Standard Scale Research Articles

Cosmic clues: DESI, dark energy, and the cosmological constant problem

Several attempts to solve the cosmological constant problem, which concerns the value of the cosmological constant being extremely smaller than the Standard Model mass scales, have introduced a scalar field with a very flat potential that can be approximated as linear around any given position. The scalar field scans the cosmological constant in such a way that the current small value is explained. Recently, Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) reported the results of the first year. Combining the data with CMB, Pantheon, Union3, and/or DES-SN5YR, there is a preference or anomaly, indicating that the dark energy in the current Universe slightly deviates from that in the ΛCDM model and varies over time. In this paper, I show that the simple linear potential of a scalar field that may explain the small cosmological constant, can explain the DESI anomaly. The conclusions do not change by including or not including a thermal friction effect. In particular, the model proposed by the present author in [1], which relaxes the cosmological constant by the condition that inflation ends, predicts a time-dependence of the dark energy close to the one favored by the data.

Video-Based Kinematic Analysis of Movement Quality in a Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Troriluzole in Adults with Spinocerebellar Ataxia: A Post Hoc Analysis.

Traditional methods for assessing movement quality rely on subjective standardized scales and clinical expertise. This limitation creates challenges for assessing patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), in whom changes in mobility can be subtle and varied. We hypothesized that a machine learning analytic system might complement traditional clinician-rated measures of gait. Our objective was to use a video-based assessment of gait dispersion to compare the effects of troriluzole with placebo on gait quality in adults with SCA. Participants with SCA underwent gait assessment in a phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of troriluzole (NCT03701399). Videos were processed through a deep learning pose extraction algorithm, followed by the estimation of a novel gait stability measure, the Pose Dispersion Index, quantifying the frame-by-frame symmetry, balance, and stability during natural and tandem walk tasks. The effects of troriluzole treatment were assessed in mixed linear models, participant-level grouping, and treatment group-by-visit week interaction adjusted for age, sex, baseline modified Functional Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (f-SARA), and time since diagnosis. From 218 randomized participants, 67 and 56 participants had interpretable videos of a tandem and natural walk attempt, respectively. At Week 48, individuals assigned to troriluzole exhibited significant (p=0.010) improvement in tandem walk Pose Dispersion Index versus placebo {adjusted interaction coefficient: 0.584 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.137 to 1.031]}. A similar, nonsignificant trend was observed in the natural walk assessment [coefficient: 1.198 (95% CI-1.067 to 3.462)]. Further, lower baseline Pose Dispersion Index during the natural walk was significantly (p=0.041) associated with a higher risk of subsequent falls [adjusted Poisson coefficient:-0.356 [95% CI-0.697 to-0.014)]. Using this novel approach, troriluzole-treated subjects demonstrated improvement in gait as compared to placebo for the tandem walk. Machine learning applied to video-captured gait parameters can complement clinician-reported motor assessment in adults with SCA. The Pose Dispersion Index may enhance assessment in future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION-CLINICALTRIALS. NCT03701399.

PCA-ICA-LSTM: A Hybrid Deep Learning Model Based on Dimension Reduction Methods to Predict S&P 500 Index Price

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a new hybrid model based on a deep learning network to predict the prices of financial assets. The study addresses two key limitations in existing research: (1) the lack of standardized datasets, time scales, and evaluation metrics, and (2) the focus on prediction return. The proposed model employs a two-stage preprocessing approach utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction and de-noising, followed by Independent Component Analysis (ICA) for feature extraction. A Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network with five layers is fed with this preprocessed data to predict the price of the next day using a 5 day time horizon. To ensure comparability with existing literature, experiments employ an 18 year dataset of the Standard & Poor's 500 (S&P500) index and include over 40 technical indicators. Performance evaluation encompasses six metrics, highlighting the model's superiority in accuracy and return rates. Comparative analyses demonstrate the superiority of the proposed PCA-ICA-LSTM model over single-stage statistical methods and other deep learning architectures, achieving notable improvements in evaluation metrics. Evaluation against previous studies using similar datasets corroborates the model's superior performance. Moreover, extensions to the study include adjustments to dataset parameters to account for the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in improved return rates surpassing traditional trading strategies. PCA-ICA-LSTM achieves a 220% higher return compared to the “hold and wait” strategy in the extended S&P500 dataset, along with a 260% higher return than its closest competitor in the comparison. Furthermore, it outperformed other models in additional case studies. Graphical Abstract

