Simple Test Research Articles

Serum-based ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for the diagnosis of pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease with an increasing prevalence that is causing worldwide concern. The pre-diabetes stage is the only reversible stage in the patho-physiological process towards DM. Due to the limitations of traditional methods, the diagnosis and detection of DM and pre-diabetes are complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. Therefore, it would be of great benefit to develop a simple, rapid and inexpensive diagnostic test. Herein, the infrared (IR) spectra of serum samples from 111 DM patients, 111 pre-diabetes patients and 333 healthy volunteers were collected using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform IR (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and this was combined with the multivariate analysis of principal component analysis linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) to develop a discriminant model to verify the diagnostic potential of this approach. The study found that the accuracy of the test model established by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy combined with PCA-LDA was 97%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 100% in the control group, 94% and 98% in the pre-diabetes group, and 91% and 98% in the DM group, respectively. This indicates that this method can effectively diagnose DM and pre-diabetes, which has far-reaching clinical significance.

R3-Walk and R6-Walk, Simple Clinical Equations to Accurately Predict Independent Walking at 3 and 6 Months After Stroke: A Prospective, Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo investigate if independent walking at 3 and 6 months poststroke can be accurately predicted within the first 72 hours, based on simple clinical bedside tests. DesignProspective observational cohort study with 3-time measurements: immediately after stroke, and 3 and 6 months poststroke. SettingPublic hospital. ParticipantsAdults with first-ever stroke evaluated at 3 (N=263) and 6 (N=212) months poststroke. InterventionNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresThe outcome of interest was independent walking at 3 and 6 months after stroke. Predictors were age, walking ability, lower limb strength, motor recovery, spatial neglect, continence, and independence in activities of daily living. ResultsThe equation for predicting walking 3 months poststroke was 3.040 + (0.283 × FAC baseline) + (0.021 × Modified Barthel Index), and for predicting walking 6 months poststroke was 3.644 + (-0.014 × age) + (0.014 × Modified Barthel Index). For walking ability 3 months after stroke, sensitivity was classified as high (91%; 95% CI: 81–96), specificity was moderate (57%; 95% CI: 45–69), positive predictive value was high (76%; 95% CI: 64–86), and negative predictive value was high (80%; 95% CI: 60–93). For walking ability 6 months after stroke, sensitivity was classified as moderate (54%; 95% CI: 47–61), specificity was high (81%; 95% CI: 61–92), positive predictive value was high (87%; 95% CI: 70–96), and negative predictive value was low (42%; 95% CI: 50–73). ConclusionsThis study provided 2 simple equations that predict walking ability 3 and 6 months after stroke. This represents an important step to accurately identify individuals, who are at high risk of walking dependence early after stroke.

Use of milk’s electrical conductivity in the detection of mastitis

Mastitis is a costly udder disease affecting dairy cattle. Decreased milk yield, treatment and labor costs, decreased milk quality and cow death etc. are some of the factors that make up costs. These losses are caused by subclinical mastitis without visible symptoms. Mastitis can be detected by performing one of the simple screening tests such as electrical conductivity (EC) measurement of milk. Our study evaluated the use of this method for the detection of subclinical and clinical mastitis.

Hidden cases of epilepsy in cognitive impairment clinics: Exploring the use of a portable device for simplified electroencephalography testing

Late-onset epilepsy, particularly focal impaired awareness seizures, often present without convulsions and can cause memory impairment. This can lead patients to initially seek consultation at memory clinics, potentially delaying referral to epilepsy specialists. We report on three patients, aged 40s to 70s, admitted for cognitive evaluation who were finally diagnosed with epileptic seizures as the underlying cause of their symptoms. Notably, all initially presented to local clinics with symptoms suggesting cognitive impairment. Despite initial diagnostic uncertainty, all patients exhibited epileptic activity on electroencephalography (EEG) and responded positively to antiepileptic drugs, suggesting epileptic mechanisms were involved in their symptoms. Both traditional clinical EEG systems and newly developed, one-minute portable EEG devices were used in their evaluations. The portable device, medically approved in Japan, successfully captured sharp-waves like activities with the same durations, amplitudes, and shapes as traditional devices. This highlights its potential to improve epilepsy diagnosis and future screening due to its portability and ease of use. Implementing portable EEG devices could promote timely and appropriate treatment, preventing misdiagnosis of neurological conditions.

