Significant Statistical Relationship Research Articles

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

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

Cytoreductive Surgery Plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) in Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A 2-year Survival Analysis Study

Background: During the last few years, Cytoreductive Surgery plus Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has entered the national comprehensive cancer network guidelines as a new protocol for improving patients’ outcomes. However, there is no consensus on its long-term efficiency, and it still is under debate. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cytoreductive Surgery Plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer in Iran. Method: Thirty patients with Stage IIIc and IV advanced ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at Jam Hospital with a fixed surgical team in Tehran, Iran, from 2019 to 2021. Fourteen patients were new cases, and sixteen of them were recurrent cases. At the end of cytoreductive surgery, by using a hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy device, Cisplatin was circulated in the peritoneal cavity for 90 minutes at a dose of 80-100 mg/ m2 at 43°C. Results: Among 30 patients with 54.97±10.74 years of mean age, the mean overall survival was 564.967 days, and 2-year survival rates were 66.7%. According to Fisher's exact test, there was a statistically significant relationship between disease-free after surgery and mortality rate (p=0.00). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between recurrence after surgery and mortality rate (p=0.093). Conclusion: Based on these findings, cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a survival rate of 66.7% within two years in advanced ovarian cancer patients. However, to achieve better results, careful selection of patients and complete cytoreductive surgery should be performed.

Transformational Leadership and Employees’ Commitment: Evidence from Selected SACCOs in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania

It has long been demonstrated that followers of transformative leaders perform better than average, but it is unknown why this happens. However, the reasoning behind why this process occurs is unclear. The main aim of this study was to establish the influence transformational leadership on employee commitment among selected SACCOS in Kilimanjaro region. Specifically, the study pursued the following objectives; establish the influence of idealized influence, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration and intellectual stimulation on employee commitment among selected SACCOS in Kilimanjaro region in Tanzania. The study adopted explanatory research design using both qualitative and qualitative research technique. Both primary and secondary data were collected whereas questionnaire was used to collect primary data from employees of the four selected SACCOS in Kilimanjaro region. Study population comprised of all employees in function level team and SACCOS board members. Purposive sampling was used to sample 102 employees whereas the collected data were analyzed both descriptively and inferentially. The results found that, there is a positive significant relationship between transformational leadership and employee commitment of selected SACCOS in Kilimanjaro region. Moreover, the results concluded that, compared with other variables, idealized influence had a significant positive relationship on employee commitment in the selected SACCOS. Further, the study rejected all null hypotheses and concludes that all transformational leadership variables had a statistical significant relationship with employee commitment. Based on the above conclusion, the study recommends that, SACCOS management should embrace every facet of transformational leadership across all domains of work as a fundamental style that will be crucial to the success of their business. This research contributes to the area of literature of transformational leadership and their influence on employee job commitment.

Assessing the Level of Cybersecurity Awareness and Practices of Application Users and Their Impact on Privacy Policy Consents: A Case Study in Application Downloading

The aim of this study is to understand the level of cybersecurity awareness and practices of application users and determine the impact on their consent to privacy policies through a case study in application downloading. To achieve this aim, this study employs quantitative research methodology. The primary data collection instrument is a structured questionnaire designed to gather insights and perspectives from 65 participants of application users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including several types of applications. The collected data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software. The findings revealed that most of the study participants disagree that they understand the importance of cybersecurity measures when using mobile applications with a frequency of 27 and a percentage of 41.5%. Also, most of the study participants disagree that they are aware about negative cybersecurity practices with a frequency of 26 and a percentage of 40%. Furthermore, only 23 participants are paying attention to Download applications from only official app stores or trusted sources with a percentage of 35.4% The findings of the study also revealed that a p-value related to Pearson Chi-Square is (0.019) which is less than a significance level of (0.05), this proves a significant statistical relationship between cybersecurity awareness and practices of application users on privacy policy consents.

