Statistical Tests Research Articles

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic and psychological resilience among undergraduate medical students

Pandemic always has negative impact on students in higher education. Especially when learning emphasises on hands-on experience. Due to movement The social distancing and online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic had impact on student learning, We aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression and resilience of medical students to COVID-19 related worries during pandemic.We conducted a cross-sectional study among 1200 undergraduate medical students. The survey questionnaires has six parts; demography information, modified version of COVID-19 related worries, the impact of COVID-19 in teaching and learning, resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, generalized anxiety disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale & lastly patient health questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of GAD-7 was 0.930 and PHQ-2 was 0.811. We used multiple linear regression to determine the association between resilience and anxiety, depression, and COVID-19 related worries. All the statistical tests were two-sided, and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Most of the students showed a moderate amount of COVID-19 related worries about contracting, dying or unintentionally infecting others, having financial burden following pandemic, affecting their study. Around 32.8% of the medical students had minimal anxiety while 35.7% had mild, 14.1% had moderate and 17.4% had severe anxiety disorder. The mean resilience score was 23.1 (SD 7.3). There was statistically significant negative association between resilience and anxiety with regression coefficient of -0.36 (95% confidence interval -0.43 to -0.29), P<0.001. Female students had significantly higher anxiety (regression coefficient 2.03; 95% confidence interval 0.92 to 3.15; P<0.001) and COVID-19 related worries (regression coefficient 2.91; 95% confidence interval 1.48 to 4.35; P<0.001) than male students.A significant proportion of medical students experienced anxiety and depressive symptoms, with varying degrees of severity. We emphasize the need for targeted support and interventions to address anxiety, depression, and promote resilience.

Effect of a fall within three months of admission on delirium in critically Ill elderly patients: a population-based cohort study

BackgroundDelirium is common among elderly patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and increased risk of death. Understanding the potential risk factors and early prevention of delirium is critical to facilitate timely intervention that may reverse or mitigate the harmful consequences of delirium.AimTo clarify the effects of pre-admission falls on ICU outcomes, primarily delirium, and secondarily pressure injuries and urinary tract infections. MethodsThe study relied on data sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Statistical tests (Wilcoxon rank-sum or chi-squared) compared cohort characteristics. Logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between a history of falls and delirium, as well as secondary outcomes, while Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to assess short-term survival in delirium and non-delirium patients.ResultsStudy encompassed 22,547 participants. Delirium incidence was 40%, significantly higher in patients with a history of falls (54.4% vs. 34.5%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression, controlling for confounders, not only confirmed that a history of falls elevates the odds of delirium (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.97–2.26; p < 0.001) but also showed it increases the incidence of urinary tract infections (OR:1.50; 95% CI:1.40–1.62; p < 0.001) and pressure injuries (OR:1.36; 95% CI:1.26–1.47; p < 0.001). Elderly delirium patients exhibited lower 30-, 180-, and 360-day survival rates than non-delirium counterparts (all p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study reveals that history of falls significantly heighten the risk of delirium and other adverse outcomes in elderly ICU patients, leading to decreased short-term survival rates. This emphasizes the critical need for early interventions and could inform future strategies to manage and prevent these conditions in ICU settings.

Investigating the trend of demographic changes, mortality, clinical and paraclinical findings of patients hospitalized in the Corona ward, before and after the start of general vaccination of COVID-19

BackgroundPrioritizing prevention over treatment has been a longstanding principle in the world health system. This study aims to compare the demographic changes, mortality, clinical, and paraclinical findings of patients hospitalized in the Corona ward before and after the start of general vaccination.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized the simple random sampling method in 2022, analyzing 300 medical records of patients admitted to the Corona ward at 22 Bahman Khaf Hospital. Data were collected using a checklist with the help of the Medical Care Monitoring System and analyzed using SPSS-22 statistical software and Chi-square statistical test at a significance level of p < 0.05.ResultsBefore the start of general vaccination for COVID-19, the majority of patients were hospitalized in the Corona Intensive Care Unit (59.3%), aged between 51 and 65 years (47.3%), hospitalized for more than 3 days (54%), required intubation (49.3%), had SPO2 < 93% (60.7%), and exhibited common symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Paraclinical findings included positive CRP, decreased lymphocytes, and ground glass opacity (GGO). After the start of general vaccination for COVID-19, most patients were hospitalized in the general care department of Corona (68%), aged between 36 and 50 years (47.3%), hospitalized for less than three days (66%), required intubation (20%), had SPO2 ≥ 93% (77.3%), and exhibited common symptoms such as weakness, headache, and body pain. Paraclinical findings were within the normal range.ConclusionsGeneral vaccination for COVID-19 has significantly reduced patient mortality and morbidity. Health policymakers should prioritize general vaccination to achieve herd immunity and improve public health.

