Statistical Tests Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Large Language Models in Simplifying Turkish Ultrasound Reports to Enhance Patient Understanding

Objective: To evaluate and compare the abilities of Language Models (LLMs) in simplifying Turkish ultrasound (US) findings for patients. Methods: We assessed the simplification performance of four LLMs: ChatGPT 4, Gemini 1.5 Pro, Claude 3 Opus, and Perplexity, using fifty fictional Turkish US findings. Comparison was based on Ateşman’s Readability Index and word count. Three radiologists rated medical accuracy, consistency, and comprehensibility on a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Statistical tests (Friedman, Wilcoxon, and Spearman correlation) examined differences in LLMs' performance. Results: Gemini 1.5 Pro, ChatGPT-4, and Claude 3 Opus received high Likert scores for medical accuracy, consistency, and comprehensibility (mean: 4.7–4.8). Perplexity scored significantly lower (mean: 4.1, p<0.001). Gemini 1.5 Pro achieved the highest readability score (mean: 61.16), followed by ChatGPT-4 (mean: 58.94) and Claude 3 Opus (mean: 51.16). Perplexity had the lowest readability score (mean: 47.01). Gemini 1.5 Pro and ChatGPT-4 used significantly more words compared to Claude 3 Opus and Perplexity (p<0.001). Linear correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between word count of fictional US findings and responses generated by Gemini 1.5 Pro (correlation coefficient = 0.38, p<0.05) and ChatGPT-4 (correlation coefficient = 0.43, p<0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights strong potential of LLMs in simplifying Turkish US findings, improving accessibility and clarity for patients. Gemini 1.5 Pro, ChatGPT-4, and Claude 3 Opus performed well, highlighting their effectiveness in healthcare communication. Further research is required to fully understand the integration of LLMs into clinical practice and their influence on patient comprehension and decision-making.

A longitudinal analysis of local innovation in Italy: How do proximity measures matter?

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the factors influencing local innovation from a longitudinal perspective while assessing geographical, economic and technological proximity. The research hypotheses concern spatial interactions, spillover effects and proximity measures that best fit innovation patterns and territorial interactions in Italy. The estimation strategy is the spatial Durbin panel model. The optimal specification to handle cross-sectional dependence in the data was derived from statistical tests evaluating (i) individual-specific effects, (ii) time-specific effects and (iii) both individual and time effects. The model was estimated using data from 107 Italian provinces over 2010–2019. The results show that both endogenous and exogenous interaction effects drive innovation processes and the underlying spillovers are global. Economic proximity explains local innovation patterns more effectively than geographical contiguity and technological proximity.

Care preparedness of family caregivers of maintenance hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

With the increasing number of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients, growing attention has been paid to the quality of care. Strengthening care preparedness of family caregivers is essential to improving the nursing quality. The purpose of this study is to explore the care preparedness level of family caregivers of MHD patients and its influencing factors, so as to provide guidance for the development of targeted care interventions. A total of 237 family caregivers of MHD patients were recruited from the hemodialysis room of two tertiary hospitals in Wuhan using the Convenience sampling method. They were surveyed by the general data questionnaire, Care Preparedness Scale and Positive Aspects of Caregiving. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS software, version 21.0. The statistical tests conducted in this study were two-tailed, and a significance level of P < 0.05 was deemed as statistically significant. The care preparedness and positive aspects of caregiving scores of family caregivers of MHD patients were 19.05 ± 5.64 and 31.28 ± 7.28 points, respectively. The care preparedness level of family caregivers was significantly positively correlated with positive aspects of caregiving (P < 0.01). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the total nursing time and whether family caregivers had chronic diseases and positive aspects of caregiving were the main factors influencing their care preparedness (all P < 0.05). These three factors accounted for 49.6% of the variance. The care preparedness of family caregivers of MHD patients remains to be continuously improved. Medical staff should emphasize the important role of total nursing time, whether the caregiver has a chronic disease, and positive aspects of caregiving in improving care preparedness in this population. To achieve this end, medical staff can provide targeted support and guidance for caregivers according to the influencing factors, such as implementing group psychological education, strengthening the training, offering social support, remote intervention (including family caregivers’ education through the media), and so on. Meanwhile, caregivers should be evaluated dynamically, and information and emotional support should be provided for them.