The familial transmission of suicide and non-suicidal self-injury in different income levels in town.

Prior researches have established that suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) exhibit familial transmission patterns. However, the extent to which these patterns vary across different income levels remains unclear, as well as the specific factors that influence them. This study aimed to explore these questions. We analyzed data from 13,988 parent-child pairs in Chongqing, China, where the children were aged from 7 to 12 years old. Six income levels were considered, and the children's depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed using standardized scales (the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, [CES-DC], and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders [SCARED], respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the transmission of suicide and NSSI across different income levels. Familial transmission of suicide was significant difference in all income levels except the highest, while familial transmission of NSSI was significant difference in all income levels except the lowest. Notably, in both low- and high-income levels, suicide and NSSI transmissions primarily occurred among male children, mothers with higher education, and children who spent long time with their mothers. Additionally, the transmissions were mediated partially or entirely by children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Future studies should investigate the separate effects of fathers' and mothers' suicide and NSSI histories on familial transmission patterns. The familial transmissions of suicide and NSSI exhibited distinct patterns across different income levels.

Gendered differences in the prevalence and associated factors of dementia in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDementia as a global phenomenon has received significant attention in research due to the adverse effects it has on the daily functioning of its victims. Despite studies conducted in relation to the prevalence and associated factors of dementia in Ghana, not much attention has been paid to the influence of gender. The study, therefore, focused on estimating gender differences in the prevalence and associated factors of dementia in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.MethodsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design with surveys to recruit 800 participants who were 45 years or older. The data was obtained using the standardized Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) together with information on the various associated factors. A series of logistic models comprising of the total sample model, male sample model, and female sample model were estimated to analyse the data. All data analyses were completed in Stata version 14.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dementia was 23.38% [95% CI:20.44, 26.31]. More females 24.56% [95% CI:20.81, 28.31] compared to males 21.31% [95% CI:16.57, 26.04] were at risk of dementia. Younger age, attaining formal education, and belonging to richer households were negatively associated with the risk of dementia. In the total sample model, younger age and attaining formal education were negatively associated with dementia risk. In the male-female stratified models, education and household wealth index were negatively associated with dementia risk in the male sample while age and education were negatively related to dementia risk in the female sample.ConclusionThe study concludes that there are gendered differences in the prevalence and factors associated with the risk of dementia in Ghana. As such, interventions and programmes to identify dementia cases must be gender sensitive. Specifically, when addressing dementia risk in males, interventions should be directed towards those with lower wealth status. Likewise, when developing programmes to mitigate dementia risk in women, particular attention should be given to women in the oldest age category.

Development and Standardisation of Scale to Measure Attitude of the Farmers towards Natural Farming: A Sustainable Environmental Approach

Attitude is defined as the degree of favourable or unfavourable feeling of the farmers towards natural farming. Natural farming, a sustainable agricultural practice that eschews synthetic inputs, has garnered significant interest globally for its potential to enhance soil health, biodiversity and crop resilience. Understanding farmer’s attitude towards natural farming is crucial for its widespread adoption. It is the accepted fact that attitude of an individual plays an important role in determining ones behaviour. Keeping this in view a standardized scale has been developed to assess the attitude of the farmers towards natural farming. The Likert’s summated rating method was used to construct the scale. The process started with collection of items followed by relevancy testing and item analysis and checking the reliability and validity for precision and consistency. A total of twenty four statements were finally retained for measuring attitude of the farmers towards natural farming, out of which fourteen statements were positive and ten statements were negative. The reliability was checked using split-half method and validity was examined through content validity. The scale developed was found highly reliable and valid.

