Statistical Package For Social Sciences Research Articles

Evaluation of clinical aspects of obesity among undergraduate healthcare students- a cross-sectional study at King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BackgroundObesity among healthcare students (HCs)is a growing concern that needs to be addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, awareness, perceptions, practice, and preparedness of obesity, and associated factors among undergraduate HCs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to March 2024 using an online prevalidated questionnaire, to assess clinical aspects of obesity.Simple random sampling was applied for data collection from nursing, emergency medical services (EMS), and pharmacy students at Saudi University, Riyadh Saudi Arabia. All data were analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS).ResultsA total of 456 HCs participated in this study. Among those 68% believed eating high carbohydrates, fats, and sugars leads to obesity. At the same time, 52.2% and 57.2% were aware that smoking and stress can contribute to obesity. On the other hand, 41.9% live a healthy lifestyle and 38.65% engage in physical activity to control their obesity. The demographic variables such as age (p = 0.0001), gender (p = 0.0001), professional classification (p = 0.0001), presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.0001), history of weight loss treatment (p = 0.0001) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with knowledge of obesity(p = 0.001). Similarly, students’ age (p = 0.001), presence of chronic diseases (p = 0.004) history of weight loss treatment (p = 0.0001), BMI (p = 0.001), and active status (p = 0.0001) were significantly associated with the perception of the obesity.ConclusionUndergraduate HCs possess a good understanding of the clinical prospects of obesity. They know its causes, risks, and treatment options. Additionally, they are well-prepared to support individuals in managing their weight through lifestyle modifications and psychological counseling.

The Effects of Training on Employee Performance: A Case of Tanzania Police Headquarters

Human resources are considered valuable in any organization as they ensure every task is done smoothly. However, if these human resources are not well equipped with the right equipment, techniques and knowledge on how to perform their duties, they cannot be productive, and this is where training comes in as a solution to solving these problems. This study aims to show how training contributes to improved employee performance at Tanzania Police Headquarters. The study was guided by open innovation theory and organizational development theory. The study adopted a case design because it took a short time and was constructed as a single case study of the Tanzania Police Headquarters (TPF). Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were beneficial in helping the purpose underlying this study. The target population was the Tanzania Police Force (TPF) headquarters employees in Dar es Salaam city. The 125 sampled TPF employees were drawn from three nominated departments to offer information in the study using questionnaires, interviews, and literature reviews as instruments of data collection. Data was analyzed using social science statistical package. The findings revealed that in the study area, different types of training were provided to employees such as on job training, promotional training, refresher training, technological training and orientation training. Employees at TPF revealed that training has increased the morale of employees, reduced employee turnover, improved staff retention and improved job satisfaction as well as improved skills which have improved performance. Data findings indicated that the absence of training needs assessment, outdated curriculum, limited facilities; incompetent trainers and insufficient funds were barriers to conducting training. The study concluded that training has increased the morale of employees, reduced employee turnover, improved staff retention and improved job satisfaction as well as improved skills which has improved performance. It was recommended that TPF should establish strong strategic plans to support training and development to employees as well as reduce hindrances facing the proper utilization of training and all these can be considered when there is a strong policy for training and evaluation of training needs assessment.

The meaning of life and its relationship to existential anxiety among middle school teachers

The current research aims to identify the meaning of life and its relationship to existential anxiety among middle school teachers. To achieve the research objectives, the researcher adopted the Wong scale to measure the meaning of life, and to build the existential anxiety scale. The researcher applied the two scales to a sample of 308 male and female teachers. The data were then analyzed using the computer program for the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results were: high level of meaning of life among the research sample, moderate level of existential anxiety among the research sample, no statistically significant differences according to the gender variable (males, females) in each of: meaning of life, existential anxiety, no statistically significant differences according to the variable of academic specialization (scientific specializations and humanities specializations) in each of: meaning of life, existential anxiety, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between the meaning of life and existential anxiety among middle school teachers. The research concluded by discussing the results and presenting some recommendations and suggestions.