Social and environmental risk factors for canine leptospirosis: A scoping review.

Canine leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. The identification of social and environmental risk factors remains limited and is needed for planning interventions. Our objectives were to summarise the global trends in social and environmental risk factors for canine leptospirosis and to identify knowledge gaps. We searched peer-reviewed and grey literature for observational studies on canine leptospirosis written in English. Variables assessed via formal statistical tests were recorded and categorised into thematic risk factor groups. The risk factors were summarised by the number of unique studies and their direction of association. Of the 3184 articles identified, 66 met the inclusion criteria. Eight environmental and three social risk factor groups were identified. Exposure to animals and water was commonly studied, but social risk factors were infrequently examined. Most studies were conducted on populations in higher-income countries and countries in the Americas. Several limitations were encountered, including inconsistent study designs and measurement and control of variables as well as disproportionate representation of studies from the Americas and higher-income countries. The weight and quality of evidence for social and environmental risk factors were highly variable. Additional research following standard reporting guidelines to improve transparency and increase generalisability to different contexts is needed.

Efficacy and safety of dynamic arterial elastance for weaning vasopressor support in septic shock patients: a randomised controlled trial protocol

IntroductionThe dynamic arterial elastance (EaDyn), calculated as pulse pressure variation divided by stroke volume variation, has been studied as a predictor of vasopressor weaning. However, its potential as a haemodynamic...

The Impact of Cholesterol on Stroke Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Central Java

Introduction: Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, with variations in subtypes and risk factors observed across populations. The role of cholesterol in stroke, particularly its association with ischemic and hemorrhagic subtypes, continues to be investigated. This study aimed to examine the relationship between cholesterol levels and stroke outcomes in a Central Javanese population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at hospitals in Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected from medical records of patients diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke between January and December 2022. Demographic information, stroke subtype, and cholesterol levels were analyzed. Statistical tests were employed to assess the association between cholesterol and stroke outcomes. Results: The study included 68 patients (34 ischemic, 34 hemorrhagic). The majority of hemorrhagic stroke patients were female (52.9%), while ischemic stroke patients were predominantly male (64.7%). The mean cholesterol level for hemorrhagic stroke patients was 202.59 mg/dL, and for ischemic stroke patients, it was 190.26 mg/dL. Statistical analysis revealed no significant association between cholesterol levels and stroke subtype (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that cholesterol levels may not be a primary determinant of stroke subtype in this Central Javanese population. Further research is warranted to explore other potential risk factors and their interplay with cholesterol in influencing stroke outcomes.

Physical activity lower blood pressure and mortality in hypertensive patients with diabetes: data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018.

In prior research related to physical activity, researchers have often centered their focus on only a limited number of activities, with little regard for mortality-related outcomes and insufficient focus on outcomes among diabetes patients with hypertension. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was evaluated from 1999-2018 to identify individual with both diabetes and hypertension. These individuals were classified as being physically active or inactive. Comparisons among groups were performed with appropriate statistical tests. In total, this study evaluated data from 6,163 patients with a mean age of 63.18 ± 12.80 years. A total of 50.30% of the participants were male, with 39.86% being non-Hispanic white, 57.17% with a normal body mass index, and 89.20% were insured. Physical activity was significantly negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure in the overall population (p = 0.01) and when specifically focusing on individuals undergoing antihypertensive drug treatment (p = 0.0035). This negative relationship remained intact even following adjustment for age, sex, and ethnicity (p = 0.03). Physical activity was positively correlated with diastolic blood pressure in the overall population of participants (p = 0.002) and when specifically evaluating participants undergoing antihypertensive drug treatment (p = 0.02). All-cause and hypertensive mortality risk levels were significantly higher among individuals classified as being physically inactive (p < 0.0001), and this relationship remained true even with adjustment for age, sex, and ethnicity (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, physical activity is capable of lowering systolic blood pressure and decreasing the incidence of mortality among diabetes patients with hypertension.