Relationship between Parental Engagement and Student Achievement of Secondary Level Students

The aim of this research is to study the relationship between parental engagement and student achievement of secondary level students especially grade 10 students in public and private schools in the Sunsari district using survey design through simple random method. Data were collected by pre- prepared and expert standardized Likert scale having structured questionnaires and analyzed descriptively and inferentially through using the SPSS software. This study finds that both parents (father and mothers) of private schools' students are more educated than public schools. This study also finds that fathers and mothers in both schools are the students' Immediate Parents of the grades 10 students. In addition to that, it finds that maximum students of public schools obtained moderate grades (C-C+) whereas good grades (B-B+) in private schools. Thus, the achievement of public schools' student is low than private school's students. Furthermore, there is no significant mean difference between fathers/mothers' qualifications and students' achievement in both public and private schools. It finds that there is a weak, positive and no significant relationship between parents' talks practice and students' achievement and there is negative, weak and significant relationship between reward practice of parents and students' achievement. Likewise, there is also weak, positive and no significant relationship between punishment practice and students' achievement and negative and there is weak and no significant relationship between support practice of parents and students' achievement.

THE THE WORD CHAIN TEST: THE NORMATIVE DATA FOR STUDENTS FROM GRADES 1 TO 9

The Word Chain Test (WCT) is a rapid screening procedure that appears to identify primary and secondary school students with poor silent word decoding abilities. The WCT was adapted to the Latvian language in 2003. However, norms for the test had yet to be established. The study is aimed to develop the WCT normative data set for students from grades 1 to 9. Students from grades 1 to 9 (N = 4476) representing all geographical regions of Latvia, urban and country territories completed the WCT that included two subtests – letter chains and word chains. The descriptive statistic parameters were estimated for each grade. The results demonstrated statistically significant correlations between scores of word and letter chains and the age of students. The statistically significant differences in the average scores of letter and word chains were found between boys and girls. The scores of letter and word chains were scaled separately for boys and girls by grade using a standard nine-point scale. The 5th, 7th, and 16th percentiles were estimated for diagnostic purposes. The developed WCT normative data set allows the examiner to assess students' visual-spatial and word-decoding skills. Future studies should continue the standardization procedures by determining the convergent and clinical validity of the WCT.

Standardizing Fidelity to Evidence-Based Practice in the Early Psychosis Intervention Network.

This study investigated variations in the measurement of fidelity to coordinated specialty care (CSC) within the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET), a learning health system that consists of 101 CSC programs within eight hubs. The study investigated the degree to which five fidelity scales could be mapped onto a standard scale. The investigators identified six fidelity scales in use by EPINET participants; examined their item content, scoring, and data sources; and mapped five scales onto the First Episode Psychosis Services Fidelity Scale (FEPS-FS), which is the most widely used scale. Mapping five fidelity scales onto the FEPS-FS showed that the percentage of FEPS-FS components successfully mapped ranged from 42% to 81%. Mapping five scales onto one that uses dichotomous scoring identified the degree of variation in measures and reduced the amount and quality of usable fidelity data. Identifying variations in fidelity measurement is a core function of a learning health system.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs scale for breast cancer survivors.