Using Financial Statements Analysis as a Tool on Identifying the Solvency of SMES And Its Relation with Forensic Accounting; Evidence from Albania

Objective: The study aims to determine the impact of e-learning on learning outcomes in the Jordanian Objective: Accounting professionals who are directly responsible for the preparation of the reports must use the principles and techniques of Forensic Accounting which help them to investigate legitimate financial activity and conduct due diligence reviews to properly assess the activity of economic entities. This paper identifies the importance of financial statement analysis tools and techniques in this process, being identified as Fraud Indicators of financial statements indicators. Theoretical Framework: Business development plays a vital role in economic development, so the effective and efficient management of activities carried out by businesses is to a great importance. But their identification in financial report is also object of fraud activities, a phenomen, which is turning into a headline of the day, especially for developing countries and also in Albania. Method: In the study are been taken into consideration the financial statement of 70 SMEs that carry out commercial activity and that through financial statements reports it was studied how “red flags” can be identified in financial reporting indicators to further investigate whether fraud conditions are met or not. The paper tests the relationship between two important indicators for every economic entity, which are liquidity and profitability as the most studied indicators. Results and Discussion: Data analysis showed that there was a significant statistical relationship between liquidity and performance indicators, which serve as a starting point for going into further use of technical forensic accounting techniques by professionals. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature with an empirical study on techniques and principles of Forensic Accounting and Financial Statements Analysis. Solvency analysis helps us to identify those transactions for which accounting professionals and not only should focus to further deepen the investigations based on the techniques and principles of forensic accounting. Based on the findings of this study as well as those of other researchers, we recommend to professionals that the use of financial statement analysis instruments in the investigation process is a key factor.

Electronic health records and e-prescribing in Australia: An exploration of technological utilisation in Australian community pharmacies

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the utilisation, benefits, and challenges associated with Electronic Health Records (EHR) and e-prescribing systems in Australian Community Pharmacies, focusing on their integration into daily practice and the impacts on operational efficiency, while also gathering qualitative insights from community pharmacists. MethodsA mixed-methods online survey was carried out among community pharmacists throughout Australia to assess the utilisation of EHR and e-prescribing systems, including the benefits and challenges associated with their use. Data was analysed based on pharmacists' age, gender, and practice location (metropolitan vs. regional). The chi-square test was applied to examine the relationship between these demographic factors and the utilisation and operational challenges of EHR and e-prescribing systems. ResultsThe survey engaged 120 Australian community pharmacists. Of the participants, 67 % reported usability and efficiency issues with EHR systems. Regarding e-prescribing, 58 % of pharmacists faced delays due to slow software performance, while 42 % encountered errors in data transmission. Despite these challenges, the benefits of e-prescribing were evident, with 79 % of respondents noting the elimination of illegible prescriptions and 40 % observing a reduction in their workload. Issues with prescription quantity discrepancies and the reprinting process were highlighted, indicating areas for improvement in workflow and system usability. The analysis revealed no significant statistical relationship between the utilisation and challenges of EHR and e-prescribing systems with the demographic variables of age, gender and location (p > 0.05), emphasising the necessity for healthcare solutions that address the needs of all pharmacists regardless of specific demographic segments. ConclusionIn Australian community pharmacies, EHR and e-prescribing may enhance patient care but come with challenges such as data completeness, technical issues, and usability concerns. Implementing successful integration relies on user-centric design, standardised practices, and robust infrastructure. While demanding for pharmacists, the digital transition improves efficiency and quality of care. Ensuring user-friendly tools is crucial for the smooth utilisation of digital health.

Study of the Relationship Between Insulin Resistance, Iron Status Markers, and Body Weight in a Sample of Egyptian Population.

Iron plays a key role in the regulation of body iron homeostasis and is used as a clinical marker for iron deficiency (ID) and hemochromatosis. The idea that iron dysregulation may contribute to various metabolic diseases, such as obesity, insulin resistance, MetS, and T2DM, is a hot topic of discussion. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship insulin resistance, iron status markers, and body weight in a sample of Egyptian population. A case control study was conducted on 90 subjects with age ranging from 18 to 70 years old from a diabetes outpatient clinic, and they were divided to three groups: Group I, non-obese- non-diabetic as the control group; Group II, obese-non-diabetic; and Group III, obese-diabetic. In our study, there was no statistically significant difference between the three studied groups regarding the different iron parameters. Similarly, we found that neither HOMA-IR nor body weight had a significant correlation with iron status markers. On the contrary, we detected significant positive correlations between the TIBC and the fasting blood glucose, between the serum iron and the LDL, between the TSAT and the systolic blood pressure, and between the HOMA-IR and hematocrit. Our study demonstrated no direct statistical significant relationship between the different iron parameters, obesity, and insulin resistance, either in the diabetic or non-diabetic subjects. This may be due to the complex metabolic dysregulation and the small number of the sample for future investigations.

Dispositional mindfulness: Is it related to knee osteoarthritis population's common health problems?

