Statistical T-test Research Articles

Mediolateral Margin of Stability highlights motor strategies for maintaining dynamic balance in older adults.

The dynamical nature of gait increases fall risk for older adults as the Center of Mass (COM) is constantly displaced inside and outside the Base of Support (BOS). Foot placement and leg joint moments are the primary mechanisms controlling dynamic balance. The Margin of Stability (MOS) quantifies the distance between the COM dynamical state and the BOS. While research examined how aging affects the relationship between foot placement and MOS, the relationship to leg moments is unexamined. Examining this relationship would elucidate whether aging increases fall risk from changes in the joint moments controlling the COM. Fourteen older (66.9 ± 4.3 years) and sixteen young (26.3 ± 3.6 years) adults walked along a 12m path for three trials. The MOS, hip and ankle moments in sagittal and frontal planes were analyzed. For the knee, only the sagittal plane was analyzed. MOS was calculated as the distance between the extrapolated-COM and the Center of Pressure per step. Statistical Parametric Mapping independent t-tests assessed group differences. Cross-correlation quantified MOS and joint moment relationships per plane during single-stance. No group differences in walking speed were observed. A larger frontal plane MOS, hip abduction and ankle eversion moment occurred for older adults. Cross-correlation demonstrated moderate and strong relationships for the hip-MOS for both groups in the sagittal plane. Older adults had a larger sagittal plane hip-MOS correlation than young adults. The larger mediolateral MOS in older adults may indicate attempts to avoid lateral balance loss by shifting their COM away from their BOS lateral boundaries during single-stance. However, this strategy moves the COM toward the BOS medial borders potentially pre-maturely terminating the contralateral swing phase during medial destabilization. The stronger sagittal plane hip-MOS relationship in older adults may reflect increased coupling between hip moments and the COM to control dynamic balance.

Effect of Prone Position Ventilation in Patients with Severe Craniocerebral Injury Complicated with Pulmonary Infection

Objective: To investigate the effects of prone ventilation in patients with severe traumatic brain injury combined with pulmonary infection. Methods: A total of 100 patients with severe traumatic brain injury combined with pulmonary infection in the hospital were randomly divided into a prone ventilation group and a conventional ventilation group, with 50 patients in each group. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, APACHE II score, sputum culture results, oxygenation indicators, and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Data were processed using SPSS 25.0 statistical software, and t-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: The experimental group showed better oxygenation indicators, a lower positive rate of sputum cultures, and reduced intracranial pressure compared to the control group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that GCS score, APACHE II score, and prone ventilation were independent risk factors affecting patient prognosis (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Prone ventilation can improve oxygenation, reduce the risk of pulmonary infection, and decrease intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury combined with pulmonary infection, thereby improving patient prognosis. GCS score and APACHE II score can serve as important indicators for prognostic evaluation.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements among non-healthcare college students in Chitradurga

Background: The market for OTC drugs and dietary supplements is rapidly growing. However, there exists a lack of adequate awareness among the general public regarding the advantages and potential drawbacks associated with these products, particularly among the younger generation, who heavily rely on the internet for information. Therefore, this study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of college students regarding OTC drugs and dietary supplements, including prevalence and associated factors. Methods: A prospective interventional study with 306 participants was conducted. Data were collected using a self-designed and pre-validated questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Descriptive and inferential (T-test) statistics were use. Results: The prevalence of usage of OTC drugs and DSs was found to be 98.4% and 61.4% respectively. Easy accessibility (42.2%), safe and well tolerable (32.5%) were the main factors that influenced them to turn to SM with OTC drugs. The respondent’s preference for DSs was primarily driven by their desire to maintain good health (33.6%). Internet (22.2%) and healthcare professionals (21.9%) were the two most reported sources that students relied on to obtain information about DSs. The result revealed poor knowledge and a positive attitude towards OTC drugs and DSs among all participants. Conclusions: A high prevalence of self-medication with OTC drugs and dietary supplements use was highlighted. Notable issues and improper practices were recognized. The findings indicate a need for education to enhance knowledge about OTC drugs and DSs and to encourage safe practices.

