. The odds ratio and the associated 95% confidence interval were used to assess outcomes, and a P value &lt;0.05 defined that the difference was statistically significant. Results: At the end of the study period, 53 orthopaedic surgery senior residents completed and submitted the questionnaire with a response rate of 73.6%; 50.9% were married with children and 49.1% were single. The most agreed key factor influencing the choice of orthopaedic surgery subspecialisation from the study was lifestyle considerations (79.2%). Other major factors considered to be also very important were the needs of the region (73.6%), active mentorship (71.7%), ergonomics (64.6%), rotation experiences (47.2%), cost of acquiring the training (41.5%), and salary and financial privileges (37.7%). Overall, 24.5% of respondents chose spine surgery as their desired subspecialty, 18.9% arthroplasty, 17% arthroscopy, 17% paediatrics, 13.2% reconstructive orthopaedics, 5.7% musculoskeletal oncology, and 4.7% hand and foot surgery. Our study revealed a significant statistical relationship between having children and choice of a subspecialty (Fischer’s = 0.032; χ2 = 0.033), as the married female residents tend to have more family considerations in their final choice of subspecialisation. Conclusion: The choice of orthopaedic surgery subspecialisation amongst orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria is affected by different factors, such as mentorship, needs of region, desire to work in academic settings, and ergonomics.

School Security and Academic Self-Concept Among Pupils in Primary Schools in Informal Settlements in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

This study purposed to investigate the influence of school security on the academic self-concept of pupils in primary schools in informal settlements in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. The social cognitive theory guided this research. The study employed a survey research design. The target population comprised 138 head teachers, 203 teacher counsellors, and 9536 learners in Class VII, totaling 9877 respondents, from which a sample of 385 respondents was determined using Yamane’s formula. Questionnaires were used to collect data from learners in Class VII, as were interview guides for head teachers and teacher-counsellors. Piloting was conducted among 38 respondents from primary schools in informal settlements in Kibra sub-county to establish validity and reliability. The opinions of educational psychology professionals were used to confirm the study's validity. The split-half method was used to calculate reliability, and the reliability coefficient (r = 0.728; p&lt;0.05) at the 0.05 level of significance revealed a high degree of internal dependability. The tests were carried out at a 0.05 level of significance. Test of the null hypothesis indicated that there was a significant statistical relationship between school security and academic self at r=0.668, p=0.001&lt;0.05. The study concluded that levels of pupils’ academic self-concept in primary schools in informal settlements can be enhanced through provision of adequate school security. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that primary schools have security guards and fences and should comply with standards for child-friendly school environment. The main beneficiaries of this study will be learners in the primary schools in the informal settlements when the policy makers improve the school environment hence their academic self-concept will be enhanced.

Comparing Pre-Induction Ultrasound Parameters and the Bishop Score to Determine Whether Labor Induction Is Successful.

Background and Objectives: The incidence of labor induction is steadily increasing worldwide. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrasound parameters and their mutual correlation and to analyze the parameters' predictive capability in assessing the success of labor induction. The secondary goal was to assess patients' tolerability and acceptance of transvaginal ultrasound and digital gynecological examination. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational follow-up study included 252 women selected for labor induction. The transvaginal ultrasound examination measured the posterior cervical angle, cervical length, the length and width funneling of the cervix, the distance between the head of the fetus and the external uterine os, and the position of the fetal occiput. After the ultrasound, a digital vaginal examination was performed (according to the Bishop score), and the women were asked to rate their perception of pain for each procedure. Results: The most common indication for labor induction was post-term pregnancy (57.59%), and the most common method of labor induction was oxytocin with amniotomy (70%). The results showed that a significant independent prediction of vaginal delivery could be provided based on the Bishop score and cervical length. Other investigated ultrasound parameters, the length and width of the funneling of the cervix (p < 0.001), the fetal head stage (p < 0.001), and the size of the posterior cervical angle (p < 0.05), showed statistical significance in relation to the success of labor induction. Patients reported lower discomfort and pain during transvaginal ultrasound examination (mean score 2, IQR 3) compared to digital examination (mean score 5, IQR 4), with p < 0.001. Conclusions: The results imply that the assessment of ultrasound parameters before induction of labor is necessary to predict the outcome and reduce the possibility of complications. In terms of tolerability and choice by the patients, the transvaginal ultrasound examination was better rated than the vaginal gynecological examination.

