Statistical Tests Research Articles

Wasting and its associated factors among under-two years children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionGlobally, about 45 million under-five children have suffered from wasting where Asian and African countries have the major share of these wasted children. Despite wasting is affected all types of populations, the long and short term effect is more severe and sensitive in under-two aged children. Hence, this review was intended to assess pooled prevalence and associated factors of wasting among under-two children in Ethiopia.MethodsThe search was done using electronic data bases (Hinari, PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus) and research repositories from June 19–22/2023. The review included articles published between January 2013 and December 2023.The study included Cross-sectional/case control studies which report the prevalence and associated factors of wasting in under-two aged children. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment checklists for observational studies. The presence of heterogeneity between included studies was evaluated using Cochrane Q-test and the I2 statistics. Publication bias was checked through graphical and statistical test. Associated factors were estimated by random effect model using DerSimonian-Laird model weight.ResultsThe pooled prevalence of wasting among under-two children was 10.91% (95% CI: 8.97–12.85; I2 = 86.36%). Absence of maternal antenatal follow up (OR; 3.23: 95%CI: 1.20–5.26), no exclusive breast feeding until six months (OR; 5.30; 95%CI: 1.17–9.43), current illness of the child (OR; 2.58: 95%CI: 1.78–3.37), large family size (OR; 12.38; 95%CI: 1.37–26.13) and low wealth status of the households (OR; 3.91; 95%CI: 1. 54-8.36) were significant factors of wasting among under-two children.ConclusionsThis study disclosed that the pooled prevalence of wasting among under- two children were high in Ethiopia. Absence of maternal antenatal follow up, no exclusive breast feeding, low wealth status of the households, large family size and current illness of the child were significant factors of wasting. Strictly adherence of maternal antenatal follow up, counsel the parents to feed only breast milk until six months, limit the number of family size to the level of the household income and early treatment of the sick child were recommended. Furthermore, scale up the wealth status and living standard of the family can address the agenda of reducing and eradicating all forms of malnutrition. This review registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023414914 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero).

The sensitivity and specificity testes for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis/ Jordan

Background: Prognosis, treatment, and even early detection of rheumatoid arthritis may all be effectively tracked. Serological tests may be used to validate clinically suspected preliminary diagnoses of rheumatic disorders, track the effectiveness of treatment, and predict the prognosis of autoimmune diseases. for CRP, anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, anti-streptolysine O, acute phase proteins, rheumatoid factor, and CRP. Aims of the study: focused on diagnostic designs that tested the sensitivity and specificity of diagnoses. such as ANA, ACCP, ASO, and CRP Laboratory Tests of Rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: ELIZA tests were used to refer 79 individuals to the Immunology department, specifically the rheumatic ward. Statistical test: Statically analysis: was carried out using ANOVA. Results: Most patients with RA tested positive for anti-CCP. 86% of RA patients have positive test findings. According to ASO, there may be an increase in RF without an increase in ASO in some circumstances. This is because there may be additional health issues contributing to the auto immune disease. Other results may also indicate an increase in ASO and CRP without an increase in RF. Conclusions: We came to the conclusion that ACCP antibodies and CRP are the most sensitive and specific tests for the diagnosis of RA.

Perception of Efficiency in Care: A Study of Time Management and Discharge Planning from Nurses and Patients in Hospital Medical Units

Background: Effective time management and efficient discharge planning are crucial for high-quality hospital patient care. This study aimed to understand the perceptions of nurses and patients regarding these aspects to identify areas for improvement. Method: A survey was conducted with 45 nurses and 60 patients in a hospital setting. The nurses’ surveys focused on their experiences with call bell responsiveness, medication administration, and discharge planning. Patient surveys evaluated their perception of nurses’ responsiveness and involvement in the discharge process. Statistical analysis, including ANOVA and correlation tests, was used to assess the data. Results: Nurses reported mixed experiences with call bell response times and varied capabilities for timely medication administration. Challenges included disruptions from call bells, delays in medication delivery, and constraints in discharge discussions and planning. In contrast, patients generally viewed nurses as prompt and attentive, with satisfactory timeliness of care. However, patients expressed dissatisfaction with discharge education. No significant correlations were found between the demographics and perceptions of either group. Conclusion: This study highlights the disparity between nurses' experiences and patients' perceptions of hospital time management and discharge planning. It underscores the need for improved processes and communication strategies to align nurses’ capabilities with patients’ expectations, thereby enhancing overall patient care and satisfaction.