Pengaruh Efikasi Diri Akademik terhadap Hasil Belajar Geografi Fase F SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti Kabupaten Pesisir Selatan

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether there is a positive and significant influence of academic self-efficacy on the learning outcomes of geography phase F of SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti, Pesisir Selatan Regency. The type of research used is quantitative research with a correlational approach. The location of the study was at SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti, Pesisir Selatan Regency. The research period was April 22 to May 22. The population in this study were students of phase F who taught geography subjects at SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti, Pesisir Selatan Regency. The number of samples was 97 people using the total sampling technique. Data collection techniques used in this study were observation, surveys, and documentation records. The data analysis procedure technique in this study used validity tests, reliability tests, descriptive statistical analysis, normality tests, linearity tests and hypothesis tests. The results of this study concluded that 1) There is a significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and student learning outcomses at phase F of SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti, Pesisir Selatan Regency as indicated by a significant correlation level value of 0.000 which is smaller than 0.05. This means that the academic self-efficacy variable has an effect on the learning outcome variable. 2) The academic self-efficacy of students in phase F of SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti Pesisir Selatan as a whole is in the low classification, which can be seen from the pie chart and the academic self- efficacy percentage table. 3) The learning outcomes of students in phase F of SMA Negeri 1 Linggo Sari Baganti as a whole are in the context of the less group, based on the calculation of the pie chart and the Learning Outcome Criteria (KKTP) table set by the school.

Y90 Radiation Segmentectomy versus Microwave Ablation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Locations Suboptimal for Percutaneous Ablation

Abstract Purpose The purpose of our study was to evaluate outcomes following percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) versus yttrium-90 (Y90) radiation segmentectomy (RS) for tumors in suboptimal locations for ablation. Materials and Methods Retrospective review (January 2014–July 2019) was performed on patients who underwent Y90-RS or MWA (with or without prior transarterial chemoembolization [TACE]) with curative intent for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions in suboptimal locations for percutaneous ablation, defined as locations in which needle placement is within 5 mm of critical structures (liver dome, liver capsule, gallbladder, and hilum). The primary endpoints were treatment response as per the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria and complications. Statistical Analysis Fischer's exact test was performed for categorical variables, and Student's t-tests for nominal variables. Results Twenty-three lesions in 20 patients (13 male, 67 ± 8.8 years) and 30 lesions in 30 patients (18 male, 62.5 ± 10.6 years) were treated with Y90-RS and MWA (19 with prior TACE), respectively. There were no differences in demographics (p &gt; 0.05). Mean tumor diameter was 2.9 ± 1.0 in those treated with Y90-RS and 2.3 ± 0.9 for MWA (p &lt; 0.05). Lesions were located adjacent to the following structures: dome (n = 22), capsule (n = 16), hilum (n = 9), and gallbladder (n = 6). All patients were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1. Of the MWA cohort, 19 were Child-Pugh class A, 5 were B, and 6 were C and the mean pretreatment laboratory values were as follows: Model for End-stage Liver Disease sodium (MELD-Na) 12.7 ± 4.6, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) 848 ± 3168.0, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 71.9 ± 49.1, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 48.0 ± 32.4, and total bilirubin 2.4 ± 2.7. Of the Y90-RS cohort, 15 were Child-Pugh class A, 4 were B, and 1 was C and pretreatment laboratory values were as follows: MELD-Na 10.5 ± 3.3 (Y90-RS), AFP 762.2 ± 1793.8 (Y90), AST 50.3 ± 30.5 (Y90), ALT 30.1 ± 16.9 (Y90), and total bilirubin 1.6 ± 1.1 (Y90). Complete response rate following Y90 was 96 versus 76% for MWA, with no disease progression after Y90-RS within the follow-up period. Three (13%) lesions demonstrated progression of disease (time to progression 6.3 months) after MWA. No grade &gt; 2 toxicities or procedure-related complications were noted following Y90-RS. There were 7 major (arterioportal fistula with hemoperitoneum, pneumothorax, liver infarction, and capsular burn) and 3 minor complications following MWA. Conclusion Y90-RS is a valuable alternative to percutaneous MWA as a first-line therapy for early-stage HCC for tumors in suboptimal locations for ablation, offering a favorable treatment response and safety profile.