A growing body of research supports dispositional mindfulness as important in influencing physical and mental health as well as physical activities in patients with chronic illnesses. Knee osteoarthritis (OA), which often causes health problems, is one of the most common chronic illnesses, but less is known about dispositional mindfulness in relation to this condition. To explore possible associations between dispositional mindfulness and physical and mental health as well as physical activity in knee OA patients. For this cross-sectional study, we recruited a purposive sample of orthopedic clinic patients in hospitals in Southern Taiwan. Instruments included the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Health-related characteristics were also measured. Demographic statistics, bivariate correlations, and multiple linear regression informed our exploration of potentially related factors for dispositional mindfulness. Participants with knee OA (N = 250) were mostly elderly (88%), female (70.5%), and married (84%). Marital status, perceived health status, depression, and physical activity were associated with dispositional mindfulness. Better perceived health, lower depression, and greater physical activity were significantly associated with greater dispositional mindfulness. However, the severity of symptoms, fear of falling, and exercise self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance in relation to dispositional mindfulness. Greater emphasis should be placed on the cultivation of mindfulness to enhance individuals' perceived health, decrease their depressive mood, and promote their engagement in physical activity, which could indirectly alleviate their experience of pain and improve their physical function, yielding better quality of life and well-being. Future research should focus on interventions to apply dispositional mindfulness in order to determine whether dispositional mindfulness can effectively improve physical and mental health as well as physical activity in those with knee OA.

Management Challenges And Outcome Of Juvenile Onset Respiratory Papillomatosis In A Tertiary Hospital In North Central Nigeria: A Preliminary Study

Background/Aim: Juvenile Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (JoRRP) is a benign tumour attributed to human papillomavirus infection with a high propensity to recur despite appropriate treatment. It is relatively rare but the commonest benign tumour of the larynx in children. This study is aimed at evaluating its management challenges.
 Materials and methods: This was a retrospective review of patients with JoRRP at Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Department, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 7-year period. The patients' biodata, mode of presentations, surgical care, histopathological findings and management outcome were reviewed.
 Results: A total number of ten patients were diagnosed with JoRRP during the study period. Male to female ratio was 1:1. All the children were delivered per vaginal and sixty percent were first children of their mothers. Hoarseness, breathy voice and worsening difficulty in breathing were the presentation in 7 (70%) of cases, while 3 (30%) presented with only hoarseness and breathy voice. They all presented first to General Practitioners and Paediatricians before ENT Specialist assessment and six (60%) patients presented to ENT department 6 months or more after the onset of symptoms. They all had direct laryngoscopy and excisional biopsy of laryngeal papillomatous lesions. Thirty percent had tracheostomy done. There is a statistical significant relationship between tracheostomy rate and recurrence rate of JoRRP.
 Conclusion: JoRRP is a rare but potentially life-threatening benign tumor of the respiratory tract. Most of our patients presented late and were misdiagnosed at presentation. The key to good management outcome remains early diagnosis, adequate management and regular follow-up.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients

Microalbuminuria is defined as an elevated urine albumin to creatinine ratio of 30-300 g/mg. It has been recognized as a strong indicator of the onset of diabetic nephropathy. Damage to vascular endothelium and systemic inflammation can result from H. Pylori infection. Thus, it stands to reason that the resulting glomerular damage might raise the excretion of albumin in the urine. Our goal was to find out if H. pylori and microalbuminuria are related in individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM). This is a case – control observational study conducted in 6 months. Random blood glucose, Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) and H. Pylori Antigen (H. Pylori antigen) in stool were measured. To minimize possible confounding factors, selecting various matching variables was put consideration when choosing the control group. Therefore, most of the matching variables of the study were comparable in both groups makes the results of studying of H. pylori as a possible risk factor for microalbuminuria greatly accurate. we concluded that H. pylori infection is highly suggested to be an independent risk factor for the development of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients. As proven by the present work; a highly significant statistical relationship between H. pylori infection and the presence of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes.

Effects of the prone position on gas exchange and ventilatory mechanics and their correlations with mechanical power in burn patients with ARDS