Environmental Design Teaching with the Integration of Traditional and Modern Techniques

Background: Environmental management considers the architecture in design, planning, programming, or manufacturing. It intends to create places that recover the cultural, social, ecological, and physical architecture of certain locations. However, traditional teaching methods are indeed employed. Modern technologies serve as supplemental tools. The current method of instruction is a step toward contemporary technology.Objective: Examining environmental design training using conventional and contemporary techniques was the aim of the study. Method:We collected survey data for this investigation. 400 students completed and submitted the questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to present the data. The research examines well-known visualization tools and traditional contemporary presentation techniques.Result: According to the study, architecture students rated modern technologies more satisfactory than traditional methods, indicating higher quality facilities and services. Modern technology in Environmental Design Teaching enhances learning experiences by reducing time consumption (65%), increasing efficiency (85%), offering flexibility (65%) and improved visualization (90%), and facilitating better documentation (80%), leading to higher student satisfaction (87%).Conclusion: Integrating traditional and modern architectural design techniques enhances learning experiences and efficiency, resulting in more effective and innovative design solutions through advanced tools and methods.

The Effect of Extensive and Intensive Reading Strategies on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Improvement

This study investigated the impact of extensive and intensive reading strategies on vocabulary development on EFL learners. The study was conducted at English department, Education Faculty, Kandahar University. The design of the study was inferential experimental, where pre- and post-tests were used to measure improvement in vocabulary improvement. The subjects of the study were first-year freshmen and night shift students. A total of 50 Afghan EFL students were selected based on their performance on placement test. The participants in the experimental group got extensive reading, and the control group got intensive reading, respectively. The experimental group and control group received 100-minutes per week. The collected data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that the vocabulary was improved from 83 to 93 in extensive reading and from 81 to 92 in intensive reading, which shows that there is significance increase in scores for intensive and extensive reading respectively.

Teachers’ Stress Level as a Correlate of Deviant Behaviours among Form Two Students in Machakos County, Kenya

Deviant behaviors among secondary school learners have continued to be a global issue and Machakos County is not exceptional. There are limited Studies showing the relationship between teacher level of stress and students’ deviant behaviors. This study was designed with the aim of exploring whether students’ tendency to engage in deviant behaviors is related to teacher levels of stress. The Cultural Deviance theory by Shaw and Mckay which views deviant behavior as a result of escape from freedom was used. The researcher used a correlational research design. The target population was 53 public secondary schools with 280 teachers. The study’s locale as well as the targeted schools were purposively selected. The sample from which data was gathered comprised of 160 teachers. The number of participants in each school was sampled proportionately. Stratified sampling technique helped in grouping the schools into distinct categories from which sample size was drawn from. The questionnaire which the researcher adapted from an existing instrument was filled to yield the data for the research. Piloting was done before the main data collection exercise to ascertain the validity of the adapted tool and enable testing the appropriateness of the data analysis technique. Quantitative data was analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (Version26). Pearson product moment correlation was applied to test the null hypothesis. The study found out that the higher the levels of teacher’s stress the higher the student’s deviant behavior and the lower the levels of the teacher stress the lower the student’s deviant behavior (152) =.49, p=00. The study concluded that teachers’ gender and working experiences were not significant predictors of students’ deviant behavior. The R Square value indicated that the predictor variable (teacher level of stress) accounted for about 53% of the total variance in students’ deviant behavior. The study recommended that there was need to effectively implement teacher performance, appraisal, and development fully and facilitate capacity building to ensure that the teachers’ efficacy skills were improved to reduce students’ deviant behavior in secondary schools.