An integrated convolutional neural network-based surrogate model for crashworthiness performance prediction of hot-stamped vehicle panel components

During the structural design of vehicle components, Finite Element (FE) modelling has been extensively used for simulations of physical experiments. A typical design optimisation task requires iterative simulations to identify the optimum design, where FE simulations can be too time-consuming. Surrogate models have been developed to approximate complex simulations, which can reduce computational time and improve the efficiency of the design cycle. This paper presents a novel application of convolutional neural network (CNN) on rapid predictions of crashworthiness performance of vehicle panel components considering manufacturability. The dataset for training the model was generated based on the FE results of hot-stamped ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) B-pillar components. The formed components were analysed with a simplified lateral crash test to evaluate the deformation under impact. The trained model can instantly predict the deformation of the designed component with high accuracy compared to the FE results. Due to its high computational efficiency and precision, the surrogate model enables faster and more extensive design evaluations.

A simplified cyclic shear test for pore water pressure build-up in sands

A simplified cyclic shear test for pore water pressure build-up in sands

Disentangling Moral Hazard and Adverse Selection

While many real-world principal-agent problems have both moral hazard and adverse selection, existing tools largely analyze only one at a time. Do the insights from the separate analyses survive when the frictions are combined? We develop a simple method—decoupling—to study both problems at once. When decoupling works, everything we know from the separate analyses carries over, but interesting interactions also arise. We provide simple tests for whether decoupling is valid. We develop and numerically implement an algorithm to calculate the decoupled solution and check its validity. We also provide primitives for decoupling to work and analyze several extensions. (JEL D82, D86)

Brief webcam test of hand movements predicts episodic memory, executive function, and working memory in a community sample of cognitively asymptomatic older adults.

Low-cost simple tests for preclinical Alzheimer's disease are a research priority. We evaluated whether remote unsupervisedwebcam recordings of finger-tapping were associated with cognitive performance in older adults. A total of 404 cognitively-asymptomatic participants (64.6 [6.77] years; 70.8% female) completed 10-second finger-tapping tests (Tasmanian [TAS] Test) and cognitive tests (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery [CANTAB]) online at home. Regression models including hand movement features were compared with null models (comprising age, sex, and education level); change in Akaike Information Criterion greater than 2 (ΔAIC > 2) denoted statistical difference. Hand movement features improved prediction of episodic memory, executive function, and working memory scores (ΔAIC > 2). Dominant hand features outperformed nondominant hand features for episodic memory (ΔAIC = 2.5), executive function (ΔAIC = 4.8), and working memory (ΔAIC = 2.2). This brief webcam test improved prediction of cognitive performance compared to age, sex, and education. Finger-tapping holds potential as a remote language-agnostic screening tool to stratify community cohorts at risk for cognitive decline.

THE INFLUENCE OF PROBLEM SOLVING LEARNING MODELS ON STUDENTS CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS IN INTEGRATED SOCIAL STUDIES SUBJECTS AT JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL 11 SAMARINDA


 When learning is carried out at Junior High School 11 Samarinda, it tends to only use the lecture learning model. Based on initial observations carried out by researchers through interviews and obtaining data on student learning outcomes from the Integrated Social Sciences teacher at Junior High School 11 Samarinda. It is known that students do not play an active role in the learning process, which results in a lack of student creativity so that learning outcomes do not reach the criteria for completeness This study aims to determine the effect of the Problem Solving Learning Model on Students' Thinking Ability in Integrated Social Studies Subjects at Junior High School 11 Samarinda. This research is a quantitative research with the type of quasi-experimental research with research subjects in class VIII A as many as 28 students as the control class and VIII B as many as 30 students as the experimental class. Data collection was carried out in this study using observation techniques, tests and interviews. The results of this study were obtained from a simple linear regression test with a sig 2 tailed value <0.05 with a calculation of 0.179 <0.05. So it can be concluded that the use of the problem solving learning model makes students have increased intellectual potential within themselves and students have a sense of self-confidence in expressing their opinions and ideas so that it can stimulate the development of students' thinking abilities creatively and comprehensively, because in the student learning process uses a lot of mental energy to highlight problems from various aspects and approaches in order to find solutions.
 Keyword: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Ability
 When learning is carried out at Junior High School 11 Samarinda, it tends to only use the lecture learning model. Based on initial observations carried out by researchers through interviews and obtaining data on student learning outcomes from the Integrated Social Sciences teacher at Junior High School 11 Samarinda. It is known that students do not play an active role in the learning process, which results in a lack of student creativity so that learning outcomes do not reach the criteria for completeness This study aims to determine the effect of the Problem Solving Learning Model on Students' Thinking Ability in Integrated Social Studies Subjects at Junior High School 11 Samarinda. This research is a quantitative research with the type of quasi-experimental research with research subjects in class VIII A as many as 28 students as the control class and VIII B as many as 30 students as the experimental class. Data collection was carried out in this study using observation techniques, tests and interviews. The results of this study were obtained from a simple linear regression test with a sig 2 tailed value <0.05 with a calculation of 0.179 <0.05. So it can be concluded that the use of the problem solving learning model makes students have increased intellectual potential within themselves and students have a sense of self-confidence in expressing their opinions and ideas so that it can stimulate the development of students' thinking abilities creatively and comprehensively, because in the student learning process uses a lot of mental energy to highlight problems from various aspects and approaches in order to find solutions.