Background Prone position has many documented benefits on severe ARDS patients especially on mortality. The benefits in ARDS secondary to severe burns have not been fully documented. Aim To quantify the effects of prone positioning on gas exchange, ventilatory mechanics and their correlations with mechanical power in burn subjects with ARDS. Methods Cross-sectional observational analytical study that took place between January 2023 and October 2023 in Burns ICU in Brazil on subjects with moderate to severe ARDS ventilated with the volume controlled mode. Data were collected in the first prone positioning lasting 24 hours in the first 30 minutes after changing position and 30 minutes before returning to the supine position. The parameters of the components of mechanical ventilation and mechanical power calculated by the Gatinoni’s formula (respiratory rate, tidal volume, driving pressure, PEEP, peak and plateau pressures) were collected to evaluate ventilatory mechanics, and the values of the FiO2, PaO2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, SpO2, EtCO2, PaCO2, PaCO2 - EtCO2 gradient to assess gas exchange. Mean, minimum and maximum values, 1st and 3rd quartiles, median and standard deviation are calculated. To compare the results obtained at the two evaluation moments, the student’s t-test for dependent samples and non-parametric Wilcoxon tests were considered. To evaluate the association between the variation between the two moments of each variable, and the variation in mechanical power, the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated. The normality of the variables was assessed using the Jarque-Béra test. P values <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results Except for EtCO2 (P 0.939) and PaCO2 (P 0.391) all other variables presented statistical significance in relation to their variations with reduction in FiO2 (P <0.001), reduction in PaCO2 - EtCO2 gradient (P 0.011), and increases in PaO2 (P 0.008), PaO2/FiO2 (P <0.001), SpO2 (P 0.004). In the analysis of variables, reduction in respiratory rate (P 0.142), VT (P 0.385), peak pressure (P 0.085), plateau pressure (P 0.009), PEEP (P 0.032), driving pressure (P 0.083), elastance (P 0.180), mechanical power (P < 0.001) with increase static compliance (P 0.414) and resistance pressure (P 0.443). Among the ventilatory mechanics variables, only the reductions in plateau pressure, PEEP, and mechanical power showed statistical significance. Conclusion The prone position in burns induced ARDS improved oxygenation and reduced arterial partial pressure to end tidal CO2 gradient, furthermore, reducing plateau pressures and PEEP, which in turn reduced mechanical power. Keywords: mechanical power, burns, ARDS, prone position

The relationship between the level of postural stress, Musculoskeletal Disorders, and chronic fatigue: A case study in the dairy industry.

Dairy industry workers face numerous ergonomic risk factors in their workplace, including improper posture, manual material handling, and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Fewstudies have been conducted on the correlation of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue among workers in the dairy industry. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of postural stress, MSDs, and chronic fatigue in a dairy company. In this cross-sectional study, 260 male workers were included in the research based on specific inclusion criteria. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and a researcher-made demographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The posture of workers was evaluated using RULA and REBA software, and the evaluation of the manual lifting of loads was assessed using the WISHA lifting calculator. Finally, the collected data were entered into the SPSS software version 26.0 and analyzed. The findings revealed a significant statistical relationship between the level of postural stress and chronic fatigue and a significant positive correlation between MSDs and chronic fatigue. Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was observed between MSDs, chronic fatigue, and ergonomics training experience. The results obtained in this study support the notion that high levels of postural stress and MSDs can produce an increase in chronic fatigue among workers, and lack of ergonomics training for workers can increase both MSDs and chronic fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out intervention measures in the field of ergonomics management in similar industries through the implementation of ergonomic intervention programs with a focus on proactive and preventive measures and the use of participatory ergonomic programs and educational demands assessment.

Effects of Meteorological Factors on Asthma Hospital Visits in Haikou City, China

The effects of meteorological conditions on asthma in Haikou, a tropical city in China, are still unclear. This study aimed to determine the relationships between meteorological factors and the number of asthma hospital visits in Haikou. A Poisson generalized additive model combined with a distributed lag nonlinear model is used to model the nonlinear exposure–response relationship between the daily mean temperature and asthma hospital visits. The daily mean pressure and air quality are used as covariates and simultaneously control the mixed effects of holiday effects, weekend effects, and long-term trends. The results indicate that there is a significant statistical relationship between the daily mean temperature and asthma hospital visits, which shows an inverted J-shaped relationship. When the daily mean temperature is below the reference value (29.3 °C), the number of asthma patients increases considerably, and there is a marked lag in the prevalence of asthma. The longest lag is 9 days, and the most pronounced impact of the daily mean temperature on the number of asthma hospital visits can be found when the lag time is 1–4 days. When the daily mean temperature is 10 °C, the cumulative effect of the relative risk of asthma is 2.204, an increase of 120.4% (95% CI 1.294–3.755). If the daily mean temperature is below the 2.5th percentile value (14.8 °C), the relative risk significantly increases by more than 5.3% (95% CI 1.000–1.110), and the longest lasting impact time is 5 days. This indicates that increases in asthma hospital visits in Haikou, China, are significantly correlated with low-temperature weather. We suggest that preventive measures for asthma should take low-temperature weather into account. Additionally, we also found that extremely high temperatures have a certain impact on the increase in asthma hospital visits, but that the correlation is not significant.