Promoting the use of School Curriculum under the Jurisdiction of Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2

Background and Aims: The purposes of this research are to: (1) study the level of promotion of the use of the curriculum of educational institutions under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2. (2) Compare the level of opinions of personnel regarding promoting the use of the curriculum in educational institutions under the jurisdiction of the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2, divided by position. Size of the educational institution and work experience. (3) Study guidelines for developing and promoting the use of the curriculum of educational institutions under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2. Methodology: The sample group in this research consisted of 317 personnel from educational institutions under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2, which were obtained from stratified random sampling. The tool used to collect data was a questionnaire with an IOC between 0.80 – 1.00. And had a reliability value of 0.91 including a structured interview. Statistics used in data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test statistic, and F-test statistic. Results: The results of the research found that: (1) promoting the use of the curriculum in educational institutions Under the jurisdiction of the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2, overall and each aspect is at a high level. When considering each aspect, it was found that Promotion of the use of the curriculum in all aspects is also at a high level. (2) Comparison of promoting the use of the curriculum of educational institutions classified by position size of the educational institution and work experience found that there were no significant differences. (3) Guidelines for promoting the use of the curriculum in educational institutions. It was found that educational institutions should set guidelines for personnel to check the consistency of the curriculum. There are workshops on how to use the curriculum. Establish an academic center to support and promote the use of the curriculum. Including training in developing measurement and evaluation tools. along with continuously checking the effectiveness of the quality of the curriculum. Conclusion: Within the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2, the assessment found that the educational institution's commitment to the curriculum is commendable. Demonstrate a deep understanding of all dimensions of curriculum use. The analysis also highlights consistency in promoting the use of the curriculum across educational contexts, with a focus on consistent policies and supporting frameworks. To guarantee the effectiveness and maintain the quality of operations.

The Role of Educational Institution Administrators in Operating the Student Care and Assistance System at Vocational Colleges in Chonburi Province

Background and Aims: The objectives of this research are as follows: 1. to study and evaluate the operational level of the student care and assistance system. Students in vocational colleges in Chonburi Province 2. To compare the performance of the student care and assistance system in such colleges classified by status. and 3. to propose guidelines for operations related to the role of school administrators in developing student care and support systems for students in vocational colleges in Chonburi Province. Methodology: The sample group in this research consisted of administrators and teachers from vocational educational institutions in Chonburi province, totaling 269 people, using questionnaires as a tool for collecting data. which has a reliability value of the questionnaire at 0.97. For data analysis, basic statistics were used, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. As for hypothesis testing, t-test statistics were used. Results: The finding found that (1) The opinion regarding the role of educational institution administrators in operating the student care and support system Students in vocational colleges in Chonburi Province Overall it is at a high level. (2) Level of opinions regarding the role of educational institution administrators in operating the student care and assistance system, classified by gender, found that overall there was no difference. When considering each aspect, it was found that the areas of student promotion and development were significantly different at the 0.05 level. While knowing each student individually student screening Preventing and solving student problems. And in the forwarding aspect, no differences were found. (3) Level of opinion regarding the role of educational institution administrators in operating the student care and assistance system, classified by status It was found that there was a statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level. Especially in the area of ​​student screening and in the area of ​​student promotion and development. which were significantly different at the 0.05 level, while no differences were found in other aspects. Conclusion: The study discovered that vocational college administrators in Chonburi Province are widely perceived to play an important role in student care and support. While gender had no overall impact on these opinions, there were differences in student promotion and development, and status had a significant influence on perceptions in areas such as student screening and development (p < 0.05).

Oral Health Status at Age 60 and 72 Years-A Longitudinal Study.

This study investigated oral health status in 60-year-old individuals over 12 years. Data were obtained from The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). One hundred nineteen 60-year-old individuals (48% females) underwent a clinical and radiographic baseline examination (2001-2003) and follow-up examination in 2013-2015. For statistical analyses, paired t-tests and McNemar's test were performed. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05. At the 12-year follow-up, the mean number of teeth and the proportion of individuals having ≥ 20 teeth decreased (p < 0.001). The mean number of teeth with buccal/lingual and approximal caries lesions increased (p < 0.029 and p < 0.031). Individuals with a distance from the cement-enamel junction to the bone of ≥ 5 mm increased in total (p < 0.002) and in males (p < 0.006). The prevalence of gingivitis increased in total (p < 0.001). The prevalence of periodontitis showed a significant increase in total (p < 0.043) and in females (p < 0.039). The present study indicates that oral health status in 60-year-old individuals deteriorates over 12 years. However, the deteriorations were minor in terms of tooth loss, caries lesions, and changes in periodontal status.