TO STUDY EFFECT OF MEDICAL NUTRITION THERAPY IN PATIENTS OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Aim:To studyeffect of medical nutrition therapy on patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Design:This is an prospective observational study and techniques used are clinical and noninvasive. Methods:The prospective observational study was conducted on 890 antenatal subjects attending antenatal clinic at tertiary care hospital during their second trimester of pregnancy. The study was conducted from 1st march 2021 to 31st august 2022.DIPSI criteria recommended by FOGSI and FIGO(2020) for GDM was used . Single step test was used irrespective of last meal and cutoff value of> 140 was used [after 2 hours] to diagnose GDM. All the subjects were followed till delivery and were divided in two groups on the basis of sugar charting 24 hours before starting any treatment. Statistical Analysis: Data was analysed using IBM- Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Frequency distribution, percentages and Chi square test and spearson correlation test was used for statistical analysis. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Results:Out of 890 cases ,84 cases were screened positive .Hence incidence of GDM in present study was 9.4%.24 hours sugar charting was done and those who were having normal sugar profile around 65 patients were kept on observation only and around 17 were managed by medical nutrition therapy and other require pharmacotherapy. Conclusion:In Indian context, screening for GDM is essential in all pregnant women as the Indian women have 11 fold increased risk of developing glucose intolerance during pregnancy compared to Caucasian women. Simple test which is economical, feasible,does not require long stay or frequent visit to hospital is and causes least disturbance to pregnant womensdaily activities is required. DIPSI as a diagnostic tool for GDM issimple,one step, low cost and veryconvenient.An early diagnosis is always better as it gives enough .time to correct and prevent complications.Medical nutrition therapy is very much effective way to treat gestational diabetes mellitus as it doesnt harm baby as well as no side effects are there in this therapy. Abbreviations:Gestational diabetes mellitus-GDM,diabetes in pregnancy and study group-DIPSI.

Evaluation of Brest cancer by two different modalities Ultrasound and Mammography

Ultrasound is an inexpensive, simple test that doesn't cause any discomfort or anxiety from claustrophobia as an Mammography might. Ultrasound tests also don't emit any radiation, so they are safe for just about everyone. They also offer very clear images, better than those produced by an X-ray. Ultrasound can provide a more precise diagnosis than a mammogram alone and can better detect very small abnormalities and those in dense breasts. The main objective is the Confirmation of breast cancer by ultrasound, determined false negative by comparison with histopathology report and determined false positive by comparison with histopathology report.A hundred cases were present at oncology institute, they were divided in to tow group 50 were above 35y old and the other one younger than that, first group were examined by ultrasound and mammography, while the second group were examined by ultrasound only.The study showed that about 72% of cases were having malignancy by histopathology, while the other had malignancy by either ultrasound or mammography.28 % were found to be benign case.In conclusion , the accuracy of breast cancer detection by ultrasound helps in decreasing waiting time for histopathological report. Therefore, ultrasound is found to be useful tool to evaluate high risk patient’s especially in young ages.

How does Organizational Communication affect Job Satisfaction among Employees of Automotive Companies?

This research aims to find out how organizational communication influences job satisfaction among automotive company employees. The population in this study were all internal employees of companies operating in the automotive sector, or in this case PT Hadji Kalla Toyota, totaling 80 people. The instruments used in the research were observation, documentation, and questionnaires. The data analysis technique used is simple linear regression analysis and partial hypothesis testing using the IBM Statistical for Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 21 program. Based on the results of statistical tests, it shows that partially the organizational communication variable has a positive and significant effect on employee job satisfaction. Based on the results of this research, PT Hadji Kalla Toyota should maintain and improve organizational communication by creating a work environment that is not rigid, because a rigid work environment can cause communication between employees to decrease. By establishing good communication, this variable can increase job satisfaction. employee.

