Statistical Regression Research Articles

Trends in the Use of Augmented Reality in Character Development within Local Wisdom in Schools: A Bibliometric Study

This paper provides a thorough assessment and analysis of prior research literature. The objective of this review is to ascertain the disparities in research about the Application of Augmented Reality in character development and to determine the best actions to continue this research. This goal is achieved through bibliometric analysis and descriptive content. The keywords "Augmented reality" and "character" were Derived from the Scopus research database for bibliometric analysis. Publications from 2014 to 2024 can only be accessed. The data indicate a substantial rise in the amount Investigation carried out on the application of augmented reality in character development. Specifically, there were 22 papers published in 2022, marking the largest amount of studies and citations was documented during that year. The IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics journal is the most cited source. Quantitative methods are used more often than qualitative methods. Methods such as Descriptive Statistical Analysis and Regression Analysis are the most frequently used, with fifty and forty-five occurrences, respectively. This research could be a valuable reference for other academics exploring the implementation of augmented reality in character analysis. Moreover, the presence of research deficiencies can motivate other scholars to confront these deficiencies with the aim of enhancing the utilization of augmented reality in the cultivation of character in children.

Using Multilevel Models and Generalized Estimating Equation Models to Account for Clustering in Neurology Clinical Research.

In clinical and health services research, clustered data (also known as data with a multilevel or hierarchical structure) are frequently encountered. For example, patients may be clustered or nested within hospitals. Understanding when data have a multilevel structure is important because clustering of individuals can induce a homogeneity in outcomes within clusters, so that, even after adjusting for measured covariates, outcomes for 2 individuals in the same cluster are more likely to be similar than outcomes for 2 individuals from different clusters. Using conventional statistical regression models to analyze clustered data can result in incorrect conclusions being drawn. In particular, estimated CIs may be artificially narrow, and significance levels may be artificially low. As a result, one may conclude that there is a statistically significant association when there is none. To avoid this problem, investigators should ensure that their analyses use techniques that account for clustering of data. Generalized linear models estimated using generalized estimating equation (GEE) methods and multilevel regression models (also known as hierarchical regression models, mixed-effects models, or random-effects models) are two such techniques. We provide an introduction to clustered or multilevel data and describe how GEE models or multilevel models can be used for the analysis of multilevel data.

The Role of Self-efficacy and Locus of Control on Work Readiness Among Gen Z

As a generation who start entering the work force. Gen Z faces unique challenges and opportunities as they transition from education to employment. One issues that come up from this transition was readiness to work. The study explored how self-efficacy and locus of control influence work readiness in Generation Z. The research method use was quantitative research with multiple regression statistic to analyse the data. Respondents of the research were 70 students higher education in the last year ((M= 17; F= 53) and mean of age = 20.9 (20 years 10 months). The data were collect with questionnaire of general self-efficacy, locus of control and work readiness. The result show that self-efficacy significantly influence to work readiness, and locus of control did not influence to work readiness among generation Z. Based on this finding it can see that to improve the students’ readiness to work, the intervention of self-efficacy was more useful than locus of control. This model suggests that training programs or interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy may be more effective in increasing work readiness than those that concentrate solely on the internal locus of control, especially among generation Z with all the uniqueness.

Financial Anxiety and Job Performance in Educational Settings: Analyzing the Effects of Financial Stress on Teachers and Staff

This study examines the impact of financial anxiety on job performance among teachers and staff in educational settings, where challenges like low wages, high debt, and limited financial growth are prevalent. Financial anxiety, defined as persistent worry over income stability and financial obligations, can decrease focus, well-being, and productivity. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 500 educators across various institutions, and statistical analysis, including correlation and regression, revealed significant findings. Results showed a negative correlation (r=?0.45) between financial anxiety and job performance. Regression analysis further indicated that job satisfaction (?=0.35) and a supportive work environment (?=0.22) help reduce financial anxiety’s negative impact on performance. Debt burden and income level were strong predictors of financial anxiety, with job satisfaction partially mediating its effects. These findings underscore the importance of institutional support measures, such as financial counseling and mental health resources, to alleviate financial anxiety and enhance job performance. Future research is encouraged to explore additional moderating factors, such as family responsibilities and health conditions, to deepen insights.