Adjuvant endocrine therapy has a vital role in reducing breast cancer mortality. The beliefs in adjuvant endocrine therapy is a very important factor in the medication adherence of breast cancer survivors. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a standardized scale for assessment of adjuvant endocrine therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify the attributes of adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs, and to evaluate adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs scale psychometric properties. A hybrid model was applied to identify the concept of adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs and measurement question were developed by the scale development process. Statistical analysis using validity analysis and Rasch analysis based on item response theory were performed. A total of 228 breast cancer survivors in South Korea participated in the study. The finally developed adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs scale consisted of 22 items. The items extracted by 4 factors explained 59.72% of the total variance. The model fit showed an acceptable level. The adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs scale was excellent in convergent and discriminant validity with reliability. This scale is expected to be practical and useful in identifying adjuvant endocrine therapy beliefs and developing intervention strategies to promote adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence. In addition, continuous education and support should be accompanied so that breast cancer survivors can maintain positive beliefs in adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence.

Mediating role of loneliness and emotional disturbance in the association between childhood trauma and occupational burnout among nurses: a cross-sectional study.

The occupational burnout status of nurses in China warrants attention. Childhood trauma, loneliness, and emotional disturbance are significant predictors of this burnout, yet few studies have delved into the underlying mechanisms. This study seeks to explore the mediating pathway from childhood trauma to loneliness, emotional disturbance, and ultimately occupational burnout among nurses through a cross-sectional analysis. Data for the study were collected from Yunnan province, China, from 11 July to 26 July 2022. Key variables were measured using standardized scales: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form for childhood trauma, the three-item loneliness scale for loneliness, the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire for emotional disturbance, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey for occupational burnout. Mediation modeling analysis was employed for data analysis to test the effect of loneliness and emotional disturbance on the association between childhood trauma and occupational burnout. Data analysis was conducted using AMOS and SPSS software. Loneliness and emotional disturbance fully mediated the association between childhood trauma and emotional exhaustion [indirect effect (95% CI) = 0.228 (0.196, 0.270)]. Loneliness and emotional disturbance partially mediated the association between childhood trauma [indirect effect (95% CI) = -0.020 (-0.039, 0.002)] and personal accomplishment or depersonalization [indirect effect (95% CI) = 0.221 (0.186, 0.255)]. Childhood trauma could affect occupational burnout through loneliness and emotional disturbance among nurses. Preventive strategies could include protective interventions like treatment of loneliness and emotional disturbance, especially in nurses who experienced childhood trauma.

A Study of Relationship Between Television Watching Habit and School Aggressive Behavior in Early Adolescent Students

If children are witnessing and experiencing excessive levels of violence, we cannot deny that these factors have a bad effect on our society and children. This study aimed to determine the relationship between early adolescent students’ aggressive behavior with their television watching habits. The descriptive survey research design had been adopted to answer the guiding two research questions. 100 students were selected for the administration of the standardized Television Watching Habit Questionnaire and Student's Aggressive Behavior Rating Scale (SABRS) developed by Chakraborty. The responses were then analyzed through frequency, percentage, and t-test to verify the hypotheses. The findings demonstrated that social media, including exposure to violent television shows, violent movies, videos, and video games, as well as evaluating various social media platforms, had a detrimental effect on teenagers by encouraging aggressive behavior. Restructuring secondary schools' academic curriculum to prioritize problem-solving, fact-finding, and practical learning over theory would allow teenagers to focus on academic pursuits at home, reducing screen time and social media usage.

Pest Detection and Classification in Peanut Crops

Recent advancements in image processing have significantly improved pest detection and classification in peanut crops. Our study introduces an innovative approach that optimizes image features for accurate pest identification. Leveraging insights from successful image analysis methodologies, our model employs a tailored architecture for pest detection, segmentation, and classification tasks. By integrating dual branch segment representations and a dual-layer transformer encoder, we aim to enhance image representations and consolidate pest image segments of varying sizes. We evaluate our approach using three distinct pest datasets—Aphids, Wireworm, and Gram Caterpillar—ensuring comprehensive analysis and model validation. Prior to training, we preprocess the datasets extensively, employing feature extraction techniques and addressing image quality issues. We then apply normalization procedures to standardize the data for seamless integration into our model architecture. Our methodology focuses on extracting key features through self-attention mechanisms and standardized scaling processes to enhance predictive capabilities. Comprehensive experimentation demonstrates the superiority of our approach, outperforming established benchmarks in pest detection and classification with high accuracy rates. In summary, our study presents a novel framework that optimizes feature extraction and enhances predictive accuracy in pest detection and classification for peanut crops, addressing the unique challenges of agricultural pest identification.