Optimal Short-Term Inflation Rate Forecasting Model in Kenya: in Depth Analysis

Purpose: The Kenya economy experienced an increase in the price of basic commodities, increased unemployment rates and consequently reduced real wage levels due to job cuts. An accurate forecast of this unprecedented inflation rate could have cushioned the Kenyan population from its effects. Uncertainty over future inflation forecasting has caused detrimental and negative impact not only globally but also in the Kenyan economy. Combining several techniques of forecasting is an instinctual way to improve prediction performance as the limitations of one method are compensated by the strength of the other model. The general objective of the study was to develop an optimal model of forecasting short term inflation rate in Kenya. The specific objectives were to establish models of forecasting short term inflation rate using SARIMA, GARCH and hybrid SARIMA-GARCH family Models, select optimal model amongst the three models and Predict 12 months ahead inflation rate using the optimal model. Scope of the study from 2005 January to 2024 July. The study was anchored on monetary theory of inflation, Keynesian theory of inflation as well as rationale expectation theory of inflation. Methodology: Data was sourced from KNBS and CBK. The study was guided by positivism research philosophy. Explanatory research design was used in this study. Target population was 230 monthly observations. Sample and sampling techniques used was time series. PACF, ACF Dfuller, Kpss test, Philips perron test indicated the data was stationary after 1ST differencing. Findings: Statistic validation test results indicated SARIMA’s (1,1,1)(1,1,)12 adjusted 2 R was perfectly 1 indicating all variations in squared residuals were explained by lagged residuals. P- value for lagged squared residuals were significant at (0.00). F-statisticvalue was significant (0.020) suggesting overall model fit. Model stability test AR roots polynomial lied outside the unit circle. eGarch(1,1) model with lowest aic -0.534 was best in Garch Family models. Hybrid Sarima((1,1,1),(1,1,1) eGARCH(1,1) was identified. Comparison of Sarima(1,1,1)(1,1,1)12, eGARCH (1,1) and Hybrid Sarima((1,1,1),(1,1,1)12 eGARCH(1,1) using forecast accuracy revealed that hybrid model was the optimal model with lowest MAE 0.166 and RMSE 0.259. Diagnostic checks The Ljung- Box test (LL) and Q2 indicated non-significant autocorrelation p- value were greater than 05% indicating that the models residuals were white noise. The DOF/GED parameter (4.144466*, 1.101958, 6.977499) represented the degrees of freedom for the tdistribution and the coefficients where significant at 0.05% meaning the model’s assumptions for normal distributions were met. The coefficients of AR Normal 0.048140, T-Student −0.031854, GED −0.02396 and MA Normal 0.055167 ,T-Student 0.059645, GED 0.051390 terms were significant at 5%. Recommendations: The results implied that the model predicted a decrease in the Kenya’s inflation rate for the next 12 months. The study recommended that inflation rate would be hovering below an average rate of 10 within the next 12 months with high volatility up to July 2025 and policy makers should use this prediction for planning in order to maintain Kenya’s macroeconomic stability. Policy makers were also advised to use the hybrid model to forecast short term inflation rate 12 months ahead and in future years. The benefits of the study were added knowledge of hybridizing to researchers and to policy makers. This study therefore provided better inflation forecasts (Kenya) to be used for strategical planning for short -term effects of inflation by the government.

Association of human papillomavirus 16 and 18 with ovarian cancer risk: Insights from a meta‑analysis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) presents a global health challenge, with well-documented genetic aspects. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 in OC remains unclear. The present meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of HPV in OC across 43 studies and included a comparative meta-analysis of 19 case-control studies to determine the association of HPV with OC risk. Subgroup analyses were performed based on geographic regions and histopathological types to explore heterogeneity, and publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and statistical tests of asymmetry. The pooled prevalence of HPV was found to be 10% (95% CI, 5-18) and 7% (95% CI, 3-15) specifically for HPV 16/18. Case-control studies indicated an odds ratio (OR) of 4.92 (95% CI, 1.96-12.53) for HPV 16/18, with higher pooled prevalence rates of 17% for all HPV genotypes and 13% for HPV 16/18. Notably, Asian countries exhibited the highest HPV prevalence and OR in OC. These findings support the involvement of HPV, particularly HPV 16 and 18, in increasing the risk of OC, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these associations and explore potential mechanisms.