Effect of Teachers Attitudes towards Teaching on Students’ Performance in Mathematics Subject in Public Day Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Huye District

The study investigated how teachers' attitudes toward teaching influenced students' academic progress in mathematics in a public secondary school in Huye District. Specifically, the research identifies the teachers' attitudes toward teaching that could influence the achievement of pupils in Mathematics-related subjects in public day secondary schools in Huye district. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study used a combined method approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to examine how teachers' attitudes influence their teaching practices in Mathematics. Purposive and random sampling were applied to select sectors, schools, and participants, allowing for systematic data collection and analysis on teachers' attitudes and their influence on students’ performance. The target population for this study was 200, including 3 sector educational officers, 5 head teachers, 25 mathematics teachers and 167 Mathematics students; and the Yamane method was used to calculate a sample size of 134 respondents including 2 sector educational officers, 3 Head teachers, 15 teachers and 114 students. Primary data sources included surveys, while secondary data came from observation and interview methods. This study used purposive, stratified and simple random sampling procedures to create a sample group of respondents. The research collected and analyzed data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Content analysis helped with qualitative data analysis, while quantitative data was presented in SPSS Version 21.0 utilizing statistical methods such as descriptive (frequency, percentage, imply and deviation from the mean) and inferential statistics (correlational and regression analysis). For the study objective, the results show that 76.3% strongly agreed that teachers' communication skills, 69.3% strongly agreed that effective goal-setting, 64.9% strongly agreed that lesson preparation, 61.4% strongly agreed that lesson preparation, 78.1% strongly accepted that professional commitment, and 68.0% highly agreed that adaptability and flexibility reflect my teachers' attitudes toward teaching. 64.9% strongly agreed that early arrival in class during the teaching lesson reflects the teachers' attitudes toward teaching. The study found a strong positive correlation between exams, test results, and factors like interpersonal skills, goal-setting, lesson preparation, and professional commitment, which all contributed to improved student performance. The researcher concluded that early attendance and communication skills of teachers were also linked to positive educational outcomes, with tests enhancing performance across subjects. With a p-value below 0.05, the study showed that active class participation boosts effectiveness. Recommendations included improving teacher attitudes towards math, enhancing confidence, making Math enjoyable, investing in teacher training, providing resources and encouraging community involvement in Math careers. Regular follow-ups and ongoing professional development for teachers were also advised.

Perceived Barriers to Leisure-time Physical Activity among Physically Active Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectiveTo investigate barriers to leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for physically active people with spinal cord injury (SCI). DesignProspective cross-sectional. SettingGeneral community. ParticipantsOne hundred and five physically active individuals with SCI. InterventionsSemi-structured interviews and surveys. Main Outcome MeasureParticipants were surveyed and interviewed to determine barriers and determinants of LTPA participation. SCI-specific physical activity (PA) guideline adherence was documented. Barriers were categorised using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour model, and regression statistics were used to determine relationships between LTPA volume and barriers. ResultsHealth problems, costs of equipment and programs, pain, and a lack of energy were the most common Capability barriers, whilst a lack of accessible facilities, confidence in the knowledge and skill of a health professional, and a lack of time were common Opportunity barriers. Motivation barriers pertained to self-consciousness in a fitness centre and a lack of interest. Believing LTPA to be too difficult, uninteresting, and unable to improve health emerged as significant barriers to SCI-specific PA guideline adherence. ConclusionSCI-specific PA guideline adherence was below 50% in physically active individuals. There are still numerous Capability and Opportunity barriers that physically active people with SCI must overcome when engaging in LTPA. Motivational barriers such as feeling self-conscious in a fitness centre significantly influence PA guideline compliance in this population. Service providers should emphasise the benefit of LTPA to people with SCI while providing LTPA options that facilitate enjoyment, interest, and inclusivity, particularly for those who do not meet PA guideline recommendations.