Factors influencing managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District, Free State Province, South Africa

This study aimed to identify and analyse the determinants of managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers in the study area by highlighting key factors in order to create an enabling environment for the farmers to improve production and income. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 145 participants from a pull sampling frame of 251 participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data by interviewing 145 selected smallholder farmers. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 28.0, was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics and the probit regression model were used to analyse the determinants of the managerial challenges for smallholder and emerging sheep and goat farmers. The results of the study show that only 19% of the participants had business plans, and the absence of business plans impacted farm and livestock management negatively. The probit results indicated that the age of the respondents, off-farm activities, and access to market information had a positive and significant association with managerial challenges. It is recommended that youth and women be encouraged to engage in sheep and goat farming for better management and that farmers must focus their attention on livestock farming instead of off-farm income-generating activities. The Department of Agriculture and municipalities should initiate extension programs that focus on farm and livestock management as well as access to market information.

Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South Nigeria

Weak erection among male are on the increased and caused psychological trauma to male and also to their female counterpart who could not get satisfaction from their partners during sexual intercourse and it is a disturbing act Majority of the males facing weak erection pass through several degrees of psychological trauma that have affected their biopsychological system including their cognitive response. The aim of the study is to evaluate The Psychological Effects Arising from Weak Erection Among males in South-South, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study involving 480 males who were within the age of 18 to 47 years. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to participants. Each participant had one questionnaire to fill appropriately and independently after instructions were given to them by the Research Assistants. The study lasted for a period of 3 months. The results of this study showed that participants faced varieties of psychological complications due to erectile dysfunction and these include depression (83.3%), shame (83.3%), isolation (60.4%), negative self-esteem (83.3%), (2.08%) said they could not approach ladies of their choice, (83.3%) felt embarrassed, (79.2%) thought deeply and (72.92%) said they could not coordinate themselves. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

Profiling intimate partner violence in booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki and associated puerperal depressive sequelae: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm by a current or former partner or spouse on a pregnant woman. It is a global public health problem that is common but underreported. Women are at increased risk of psychiatric illness in pregnancy and after delivery with the risk of major depressive disorder being highest during the postpartum period. Intimate partner violence in pregnancy may worsen this problem.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy, incidence of postpartum depression and the relationship between intimate partner violence, delivery outcomes and postpartum depression among booked pregnant women at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria (AEFUTHA).Study designThis study was a prospective cohort study.SettingThe antenatal clinic, antenatal ward, labour ward, postpartum clinic and under five clinic of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, Nigeria were used for the study.Method One hundred and thirty-seven booked pregnant women that received antenatal care at AEFUTHA who met the inclusion criteria and consented to the study, were recruited from 37 weeks to 41 weeks gestation and screened for intimate partner violence and depression. Those with depression were referred for treatment while those that met the inclusion criteria were followed up to delivery and the delivery outcomes documented. They were also followed up to six weeks postpartum when they were screened for postpartum depression. Data were collated, tabulated and then statistically analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 25, Chicago II, USA). Numerical variables including participant’s age, parity and gestational age were presented as mean, median, frequencies and standard deviation (Mean ± S.D), while categorical variables including occupation, level of education, social class and family type were presented as numbers and percentages. Chi-square test (X2) and relative risk was used for comparison between groups for categorical variables while Fisher’s exact test was used when Chi-square test (X2) was not suitable. Binary regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression. A P value of ˂0.05 is considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of intimate partner violence was 52.6%, as 72 out of the 137 women recruited endured intimate partner violence. The major risk factors for intimate partner violence in the study were low level of education, low social class, polygamy and unemployment. The general incidence of postpartum depression was 29.93% while the incidence among women with intimate partner violence was 56.94%. Women with emotional violence and verbal abuse had a five-fold increase in the incidence of postpartum depression. Sexual violence and physical violence were not statistically significant risk factors for postpartum depression.ConclusionIntimate partner violence is common as seen from the study. It is a significant risk factor for postpartum depression. Women that are emotionally and verbal abused are more likely to have postpartum depression. Screening pregnant women for intimate violence may identify those at risk and allow for proper interventions.