Sarcopenia in Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Well-Differentiated Neuroendocrine Tumors.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are slow-growing tumors. Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical performance. First-line NEN therapy is somatostatin analogs, which could be responsible for malabsorption conditions, such as pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (EPI) with underlying sarcopenia. Evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with NENs at diagnosis and during follow-up. A retrospective single-center study was conducted, including patients with advanced intestinal NENs G1/G2 (excluded pancreatic NENs). CT scans were analyzed at diagnosis and after 6 months of therapy, and the skeletal muscle index was assessed. A total of 30 patients (F:M = 6:24) were enrolled, with the following primary tumor sites: 25 in the ileum, 1 stomach, 2 jejunum, and 2 duodenum. At diagnosis, 20 patients (66.6%) showed sarcopenic SMI values, and 10 patients (33.3%) showed non-sarcopenic SMI values. At follow-up, three more patients developed sarcopenic SMI values. Statistical significance in relation to the presence of sarcopenia was found in the group of patients with carcinoid syndrome (p = 0.0178), EPI (p = 0.0018), and weight loss (p = 0.0001). Sarcopenia was present in 2/3 of the patients with advanced intestinal NENs at the diagnosis and during the follow-up. It is reasonable to consider this condition to improve clinical outcomes.

The predictive risk factors associated with non-dipper profile in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

The non-dipper status represented by blood pressure reduction by less than 10 percent during sleep is present in about 50 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension, a pattern associated with more frequent cardiovascular complications and reserved prognosis. This study analyzed the predictive risk factors associated with the different dipper profiles, especially with the nocturnal pattern, following the mean arterial pressure (MAP), the mean heart rate (MHR), and the mean pulse pressure (MPP) in patients with T2D and hypertension, established by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). 166 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were included in a cross-sectional study, and they underwent 24-hour ABPM. We excluded patients with secondary hypertension, acute coronary disease and heart failure, with oncologic or endocrine disease. The simple and multiple linear regression models were performed predicting 24-hour, day and night MAP, MHR, and MPP according to various predictors, using software R version 4.3.1. There were 80 non-dippers (48.20%), 57 dippers (34.34%), 22 reverse-dippers (13.25%) and seven extreme-dippers (4.21%). A statistically significant association was observed between MAP 24-hour and total cholesterol (TC) (higher TC values were associated with higher MAP /24 h values): adjusted coefficient B of the regression slope: 0.09, 95% confidence interval CI (0.04-0.15), p=0.003. In the multivariate analysis: adjusted B: 8.64, 95% CI (-14.67-2.61), p=0.006, beta-blockers reached the threshold of statistical significance in relation to MHR/24 h, their presence decreasing the heart rate. PP/24 hours was associated in the multivariate analysis with age: adjusted B: 0.45, 95% CI (0.05-0.85), p=0.28; abdominal circumference: 0.26, 95% CI (0.03-0.49), p=0.028, and total cholesterol: 0.1, 95% CI (0.02-0.17), p=0.013. Diabetic nephropathy was statistically significantly associated with PP/24 h: adjusted B: 10.19, 95% CI (1.24-19.14), p=0.027. High cholesterol was associated with higher values of MAP and PP. Beta-blocker treatment lowered non-dipper MHR. Age and AC were correlated with increased PP values. These are predictive risk factors associated with the status of non-dippers established by ABPM, and they represent a veritable link to the non-dipper pattern in patients with T2D and hypertension.

The impact of customisation experience and co-design value on the 3D printed specimen

Nowadays, academics and industrial practitioners widely consider additive manufacturing systems to enhance overall production and operational effectiveness and efficiency, owing to the concepts of Industry 4.0 and 5.0. This paper proposes a structural equation model to evaluate the impact of customisation experience and perceived value within a data-driven additive manufacturing system. To deepen the understanding of customer-perceived value and its connection to additive manufacturing, this study defines four new sources of perceived value: reliability, performance, aesthetics, and features. All of these new values are based on utilitarian value, and four of them exhibit statistical significance in relation to utilitarian value. In order to apply these new values to additive manufacturing, it is necessary to conduct mechanical testing and studies to identify the ideal parameter set for 3D printing that aligns with customer-perceived value regarding these new values.