Determining the effect of environmental factors, work postures and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders in rescue workers and accidents of one of the water and sewage companies in Iran.

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important problems faced by ergonomists today. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of weather conditions, working conditions and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders of rescuers and water and sewage company accidents in hot and cold seasons. The present study was a longitudinal study that was performed on all employees of rescue and disaster teams of Shiraz Water and Sewerage Company in Iran (184 people) by census. Demographic and Nordic questionnaires, NASA Load Index (NASA-TLX), work environment assessment with temperature screening checklist and workplace ergonomic risk factor (WERA) assessment method were performed by the researcher. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The results showed that the highest and lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to knee and back in winter and thigh in summer with prevalence of 57.1, 55.4 and 6% . The comparison of exposure to heat stress factors in summer and winter seasons showed that the temperature factors and work clothes of the workers in both seasons are in worse conditions than other factors (P < 0968). The results of the mental workload of people in two seasons showed that the highest and lowest mental workload is related to physical changes in the winter season and frustration in the summer season, and this relationship was significant (P < 0.001). Using multiple logistic regression model, the potential risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries including age, height, BMI, level of education and work experience in both hot and cold seasons were compared. The results showed that in summer, work experience (OR = 1.16 (1.06-1.28.)) and height (OR = 1.03(0.98-1.08) had a direct effect on the prevalence of pain and discomfort arranged in the back areas. One year of increase in work experience significantly increases the chance of a disorder in the back by 16% and a one centimeter increase in height increases the chance of a disorder in the lumbar region by 3%, although this relationship is significant. It is recommended that suitable solutions such as using appropriate and up-to-date mechanical tools, reducing activity time, increasing rest time, increasing the number of personnel in order to reduce mental workload, using work clothes suitable for the season and type of work, and ergonomics training for workers are on the agenda of company officials. Water and sewage should be placed.

Comparative Analysis of Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Techniques for Optimizing Phishing Website Detection

The increasing number, frequency, and sophistication of phishing website-based attacks necessitate the development of robust solutions for detecting phishing websites to enhance the overall security of cyberspace. Drawing inspiration from natural processes, nature-inspired metaheuristic techniques have been proven to be efficient in solving complex optimization problems in diverse domains. Following these successes, this research paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of metaheuristic techniques, particularly Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Differential Evolution (DE), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), in optimizing the hyperparameters of machine learning (ML) algorithms for detecting phishing websites. Using multiple datasets, six ensemble classifiers were trained on each dataset and their hyperparameters were optimized using each metaheuristic technique. As a baseline for assessing performance improvement, the classifiers were also trained with the default hyperparameters. To validate the genuine impact of the techniques over the use of default hyperparameters, we conducted statistical tests on the accuracy scores of all the optimized classifiers. The results show that the GA is the most effective technique, by improving the accuracy scores of all the classifiers, followed by DE, which improved four of the six classifiers. PSO was the least effective, improving only one classifier. It was also found that GA-optimized Gradient Boosting, LGBM and XGBoost were the best classifiers across all the metrics in predicting phishing websites, achieving peak accuracy scores of 98.98%, 99.24%, and 99.47%, respectively.