Administrative Strategies Affecting Organizational Sustainability of State Enterprises in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas, Thailand

The purpose of this research was to study the effect of administrative strategies on organizational sustainability of state enterprises in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas. The samples used in this study were 375 employees working in Thai state enterprises in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas. The research questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data. Statistics used in this study consisted of percentage, mean, standard deviation, Correlation and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research results showed that administrative strategies had an effect on organizational sustainability of state enterprise in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas with Chi-square Probability equivalent to 0.073, which was less than 0.05; CMIN/DF equivalent to 1.207, which was less than 3; GFI equivalent to 0.961, which was more 0.90; and RMSEA equivalent to 0.024, which was less than 0.06. The results of statistical analysis indicated that the four statistical tests passed the evaluation criteria at good fit; it can be concluded that administrative strategies had an effect on organizational sustainability of state enterprises in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas, which can be presented as strategic management ((β = 0.89, p = .00), learning organization (β = .75, p = .00) and total quality management (β = .83, p = .00) respectively.

Extension of the characterization of non-Gaussianity in gravitational wave detectors with a statistical hypothesis test

Abstract In gravitational wave (GW) astronomy, non-Gaussian noise, such as scattered light noise disturbs stable interferometer operation, limiting the interferometer’s sensitivity, and reducing the reliability of the analyses. In scattered light noise, the non-Gaussian noise dominates the sensitivity in a low frequency range of less than a few hundred Hz, which is sensitive to GWs from compact binary coalescence. This non-Gaussian noise prevents reliable parameter estimation, since several analysis methods are optimized only for Gaussian noise. Therefore, identifying data contaminated by non-Gaussian noise is important. In this work, we extended the conventional method to evaluate non-Gaussian noise, the Rayleigh statistic, by using a statistical hypothesis test to determine a threshold for non-Gaussian noise. First, we estimated the distribution of the Rayleigh statistic against Gaussian noise, called the background distribution, and validated that our extension serves as the hypothetical test. The threshold on the Rayleigh statistic is estimated at 0.73 and 1.28 when the significance level is 0.05, and the sample size is 39. Moreover, we investigated the detection efficiency by assuming two non-Gaussian noise models. For example, for the model with strong scattered light noise, the true positive rate (TPR) was always above 0.7 when the significance level was 0.05. For the demonstration, we applied our extension with the estimated thresholds to the real data. We confirmed our extension provides the binarized outputs of the statistical tests and contributes to finding the non-Gaussian noise in the real data. The results showed that our extension can contribute to an initial detection of non-Gaussian noise and lead to further investigation of the origin of the non-Gaussian noise.

OGLE-IV Period–Luminosity Relation of the LMC: An Analysis Using Mean and Median Magnitudes

The Period–Luminosity (PL) relation for Cepheid variable stars in the LMC is crucial for distance measurements in astronomy. This study analyzes the impact of using the median rather than the mean of the PL relation’s slope and zero-point. It also examines the persistence of the break at approximately 10 days and addresses specification issues in the PL relation model. Using VI-band median and mean magnitudes from the OGLE-IV survey, corrected for extinction, we fit the PL relation employing robust MM-regression, which features a high breakdown point and robust standard errors. Statistical tests and residual analysis are conducted to identify and correct model deficiencies. Our findings indicate a significant change in the PL relation for Cepheids with periods of 10 days or longer, regardless of whether median or mean magnitudes are used. A bias in the zero-point and slope estimators is observed when using median magnitudes instead of mean magnitudes, especially in the V band. By identifying and correcting regression issues and considering the period break, our estimators for the slope and zero-point are more accurate for distance calculations. Comparative analysis of the models for each band quantifies the bias introduced by using median magnitudes, highlighting the importance of considering the Cepheids’ periods for accurate location measure results, similar to those obtained using mean magnitudes.