A Simple, Affordable, Do-It-Yourself Method for Measuring Soil Maximum Water Holding Capacity

ABSTRACT There is an increasing need for accessible methods to monitor soil health. Our primary objective was to evaluate an accessible, do-it-yourself method for measuring the maximum water holding capacity – we call this the funnel, filter paper, and drainage (MWHCFFPD) method. First, we compared MWHCFFPD to the water desorption method via pressure cells (WHCPC), routinely used for generating soil water retention curves, using 10 soils from a wide range of textures (4–55% clay). Second, we tested the sensitivity of the MWHCFFPD to methodological variations likely encountered by citizen scientists. The two methods were quite comparable in precision, with mean coefficient of variances of 3.5% and 4.4% for the FFPD and water desorption method, respectively. The MWHCFFPD and WHCPC methods were comparable, with MWHCFFPD best correlating to WHCPC at −2.45 kPa (R2 = 0.98). The MWHCFFPD method is somewhat sensitive to some methodological modifications, most notably variation in water source, but with standardized protocols could be scientifically robust. Overall, MWHCFFPD can be used as a simple and affordable test of sieved soil structure and organic matter, and thus has potential to expand soil health monitoring.

Capacity Building to Support Posbindu Cadre Skills in Early Detection of Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract. The number of people with non-communicable diseases is increasing from year to year, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. If not detected and handled properly, it can cause complications and even death. It takes the role of many parties in controlling non-communicable diseases, one of which is Posyandu cadres. At Seroja Sendangadi Mlati Sleman Posyandu, posyandu activities have been carried out. Most cases of non-communicable diseases were DM and hypertension. The problem is that Posyandu Seroja cadres have never received training on checking blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid and health education. Posyandu Seroja has never carried out the activities to increase residents' awareness of signs and symptoms of disease, examinations, and management for residents who have been diagnosed. Posyandu also does not have its own blood sugar checker. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the capacity of Pobindu Seroja cadres. In this community service, capacity building has been carried out with training on blood pressure checks and training on simple blood tests (blood sugar, uric acid, gout) and provision of medical devices. The training was attended by 15 cadres. Then, it was continued with the second activity, namely early detection and health education on non-communicable diseases which were attended by 46 posbindu participants. The results of community service were processed using descriptive statistics. The existence of training for cadres increases blood pressure checking skills from 2 capable cadres to 15 capable cadres. Results after simple blood test training are from 1 capable to 8 capable. The results of early detection of non-communicable diseases found that most of the nutritional status was overweight, most of the blood pressure and uric acid were normal, most of the blood sugar and cholesterol were high or abnormal.

The Effect of Good Governance Practices and Decision Making at Da’wah and Communication Faculty UIN Raden Fatah Palembang

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, effective governance practices and decision-making within academic institutions are pivotal for shaping the academic environment. This holds particularly true for faculties dedicated to Da'wah and Communication, where religious principles, communication, and academic rigor converge. This study explores governance practices and decision-making dynamics within the Da’wah and Communication Faculty at UIN Raden Fatah Palembang. The research delves into administrative structures, decision-making processes, and their impact on academic, religious, and communicative dimensions. Differentiating educational governance from corporate governance, the study underscores the complexity of educational contexts. In the Da’wah and Communication Faculty, the Management Review Meeting serves as a crucial governance practice. The meeting involves agenda overview, prior meeting evaluation, academic contributions, student affairs, financial analysis, technology assessment, and open discussion. This strategic approach enhances organizational performance, aligning with the principles of good governance. The research methodology employs a quantitative approach, utilizing cross-sectional data from interviews and questionnaires. The Likert scale measures perceptions, with decision-making as the dependent variable and good governance as the independent variable. Hypothesis testing involves simple linear regression and partial tests. Research findings suggest a positive but statistically insignificant correlation between knowledge management (KM) and decision making (DM). Influencing factors include small sample sizes, high variability, insensitive measurement methods, unaccounted control variables, temporal aspects, and chance factors. Enhancing significance requires expanded sample sizes, detailed control variables, and robust statistical methods. Contextual considerations are crucial, emphasizing the context-dependent nature of the KM-DM relationship. In conclusion, the KM-DM relationship is generally perceived as positive, yet lacks consistent statistical significance. Factors influencing this relationship necessitate methodological improvements. Recognizing the context-dependent nature of KM's impact on decision-making outcomes, researchers can refine strategies for more targeted decision-making in educational organizations.