Information Literacy Skills And Service Delivery Of Librarians In State Universities In South-West, Nigeria

Service delivery is the interaction between librarians and the users of the library in order to satisfy their academic objectives. Nevertheless, past studies have shown low library service delivery as revealed in the impatient and unwillingness of librarians to assist information seekers, harsh and unpleasant attitude of librarians, uncomfortable infrastructure and inadequate staff strength. Though studies have been done to examine information literacy skills) and service delivery, they are scanty. It is on this note that this study investigated the influence of information literacy skills on service delivery of librarians in state university libraries in South-West, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study was 90 librarians from six state universities in South-West Nigeria. Total enumeration was used for the study. Adopted questionnaire was used to obtain data. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient for the constructs ranged from 0.72 to 0.86. A response rate of 89% was achieved. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (simple and multiple regression) statistics at 5% level of significance. Findings revealed that information literacy skills had no significant influence on service delivery of librarians in state universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study concluded that information literacy skill did not enhance service delivery of librarians in state universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study recommended that the management of the state university libraries should explore other factors that could enhance service delivery other than information literacy skills

Archetypes and change in wildfire risk perceptions, behaviours and intentions among adults in Tasmania, Australia

Background Anthropogenic climate change globally increases wildfire risk. Understanding how wildfire threats impact community-wide risk perceptions and response options will critically inform resilience education strategies. Aim To gain an increased understanding of wildfire risk perceptions and self-evacuation intentions among residents in the wildfire-prone state of Tasmania, Australia. Methods We co-designed survey questions with stakeholders from emergency management, health and community recovery, using a computer-aided telephone interview to survey residents over 18 years of age. Numerical classification analysis, linear regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyse survey data. Results We identified four archetypes – the ‘immediate leaver’, ‘prepared stayer’, ‘unprepared leaver’ and ‘informed leaver’, each with distinct sociodemographic characteristics. Key variables were gender, age, location and income, with women most likely to leave and lower-income householders from rural areas most likely to stay. Previous wildfire experience and owning a home were significantly associated with increased preparedness actions. Compared to 2016, we found a significant increase in the proportion of residents intending to leave their property, with rural men least likely and urban women most likely to leave. Implications Recent education campaigns have likely driven increases in wildfire threat-related self-evacuation, yet the existence of distinct archetypes argues for more tailored messaging and education programs.

ANALISIS PERSEPSI KEBISINGAN PADA RUAS-RUAS JALAN DI SEKITAR PERUMAHAN NASIONAL MONANG-MANING DENPASAR-BARAT

The urban population continues to increase due to uncontrolled urbanization. This increase in population is in line with the increasing ownership of private vehicles which causes an increase in the volume of vehicles on the roads. On the other hand, it is very difficult to increase road capacity due to the dense use of land. As a result, the volume of traffic exceeds road capacity, causing congestion and impacting noise. This study was conducted in the National Housing Monang-Maning area, West Denpasar, an area that experiences noise exceeding the noise level standard. The purpose of this study was to analyze public perceptions of noise levels. A total of 125 questionnaires were distributed to people living in the area. This perception data was analyzed using multiple linear regression statistics. The results showed that the variables Traffic Volume, Road Conditions, and Population Number had a significant positive effect on the Noise Level that occurred in the Perumnas Monang Maning area, both partially and simultaneously. The Sig. values ??were obtained, respectively, of 0.000 <0.050; t count of 6.263; 4.737; 8.360 > ttable = 1.980; and Fcount = 72.763 > Ftable = 0.071; determination coefficient R2 = 63.50%; obtained model: Y = 5.331 + 0.295X1 + 0.229X2 + 0.344X3. The Population Variable has the largest coefficient, which means it has the greatest influence on noise levels

Statistical analysis of the impact of profitability in the manufacturing and service sectors on the UK Economy’s Growth

The UK economy's performance is closely tied to the profitability of its Manufacturing Sector (MS) and Service Sector (SS). Understanding these sectors' dynamics is crucial for effective policymaking. Integrating sustainable practices in both sectors enhances profitability and operational efficiency while contributing to economic growth and reducing environmental impact. This study investigates the relationship between UK economic growth and profitability in the MS and SS from 1998 to 2022. The primary objective is to examine how profitability influences the UK's growth trajectory. Employing various statistical methods, including correlation, regression, cointegration, and variance decomposition analyses, the study aims to provide insights into the interplay between GDP and sector profitability. A quantitative approach using secondary data on GDP and profitability from reliable sources is adopted. Correlation analysis explores relationships between these variables, while regression analysis assesses the impact of MS and SS profitability on GDP. Cointegration tests identify long-term equilibrium relationships, and variance decomposition analysis reveals the variability of GDP and sector profitability over time. The correlation matrix indicates positive associations between GDP and both sectors, with the SS showing a stronger correlation. Regression analysis confirms significant effects of both sectors on GDP, with the SS exerting a positive influence and the MS a negative impact. Cointegration tests highlight long-term stability, and variance decomposition analysis emphasizes the dynamic nature of these relationships. This study elucidates the intricate link between UK economic growth and sector profitability, underscoring the SS's critical role in driving expansion while addressing challenges in the MS. Policy recommendations include enhancing productivity and innovation in both sectors, informed by evidence-based decision-making. Overall, the study contributes valuable insights into the UK economy's growth dynamics, guiding sustainable economic development strategies.