Attitudes of faculty members in Palestinian universities toward employing artificial intelligence applications in higher education: opportunities and challenges

This study aims to identify the level of attitudes of faculty members in Palestinian universities regarding the opportunities and challenges of employing artificial intelligence applications in higher education. The researchers used a descriptive approach, and the study’s sample consisted of (130) faculty members at An-Najah National University. Data was collected using two specific questionnaires, one focused on opportunities and the other on challenges. Data analysis was conducted using statistical tests, specifically calculating means and standard deviations, Independent Samples Test, Mann–Whitney test, One Way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Walli’s test. The study’s results indicated that the average level of attitudes among faculty members regarding the opportunities and challenges of employing artificial intelligence applications in higher education was high. Furthermore, the results revealed no statistically significant differences in all areas of opportunities and challenges related to gender, except in “supporting learning and teaching processes,” which favored males. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in all areas of opportunities and challenges related to the educational qualifications, except for the “Benefits of AI applications in teaching and education,” in favor of an associate professor. The results also indicated no statistically significant differences in the opportunities and challenges of employing artificial intelligence applications attributed to variables of years of experience and the college. Based on this, the study recommends the necessity of implementing intensive training programs for university faculty members to enhance their skills in using artificial intelligence applications in higher education, as well as addressing the concerns and risks that hinder the adoption of these applications. Additionally, conducting experimental research to explore the integration of artificial intelligence applications in education and evaluate their effectiveness is essential.

Sexual and reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among high school students in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Several studies have been done on the utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by high school students in Ethiopia, but they have yielded inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which high school students in Ethiopia are using sexual and reproductive health services by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Various electronic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, AJOL, Google Scholar, and Grey Literature were used to search for relevant articles. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines were followed for this review and meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and Cochrane Q statistical tests, and data analysis was done with STATA 17 software. Random effect meta-analyses were used to determine the overall utilization rate of sexual and reproductive health services. This review included 20 studies with 12, 215 study participants. The pooled magnitude of sexual and reproductive health service utilization among high school students in Ethiopia was 29.79% (95% CI: 25.14, 34.43). Students with grades 11-12 (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.39, 3.90), aged between 20 and 24 years (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.79-3.81), having higher level of knowledge towards sexual and reproductive health issues (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.67-5.77), previous history of sexual intercourse (AOR = 4.18; 95% CI: 2.59-6.75), previous history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 3.74; 95% CI: 2.22-6.31), presence of a reproductive health service facility in the school (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.72-3.77), and ever-discussed reproductive health issues (AOR = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.62-10.03) were more likely to utilize sexual and reproductive health services. The overall utilization of sexual and reproductive services among high school students in Ethiopia was found to be low as compared to SDG 3.7. Older individuals with higher education levels and knowledge about sexual and reproductive health services, as well as those who have had previous sexual experiences or discussions about sexual health, are more likely to utilize reproductive health services. To increase utilization, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education should prioritize these factors.

Effectiveness of Using Animated Video Media Stories Prophet Ibrahim A.S. on Learning Motivation Students In Elementary School

This research examines the effect of using animated media of the story of the prophet Ibrahim AS on students' learning motivation in elementary school. This study was conducted using a quantitative research type experimental. The research was conducted in one experimental class containing students with diverse academic abilities. The data collection technique used a wide pretest and posttest questionnaire. Data processing used a simple linear regression statistical data test carried out on the SPSS version 27 data application. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that the use of animated video media had an effective influence on students' learning motivation in elementary school. The data test results showed a significance value of 0.000 <0.05, so Ho was accepted and Ha was rejected, so there was an effect influence in increasing students' learning motivation.