TESTING LIMITED OVERLAP

Extreme propensity scores arise in observational studies when treated and control units have very different characteristics. This is commonly referred to as limited overlap. In this paper, we propose a formal statistical test that helps assess the degree of limited overlap. Rejecting the null hypothesis in our test indicates either no or very mild degree of limited overlap and hence reassures that standard treatment effect estimators will be well behaved. One distinguishing feature of our test is that it only requires the use of a few extreme propensity scores, which is in stark contrast to other methods that require consistent estimates of some tail index. Without the need to extrapolate using observations far away from the tail, our procedure is expected to exhibit excellent size properties, a result that is also borne out in our simulation study.

Fire Vulnerability, Resilience, and Recovery Rates of Mediterranean Pine Forests Using a 33-Year Time Series of Satellite Imagery

The modification of fire regimes and their impact on vegetation recovery, soil properties, and fuel structure are current key research areas that attempt to identify the thresholds of vegetation’s susceptibility to wildfires. This study aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of Mediterranean pine forests (Pinus halepensis Mill. and Pinus pinaster Aiton) to wildfires, analyzing two major forest fires that occurred in Yeste (Spain) in 1994 and 2017, affecting over 14,000 and 3200 hectares, respectively. Four recovery regions were identified based on fire severity—calculated using the delta Normalized Burn Ratio (dNBR) index—and recurrence: areas with high severity in 2017 but not in 1994 (UB94-HS17), areas with high severity in 1994 but not in 2017 (HS94-UB17), areas with high severity in both fires (HS94-HS17), and areas unaffected by either fire (UB94-UB17). The analysis focused on examining the recovery patterns of three spectral indices—the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Moisture Index (NDMI), and Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR)—using the Google Earth Engine platform from 1990 to 2023. Additionally, the Relative Recovery Indicator (RRI), the Ratio of Eighty Percent (R80P), and the Year-on-Year average (YrYr) metrics were computed to assess the spectral recovery rates by region. These three spectral indices showed similar dynamic responses to fire. However, the Mann–Kendall and unit root statistical tests revealed that the NDVI and NDMI exhibited distinct trends, particularly in areas with recurrence (HS94-HS17). The NDVI outperformed the NBR and NDMI in distinguishing variations among regions. These results suggest accelerated vegetation spectral regrowth in the short term. The Vegetation Recovery Capacity After Fire (VRAF) index showed values from low to moderate, while the Vulnerability to Fire (V2FIRE) index exhibited values from medium to high across all recovery regions. These findings enhance our understanding of how vegetation recovers from fire and how vulnerable it is to fire.

COMPARISON BETWEEN NEBULISATION OF MGSO4 20 MG/KGBW WITH KETAMINE 0.5 MG/KGBW ON THE INCIDENT OF POST-OPERATIVE SORE THROAT DUE TO ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING GENERAL ANESTHESIA IN DR. HASAN SADIKIN HOSPITALS BANDUNG

Post Operative Sore Throat (POST) is a Symptoms often experienced by patients after surgery under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The incidence of POST is between 21-71.8. POST causes discomfort to patients which can prolong hospital stay. In this study, a comparison was made between MgSO4 nebulization 20 mg/ KgBW and ketamine nebulization 0.5 mg/ KgBW on the incidence of POST after general anesthesia at RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin Bandung . This study used a double blind randomized controlled trial design. 72 elective surgery patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group M was given MgSO4 nebulization while group K was given ketamine nebulization. Nebulization was performed 15 minutes before induction of general anesthesia. POST monitoring was performed at 1, 4 and 24 hours after extubation using POST scoring. In this study, it was found that the incidence of POST in group M, namely the 1st hour of 13.5, the 4th hour of 10.8 and the 24th hour of 0 was lower than that in group K, namely the 1st hour of 28.5, the 4th hour of 32.5 and the 24th hour of 0. Statistical test results p0.033 showed a significant difference in group M better than group K at the 4th hour in reducing the incidence of POST. MgSO4 and ketamine have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects with the mechanism of action of blocking NMDA receptors that inhibit calcium influx that avoids central sensitization. MgSO4 also has a muscle relaxing effect and reduces airway mucus secretion, thus reducing the risk of trauma during endotracheal intubation. The conclusion of this study is that MgSO4 nebulization shows a lower incidence of POST than ketamine nebulization.