Tumor-Associated Tractography Derived from High-Angular-Resolution Q-Space MRI May Predict Patterns of Cellular Invasion in Glioblastoma.

The invasion of glioblastoma cells beyond the visible tumor margin depicted by conventional neuroimaging is believed to mediate recurrence and predict poor survival. Radiomic biomarkers that are associated with the direction and extent of tumor infiltration are, however, non-existent. Patients from a single center with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (n = 7) underwent preoperative Q-space magnetic resonance imaging (QSI; 3T, 64 gradient directions, b = 1000 s/mm2) between 2018 and 2019. Tumors were manually segmented, and patterns of inter-voxel coherence spatially intersecting each segmentation were generated to represent tumor-associated tractography. One patient additionally underwent regional biopsy of diffusion tract- versus non-tract-associated tissue during tumor resection for RNA sequencing. Imaging data from this cohort were compared with a historical cohort of n = 66 glioblastoma patients who underwent similar QSI scans. Associations of tractography-derived metrics with survival were assessed using t-tests, linear regression, and Kaplan-Meier statistics. Patient-derived glioblastoma xenograft (PDX) mice generated with the sub-hippocampal injection of human-derived glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) were scanned under high-field conditions (QSI, 7T, 512 gradient directions), and tumor-associated tractography was compared with the 3D microscopic reconstruction of immunostained GSCs. In the principal enrollment cohort of patients with glioblastoma, all cases displayed tractography patterns with tumor-intersecting tract bundles extending into brain parenchyma, a phenotype which was reproduced in PDX mice as well as in a larger comparison cohort of glioblastoma patients (n = 66), when applying similar methods. Reconstructed spatial patterns of GSCs in PDX mice closely mirrored tumor-associated tractography. On a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of n = 66 patients, the calculated intra-tumoral mean diffusivity predicted the overall survival (p = 0.037), as did tractography-associated features including mean tract length (p = 0.039) and mean projecting tract length (p = 0.022). The RNA sequencing of human tissue samples (n = 13 tumor samples from a single patient) revealed the overexpression of transcripts which regulate cell motility in tract-associated samples. QSI discriminates tumor-specific patterns of inter-voxel coherence believed to represent white matter pathways which may be susceptible to glioblastoma invasion. These findings may lay the groundwork for future work on therapeutic targeting, patient stratification, and prognosis in glioblastoma.

Parenting styles as predictors to female students’ sexual promiscuity in tertiary institution in delta state

This study investigated the relationship between parenting styles and female students’ sexual promiscuity in tertiary institutions in Delta State. The study was led by two research questions and two hypotheses. The study used an ex-post facto research design with a correlational technique. The population comprised all female students of tertiary institutions in Delta Central Senatorial District with a total sample of 1,566 students. Questionnaire was used as instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was validated by experts’ judgement and factor analysis, with a sound psychometric property indicating that the instrument is valid and reliable. The data obtained were analysed with the aid of regression statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed a significant relationship between parenting styles and sexual promiscuity and that the relationship can be moderated by socio-economic status of parents. The study recommended amongst others that Parents should improve on their relationship with their adolescents and choose the right parenting style that will help the adolescents to abstain from risky sexual behaviour.

Health literacy and COVID-19 pandemic impacts among adults in rural northern Arizona.