Veterinary Evidence: moving forward

Unrecognised and unknown information needs can significantly impact on the quality of decision making, advice, and patient care. In the practice of veterinary medicine, additional information may be required in one or more of epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, control (risk reduction), and prevention (risk avoidance), in order to optimise patient care. Veterinary Evidence publishes Knowledge Summaries, which aim to answer a specific and focused clinical query by appraising the best available evidence published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. By presenting the evidence in a structured and easily digestible format, Knowledge Summaries enable veterinary professionals to stay informed and apply the best available evidence to their decision-making. To assist in the identification of unrecognised deficits and the generation of clinical queries Veterinary Evidence has developed a list of common conditions for each species, alongside the different categories of information. The aim is to prompt and support the generation of new clinical queries in a more systematic format. This resource sits alongside our species-based lists of clinical queries that have already been suggested by practicing veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and other paraprofessionals (see veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/clinical-queries). We hope readers and prospective authors will use these resources to generate new clinical queries or as a starting point for writing their own Knowledge Summaries. Most of the papers published in Veterinary Evidence are Knowledge Summaries, but the journal has always accepted and will continue to accept and encourage other types of reviews and original research that provide evidence to inform clinical practice. For example, in this issue we have published a commentary paper by Professor Jonathan Elliott regarding the processes and evidence required for the registration of veterinary medicinal products which provides some important insights and debate into the publication of evidential information (Elliott, 2024). A Knowledge Summary may not always be the best format to synthesise and summarise evidence on a multifaceted topic; scoping reviews, systematic reviews, or narrative reviews maybe more appropriate. Munn et al. (2018) provide a useful account of scoping reviews and how they differ from traditional literature and systematic reviews. In particular, we are keen to receive articles on artificial intelligence applications, sustainability, and quality improvement in clinical practice, as the impact and importance of these topics grows. We are also making some changes to the presentation of Knowledge Summaries in Veterinary Evidence, to help readers more easily understand the details and context of the summarised evidence. In order to support everyone in appraising and understanding quantitative clinical studies, we will be publishing a glossary and guidance on basic statistical terms and tests on the journal website.

Identifying noise transients in gravitational-wave data arising from nonlinear couplings

Abstract Noise in various interferometer systems can sometimes couple non-linearly to create excess noise in the gravitational wave (GW) strain data. Third-order statistics, such as bicoherence and biphase, can identify these couplings and help discriminate those occurrences from astrophysical GW signals. However, the conventional analysis can yield large bicoherence values even when no phase-coupling is present, thereby, resulting in false identifications. Introducing artificial phase randomization in computing the bicoherence reduces such occurrences with negligible impact on its effectiveness for detecting true phase-coupled disturbances. We demonstrate this property with simulated disturbances – focusing only on short-duration ones (lasting up to a few seconds) in this work. Statistical hypothesis testing is used for distinguishing phase-coupled disturbances from non-phase coupled ones when employing the phase-randomized bicoherence. We also obtain an expression for the bicoherence value that minimizes the sum of the probabilities of false positives and false negatives. This can be chosen as a threshold for shortlisting bicoherence triggers for further scrutiny for the presence of non-linear coupling. Finally, the utility of the phase-randomized bicoherence analysis in GW time-series data is demonstrated for the following three scenarios: (1) Finding third-order statistical similarities within categories of noise transients, such as blips and koi fish. If these non-Gaussian noise transients, or glitches, have a common source, their bicoherence maps can have similarities arising from common bifrequencies related to that source. (2) Differentiating linear or non-linear phase-coupled glitches from compact binary coalescence signals through their bicoherence maps. This is explained with a simulated signal. (3) Identifying repeated bifrequencies in the second and third observation runs (i.e., O2 and O3) of LIGO and Virgo.

The Relationship between Teacher Competences, Quality of Infrastructure, Student Participation, and School Policy with Students' Learning Motivation in PJOK Subject at MA Ma'arif Dassholihin

This study aims to determine the relationship between teacher competence, quality of facilities and infrastructure, student participation and school policies in increasing student learning motivation in PJOK subjects at MA Ma’arif Darussholihin. The subjects of this study were students in grades X - XII, totaling 350 students. The sample in this study amounted to 160 students. This study uses a correlation method with a quantitative approach that aims to determine the presence and absence of a relationship between or two variables by collecting numerical data that can be measured related to teacher competence, quality of facilities and infrastructure, student participation, school policy and learning motivation. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire. Data validation uses the product moment formula with r count < r table (0.154). Reliability using Crombach Alpha, namely reliability (0.945) The analysis technique uses linear regression analysis, which will involve various descriptive statistical tests, classical assumption tests, and hypothesis testing. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between teacher competence and learning motivation. There is a significant relationship between infrastructure and learning motivation. There is a significant relationship between student participation and learning motivation. There is a significant relationship between school policies and learning motivation. There is a significant relationship between teacher competence, quality of facilities and infrastructure, student participation, school policies together with students' learning motivation.