Not All Frailty Assessments Are Created Equal: Comparability of Electronic Health Data-Based Frailty Assessments in Assessing Older People in Residential Care.

Objectives: To evaluate the comparability of frailty assessment tools - the electronic frailty index (eFI), retrospective electronic frailty index (reFI), and clinical frailty scale (CFS) - in older residents of care facilities. Methods: Data from 813 individuals aged 65 or older, with frailty and co-morbidities, collected between 2022 and 2023, were analysed using various statistical methods. Results: The results showed significant differences in frailty classification among the tools: 78.3% were identified as moderately to severely frail by eFI, 59.6% by reFI, and 92.1% by CFS. Statistical tests confirmed significant differences (p < .05) in their assessments, indicating variability in measurement methods. Discussion: This study advances the understanding of frailty assessment within aged-care settings, highlighting the differences in the efficacy of these assessment tools. It underscores the challenges in frailty assessments and emphasizes the need for continuous refinement of assessment methods to address the diverse facets of frailty in aged care.

Analysis of Behavioral Factors in the Use of Traditional Medicine: Observational Study in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Traditional medicine has long been used by the people of Yogyakarta, Indonesia as an alternative treatment to modern medicine. Various factors influence traditional medicine use, including psychological factors such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. This research aims to determine the factors that influence the use of traditional medicine among the people of Yogyakarta Indonesia using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). This research was conducted using an analytical observational research design with a cross-sectional design. Data was collected from 110 respondents living in Yogyakarta who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research instrument is a questionnaire that refers to the TPB construct which has been tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was carried out using logistic regression statistical tests and Pearson correlation tests. The results of the analysis show that attitudinal factors and perceived behavioral control partially contribute to the intention to use traditional medicine, while the subjective norm construct does not contribute. Attitudes and perceived behavioral control are important factors that influence the intention to use traditional medicine among Indonesian people. This suggests that interventions that focus on increasing positive attitudes and perceived behavioral control can increase the use of traditional medicine.

Assessing the Environmental Sustainability of UHPC in Modern Construction Practices

A comprehensive examination was undertaken to investigate various aspects related to the development and application of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC). The research explored eco-friendly approaches, such as incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and nanoparticles, optimizing binder systems, and assessing chemical activators. These modifications improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact, including embodied CO2 emissions. Additionally, the utilization of waste materials like CRT glass showed energy savings and reduced emissions. Studies focused on optimizing UHPC mix designs, emphasizing a balance between performance and environmental impact. Techniques like statistical mixture design methods and dynamic testing assessed UHPC's environmental and economic impacts, highlighting significant energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions with waste material recycling. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into UHPC development and its ecological footprint in construction

Correlation of Academic Stress with Internet Addiction in Students Junior High School Class VIII (Observational Study at SMP Islam Al Azhar 14 Semarang)

Academic stress is a situation where students are unable to meet academic demands and perceive these demands as a nuisance or threat. A person’s academic stress is influenced by one factor, namely internet addiction. This research aims to determine the relationship between academic stress and internet addiction in Class VIII Middle School Students. This research uses an analytical observational research design with a cross sectional approach. The research sample was taken using a proportional sampling technique, totaling 68 students in class VIII of Al Azhar Islamic Middle School 14 Semarang who met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were class VIII students who were willing to fill out the questionnaire completely. The questionnaires used were Gadzella’s Students Life Stress Inventory and Young’s Internet Addiction Test. Data analysis used Spearman correlation. In calculating internet addiction scores, the majority were found to be in the moderate category at 50 students (73.5%). In the academic stress score, it was found that the majority of academic stress was in the moderate category for 44 students (64.7%). The results obtained from the Spearman rho statistical test, r = 0.674 and p = 0.000 (p&lt;0.05). There is a significant relationship between academic stress and internet addiction with a strong relationship. The direction of the positive relationship shows that the more academic stress, the more it will cause internet addiction.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 08 No. 02 Apr’24 Page: 147-150