Building Healthcare Brand: Role of service, image, and trust

Objective: Healthcare branding is a recent concept, and its theoretical modeling is still somewhat inadequate. This paper examines how perceived service quality affects healthcare brand performance, brand image, and behavioral intention. Methods: The present study uses survey responses from 678 patients who have taken treatment in multi-specialty medical institutes. Standard scales were used from the literature to measure the variables used. The conceptual model was validated using structural equation modeling using AMOS. SPSS was used to determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. Results: The theoretical model has a relatively high and significant coefficient path for each of the hypotheses. The R2 value for satisfaction was 0.70 or 70 percent. The R2 value for the trust was 0.78. For Brand performance, Brand image and behavioral intentions were 81, 82.5, and 74%, respectively. Overall, the scores suggest an acceptable level of measure score and predictive ability of the relevant constructs. The results disclose the dimensions of service quality in the circumstances of healthcare. The patients place relatively more importance on healthcare service quality than any other attributes of healthcare institutions. Service quality has a high beta value of 0.98 and p p-value of 0.000. Conclusion: The study makes an innovative theoretical contribution by establishing a relationship between experience-centric healthcare brand performance and brand image. Patient satisfaction and trust were demonstrated to mediate the relationship between perceived service quality, brand performance, brand image, and behavioral intention in a healthcare context. The study established the novel finding that trust and satisfaction play a significant role in service quality, brand performance, and brand image of healthcare institutions. This study also shows that brand performance has a positive and significant direct effect on brand performance. This shows the dependency of brand image on brand performance in the healthcare institution context.

Perceived Utility and Learning by Dominican University Students in Virtual Teaching–Learning Environments: An Analysis of Multiple Serial Mediation Based on the Extended Technology Acceptance Model

The global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus brought about a true revolution in the predominant teaching–learning processes (i.e., face-to-face environment) that had been implemented up to that point. In this regard, virtual teaching–learning environments (VTLEs) have gained unprecedented significance. The main objectives of our research were to define an explanatory theoretical model and to test a multiple serial mediation model with four variables in series (one independent variable plus three mediators) to relate perceived utility (independent variable) in the use of a VTLE and perceived learning (dependent or criterion variable) in such contexts, taking into account the mediation of subjective norm (mediator 1), ease of use (mediator 2), and intention to use behavior (mediator 3), and using the extended technology acceptance model as the theoretical framework. Additionally, we aimed to analyze the direct and indirect relationships and effects among the variables that constituted the proposed model. Methodologically, the research can be classified as a cross-sectional causal ex post facto design. A representative sample of students enrolled in higher education institutions in the Dominican Republic was used as the research population, and a standardized Likert scale was administered to measure the five dimensions of the proposed model. Finally, it is worth noting that the obtained results indicate that all direct and indirect effects considered in the model were statistically significant, except for the indirect effect, where the four predictor variables were arranged in series to verify their influence on the criterion variable: perceived learning.