Expression of HER2, CD34, and EBV infection in gastric cancer, do they relate?

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC), as a multifactorial disease, exhibits a complex pathogenesis, having intra and inter-tumor heterogeneity, challenging the efficacy of current treatments. GC is a major global health problem, and better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are needed, leading to further biomarkers research associated with innovative targeted therapies. Our aim was to study human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Epstein Barr virus (EBV), and CD34 expression in GC samples to understand the relationship between these markers and relate them with the clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: Thirty samples of primary carcinoma gastrectomy cases performed between February 2017 and December 2021 at the Hospital Distrital da Figueira da Foz, EPE, were studied after approval by the Ethics Committee. Immunohistochemistry assays were performed in sections of the selected tumor representative samples. Results: All samples were negative for EBV and only two GC samples were positive for HER2. A significant statistical relationship was found between gender and CD34+ stroma cells. Microvascular density and stroma CD34+ cells presented relations with clinicopathological features and a positive tendency between them. Our study was able to identify a relationship between CD34+ stroma cells and females. Conclusion: With this study, we mainly explored the potential role of CD34 as a biomarker in GC and projected possible associations of prognostic and therapeutic value toward other HER2 and EBV markers.

Macroeconomic trends: a brief statistical analysis of economic indicators for Ecuadorian credit unions

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the financial relevance of the economic sector in the profitability of credit unions. Information from the financial statements of 105 credit unions out of a total of 451 credit unions registered as of 2022 in Ecuador was used. The methodology used involved descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Normality tests and the Kruskal-Wallis hypothesis test were performed to determine statistical significance in relation to profitability. The results of the descriptive analysis indicated that the financial indicators, such as liquidity, portfolio turnover, indebtedness, and profitability, were favorable for the cooperatives. In the inferential analysis, the profitability indicators complied with the assumptions of normality. In addition, it was found that there were no significant differences between these indicators in relation to the economic sectors. In conclusion, the inferential analysis revealed that financial profitability, which is linked to the investments made, is similar among credit unions, regardless of the economic sector to which they belong.

Can setting up inside debt accelerate the bank's digital transformation? Evidence from China

PurposeDigital transformation is essential for commercial banks to maintain long-term competitiveness in the digital economy era. This study aims to investigate the relationship between inside debt and the bank's digital transformation.Design/methodology/approachThis study set up a quasi-natural experiment based on implementing the executive compensation deferral system in the Chinese banking industry. Using the annual panel data of 180 commercial banks in China from 2007 to 2021, this study employed the difference-in-differences (DID) method to conduct an empirical analysis.FindingsThis study confirms a significant statistical relationship between inside debt and the bank's digital transformation, and managerial myopia is the transmission channel of inside debt affecting the bank's digital transformation. Furthermore, the development of Internet finance and the enhancement of bankers' confidence will improve the contributions of inside debt to the bank's digital transformation.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on inside debt and the bank's digital transformation. It has specific policy value for the scientific design of the banking compensation mechanism and accelerating banks' digital transformation.

Effectiveness of Mediterranean diet educational program on the functional gastrointestinal disorders knowledge of employees in the University of Baghdad, Iraq.

A low risk of gastrointestinal disorders in the adult population has long been linked to consuming a Mediterranean diet (MD). The study aims to evaluate the effects of the Mediterranean diet educational program on employee's knowledge regarding functional gastrointestinal disorders. A quasi-experimental study design of two study groups (pre-test and post-test) was carried out at four colleges in the University of Baghdad, Iraq of the period between January 10, 2022 and May 31, 2022. A purposive (non-probability) sample was used with a sample size of (160) employees divided into two groups (80 employees each). The study group of 80 employees was exposed to the Mediterranean Diet educational program while the control group with was not. The results showed a positive effect of the Mediterranean diet educational program on the employees' functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) knowledge in the study group. The study results indicated that there are highly significant mean differences between the study and control groups in the pre-test and the post-test in the specific and general knowledge area of employees' functional gastrointestinal disorders (t = 17.002, df = 158; t = 24.19, df = 158; P value ≤ 0.01). Findings indicated that there were no significant statistical relationships between the level of knowledge of functional gastrointestinal disorders and demographic characteristics except employees' level of education with a high significant association P value ≤ 0.01). The Mediterranean diet educational program effectively improves the employees' knowledge of functional gastrointestinal disorders. These results support the benefit of establishing educational programs for adult employees on the Mediterranean diet to improve individuals' knowledge about the gastrointestinal diseases.