Entrepreneurial resources and the well-being of women entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry of Uganda

Purpose The purpose of this study is to establish whether all the dimensions of entrepreneurial resources matter in fostering the well-being of women entrepreneurs. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory research design was used to collect data through a questionnaire survey of 283 women entrepreneurs who benefited from the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme (UWEP). This study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences to analyze the data. Findings Study results show that social and human capital matter unlike financial capital in boosting the well-being of women entrepreneurs. Originality/value This study provides maiden empirical evidence on contribution of entrepreneurial resource dimensions in fostering the well-being of women entrepreneurs, unlike extant studies that mostly focused on entrepreneurial resources as a global variable. This was done using evidence from Uganda, a developing context where the government and other stakeholders are still grappling with improving the well-being of women as a pathway for social-economic development.

Crime and Criminal Typology Independent Role Toward Tourism Support and the Intervening Position of Emotional Solidarity with Tourists

The The study explains the mediating relationship of emotional solidarity between crime, criminal typology, and tourism support among North-West tourist destinations of Swat, Pakistan. Crime has elevated among different tourist destinations, and community individuals do not support tourists visiting them. Crime rates are likely to have an adverse reputational impact on tourists’ tourism support and diminish the inclination of tourists to return. A quantitative research approach was used, and (n=398) respondents were consulted randomly through a questionnaire. Statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS V-21) and structural equation modeling (SEM-AMOS V-21) were used to analyze the data. The predictive result revealed that crime significantly decreases emotional solidarity and tourism support. For instance, criminal typology also has an inverse relationship with emotional solidarity and tourism support. Emotional solidarity has a negative intervening effect between crime, criminal typology, and tourism support. The study puts forward a conclusion to policymakers that criminal activities and crime can decrease emotional solidarity and tourism support in different destinations. The research suggested that crime should be overcome to sustain visitor intentions, and that community should support tourists.

A Study on Recycling Waste Materials in Construction Industry

The development of the construction industry has been greatly increasing over these decades. The high construction number produces several issues including waste. Waste materials in the construction industry have been one of the concerns due to high generation and most of them ended up in landfill. However, it is believed that these waste materials are recyclable. It is also adequate to be used in the construction industry for environmental sustainability as well as to reduce dependence on natural resources. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to identify practices applied in the construction industry in recycling waste materials. Moreover, this study also serves the purpose to analyse the advantages and disadvantages of the common practices applied in recycling waste materials. Last but not least, it is expected as well throughout this study, that a recommendation may be made based on the effectiveness of recycling. To test the theories, an online questionnaire survey was conducted with 66 respondents from experts in the construction industry. The collected data further will be analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software. From the results, the majority of the construction industry companies in Malaysia are aware of the waste management issue and practice waste materials recycling. The most recycled wastes are paper, cardboard, timber, and metal while the least recycled wastes are glass and asphalt due to their difficulties. Some of the waste categories are recycled by direct reuse methods such as timber and cardboard. Moreover, there is still room to improve the effectiveness of the current recycling system specifically in terms of operational cost. The current recycling system is beneficial in terms of resources, economic, and natural resource dependencies. Furthermore, the quality and reliability of the recycled products still need further improvement to be used as the main materials in the construction industry.

Influence of Parental Attitudes Towards Girls Regular School Attendance in Public Secondary Schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania

The study was designed to examine the factors influencing parental attitudes towards girls' regular school attendance in public secondary schools in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. The study was guided by feminism theory based on the framework of gender relations. The study employed descriptive research design. Purposive sampling and simple random were used to determine the sample size from the target population for the study. The content validity of instruments was assured while reliability of the data collection tool was tested using Cronbach coefficient correlation for consistence. Internal consistence of items in the questionnaire was established at r=0.871. The quantitative data was analyzed by using descriptive statistical through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. While qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that, lack of parental attention on their daughters’ education at home, early pregnancy and or marriages, cultural dance such as “vigodoro”, household chores and activities, tendencies of parents not to encourage girl-child education, poor parent’s education and security concern for girls were the major factors that hindered girls from attending school regularly. The study also found that, other factors apart from the socio-cultural factors included, level of the education of parents, parents’ occupation, missing parents, negative attitudes on girls’ education and long distance to school played a significant role in hindering girls from attending school regularly. The study proposed several remedial measures such as construct of girls’ hostel, establishment and or promoting gender equality policies and enhancing girls’ educational opportunities be put in place to facilitate girls’ regular school attendance. It was recommended that, advocating for the policy reforms to support gender equity in education, revising the current policy of fee-free education to be relevant with parent’s economic status and creating supportive school environments would support female students regular school attendance. Community engagement and the awareness campaigns could shift societal attitudes and foster parental support for girls' education. It was concluded that, addressing the socio-cultural factors and economic barriers is crucial for ensuring equitable access to education for girls in public secondary schools

Pengaruh Kompensasi dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan PT. Serasi Autoraya (TRAC)

Sinar Inti Telaga was founded in 1986, then transformed into PT Serasi Autoraya in 1990 by introducing the trademark "Toyota A Car". PT. Serasi Autoraya (TRAC) is an international subsidiary. Tbk which is now widely known as one of the largest transportation and logistics service companies in Indonesia. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of compensation and work discipline on the performance of PT. Serasi Autoraya (TRAC) in this research uses independent variables, namely compensation (X1) and work discipline (X2) as well as the dependent variable, namely employee performance (Y). The population of this study were employees of PT. Serasi Autoraya (TRAC). The sample used the Puprosive Sampling method, data collection by collecting questionnaires online with Google from to 50 respondents. The method in this research uses quantitative statistical methods. Quantitative statistical analysis includes validity tests, reliability tests, multiple linear analysis. Other hypothesis testing includes classical assumption tests, including data normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, T test, F test, and coefficient of determination test (R2). The data was processed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) 25.0 photo windows program. The test results of the T (Partial) test on the compensation variable (X1) show that the sig 0.004 < 0.05 and t value 3,028 > 2,010 (t table) test results on the T (Partial) test on the work discipline variable, namely 0.000 < 0.05 and t value 6,081 > 2,010 (t table). The test results of the F test (Simultaneous) show that the sig value is 0.000 < 0.05 and the calculated f value is 49,966 > 3.19 (f table) and it can be concluded that compensation (X1) and work discipline (X2) have a positive and significant effect on performance employee (Y).

Demographic Influences on Suicide Attempts: A Study of Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status and Profession

Introduction: Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally, with its prevalence reflecting complex interactions among various factors such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. This study aimed to assess the patterns of suicide attempts, focusing on age, gender, socio-economic status, and profession. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of psychiatry, Sheikh Hasina Medical college, Jamalpur, Bangladesh during the period from January 2018 to December 2018. All patients with suicide attempts admitted in the different wards of Community-Based Medical College, Mymensingh, and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected as a sample for the study. A total of 90 patients were selected as study subjects by purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was done by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 20. Result: The study revealed that the majority of suicide attempts occurred in the 21-30 years age group (52%), with middle-class individuals contributing the highest number (47.8%) of attempts. Unmarried individuals, particularly females, had the most attempts (58%), while students accounted for the largest percentage of suicide attempts by profession (38%), primarily in the 11-21 years age group. Rural residents had more attempts (70%) compared to urban residents (30%), and individuals from joint families (66%) were more likely to attempt suicide than those from nuclear families (34%). Conclusion: Young adults (21-30 years) and adolescents (11-21 years) are the most vulnerable age groups, with suicide attempts being notably higher among unmarried individuals and those from middle socio-economic backgrounds. Females exhibit a higher rate of attempts than males, especially among the unmarried. Professionally, students and unemployed individuals are particularly at risk.