Discrepancy in efficiency scores due to sampling error in data envelopment analysis methodology: evidence from the banking sector

Background Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology is considered the most suitable approach for relative performance efficiency calculation for banks as it is believed to be superior to traditional ratio-based analysis and other conventional performance evaluations. This study provides statistical evidence on the sampling error that can creep into performance evaluation studies using the DEA methodology. Inferences are drawn based on samples, and various preventive measures must be taken to eliminate or avoid sampling errors and misleading results. This study demonstrates the possibility of sampling error in DEA with the secondary data available in financial statements and reports from a sample set of banks. Methods The samples included 15 public sectors and five leading private sector banks in India based on their market share, and the data for calculating efficiencies were retrieved from the published audited reports. The sample data was collected from 2014 to 2017 because the banking sector in India witnessed a series of mergers of public sector banks post-2017, and the data after that would be skewed and not comparable due to the demonetization policy implementation and merger process-related consolidation implemented by the Government of India. The efficiency measures thus computed are further analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results We found statistically significant discrepancies in the efficiency score calculations using DEA approach when specific outlier values. Evidence is provided on statistically significant differences in the efficiencies due to the inclusion and exclusion of particular samples in the DEA. Conclusion The study offers a novel contribution along with statistical evidence on the possible sampling error that can creep into the performance evaluation of organizations while applying the DEA methodology.

Students' proficiency evaluation: a non-parametric multilevel latent variable model approach

ABSTRACT In higher education, students' assessment has a two-fold aim: (i) evaluate students' proficiency level concerning the topics of a specific course; (ii) identify students' weaknesses throughout the whole learning activity and, if any, relate them to a set of socio-demographic and psychological covariates/predictors. In this vein, this manuscript proposes a multilevel latent class model as an analytic strategy to detect homogeneous groups of students based on their abilities, operationalized according to the following dimensions: Knowledge, Applying knowledge, and Judgment. As a novelty, the proposed model associates each dimension with a first-level latent class variable, which contributes to the identification of a second-level latent class variable that summarizes students' abilities according to the whole learning activity. The presented empirical results are based on Statistics tests covering three different topics and survey instruments administered to students of an introductory Statistics course. The main results show that the model identifies distinct overall patterns of learning and differences according to ability dimensions and topics. Moreover, the study of the relationships between the second-level latent class variable and socio-demographic and psychological covariates helps to characterize and deeply understand the students' profiles, fostering the development of tailored recommendations.

A Proposal for a Process from as Low as Reasonably Achievable to an Ultra-Low-Level Goal in Chest Computed Tomography

Background/Objectives: To define and evaluate a radiation dose optimization process for chest computed tomography (CT) imaging. Methods: Data from unenhanced and enhanced chest CT acquisitions performed between June 2018 and January 2020 in adult patients were included in the study. Images were acquired on a Siemens SOMATOM® Definition Edge CT. Dose values, including Dose.Length Product (DLP) and Volume CT Dose Index (CTDIvol), were collected. Low doses (LDs, 25th percentiles), achievable doses (ADs, 50th percentiles), and diagnostic reference levels (DRLs, 75th percentiles) were calculated before and after parameter modifications. A process was defined and applied to patient data. For unenhanced chest CT, data were differentiated according to three groups: high dose (HD), optimized dose (OD), and ultra-low dose (ULD). Dosimetric changes between protocols were expressed as mean CTDIvol % (CI95%). A Mann and Whitney statistical test was used. The diagnostic quality score (DQS) of a subset of 70 randomly selected CT examinations was evaluated by one radiologist. The DQS was scored according to a three-point Likert scale: (1) poor (definite diagnosis impossible), (2) fair (evaluation of major findings possible), and (3) excellent (exact diagnosis possible). Results: Data were collected from 1929 patients. For unenhanced chest CT protocols, only one process loop was run. A dose comparison between the chest CT protocol before the use of the process and the three groups showed a decrease of −38.3% (9.7%) and −93.4% (24.2%) for OD and ULD, respectively, and an increase of +29.4% (4.7%) for HD. For the enhanced chest CT protocol, two optimization loops were performed, and they resulted in a mean dose reduction of −50.0% (2.6%) compared to the pre-optimization protocol. For all protocols, the DQS was greater than or equal to 2. Conclusions: We proposed a radiation dose optimization process for chest CT that could significantly reduce the dose without compromising diagnosis.