Limited health literacy - the ability to access, process, and use health information and services - contributes to persistent health inequities. Yet little is known about associations of limited health literacy with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for US adults in rural areas. This study sought to determine associations of limited health literacy with impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic among a diverse sample of adults in rural Northern Arizona. A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted with 119 adults from June 2020 to August 2021. Participants were recruited from two federally qualified health centers and by word of mouth. The Newest Vital Sign was used to measure health literacy, and the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory was used to measure the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various aspects of personal and family life (eg spent more time on screens and devices, had family celebrations canceled or restricted). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable linear regression statistics were computed. Nineteen percent of participants had limited health literacy, and participants had an average of 22 individual impacts and 2 household impacts of the 92 COVID-19 impacts assessed. Multivariable regression model results showed that being male versus female or having public only versus any private insurance was significantly associated with fewer individual COVID-19 impacts on average. Being black, Indigenous, people of color versus White or being Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish versus not were each associated with significantly more individual COVID-19 impacts on average. Limited versus adequate health literacy was significantly associated with more household COVID-19 impacts on average. Sensitivity analysis results further showed that limited versus adequate health literacy was associated with significantly higher adjusted rates of household social, emotional, and infection COVID-19 impacts. This study's findings highlight the importance of assessing and accounting for health literacy in clinical practice and health services research addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and future emergency events.

What characterizes the eldercare debut? A registry-based study of pre-entry health care use

Abstract Introduction Timely identification of needs due to functional loss in old age is important. Policy guidelines requires local collaborative care action. Eldercare debut circumstances are poorly investigated from a collaborative perspective. This study explored the socio-demographic characteristics, functional status and patterns of health care use leading up to the first application for eldercare, and how older people’s intensity of primary care use was associated with their intensity of granted eldercare at debut. Methods Data on socio-demographics, functional status, and informal care in people ≥65 years (July ‘21 to June ‘22; n = 3,649) were combined with data on inpatient and outpatient care six months preceding debut in Stockholm, Sweden. Descriptive and regression statistics were used. Results Every second person debuted following a hospital stay and one in four had extensive functional limitations. The majority made one or two visits in primary care, but 13% had a high intensity of use and 20% made no visits at all. More than half received informal care weekly or daily. Non-use and high use of primary care were both significantly associated with increased probability of receiving high intensity of eldercare. Conclusions and implications The intensity of primary care use can provide an indication of people’s intensity of eldercare at debut, which is important for resource allocation. Deeper collaboration between eldercare and primary care actors can facilitate early identification of people in need of support, thereby alleviating individual suffering, enabling secondary and tertiary prevention, and optimizing the management of welfare resources. Key messages • The intensity of primary care use can provide an indication of people’s intensity of eldercare at debut. • Deeper collaboration between eldercare and primary care actors can facilitate early identification of older people with social support needs.

Tradition to Concern: Health Risks and Nicotine Dependence of Midwakh Use in Young Males in the UAE

Abstract Background Midwakh smoking, a traditional practice, poses a growing public health concern in the Middle East region. Despite global efforts to curb tobacco use, smoking rates, particularly among young men, remain high. This study explores nicotine dependency, assesses acute health effects, and measures carbon monoxide levels among midwakh smokers. Methods A quasi-experimental before-and-after study involved 103 young male midwakh smokers in the UAE. Data collection included surveys featuring the Hooked-on Nicotine checklist (HONC), clinical measurements, and pre/post-smoking saliva samples. Statistical analyses, including descriptive, paired samples, correlation, and regression, assessed associations between midwakh smoking, dependency, and health outcomes. Results Preliminary findings found that 33% of midwakh smokers were under 21 years, 68% had below undergrad education, and household incomes over 15,000 AED monthly. Smoking initiation was as early as 10 years. Smoking habits revealed 37% exclusive midwakh, 54% midwakh with e-cigarettes, 21% with shisha, and 34% with cigarettes. Post-smoking clinical measurements showed significant increases in blood pressure, heart, pulse and respiratory rates, and carbon monoxide levels (p ≤ 0.05). Significant differences in pre- (134.6 ng/ml) and post-smoking (154.4 ng/ml) saliva cotinine levels (p ≤ 0.05) were observed. Regression analysis identified predictors of nicotine dependency: initiation age (β= -.315; -0.579,0.0512), household income (β = 1.221; 0.297,2.146), multiple tobacco use (β = 0.576; 0.129,1.024), quit attempts (β = 1.555; 0.519,2.590) and smoking risk perception (β = 3.420; 1.950,4.890) Conclusions Midwakh smoking adversely affects clinical measurements, with early start correlating with higher nicotine dependency, worsened by using multiple tobacco products. Urgent action is needed, including tailored prevention campaigns and support systems to aid youth cessation and raise awareness of midwakh smoking’s harmful effects. Key messages • Midwakh smoking is deeply ingrained in UAE tradition but poses significant adverse health outcomes and nicotine dependency. • There is a need to establish specialized cessation programs offering support and resources to midwakh users, addressing both the health consequences and addictive nature of midwakh.