The Reality Of Employing Artificial Intelligence Applications and its Challenges in Teaching People with Learning Disabilities from the Point Of View of Teachers (SDG'S)

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the reality of employing artificial intelligence applications and its challenges in teaching children with learning Disabilities from the point of view of teachers and specialists in Amman- Jordan schools. Theoretical Reference: The study is grounded employing artificial intelligence applications and its challenges in teaching children with learning Disabilities from the point of view of teachers and theories of learning disabilities. Method: The descriptive analytical approach was followed, The researcher prepared a study A self-designed measure of employing artificial intelligence applications in the education of children with learning Disabilities from the point of view of teachers and the challenges they face was administered to special education teachers in capital Amman city, Jordan, focusing on their. The questionnaire underwent validity and reliability assessments to ensure its appropriateness for the study. Statistical analyses, including means, standard deviations, and t-tests, were employed to analyze the data. Results and Conclusion: The study results found that learning disabilities teachers demonstrated a medium level of knowledge regarding reality of hiring teachers with learning Disabilities for artificial intelligence applications. However, while the results indicated that the challenges facing teachers came with a high degree. Implications of Research: The findings suggest a need for targeted professional development and support for special education teachers to enhance their effectiveness employing artificial intelligence applications in teaching children with learning Disabilities . Policymakers and educational leaders could use these insights to develop comprehensive strategies and resources that empower teachers and promote a safer learning environment for all students. Originality/Value: The research contributes to understanding the use AI applications for children with learning disabilities. It raises awareness among officials about artificial intelligence applications and accessibility for these children with learning disabilities.

Comparative Assessment of Environmental Disclosure Practices: A Case Study of Two Leading Oil Companies in India

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the environmental disclosure practices of two leading oil companies in India: OIL and Petronet LNG. By evaluating their sustainability reports and publicly available environmental information, the research assesses key performance areas such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, waste treatment, and biodiversity conservation. The analysis reveals that both companies exhibit similar environmental disclosure practices, with strengths in energy and emissions management but significant gaps in compliance, biodiversity, and grievance mechanisms. A statistical t-test shows no significant difference between the environmental performance of the two companies, indicating comparable transparency levels. The study highlights the need for both organizations to improve their environmental reporting and align more closely with global sustainability standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). Recommendations include enhancing biodiversity conservation efforts, strengthening supplier environmental assessments, and improving compliance with environmental regulations. Keywords: Environmental disclosure, Oil industry, Sustainability reporting, Comparative analysis, India, Greenhouse gas emissions, Energy management, Water usage, Biodiversity, Compliance, Corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Investigating Socio-Economic and Academic Consequences of Insecurity and Kidnapping in Senior Secondary Schools in Anambra State

The study investigates the socio-economic and academic consequences of kidnapping in senior secondary schools in Anambra State. Two research questions and two research hypotheses were formulated for the study. The scope was restricted to the extent to which kidnapping influence academic performance and socio-economic development of students. Relevant literatures were reviewed on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, empirical studies and summary of reviewed literature. The design of the study was a descriptive survey design. The study was carried out in Anambra State. The study population was public SS 2 students in Anambra State. The sample of the study consisted of 400 SS2 students. The instrument for the study was a questionnaire consisting of 10 items. The instrument was validated by 3 experts – two experts in measurement and evaluation and one expert in administration. The reliability of the instrument was done using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) yielding a value of 0.86. Data analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation for research question and t-test statistic was used to test the research hypotheses. The results of the study were as follows: there is a significant difference between the mean ratings to which kidnapping influence academic performance of SS2 students in senior secondary schools and there is a significant difference between the mean ratings to which kidnapping influence socio-economic development of SS2 students in senior secondary schools. The study recommended among others that government and traditional rulers should encourage dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms at the community level to address underlying grievances and prevent conflicts from escalating into violence.

THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION AND WORKLOAD O EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PT. INTEGRA SYNERGY SERVICES

This study aims to determine the extent to which Motivation and Workload affect employee performance at PT Sinergi Integra Services (Tower Batavia Area, Central Jakarta) both partially and simultaneously. The research method used is quantitative descriptive which aims to describe the situation objectively by using numerical data collected through questionnaires. The sampling technique used is non-probability sampling with saturated sampling technique involving all 55 employees. Data analysis was carried out using the hypothesis testing method with the help of SPSS version 26 software. The results of the study indicate that Motivation and Workload have a significant influence on employee performance, both when tested partially and simultaneously. Based on the partial statistical test or t-test, it is known that Motivation significantly affects employee performance, while Workload is also proven to have a significant effect on employee performance. When tested simultaneously, the results show that Motivation and Workload together have a significant effect on employee performance. This indicates that the influence of Motivation and Workload on employee performance is 82.7%, while the rest, which is 17.3%, is influenced by other factors not included in the variables of this study.

The Effectiveness of Using Mnemonics Strategy to the Students' Vocabulary Mastery at the Eighth Grade

This pre-experimental research aims to evaluate its efficiency in improving students' vocabulary acquisition at SMPN 8 Rupat. Specifically, this study answers the research question of how effective the mnemonic strategy is in improving students' vocabulary acquisition abilities. This study used a one-group pretest-posttest methodology. A total of 19 students from class VIII A were selected as samples using cluster sampling. Based on the results, the mean score of the pre-test was 57.68, while the mean score of the post-test was 89.31. For more details, a paired T-test was conducted on the students' pre-test and post-test scores. The results showed that the mnemonic strategy can improve students' vocabulary mastery at SMPN 8 Rupat because researchers used t-test analysis at the significance level (p) = 0.05 with degrees of freedom (df) = N-1, where N = the number of subjects (19 students) and the t-table value is 2.101. t-test statistics and analysis for independent samples are applied. From the above calculation, it can be seen that the t-count value of adjectives and nouns is greater than the t-table value (4.73&gt;2.101). This means that there is a significant difference between students' vocabulary before and after using the mnemonic strategy on the vocabulary of class VIII students in SMPN 8 Rupat.

Impacts of Regional Leading Sectors on Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

Insecurity has become a huge threat to the peaceful co-existence of people in Nigeria. People of different magnitudes have become victims of kidnapping, armed robbery, herder attacks, and other social vices. Descriptive research of survey-type design was adopted for this research. The population consisted of 597 participants from the five regional leading sectors. A sample size of 234 was selected, as determined by the research advisors' (2006) table. The researchers used a self-designed instrument for data collection, and t-test statistics were used for data analysis. The results show that the leading regional sectors have a significant impact on insecurity, education, and sustainable education in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara. The paper recommends among others that, an education development levy should be imposed on the miners associations, vegetables and food sellers associations as well as industries and agro-allied firms in the three states and should be used in the development of education, especially at basic and secondary education sub-sector.

Environmental Factors, Undergraduate Science Education Students’ Achievement, and Interest in Nigeria Universities: Implications for Funding

This study investigated the effects of environmental factors on the academic performance and interest of undergraduate scientific education students in Nigerian universities, as well as the funding implications. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. The study included 270 final-year undergraduate students from the Department of Science Education at two Nigerian universities: Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Both universities are located in the sixth state of Anambra. The study used a sample of 161 students, 56 of whom were male and 105 of whom were female, that was drawn by chance sampling methods. Three experts verified the questionnaire, which was used as the data gathering tool. Using the Cronbach Alpha formula, the dependability of 0.90 was determined. The hypothesis was examined using t-test statistics at the 0.05 level of significance, and the research topic was addressed using mean and standard deviation. The study's conclusions showed that, while gender had no discernible impact on how science education students responded to the aforementioned environmental factors, socioeconomic background, good school infrastructure, extracurricular activities, class size, accommodations, attitudes of teachers and parents, appropriate teaching methods, and poor lighting in school buildings and hostels could all affect students' interest and achievement in science education at universities. Further strategies for enhancing the environmental elements that affect academic achievement and interest of science education students in universities include the government's and alumni's funding of science labs and infrastructure, fostering university competition, using appropriate teaching methods, and properly citing of schools.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE STRUCTURAL ANALYTICAL METHOD (SAS) WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF BIG BOOK MEDIA ON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' BEGINNING READING ABILITY