Development of Augmented Reality Learning Media to Introduce Musical Instruments for Deaf Elementary School Student

This research aims to develop Augmented Reality learning media for deaf children at the elementary school level in recognizing musical instruments and measuring their effectiveness on learning outcomes. The research method used is research and development (R&D) and uses the Multimedia Development Life Cycle development method. The effectiveness of the media was tested using pretest-posttest. Data analysis techniques use the parametric statistical test. The results of testing by media and content experts concluded that the application was declared suitable for use as a learning medium. From the beta test, it was discovered by 33 deaf students that Augmented Reality learning media was well received. The t-test comparison test shows that there is a difference, which means that the use of Augmented Reality learning media as a medium for introducing musical instruments to deaf students has a positive impact on learning outcomes.

Examining the Impact of Young People's Involvement in Cultural Heritage Preservation and Promotion

Culture is vital in preserving history and continuity of traditions, and that is why cultural practices should be protected and supported. It is important to understand young people's participation in these activities first because they are the key to sustaining the efforts in the future. This study examines the impact of young people's involvement in cultural heritage (CH) through four key variables, knowledge (KNW), engagement in activities (EIA), interest in participation (IIP), and impact perception (IP). The data were administered through a structured questionnaire, which was distributed among 300 students from schools and colleges. Several statistical tests were conducted such as reliability tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Chi-Square tests, and descriptive analysis using SPSS version 20. The results of the reliabilities of the scales showed that KNW and IIP are very reliable and EIA and IP are comparatively slightly less reliable. The outcome of the ANOVA revealed differences in the variables with a notable F-value signifying variability in responses. Results of chi-square tests showed that KNW and IIP were significant at p < 0.05 while EIA and IP were not significant. The mean score for all the variables was determined using descriptive statistics, and results showed that IIP had the highest mean score meaning that youths were willing to participate in cultural heritage activities. The study also identifies KNW and IIP as key elements that affect youth engagement in the preservation of cultural heritage. It indicates or rather underlines the possibility of harnessing this, interest to improve further on cultural heritage programs.

Assessing the Tropospheric Impacts on Positioning Accuracy Using IGS02 Real-Time Service Data Versus Long-Convergence Static PPP in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract: The International Association of Geodesy (IAG) has established the International GNSS Service-Real Time Service (IGS-RTS) as a service provider, offering real-time access to precise products like orbits, clock corrections, and code biases regarding satellite navigation and positioning system. These products serve as an alternative to ultra-rapid products in real-time applications. The performance of these products is assessed through daily statistics from Analysis Centres, which compare them to IGS rapid products. However, the accuracy of GPS real-time corrections for satellites during eclipsing periods was slightly reduced, attributed to the impact of environmental factors on the services. The speed of GNSS signals can be impacted by various atmospheric factors, including troposphere, temperature, pressure, and humidity, resulting in positioning inaccuracies and even giving rooms for signal jamming and hijacking. However, the unique weather conditions prevalent in the African continent are often overlooked during the development of error mitigation parameters and algorithms, which can lead to reduced accuracy in GNSS positioning in a region like Nigeria. The purpose of this study is to estimate the tropospheric impact on positioning with IGS02 Real Time Service data compared to long convergence Static-PPP in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopts the determination of the GNSS Static observations (minimum of two hours per session) on the chosen stations as standard, determination of the IGS-RTS data observations using RTKLIB software; observations were done with IGS-RTS data stream of IGS02 and statistical tests were performed. The GNSS Static coordinates and IGS-RTS coordinates were validated from error due to troposphere, temperature, pressure, etc., with the computation of their mean horizontal and vertical uncertainties which have a similar level of accuracy but slightly differ at centimeter levels. The result shows the Root Mean Square (RMS) Error discrepancy of IGS02 at the Wet and Dry season, as compared with the Static-PPP was within 0.065(m) and 0.046(m) respectively.