Factors Affecting Nurses’ Use of Personal Protective Equipment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: A critical preventive measure during the rapid global spread of COVID-19 was the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare professionals, especially nurses. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the factors that influenced nurses' use of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 and 2022. A convenience sample of 423 nurses was selected from those working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Descriptive statistical tests, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data. Additionally, inferential tests such as the independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed. The significance level was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Females constituted 70.20% of the sample. The means and standard deviations for individual and organizational factors were 3.41 ± 0.65 and 3.64 ± 0.83, respectively. The relationships between gender and individual factors, as well as education and organizational factors, were found to be statistically significant. There was also a statistically significant relationship between departments and both individual and organizational factors, and between marital status and organizational factors (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Organizational factors, including the provision of adequate PPE, were the most significant contributors to nurses' use of PPE. Conversely, the non-use of PPE was partly influenced by physical complications, such as skin issues, associated with PPE usage. Managers and policymakers can use the results of this study as a guide for future policy and decision-making to reduce or eliminate the factors inhibiting and to strengthen the factors contributing to the proper use of PPE.

Corporate Social Responsibility’s Hidden Power in context of Pakistan: Amplifying Firm Performance

This research explores the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on the performance of firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange in the cement and sugar industries. This link is examined using panel data derived from financial reports from 2013 to 2022. The study includes generally used performance indicators, such as Return on Assets, Return on Equity, and Earnings per Share, by previous literature. The corporate social responsibility data is generated from information released by firms about philanthropic activities, contributions, and R&amp;D projects. The study also takes into account other financial and control variables such as firm size, firm age, and leverage. The random sampling approach is used to create a sample of 28 non-financial listed organizations. Several statistical tests are used in the study, including panel data technology, correlation, random effect, and fixed effect models. According to the findings of this study, corporate social responsibility has a favorable impact on company performance. These findings are consistent with previous research done in developing nations and are relevant for Pakistani businesses, which operate in different economic environments than their Western counterparts. This study provides significant insights for organizations and regulatory agencies. Furthermore, the paper makes suggestions for future research, such as the assessment of context variables such as ownership structure, the consideration of other periods, and the investigation of other industrial sectors.

The effect of training, leadership effectiveness and work environment on employee performance in the Procurement of Goods and Services Section of the Regional Secretariat of North Konawe Regency

This study examines the influence of training, leadership effectiveness, and work environment on employee performance in the Goods and Services Procurement Section of the Regional Secretariat of North Konawe Regency. The method used is a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression. The population of this study includes all 31 employees of the Procurement Section, who also served as the sample for this research. Data was collected through a questionnaire using a Likert scale, then analyzed with statistical tests. The results show that training, leadership effectiveness, and the work environment collectively have a positive and significant impact on employee performance. Individually, each variable was also proven to positively and significantly affect performance. This study emphasizes that improving the quality of training provided, leadership effectiveness, and a comfortable work environment play a significant role in enhancing employee performance. These findings can serve as a reference for government agencies in formulating more effective employee development strategies.

Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Peruvian patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundChronic Kidney Disease (CKD) represents a major challenge for public health, with hypertension and diabetes being the main causes of its occurrence. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in Peruvian patients with CKD.MethodsA systematic search for studies about CKD in Peru was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Scielo from 2011 to December 2023. The protocol of this research was registered in the international registry of systematic reviews, the Prospective International Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with registration number CRD42023425118. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction were performed independently by two authors. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Statistical Meta-Analysis Assessment and Review Instrument. A random-effects model with inverse variance weighting was used to estimate the combined prevalence of HTN and DM in Peruvian patients with CKD. To analyze data heterogeneity, the I2 statistical test was used. Statistical analysis was performed with R version 4.2.3.ResultsA total of 1425 studies were retrieved, of which 23 were included in the final meta-analysis. A total of 43,321 patients with CKD were evaluated, of whom 52.22% were male and 47.78% were female. The combined prevalence of HTN in Peruvian patients with CKD was 38% (95% CI: 30–46%; 41,131 participants; 21 studies, I2 = 99%, p = 0), while the combined prevalence of DM in Peruvian patients with CKD was 33% (95% CI: 26–40%; 43,321 participants; 23 studies, I2 = 99%, p = 0).ConclusionApproximately one-third of Peruvian patients with CKD have HTN and DM. These findings highlight the importance of implementing prevention and control measures for these chronic noncommunicable diseases in the Peruvian population, such as promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging early detection and proper management of hypertension and diabetes, and improving access to medical care and health services.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Property of Green Okra Fruit Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis Bacteria Tooth Root Canals