Spatial disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, indicating gaps in prevention and/or care

Abstract Background There is a rich literature on the distribution of cancer incidence and mortality in socioeconomically different regions of the world, but none of the studies has compared the spatial distribution of mortality and morbidity to see if they are consistent with each other. Methods All malignant neoplasms and separately by cervical, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, lung and oral cancers were studied in the Hungarian population aged 25-64 years for the period 2007-2018 at the municipality level by sex. In each case, the spatial distribution of morbidity and mortality and their clusters were compared with each other and with the level of deprivation using disease mapping, spatial regression, risk analysis and spatial scan statistics. Results All-cause cancer morbidity and mortality showed a significant association with deprivation. However, the slope of the increase in mortality with increasing deprivation was much steeper than for morbidity in both sexes. The association between deprivation and morbidity was not consistent across all cancers. No significant association was found for male colorectal cancer (RR: 1.003; 95%CI 0.986-1.019), pancreatic cancer (1.014; 95%CI 0.983-1.045) and female colorectal cancer morbidity (RR: 0.977; 95%CI 0.991-1.029), whereas a negative association was found for breast cancer morbidity (RR: 0.977; 95%CI 0.963-0.991). In contrast, a positive association between deprivation and mortality was found for each type of cancer, although with different RRs. However, disease mapping analyses showed only partial overlap between high-risk morbidity and mortality areas, often independent of deprivation. Conclusions Our results highlight not only the diverse relationship between the epidemiological situation and deprivation, but also the disproportionate relationship between cancer morbidity and mortality, thus identifying geographical regions and sub-regions with populations that require special public health attention. Key messages • Comparative spatial analysis of cancer morbidity and mortality at the municipality level is strongly recommended to identify populations in need of targeted cancer prevention and/or care. • The usefulness of comparative spatial analysis of cancer morbidity and mortality is demonstrated in Hungary, one of the countries with the most unfavourable cancer burden in international comparison.

Post-Fire Stability Bearing Capacity of I-Shaped Aluminum Alloy Members Under Axial Compression

Compared to steel structures, aluminum alloy structures are more susceptible to fire damage. Accurately evaluating the residual bearing capacity of fire-damaged aluminum alloy members is crucial for effective post-disaster management. Therefore, this paper investigates the post-fire bearing capacity of I-shaped aluminum alloy members under axial compression. First, a post-fire test on 16 I-shaped aluminum alloy members under axial compression was carried out. The test results indicate that all specimens fail by the minor axis flexural buckling, and the bearing capacity of the specimens decreases with the increase of the slenderness ratio. Moreover, a trilinear relationship is found between bearing capacity and post-fire temperatures. Second, finite element (FE) models are established using ABAQUS and validated against the test results. Subsequently, numerical analysis is carried out, considering various aluminum alloy brands, post-fire temperatures, slenderness ratios, initial geometrical imperfections, and cross-section dimensions. Through the statistical regression technology and the introduction of strength and stability-bearing capacity reduction coefficients, the formulae for estimating the post-fire stability-bearing capacity of I-shaped aluminum alloy members under axial compression are derived. Finally, the proposed formulae are verified to be accurate through error analysis.