Pengaruh Aplikasi TikTok terhadap Minat Belajar Siswa Geografi pada Kelas XI SMA Muhammadiyah 09 Kualuh Hulu Kabupaten Labuhan Batu Utara

The purpose of this study is to find out whether the TikTok application affects students' interest in learning geography subjects at SMA Muhammadiyah 09 Kualuh Hulu, North LabuhanBaatu Regency. This study uses quantitative research on the technique used, namely purposive sampling. This research has 2 classes as a sample. The number of respondents was 72 students. It is divided into an experimental class and a control class. The data collection techniques used in this study are observation, questionnaires, pretest posttest questions and documentation. The data analysis techniques in this study used validity tests, reliability tests, descriptive statistical analysis, normality tests, homogeneity tests, and hypothesis tests. The results obtained are in accordance with the researcher's calculations, there is an influence of the TikTok application on the learning interest of students at SMA Muhammadiyah 09 Kualuh Hulu, LabuhanBatu Utara Regency, North Sumatra province, This can be seen from the results of the research on the value of students' learning interest scores in experimental classes that use the TikTok application as a learning medium is higher than in the control class using the conventional method (lecture). In addition, judging from the significance value of 0.000 is less than 0.05 thus H0 is rejected and Ha is accepted. Therefore, the hypothesis states that social media has an effect on students' interest in learning.

Compliance with Headgear Evaluated by Force- and Temperature-Sensitive Monitoring Device: A Case-Control Study

The aim was to objectively assess compliance in patients prescribed headgear and evaluate the impact of monitoring awareness, treatment duration, gender, and age on compliance levels. A total of 22 patients with Class II malocclusion wore the headgear integrated with the force and temperature sensitive Smartgear monitoring system (Smartgear, Swissorthodontics AG, Cham, Switzerland). Patients were instructed to wear the headgear for 13 h daily over a 3-month period. Randomly, 11 patients were informed that they monitored and 11 were not informed. Data were organized using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using R for statistical estimates, graphs, and hypothesis testing. Smartgear recorded an average daily compliance of 6.7 h. No statistically significant differences were found in cooperation between study group and control group over the 3 months of treatment, regardless of gender and age. However, there was slight greater cooperation in the first month than in the other months, and patients ≤10 years of age had almost 2 h more cooperation than their older counterparts. Moreover, the informed group exhibited an average of 1.1 more hours of cooperation per day than the uninformed group, which may carry clinical significance. This cooperation primarily occurred at night and was found to be statistically significant. Compliance among young patients typically remained lower than the prescribed level, regardless of their gender and psychological maturity. Although an awareness of monitoring does not seem to improve compliance, implementing such systems could still offer dentists a valuable means of obtaining objective information about their patients’ adherence.

Modifikasi Produksi dan Biaya Bahan Bakar Minyak pada Kapal Ciremai

Some of the main research problems are the lack of fuel efficiency use, difficulties in loading and unloading process, the refueling process tardiness and the ships route’s delay of the determined and planned routes that could affect the Ciremai Ship’s On Time Performance (OTP). The research aims to determine and analyze the effect of production and fuel oil cost modifications based on the income of Ciremai Ship and its implications for its financial performance after “Three in One” modification. This research used Descriptive statistical analysis method and hypothesis testing using SmartPLS-3. The research sample was taken from the entire routes of Ciremai Ship over the last four years of 48 months. The secondary research data was taken from the financial reports related to production modifications, fuel oil costs, the income and financial performance of the ship. Research findings show that the production modifications have a direct influence on financial performance while fuel costs and income do not have a direct influence on it. The production modifications do not have a direct effect on income instead fuel costs have a direct effect on income and production modifications do not have an indirect effect on financial performance through income.