Background: Root canal treatment aims to eliminate bacteria that cause pulp abnormalities. Enterococcus faecalis is a bacteria in the infected tooth pulp, even those that have been treated. Irrigation was carried out together with biomechanical preparation using a combination of NaOCl and EDTA. The material is antibacterial, dissolves the organic and inorganic tissue of the root canal dentin, lacks odor and irritates the soft tissue. An alternative irrigation material from Jember cultivation is green okra. The fruit contains flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids. This study aims to analyze the phytochemical and antimicrobial properties of green okra fruit extract on the growth of E. Faecalis bacteria. Method: Phytochemical analysis to see the content of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids and terpenoids. Antimicrobial analysis included the inhibition test using disc diffusion, MIC and MBC tests using the dilution method. Samples were green okra fruit extract 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.125%, 1.563%, 2.5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA. The MIC and MBC tests were examined for Optical Density values ​​with a spectrophotometer and then subcultured to see whether there was growth of bacterial colonies. Analysis of the research data used ANOVA and LSD parametric statistical tests Result: Phytochemical content sequentially is Polyphenols, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, Steroids, Terpenoids. Antimicrobial properties Green okra fruit extract concentration of 6.25% had the smallest inhibition zone, the largest OD value and the highest colony count. The concentration of 100% has the largest inhibition zone, the lowest OD, there are no bacterial colonies. Antimicrobial power The concentration of 100% is close to that of 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl. In the Kruskal Wallis test, there were differences in the Mann-Whitney test study group, there were significant differences between all groups Conclusion: The phytochemical content of green okra fruit extract has antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis approaching 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA at 100% concentration, 6.25% MIC concentration and 12.5% ​​MBC concentration. Keywords: Phytochemical, Antibacterial, Green okra fruit extract, Enterococcus faecalis

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY HEIGHT AND DOUBLE J STENT INTRAVESICAL POSITION AND ITS RELATION WITH THE INDONESIAN VERSION OF URETERAL STENT SYMPTOM QUESTIONNAIRE (USSQ)

Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between the patient’s body height with the intravesical double J stent position and whether its position is related to the ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ). Material &amp; Methods: A cohort study with a study population of patients inserted with double J stent size 4.7 Fr and length 26 cm was carried out at the Department of Urology Hasan Sadikin Academic Medical Center from July 2021 to July 2022. We assess the patient’s demographic features and different body heights into two categories, below and above average. Then we evaluate its stent position using a plain abdominal X-ray and the USSQ score. Results: Ninety samples were included in this study; 30 of them had a midline intravesical double J stent position, 30 pieces of contralateral, and 30 samples of ipsilateral. Only body height correlated to the stent’s position (p&lt;0.05). The results of comparative statistical tests or the association of postoperative complications between 7 days and 30 days in the position of the double J stent midline, contralateral and ipsilateral had significant results (p&lt;0.05). Stent with ipsilateral position showed a lower USSQ score. Conclusion: Men and women above the average height have a lower risk for migration stent to the contralateral side and are also associated with lower USSQ scores. Keywords: Double J stent, USSQ score, double J stent position.

Credit Risk and the Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Somalia.

The operation of commercial banks in Somalia unfolds amidst formidable economic challenges stemming from political instability, ongoing conflicts, and a frail institutional framework. Nevertheless, Somalia’s financial sector exhibits resilience, with several commercial banks endeavoring to address the financial needs of businesses and individuals nationwide. These banks play a pivotal role in mobilizing savings, facilitating transactions, and providing credit, thereby supporting economic activities in Somalia’s predominantly cash-based economy. This study explored the impact of credit risk on the financial performance of Somali commercial banks, employing Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) as the theoretical framework. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, secondary data from licensed commercial banks and the Central Bank of Somalia were analyzed over ten years (January 2014 to December 2023) using panel regression analysis. Findings reveal a moderate negative correlation between credit risk, measured by Bad Debt Expense Ratio (BDER), and financial performance, indicated by Return on Equity (ROE). Statistical tests confirm the significance of this relationship, emphasizing the importance of robust credit risk management practices for sustaining favorable financial outcomes. Recommendations include uniform improvement in risk management practices across the sector and proactive measures to mitigate emerging credit risk factors. Enhancing risk management frameworks is vital for ensuring continued financial stability and performance in the Somali banking industry.