Covid-19 Containment Measures and their Effect on Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya

COVID-19 was a major health emergency worldwide; countries were forced to adopt quarantine measures and other restrictions because of the highly infectiousness nature of COVID-19. It is in this context that the study sought to investigate the Effect of the containment measures on socio-economic wellbeing of Uasin Gishu County Government Staff, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were: to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols on socio-economic wellbeing of staff of Uasin Gishu County Government; to assess the impact of implementation of COVID-19 fiscal measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government; and to determine the influence of implementation of COVID-19 macro-financial measures on socioeconomic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County; The study adopted explanatory mixed method research design. The target population comprised 6,400 employees in Uasin Gishu County. The study employed stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques to select the respondents. The sample size consisted of 10 heads of departments and 198 employees of Uasin Gishu county government. The data collection tools were questionnaire and interview guide. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean, percentages and frequencies; chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. Inferential statistics was also used. Analysis by the implementation of COVID-19 behavioural protocols as a containment measure shows that the P-value = .000 was less than the Alpha level 0.05. Therefore, there was statistical significance relationship between behavioral COVID-19 containment measures and socio-economic wellbeing of employees of Uasin Gishu County Government. Behavioural measures such as lock down highly disrupted businesses’ sourcing and distribution functions, which in turn affected the socio-economic wellbeing of the local population. The study recommended that financial organizations should offer trainings to the masses to embrace saving and empower them to participate in multiple economic activities; this would ensure that in any of any occurrences such as COVID 19, the businesses would have the resilience to cope.

The Evaluation of Diabetic Patients' Awareness of Diabetic Retinopathy and Its Complications in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Globally, 382 million people have diabetes mellitus, and 90% of these patients suffer from type 2 diabetes. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest prevalence of diabetes among all Middle Eastern countries. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant complication of diabetes; early detection and proper intervention are important for its management and prognosis. Aim This study aims to assess the awareness of diabetic patientsof diabeticretinopathysymptomsandcomplicationsin the western regionof Saudi Arabia. Methods This is a cross-sectionalstudy in which a convenience sampling technique was implemented for collecting data from all patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria within the timeframe between February 2022 and October 2022 among diabetic patients at the National Guard Health Affairs in the western region. We included both type 1 and type 2 diabetic participants who are older than 18 years of age and have at least one visit to any outpatient ophthalmology clinic. Results This study involved 259 participants. The mean age of the participants is 46.69 (standard deviation {SD}: 15.59).Type 2 was more prevalent among the applicants (58.3%). A total of 242 (93%) participants were aware that diabetes could affect their eyes. Surprisingly, 130 (50.2%) do not know about diabetic retinopathy therapy options. The most significant obstacle to being examined early for ophthalmological diseases among diabetic patients was the deficient knowledge of diabetic retinopathy. Also, a significant statistical relationship was found between the year of diagnosis and the level of awareness regarding eye complications. Conclusion Despite the high level of awareness of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients shown in our study, it did not correspond to a high level of self-awareness on the importance of preventive measures such as annual diabetic retinopathy screening.

ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP OF MARKETING MIX TO SALES TURNOVER AND NUMBER OF BUYERS IN THE SMALL AND MEDIUM INDUSTRIES OF SNACK FOOD PRODUCTS, CIAMIS DISTRICT

The aim of this research was to investigate the correlation between marketing mix variables and both sales revenue and the number of buyers. The findings from the correlation test indicate that all marketing mix variables exhibit a significantly positive correlation with sales revenue and the number of buyers, with the exception of the promotion variable, which shows a positive correlation but lacks statistical significance in relation to sales revenue. The utilization of an effective marketing mix enables the company to boost sales revenue and attract more buyers. This is evident in the positive and statistically significant correlation observed between all marketing mix components and the increasing number of buyers, emphasizing the role of marketing strategies in enhancing corporate sales revenue. The results, with a substantial correlation coefficient of 0.499, affirm that a higher level of marketing efforts correlates with an augmented number of buyers, thereby contributing to increased sales revenue. The descriptive analysis underscores the continued significance of local and regional markets in promoting junk food products in Ciamis regency. To foster the growth of the junk food industry, there is a need to strengthen local markets, potentially by revamping traditional markets with efficient wholesale or retail facilities to enhance their appeal. Furthermore, integrating the marketing of junk food with Ciamis District as an appealing Tourism Destination Object could offer additional opportunities for the industry's development.