Missing Risk Factor Prediction in Cardiovascular Disease Using a Blended Dataset and Optimizing Classification With a Stacking Algorithm

ABSTRACTMachine learning is important in the treatment of heart disease because it is capable of analyzing large amounts of patient data, such as medical records, imaging tests, and genetic information, in order to identify patterns and predict the risk of developing heart disease. However, most ML algorithms require more accurate data in order to build an accurate prediction model and do not tolerate missing values. Handling missing risk factors is critical during dataset preprocessing and becomes more difficult when the risk factors are completely missing. Removing this completely missing feature may result in the loss of critical information, but there are no readily available imputation methods, which presents a significant challenge. To overcome this difficulty, in this study, we take an attempt to impute using statistical multiple linear regression and Huber regression (HR) methods using four blended datasets (Statlog, Cleveland, Hungarian, and Switzerland) sourced from the UCI ML repository. The entire dataset comprises 14 attributes, including one target variable; however, in the Switzerland dataset, one feature value (“serum cholesterol”) is entirely missing. Missing “serum cholesterol” is recognized as a predisposing factor including “chest pain,” “supreme heartbeat rate,” “type of defect,” “exercise induced ST stress related to rest,” and “exercise generated angina” in the proposed imputation methods. We also proposed applying the majority voting ensemble technique in an individual's and integrated dataset using ML algorithms as part of the risk factor identification strategy. The results show that our proposed stacked algorithm for the combined dataset with the ensemble features significantly improved accuracy by 93.47%, and an AUC score of 94.50% demonstrated more accurate and early prediction than the previous research and also provided the model's diversity, resilience, generalization, and adaptability to varied datasets.

Normative values and factors affecting saphenous nerve responses in a south Asian population: a cross-sectional neurophysiological study at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan

BackgroundThe saphenous nerve, a sensory branch of the femoral nerve, is not commonly included in routine lower extremity nerve conduction studies due to a high frequency of non-recordable responses in healthy subjects. However, saphenous nerve conduction studies are sometimes utilized for the diagnostic assessment of isolated lumbosacral plexus, femoral, or saphenous mononeuropathies. Our study aims to determine normative saphenous nerve response values in a healthy Pakistani population and to investigate their associations with patient body mass index, age, and gender.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken over a 3‑month period (May to July 2021) at a neurophysiology department of a tertiary care center in Pakistan. Healthy subjects underwent neurological examination, anthropometric measurements, and bilateral SN nerve conduction studies, with recording of peak-latency, peak-to-peak amplitude and conduction velocity. Statistical analyses and linear regression were conducted to evaluate associations between nerve conduction study variables and patient characteristics. Statistical analyses were also run to assess patient characteristics affecting recordability of saphenous nerve responses. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong 117 subjects, 79.5% (n = 93) had recordable saphenous nerve responses. Median peak-latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity were 3.2 (3.0-3.3) m/s, 7.7 (5.8–9.9) uV, and 44.0 (42.0–47.0) m/s, respectively. Bilaterally absent responses were observed in 20.5% (n = 24) of subjects. Obese participants had a significantly higher number of absent saphenous responses (p = 0.033). Females had shorter peak-latency (p = 0.006) and higher conduction velocity (p = 0.012).ConclusionsSaphenous nerve responses can be used to assess unilateral femoral and saphenous nerve pathologies, provided they are recordable on the asymptomatic side for comparison. Absent bilateral saphenous nerve responses should be interpreted with caution given their prevalence in healthy individuals. Patient characteristics should be taken into consideration when interpreting recordable and nonrecordable saphenous nerve responses.

Predictors of mayoral reelection in Romanian local elections. Long-term analysis 1996–2016

This study aims to analyze the mayoral reelection rates in Romanian local elections between 1996 and 2016, a period marked by significant economic and political transitions. Given the post-communist context, understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping Romania's evolving electoral behavior. In order to evaluate the dynamics of mayoral reelection rates in post-communist Romania, the primary research objective of the study consists in the assessment of the correlation between electoral participation and preferences for the incumbent mayors. In addition to this research objective, the paper aims to evaluate the impact of the ideological polarization in shaping electoral decision. An important research objective highlights the association between electorate's education level and political preferences for the incumbent political parties. Besides these objectives, the paper stresses the importance of the economic factors for predicting the dynamics of Romanian’ mayoral reelection rates. Using a quantitative research design based on nonlinear statistical regressions, the study highlights the importance of both ideological and economic vote in mayoral reelection. Moreover, statistical results indicate that both the interactions between left-right ideological polarization, secondary education and economic efficiency are significant predictors for explaining Romania's electoral behavior over time. The novelty of the study lies in the use of these interactions between ideology, education and economy for providing a deeper perspective on the mayoral reelection dynamics. These empirical findings are relevant not only for scholars but also for political decision-makers or electoral strategists, providing evidence related with electoral behavior in Romanian local elections.