Suicidal Behavior and Its Association With Psychological Distress, Coping Mechanisms, and Resilience: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Recent literature reveals that psychological factors such as resilience and coping mechanisms can act as buffers against suicide risk. Indian literature on the interplay between psychological risk and protective factors of suicidal behavior is scarce. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was done among suicide attempters in a tertiary care hospital in Southern India. A semi-structured proforma was used to obtain sociodemographic data and suicide attempt characteristics. Suicide intent, lethality, stressful life events, perceived stress, subjective distress, coping strategies, and resilience were recorded using standard rating scales. Inferential analyses were carried out with p≤ 0.05 set as statistical significance. Results Pesticide poisoning (46.7%) was the most common mode of suicide attempt. Significant gender differences emerged in the mode of suicide attempt, coping strategies, and resilience. Depression (48.7%) was the most common psychiatric comorbidity. Increased perceived stress was associated with the presence of psychiatric comorbidity, past history of suicide attempts, and high-intent suicide attempts. Maladaptive coping strategies were associated with substance abuse and a history of past suicide attempts. Low resilience levels were associated with hanging attempts, psychiatric or substance use disordercomorbidity, past history of suicide attempts, high-intent suicide attempts, and less lethal suicide attempts. Conclusion Perceived stress levels, coping strategies, and resilience have significant relationships with suicidal behavior and act as avenues for suicide prevention efforts.

A Chinese Version of the Aesthetics Scale: Cultural Adaptation and Psychological Measurement

The Aesthetics Scale is one of the most commonly used aesthetics evaluation scale in HCI. In this study, a Chinese version of the Aesthetics Scale (C-AS) was translated and validated using the forward–backward translation method. The C-AS passed the content validity and face validity tests. We then recruited 310 Chinese users and tested the psychological properties of the C-AS using the China Railway Customer Service Center ticketing platform as the test material. The experimental results showed that the C-AS has high reliability, validity, and sensitivity. Following rigorous testing, the results of this work may provide Chinese UX practitioners with a standardized aesthetics scale that researchers and practitioners can use with confidence.

Low Inter-Rater Reliability and Reproducibility of Neck Reflex/“Adler-Langer” Points in Neural Therapy Diagnostics but Increased Pressure Pain Threshold after Therapy: Results of a Randomized Controlled Observer-Blind Trial

Background: Neck reflex points or Adler-Langer points are commonly used in neural therapy to detect so-called interference fields. Chronic irritations or inflammations in the sinuses, teeth, tonsils, or ears are supposed to induce tension and tenderness of the soft tissues and short muscles in the upper cervical spine. The individual treatment strategy is based on the results of diagnostic Adler-Langer point palpation. This study investigated the inter- and intra-rater reliability and explored treatment effects. Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial with 104 inpatients (80.8% female, 51.8 ± 12.74 years) of a German department for internal and integrative medicine. Patients were randomized to individual neural therapy according to the pathological findings (n = 48) or no treatment (n = 56). In each patient, three experienced raters (20–45 years of experience in neural therapy) and two novice raters (medical students) rated Adler-Langer points rigidity on a standardized rating scale (“strong,” “weak,” “none”). The patients independently evaluated the tenderness on palpation of the eight points using the same scale. Pressure pain thresholds were assessed at the eight Adler-Langer points. All patients were retested after 30 min. The five raters were blinded to treatment allocation and assessments of the other raters. Video recordings were obtained to assess the consistency of the areas tested by the different raters. Results: Agreement between patients and raters (Cohen’s kappa = 0.161–0.400) and inter-rater reliability were low (Fleiss kappa = 0.132–0.150). Moreover, the individual agreement (pre-post comparisons in untreated patients) was similarly low even in experienced raters (Cohen’s kappa = 0.099–0.173). Video documentation suggests that raters do not place their fingers in the correct segments (percentage of correct position: 42.0–60.6%). Pressure pain thresholds at five of the eight Adler-Langer points showed significant changes after treatment compared to none in the control group. Conclusion: Under this artificial experimental setting, this method of Adler-Langer point palpation has not proven to be a reliable diagnostic tool. But it could be shown that, as claimed by the method, the tenderness in five of eight Adler-Langer points decreased after neural therapy.