The Influence of Zakat Assistance on Academic Achievement Among University Students in Malaysia and Indonesia: A Pilot Study

It is well known that knowledge and education are the best solutions to abolish the Asnaf people from poverty. As a result, zakat institutions actively play an essential role in distributing zakat funds through educational assistance to the asnaf groups in Malaysia and Indonesia. This measure ensures that the asnaf groups receive educational opportunities and succeed like others. Dropping out of studies due to failure to pay tuition fees is among the issues that are often reported in most past studies. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify and analyze the influence of zakat assistance on the academic achievement of students at Universiti Teknologi MARA Terengganu Branch, Malaysia (UiTMCT) and Universitas Sains Al-Qur'an, Indonesia (UNSIQ). This study also provides recommendations to empower zakat assistance at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. This study used a quantitative research method involving data collection by distributing questionnaires to 54 students at UiTMCT and UNSIQ. The findings were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software (version 24). The t-test results showed a significant difference in academic performance and governance between UiTMCT and UNSIQ, with a p-value of less than 0.05. This study is anticipated to provide insight to the community on the efforts to empower zakat institutions to assist asnaf fisabilillah in higher education institutions (IPTs) in Malaysia and Indonesia.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF MONGREL RABBIT BUCKS FED DIETARY LEVELS OF GARLIC (ALLUM SATIVUM) MEAL

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of garlic meal supplementation on growth performance and semen characteristics in rabbit bucks. Twenty-four (24) mixed breed rabbit bucks were used for this study. The bucks were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the study, during this period, they were fed formulated diet and Calopogonium ad-libitum. Feed and clean drinking water were offered ad libitum to the experimental animals. Four different experimental diets were formulated with varying levels of 0.00, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50% garlic meal as supplement and were coded as T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively, with as control. The 24 bucks were weighed and randomly allotted into the four experimental treatments and replicated thrice with two rabbit bucks per replicate in a complete randomized design (CRD) for a period of 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding period, semen collection was done using a specially designed artificial vagina for rabbits. The data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) procedure using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The result showed that garlic meal had significant effect (P<0.05) on final weight, total and daily feed intake. Garlic significantly influenced (p<0.05) sperm volume, motility, concentration and total cells per ejaculate however, did not affect sperm morphology. In conclusion, garlic meal supplementation at 1.0% (10g/kg) can improve some growth and seminal parameters in male rabbits.

Clinical significances of circulating serum fetuin-A, netrin-1, and ɑ-hydroxybutyrate levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without hypertension

Background & Objective: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a rising global health issue, with biomarkers such as fetuin-A (Fet-A), netrin-1 (NTN-1), and alpha-hydroxybutyrate (α-HB) showing potential for early diagnosis and management. These biomarkers can help predict T2D risk and understand insulin resistance (IR), emphasizing the need for further research. The current investigation evaluated the effectiveness of Fet-A, NTN-1, and, α-HB as novel biomarkers to diagnose T2D with hypertension. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023, involved 60 diabetic participants, which were divided into two groups: T2D without hypertension and T2D with hypertension. A third group consisted of 30 healthy controls (HC) for comparison. Serum samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose (FBG) using the Roche/Cobas c111 system, as well as insulin, Fet-A, NTN-1, and α-HB levels using kits for the enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Descriptive statistics were used in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. Results: The study found significantly elevated Fet-A, NTN-1, and α-HB levels in T2D patients compared to HC, with no significant differences between T2D subgroups. Fetuin-A and α-HB showed non-significant correlations with FBG and homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) across all groups. NTN-1 positively correlated with FBG and HOMA-IR in T2D patients with hypertension. Conclusions: Elevated levels of fetuin-A and netrin-1, regardless of the presence of hypertension, are suggested by the study as possible biomarkers for the diagnosis of T2D. Netrin-1's significant correlation with HOMA-IR in hypertensive T2D patients underscores its utility in assessing insulin resistance severity. Although alpha-hydroxybutyrate levels were higher in T2D patients, their non-significant correlation with FBG and HOMA-IR requires further research. These biomarkers could aid in early diagnosis and disease monitoring for T2D management. Abbreviations: α-KB - α-ketobutyrate; ELISA - enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay; FA - fatty acids; FBG - fasting blood glucose; Fet-A - fetuin-A; HOMA-IR - homeostatic model assessment of IR; IR - insulin resistance; NAD - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide; NADH - nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen; ng - nanograms; NTN-1 - netrin-1; PB - peripheral blood; pg - picogram; SPSS - Statistical Package for Social Sciences; T2D - Type-2 diabetes mellitus; α-HB - alpha-hydroxybutyrate Keywords: Diabetes, Fetuin-A, Netrin-1, α-HB, HOMA-IR. Citation: Sfayyih HS, Jewad AM, Khudhair HAA. Clinical significance of circulating serum fetuin-A, netrin-1, and ɑ-hydroxybutyrate levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without hypertension. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):883−893; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2569 Received: Jul 22, 2024; Reviewed: August 10, 2024; Accepted: August 15, 2024