This research was motivated by the results of UNESCO and PISA which stated that the literacy rate in Indonesia is still low, especially in beginning reading in elementary school students. The purpose of this study was to measure the initial reading ability of elementary school students, especially in grade I students. This research is a quasi-experimental research with a quantitative approach. Sampling was carried out using purposive sampling techniques. In obtaining data, researchers conducted initial tests (pretest) and final tests (posttest) in the form of preliminary reading tests, observation sheets and interviews. The data technique used is to use descriptive analysis techniques and descriptive statistical analysis by testing hypotheses using t-test statistics.. The data obtained are then analyzed using statistical analysis techniques, namely descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistical analysis data obtained average value (pretest) = 69,17 is in the very low category and average value (posttest) = 83,00 is in the high category. From the results of the hypothesis test analysis using paired sample test, a sig value = 0,001 is obtained in accordance with the basis for decision making, if the hypothesis test of the probability value of significance &lt; 0.05, then H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Then significantly the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted and the null hypothesis (H0) is rejected. Based on the hypothesis test, it can be concluded that the synthetic analytical structural method (SAS) with the help of big book media affects the initial reading ability in grade I students of SDN Kebalen 01 Kabupaten Bekasi.

Mergers and Financial Performance of Access Bank Plc in Nigeria

This study examined the impact of mergers and acquisition on the financial performance of merged banks in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to investigate the impact of the merger between Access bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc on financial performance. The merger period was classified into (2016 to 2019) and (2020 to 2023). Secondary data was obtained from the annual reports of Access Bank plc for the period under review. The t-test statistic was used to determine if there is a significant difference in the financial performance of Access bank pre-merger and the post-merger. The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the financial performance (ROE, ROA, CAR). Based on the findings, the study concludes that mergers and acquisition affect the overall performance of banks. The study therefore recommend that merger and acquisition is a strategy that banks should adopt to improve their financial performance.

The impact of an applied menstrual self-care education program given to adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their mothers on their knowledge, skills, and anxiety levels

Objectives This study aimed to examine the effect of an applied menstrual self-care management education program provided to adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their mothers on their knowledge, skills, and anxiety levels. Methods A quasi-experimental design based on pre-test and post-test models was conducted with two different groups. The population consisted of adolescents with intellectual disabilities attending three special education and rehabilitation centers in a province and their mothers, while the sample included 32 adolescents with intellectual disabilities and their mothers who met the research criteria. Data were collected using a Demographic Information and Menstrual Characteristics Form and the Beck Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistical methods (Mean, Standard Deviation) and t-test were employed. Results The applied education program provided education to both mothers and adolescents with intellectual disabilities using a simulator model demonstrating the perineal area and a guide developed for menstrual self-care, and they were asked to perform the practices. Following the education, both mothers and adolescents with intellectual disabilities showed effective gains in knowledge and skills, while also experiencing a reduction in anxiety. Conclusions Providing the same education to both mothers and adolescents with intellectual disabilities not only reduced potential caregiving issues but also facilitated communication between the adolescent and the mother. The study enabled adolescents with intellectual disabilities to realize their potential and decreased dependency on their mothers for care.

Evaluating the Role of Rectus Abdominis Fat Transfer (RAFT) in Improving Muscle Thickness: Does it Really Work? A 12-Month Follow-Up Cohort Study.

Looking for an adequate solution for those patients who desire abdominal definition, but are not candidates for liposuction alone, Danilla developed a technique, using selective fat grafting into the rectus abdominis (RAFT) to increase the muscle volume in addition to selective liposuction and abdominoplasty to provide an optimal body contouring. To determine whether intramuscular fat grafting in the rectus abdominis muscles leads to an increase in muscle thickness after one year. This is a prospective cohort study, from a single center, carried out over 24 months (October 2021-September 2023). Sixty-two patients who underwent lipoabdominoplasty and RAFT, had their rectus abdominis cross section measured by ultrasound pre- and 12 months postoperatively. To compare the muscle thickness, a paired t-test statistic was used. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant (IBM SPSS Statistics V26). After 1 year, all 62 patients showed an increase in the size of the rectus muscle cross section, although only 58 (94%) had fat identifiable in the US. Preoperatively, the mean muscle cross-sectional size was 1, 4cm. After RAFT, overall mean muscle cross section was 2, 3cm (0, 9cm/66.9% increase). When stratified into groups with and without identifiable fat, the group in which the graft remained showed greater increase than the group with no visible fat (69, 9% vs 19,6%). The RAFT provided a significant increase in the muscle cross section in most cases after 1 year. The presence of fat is related to a statistically significant increase in the muscle compartment (pack). This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

&lt;b&gt;Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Audio Visual terhadap Kualitas dan Kemantapan Gerak Jurus Tunggal IPSI &lt;/b&gt;