Barriers to pharmaceutical care provision in the community and hospital pharmacies of Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAlthough pharmaceutical care has tangible positive importance in ensuring patient pharmacotherapy safety, its provision encounters several barriers. Therefore, this study investigated the obstacles pharmacy professionals faced while providing pharmaceutical care in Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30, 2022, to August 30, 2022, at all community and hospital pharmacies in Motta town, Northwest Ethiopia. The data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed via SPSS version 26.0. Descriptive statistics and statistical analysis tests, such as the independent t-test, variance, and multiple linear regressions, were employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe study had a 97.7% response rate. Among the 130 participants, 71 (54.6%) were females. The mean (± SD) total score of pharmaceutical care provision barriers was 85.06 (± 20.2). The highest and lowest mean subscale scores of pharmaceutical care provision barriers were related to lack of resources and skill, respectively. Among resource-related barriers, lack of time and money, lack of trained staff, and lack of private space for consultation scored higher than other barriers. Concerning vision/attitudinal barriers, patients and other healthcare workers’ inappropriate attitudes toward pharmaceutical care obtained the highest scores. The lack of clinical education in pharmaceutical care, lack of communication, and lack of documentation skills of pharmacists scored higher than other barriers in the educational and skill-related barriers subscales. For the regulatory/environmental subscale, a lack of clinical practice guidelines and legal barriers scored higher than the other subscales did. Pharmaceutical care provision barriers were significantly associated with age (B = 14.008), years of practice (B = 13.009), and graduating institution (B=-16.773).ConclusionsResource and attitudinal/vision-related barriers were reported to be the most common barriers to pharmaceutical care implementation. Stakeholders should work together to develop strategic solutions to overcome these barriers and thus achieve optimal pharmaceutical care provision. These strategies should include optimizing the number of trained pharmacy staff, time and financial problems should be resolved, communication and documentation skills should be improved, pharmacy layouts should incorporate private counseling rooms, policies that support the pharmacist’s role in patient care should be developed, and effective training and continuing professional education programs should be offered.

The effect of education based on the theory of planned behavior to prevent the consumption of fast food in a population of teenagers

BackgroundConsidering the increasing prevalence of fast food consumption among teenagers, providing the necessary training and self-awareness is the best solution for institutionalizing the prevention of fast food consumption by this group. Therefore, this issue should be taken seriously, as should the implementation of educational interventions to prevent the consumption of fast food. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) is one of the various health education styles and methods that works well. However, given that a number of local data points are crucial in establishing the efficacy of the model employed, this study looks into the impact of TPB-based education in preventing fast food intake among teenagers.MethodsA total of 180 male students, ages 15 to 18, participated in this quasi-experimental study in Shiraz, Iran. Cluster sampling was used in the study, and participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (n = 90) and the control group (n = 90). A theory-based questionnaire was used to gather data, and both the control and experimental groups had to complete it before and three months after the intervention. The data were examined using paired t, independent t, and chi-square statistical tests after being entered into SPSS-24.ResultsThe results of the independent t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the two study groups before the intervention in terms of knowledge (P = 0.14), attitude (P = 0.57), subjective norms (P = 0.94), perceived behavioral control (P = 0.81), behavioral intention (P = 0.42), or behavior (P = 0.25). However, following the intervention, there was a significant difference between the two groups with regard to the noted variables (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the McNemar test results demonstrated that the experimental group’s consumption of fast food varied significantly before and after the intervention (P = 0.001), but not in the control group (P = 0.07).ConclusionThe study’s findings demonstrated that TPB-based treatments are successful in helping male students change their habits of consuming fewer amounts of fast food. This study demonstrated that the instructional techniques employed improved the fast food consumption behavior of the intervention group as well as the TPB’s structure (attitude, subjective norms, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral intention).

Frustrated marriage? The ideological distance of members of congress from their parties in Latin America

Are legislators ideologically close to their co-partisans? And, when not, what policies drive the lack of party unity? To address these questions, we propose two measures of intra-party ideological cohesion: dissonance and frustration. Based on a survey of legislators across 18 Latin American countries, we show that half of the region’s representatives self-identify as substantially far from the mean of their parties (dissonance) and almost 40% perceive large differences (frustration). Relying on a series of statistical tests, we find that these patterns are distinct for left-wing and right-wing legislators. The right is more dissonant than frustrated, and they are also more dissonant than the left. In terms of policy, we show that moral issues drive dissonance and frustration on both sides of the ideological spectrum, but disagreements on economic topics are more correlated with ideological distance for the left than the right. In presenting new measurements of intra-party disagreements, our paper proposes new pathways for the study of party cohesion.