INFLUENCE OF MOBILE BANKING SERVICE THE NUMBER OF CUSTOMERS BANK ACEH ISLAMIC KCP BATUPHAT, LHOKSEUMAWE

This research aims to determine and analyze whether there is influence of mobile banking services on the number of customers of Bank Aceh Syariah KCP Batuphat. In this study using primary data obtained from distributing questionnaires, where the population in this study was 997 mobile banking action users, the data was obtained from Bank Aceh Syariah KCP Batuphat. The samples in this study were 90 mobile banking action users. The data used accidental sampling technique, which tested using validity test, reliability test, classic assumption test, multiple determination test (R2), partial test, simultaneous test, simple regression test. As for the results of testing the hypothesis in this study, namely, the partial test results show a t-count value of 6,907 > t-table (1,987) and a significant value of 0,000 <0.05 so that mobile banking services have a positive and significant effect on the number of customers. The results of the multiple determination test (R2) show that the value of R2 is 0.569, meaning that the contribution of mobile banking services to the variable number of customers is 56.5%. The results of simple linear regression show that there is an effect of mobile banking services on the number of customers with a value of 0.149 or 14.9%.

Pengaruh permainan softball menggunakan model pembelajaran TGT terdahap kemampuan gerak umum

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of playing softball using the team games tournament learning model on the general movement abilities of male students. The method in this research uses an experimental method and a quantitative approach with a sample size of 35 male students selected using a purposive sampling technique. The test instrument uses the barrow motor ability test. Data analysis techniques use normality, homogeneity and hypothesis tests. The research results were obtained through a simple linear regression test of the influence of softball games using the team games tournament learning model on male students' general movement abilities with a calculated t value of 4.894 and a significance value of .000. Based on the results of a simple regression test, there is an influence of playing softball using the team games tournament learning model on male students' general movement abilities. The conclusion is that there is an influence of playing softball using the team games tournament learning model on male students' general movement abilities.

Implications of the Go Digital Training Program on the Productivity of Pindang MSMEs

This research purposes to understand the impact of training on sales productivity. Productivity of Pindang MSMEs in Banyusari, Cicinde Utara Village. This research method uses quantitative research. Data analysis used simple linear regression on a sample of 146 respondents. According to a simple linear regression test for sales productivity of 11.560% according to the t-test, the results of this research prove that the training program has an effect on the sales performance of Pindang MSMEs in Cicinde Banyusari Village. This can be seen from the t-count (12.247) > t-table (1.976) with a significance level of 0.000 < 0.05 according to the coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.517. This shows that among Pindang MSMEs in Banyusari, Cicinde Utara Village, job training has a 51.7% relationship with sales productivity, while the remaining 48.3% is influenced by other factors not studied in other cases. The research results show that training is positively and significantly related to sales productivity. Future researchers should research a broader population and pay more attention to other aspects that influence sales productivity.

Differentiation of Ethiopian Durum Wheat Varieties Using Simple Chemical Tests and Seed Morphological Traits

Differentiation of Ethiopian Durum Wheat Varieties Using Simple Chemical Tests and Seed Morphological Traits

Psychological capital in increasing perceived organizational support in traffic police members

Traffic police are responsible for maintaining order and safety on the roads, which involves a series of tasks that are not always easy to perform. Despite this, members of the traffic police remain loyal in carrying out their crucial duties because of the positive psychological conditions that members have, giving rise to positive perceptions of the traffic police in carrying out their duties. This study is intended to determine the relationship between psychological capital and perceived organizational support in police members in the traffic unit. The method used by researchers is quantitative with a sampling technique, namely simple random sampling. One hundred five traffic police members became participants in this study. Data analysis of the results of this study was carried out using a simple regression test, which showed acceptance of the proposed hypothesis. Based on the results of the data analysis, there is a relationship between psychological capital and perceived organizational support for police officers in the traffic unit. These results can be seen from the contribution value between psychological capital and perceived organizational support, which is 53%. This research confirms the importance of one’s positive psychological state to increase perceived organizational support.