This study aims to identify and measure the effect of using audiovisual media on the quality and stability of IPSI single moves. The weak experimental method was used with a one group pretest posttest design protocol. A total of 17 extracurricular pencak silat students were involved in 8 meetings using audiovisuals in learning IPSI single moves. A total of 4 IPSI standard certified assessors assessed students during the pre and posttest using IPSI standard instruments. Descriptive statistical analysis, normality, and t-test were carried out using SPSS version 25 software. The results showed that the quality of movement seemed to increase as indicated by a significant decrease in the number of errors (t = 3.96, p = 0.001) but the stability of movement did not change (t = 1.00, p = 0.332). This finding explains that audiovisual media is suitable for improving the quality of movement but not the stability of movement. Therefore, in the future, trainers need to find other media to provide appropriate training in improving the stability of movement. In addition, the volume of training needs to be considered in providing an impact on movement stability according to various other relevant sources.

Prothioconazole Stress Reduces Bacterial Richness and Alters Enzyme Activity in Soybean Rhizosphere.

Prothioconazole (PTC) is currently a popular triazole fungicide. In recent years, as the use of PTC has increased, there has been growing concern about its environmental and toxicological effects. Here, we studied the effect of PTC on the growth of soybean plants and further analyzed the enzyme activity and microbial community of rhizosphere soil after PTC treatment through 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing and fungal ITS. Changes in structural diversity and species richness were measured using Simpson's diversity index, Shannon's diversity index and the Chao1 and ACE algorithms. The statistical t-test was applied to test whether the index values were significantly different between the two groups. The results showed that the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2 increased after the recommended dose of PTC, indicating that PTC has a strong toxic effect on plant growth, thus affecting the healthy growth of plants. In the presence of PTC, the species richness of fungi and bacteria decreased in all three soil types (black soil, yellow earth and red earth), and the community structure also changed significantly (the p-values were all less than 0.05). Proteobacteria, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota and Acidobacteriota were the main bacteria, and the abundance of Acidobacteriota and Chloroflexi increased. The dominant fungal communities were Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota. The increased abundance of potentially beneficial microorganisms, such as Sphingomonadaceae, suggested that plants may be resistant to PTC stress by recruiting beneficial microorganisms. PICRUSt analysis showed that the metabolism-related functions and membrane transport pathway of rhizosphere bacterial community were inhibited after PTC stress. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a weak correlation between key fungal taxa and rhizosphere variables in the presence of PTC. Therefore, compared with those in the fungal community, the bacterial community was more likely to help plants resist PTC stress, indicating that these key fungal groups may indirectly help soybean growth under PTC stress by affecting the bacterial community.

Unveiling Functional Biomarkers in Schizophrenia: Insights from Region of Interest Analysis Using Machine Learning.

Schizophrenia is a complex and disabling mental disorder that represents one of the most important challenges for neuroimaging research. There were many attempts to understand these basic mechanisms behind the disorder, yet we know very little. By employing machine learning techniques with age-matched samples from the auditory oddball task using multi-site functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, this study aims to address these challenges. The study employed a three-stage model to gain a better understanding of the neurobiology underlying schizophrenia and techniques that could be applied for diagnosis. At first, we constructed four-level hierarchical sets from each fMRI volume of 34 schizophrenia patients (SZ) and healthy controls (HC) individually in terms of hemisphere, gyrus, lobes, and Brodmann areas. Second, we employed statistical methods, namely, t-tests and Pearson's correlation, to assess the group differences in cortical activation. Finally, we assessed the predictive power of the brain regions for machine learning algorithms using K-nearest Neighbor (KNN), Naive Bayes, Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM). Our investigation depicts promising results, obtaining an accuracy of up to 84% when applying Pearson's correlation-selected features at lobes and Brodmann region level (81% for Gyrus), as well as Hemispheres involving different stages. Thus, the results of our study were consistent with previous studies that have revealed some functional abnormalities in several brain regions. We also discovered the involvement of other brain regions which were never sufficiently studied in previous literature, such as the posterior lobe (posterior cerebellum), Pyramis, and Brodmann Area 34. We present a unique and comprehensive approach to investigating the neurological basis of schizophrenia in this study. By bridging the gap between neuroimaging and computable analysis, we aim to improve diagnostic accuracy in patients with schizophrenia and identify potential prognostic markers for disease progression.