Efficacy and safety of Dapagliflozin and Glimepiride in combination with Metformin: Randomized clinical trial

Objective: To identify the effective treatment option between dapagliflozin-metformin and glimepiride-metformin combination in patients with type 2 diabetes who were inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy. Study design and setting: The present study is randomized, conducted for 12 weeks at the National Medical center, Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: The patients were divided into 2 treatment groups; group A was given dapagliflozin-metformin combination, while group B was given glimepiride-metformin combination. The efficacy endpoint of groups was estimated by hemoglobin A1c and fasting blood glucose levels at 0-, 6- and 12-week. While, safety endpoints were identified by analyzing liver function tests, lipid profile tests, renal function test, and urine analysis. The significant difference of data was analyzed by using statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 25. The parametric t-test and paired t-test were performed and considered p-value = 0.05 as statistical significant. Results: Baseline demographics, clinical features of diabetes, levels of liver enzymes, liver function test, renal function test, lipid profile, and urinalysis of randomized patients were similar in both treatment groups by showing p = 0.05. Followed by the initiation of the respective treatment, the baseline change of mean FBG and hemoglobin A1c levels with dapagliflozinmetformin combination was shown significantly reduce more compared to glimepiride-metformin combination (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Dapagliflozin-metformin combination therapy was superior and well-tolerated to regulate glycemic control as compare to glimepiride-metformin combination

Challenges Faced on Strategic Management in Somaliland Public Sector Institutions

This study examined the challenges encountered in strategic management in Somaliland public sector institutions, specifically the study looked at how strategies are developed,implementation of strategy and its role in organizational performance, obstacles that hinder successful strategy implementation, and the role of evaluation of strategy in institutional success. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The population for this study was 5,000 employees from 38 public sector institutions in Hargeisa, Somaliland, with a sample size of 374. The primary data was collected through questionnaire distributed to 354 participants using online data collection tools such as Google form where 324 questionnaires were returned successfully, as well as conducting key informant interview with 16 top and senior managers and 15 lower staffs. The quantitative data was analyzed with a descriptive statistics using MS Excel and Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS), while the qualitative data gathered through the interview analyzed through content analysis. The findings showed that while there were strategy formulation process in place in Somaliland public sector institutions, they don’t have clear and consistent implementation throughout the different levels of employees. The major challenges encountered Somaliland public sector institutions in strategy implementations was as results indicated, insufficient allocation of resource, lack of adequate training of employee on strategy, poor leadership, inflexible and top-down approach as a major challenges in successful implementation of strategy in Somaliland public sector institutions. The research highlighted the vital role of systematic strategy evaluation in enhancing institutional performance, but existing practices in Somaliland public sector institutions deemedinadequate. The results showed that strategy evaluation is limitedto senior managers and there is poor stakeholder involvement in strategy evaluation. The study recommends in enhancing involvement of stakeholders during all the faces of strategic management, matching the budget and strategy objectives, improving communication and training, supporting adaptable leadership, and finally, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure the strategy objectives achieved to enhance strategic management in Somaliland public sectorinstitutions.