Investigating the Influence of Spinach Sauce in Modulating Serum Calcium in Osteoporotic Females

Background: The modulation of serum calcium levels through diet is a critical aspect of managing osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. Spinach, known for its high calcium content, offers potential benefits for bone health due to its rich nutrient profile. This study aimed to develop a spinach sauce, evaluate its consumer acceptability, and investigate its impact on serum calcium levels in osteoporotic females. Objective: To develop a nutritionally rich spinach sauce, assess its sensory acceptability, and evaluate its effectiveness in modulating serum calcium levels among osteoporotic females. Methods: The spinach sauce was formulated using various recipes to maximize calcium bioavailability. The preparation process involved controlled cooking techniques to preserve nutrients, followed by proximate composition analysis. A sensory evaluation was conducted with osteoporotic females and a control group using standard hedonic scales. Participants were instructed to incorporate the spinach sauce into their daily diet for a specified period. Serum calcium levels were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, controlling for covariates such as age, baseline dietary habits, and baseline serum calcium levels. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was provided by all participants. Results: Treatment T2, containing 40% spinach and 60% mint, scored highest in sensory evaluation with color (8.94 ± 0.26), flavor (8.92 ± 0.30), taste (8.98 ± 0.27), texture (8.22 ± 0.29), and overall acceptability (8.94 ± 0.31). The proximate composition of the spinach sauce showed moisture (79.84%), crude protein (6.27%), crude fat (1.91%), fiber (0.57%), ash (4.21%), and nitrogen-free extract (10.27%). Serum calcium levels increased significantly in the spinach sauce group from 0.84 ± 0.01 to 1.03 ± 0.04, and in the combined spinach sauce and calcium supplement group from 0.69 ± 0.01 to 0.91 ± 0.07. ANOVA revealed significant effects of treatments (F = 1.99, p ≤ 0.01) and days (F = 41.96, p ≤ 0.01) on bone mineral density. Conclusion: The developed spinach sauce was nutritionally rich and well-received, particularly in treatment T2. It demonstrated potential in improving serum calcium levels among osteoporotic females, suggesting that dietary interventions with spinach could be a viable strategy for managing osteoporosis. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations is recommended to substantiate these findings.

Identifying internalizing transdiagnostic profiles through motivational and cognitive control systems: Relations with symptoms, functionality, and quality of life

BackgroundThe diversity of patients' symptomatology among people seeking treatment on community-based mental health services poses significant challenges to traditional models of care. Recent approaches favor identifying transdiagnostic factors that allow a better understanding of patient heterogeneity and designing more effective and quality interventions. This study examines the heterogeneity of patients with internalizing symptoms based on profiles identified with cognitive and motivational control variables. Differences between these profiles on dimensional measures of psychopathology and quality of life are examined. Methods263 patients were selected by non-probabilistic sampling procedures on mental health services in the province of Huelva (Spain). A latent class analysis on the standardized scale scores of The Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation System Scales and the Effortful Control Scale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire Short-Form was conducted. Profiles were compared on the scores of the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms-II, the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule II, and the Health Assessment Questionnaire SF-36. ResultsThe four latent profile solution is the one that showed the best fit indicators and substantive interpretability, with a kappa of 0.94 in the cross-validation procedure with 75% of the sample. No sex differences were found between the profiles (χ32 5.17, p = .160). Profiles #1 and #3, both characterized by an imbalance between low activation and high inhibition, had lower well-being, lower functionality, and quality of life. When comparing profile #2 (featuring the highest inhibitory control) lower scores on most internalizing scales are observed, specially claustrophobia, social anxiety, panic mania. Profile #4 (low control, high activation, and high inhibition) showed greater scores on both mania and euphoria and lower scores on emotional role. ConclusionsWe identified four distinctive profiles that had overly increased behavioral inhibition (as expected in internalizing disorders) and differed in the degree of imbalance between inhibition and activation systems, and between motivational systems and top-down cognitive control. The profile characterized by high activation and reduced cognitive (inhibitory) control was the one showing greater mood-related symptoms and lower levels of quality of life. These profiles could be generated by treatment providers to guide clinical management in an evidence-based manner.