Assessing the impact of unplanned settlements on urban renewal projects with GEE

Spatial plans and strategies ensure that urbanization takes place according to predetermined scientific and technical criteria. Urbanization that takes place without taking into account these legal and technical bases lead to the emergence of informal, risky and dysfunctional settlements. Over time, these settlements become increasingly vulnerable due to their failure to meet social and technical requirements, making their sustainability increasingly challenging, and inevitably becoming subjects of urban renewal activities. Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform's archive of satellite images provides temporal monitoring of urbanization on Earth for about 50 years and analysis of changes in the cloud environment. This study investigates whether the GEE platform can use to detect the impact of the areas where settlement activities are carried out without a development plan in the current urban transformation projects in Istanbul. Land use/cover maps classified with the Random Forest algorithm correlate urbanization activities in urban renewal areas with the entry into force date of the spatial plans that guide the settlement. The classification results evaluated in conjunction with statistical tests and spatial plan decisions demonstrate that unplanned urbanization is a serious obstacle to the sustainability of settlements. Additionally, the study results show the performance of the GEE platform in detecting the effects of factors in the urbanization period. The GEE platform can serve as a facilitative tool for deriving lessons from urbanization experiences to inform policymaking.

The Influence of Lifestyle on Male Fertility in the Context of Insulin Resistance—Identification of Factors That Influence Semen Quality

Background: Male fertility is known to have been negatively influenced by the progress of civilization. Another condition whose incidence has been on the increase for the same reason is insulin resistance (IR). In addition, men increasingly often resign from the pursuit of active forms of leisure, preferring more sedentary ones. Considering these trends, this aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between lifestyle factors, insulin resistance, and male fertility in men with and without the condition. A further aim was to select those lifestyle factors that would make it possible to predict the level of male fertility, especially when IR is concerned. Methods: This study was performed in a group of 73 participants, divided into groups based on their insulin resistance status. Their physical activity, diet, perceived stress, sleep quality, libido level, and duration of sexual abstinence were assessed on the basis of a number of parameters, including indices proposed by the authors. In addition, relevant anthropometric measurements were taken and tests related to glucose metabolism and semen quality were carried out. On the basis of these data, statistical tests were performed to establish or disprove relationships between lifestyle choices and semen quality, as measured my sperm motility. Results: The results of this study highlighted the associations between a number of parameters, i.e., micronutrient and vitamin intake, diet quality, body composition, insulin resistance, and the duration of sexual abstinence, and semen quality, as measured by sperm motility. Significantly, the presence or absence of IR was linked to male fertility. A multivariate model was developed, incorporating parameters such as the Matsuda index, vitamin intake, and sexual abstinence duration, to predict motility scores. Conclusions: This study underscores the negative impact of modern civilization’s lifestyle choices on male fertility. Notably, vitamin and mineral consumption, especially from antioxidant-rich diets like the Mediterranean diet, emerged as key modifiable factors affecting fertility. Routine diagnostics for insulin resistance in fertility-related interventions is recommended. This study also highlights the importance of considering sexual abstinence duration during semen collection for accurate diagnostic results. Future research should focus on validating the proposed multivariate model and exploring the effects of lifestyle modifications, particularly vitamin supplementation, on fertility outcomes in men, especially in the context of IR.

Examining UV Radiation Patterns in Relation to Particulate Matter and Atmospheric Conditions in Arid, Unclouded Skies

This study investigates the influences of air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), clearance index (KT), particulate matter (PM) concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5), and aerosol optical depth (AOD) on ultraviolet (UV) radiation during clear skies in Riyadh, central Saudi Arabia. The observational dataset utilized in this study comprises global solar radiation (G), UVA radiation, AOD measurements, and PM concentrations. The data were collected from 2014 to 2015 at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) campus in Riyadh. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate the relationships between UV radiation and the considered variables. The methodology is based on the least square method and associated statistical tests. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the impacts of meteorological variables and aerosols on UV radiation, contributing to the understanding of environmental and industrial applications in the Arabian Peninsula. The analyses showed that the strengths and magnitudes differed from one variable to another. No significant correlations between UVA radiation (315–400 nm) and hourly and daily values of PM2.5 were found. Moreover, no significant correlations were seen between daily values of the UVA radiation and RH and between the UVB (280–315 nm) and PM10. The rest of the correlations (between UV radiation and the PM10 and meteorological variables) were found to be significant. While WS, the ratio of the PM concentrations (PM2.5/PM10), KT, and T exhibited positive correlations with UV radiation, the rest of the variables had anti-correlations with UV radiation. The influences of T, WS, and RH on ambient PM concentrations during the considered period were taken into account, and it was found that the PM concentrations correlate, with different magnitudes and strengths, positively with T and negatively with RH and WS.