SUSTAINABILITY OF BEACH CAST SEAWEED BIOMASS FOR BIOREFINARY PROCESS: SAMPLING STUDIES IN THE LITTORAL OF ALAGOAS/BRAZIL

Renewable feedstocks provide changes to more sustainable systems, where natural resources are preserved with their own perennial cycles. Macroalgae as substrate it is a natural resource of inexhaustible abundance in the ocean, growing three to four times more than terrestrial plants. Some countries discard this biomass in landfills as "unserviceable" generating an environmental liability in the management of solid waste. The objective of this work was to evaluate the sustainability of beach cast seaweed biomass for industrial processes. Sampling studies research in a period of two years were carried out in seven beaches of the coast of Maceió, Alagoas - Brazil. The methodology was selecting the statistical models Levene's test, One-way ANOVA, Tukey's, Student-Newman-Keul's test and the PAST program for the sampling studies. The samples were collected according to the zigzag sampling method, covering a deposition area of 135.000 m². The results obtained an estimate daily collection of 5.03 tons/ha of dry biomass in 26 species analysed; it means 35 times superior to Brazilian sugarcane biomass. Based on the results, it is observed that beach cast seaweed biomass has possibilities to industrial biorefinery processes.

Correlation Between Female Junior High School Students Knowledge And BSE Behaviour

Introduction: Breast cancer often presents as a painless lump and can develop, invade surrounding breast tissue, and spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs in the body. The high mortality rate of breast cancer is due to a lack of knowledge about the disease and the importance of early detection, leading to many patients seeking medical help at a late stage. According to Globocan data from 2020, teenage cancer patients in Indonesia rank 3rd in Asia. The government recommends Breast Self-Examination (BSE) as the most effective screening method. BSE is very easy to perform, yet many teenagers are unaware of this method. Objective: The review is to summarize the correlation between students knowledge and BSE Behaviour. Method: The study used a descriptive quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach and a simple random sampling technique. The sample size was 141 students, and the chi-square statistical test was used for analysis. Result: The majority, 91.5%, of Ananda Junior High School students had never performed BSE and had poor knowledge about the pathophysiology of breast cancer (93.6%) and breast cancer prevention (83.7%). A p-value of 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05) was obtained, indicating a significant correlation between knowledge about the pathophysiology and prevention of breast cancer and BSE behavior. Conclussion: The proportion of Ananda Bekasi Junior High School students who engage in BSE behavior is very low (8.5%). Most respondents had poor knowledge about the pathophysiology of breast cancer (93.6%) and breast cancer prevention (83.7%).

Correlational Insights into Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Lebanon

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a prevalent childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors, causes impairments across various life domains and substantial social and economic burden. Identifying correlates to prevent its onset and decrease its incidence is crucial. To our knowledge, our study represents the first case–control investigation of Lebanese ADHD patients to explore potential correlations between familial, maternal, and child health variables and ADHD to enhance understanding of its etiology and aid in prevention efforts. We recruited 61 Lebanese ADHD patients and 58 matched controls aged 6–24 years from all districts of Lebanon. The data to analyze were collected using a questionnaire. We employed statistical tests, including the independent samples t-test and the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the statistically significant factors explaining ADHD likelihood. We observed male predominance (68.9%) among patients. Maternal anemia during pregnancy (OR = 3.654; 95% CI [1.158–11.529]), maternal self-reported stress during pregnancy (OR = 3.268; 95% CI [1.263–8.456]), neonatal jaundice (OR = 5.020; 95% CI [1.438–17.532]), and familial history of ADHD (OR = 12.033; 95% CI [2.950–49.072]) were significantly associated with increased odds of the disorder. On the other hand, breastfeeding (OR = 0.263; 95% CI [0.092–0.757]) was identified as a protective factor against ADHD. This pilot study shed light on risk and protective factors associated with ADHD in the Lebanese population. The results are relevant, as some identified correlates could be avoidable. Further rigorous investigation is required to expand upon the observed correlations and to assist in early detection, prevention, and intervention strategies targeting ADHD.