Test For Equality Of Variances Research Articles

Positional transfer accuracy of titanium base implant abutment provided by two different scan body designs: an invitro study

BackgroundThe variabilities in design and material of scan bodies have a major role in the positional transfer accuracy of implants. The purpose of this invitro study was to compare the 3D transfer accuracy (trueness and precision) of titanium base (TB) abutment position provided by 2 different scan bodies: one-piece scan body (SB) in comparison to two-piece healing abutment and scan peg (HA-SP).MethodsA maxillary model with a dummy implant in the 2nd premolar (Proactive Tapered Implant; Neoss) was 3D printed and TB (Ti Neolink Mono; Neoss) was tightened on the implant and scanned by using a laboratory scanner (inEos X5; Dentsply Sirona) (reference scan). An SB (Elos Medtech) and an HA-SP (Neoss) were subsequently connected to the implant and were scanned 10 times each by using the same scanner (test scans). All the scans were exported as STL files and imported into CAD software where the TBs were formed. Test scans were superimposed on reference scans for transfer accuracy analysis using 3D metrology software (GOM Inspect; GOM GmbH) in terms of angular deviation in vertical and horizontal directions, linear deviation in each XYZ axis of TBs and total linear deviation in all axes. Statistical analysis was done using independent sample t test. When Levene’s test for equality of variances was significant, Welch’s t-test was used. (P value < 0.05)ResultsSignificant differences were found amongst the tested groups in both angular and linear deviation in terms of trueness with less deviation values for the SB group (P < 0.001). For the precision, significant differences were found amongst the tested groups in angular deviation in vertical direction with less deviation value for the SB group compared to HA-SP group (P < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the tested groups regarding the angular deviation in horizontal direction (P = 1.000). Moreover, significant differences were found amongst the tested groups in linear deviations with less linear deviations in XYZ axes for SB compared to HA-SP group (P = 0.020, < 0.001, = 0.010 respectively).ConclusionsSB showed less angular and linear deviation values in the 3D positional transfer of TB than HA-SP indicating higher degree of accuracy of SB.

Classical and Bayesian estimation for the extended odd Weibull power Lomax model with applications

A new continuous distribution called the extended odd Weibull power Lomax (ExOW-POLO) distribution is introduced and studied. Numerous reliability and statistical features are derived. Additionally studied are point estimates using maximum likelihood, maximum product space, least square, weighted least square, and Bayesian estimation techniques. The mean square error and bias of the maximum likelihood and Bayesian parameter estimators are computed using simulation approaches, such as Markov chain Monte Carlo. Two intraocular pressure (IOP) real datasets were conducted between January 2015 and February 2018 on 49 patients (84 eyes) under the age of two who presented with primary congenital glaucoma to the Paediatric Ophthalmology Unit of the Mansoura Ophthalmic Center of Mansoura University in Egypt have been fitted the ExOW-POLO distribution. Comparing the properties of the proposed distribution’s fitting of the data to recognized extensions of the Lomax distribution. The analysis revealed that the most well-known extensions of Lomax distribution were made by the ExOW-POLO distribution outfit. In addition, the correlation measures and independent sample test for the two IOP real datasets are introduced with (A) Levene’s test for equality of variances for the two cases and (B) the t-test for equality of means. For Levene’s test for equality of variances: the null hypothesis is that equal variances are assumed and the alternative hypothesis is that equal variances are not assumed.

Personal Finance Management Skills and Financial Sustainability Literacy Knowledge of Generation Y: An Empirical Analysis in Lithuania

Purpose&#x0D; &#x0D; We research Generation Y personal finance management skills by integrating three financial literacy measurement perspectives: financial knowledge, behaviour, and attitude towards sustainability.&#x0D; &#x0D; Design/methodology/approach&#x0D; &#x0D; A financial literacy measurement approach aligned with the OECD methodologies and comparative approach to evaluate the financial literacy competence of the Lithuanian youth (N=426) in the global context were applied. Analysis of variance using Levene&amp;rsquo;s test for equality of variances and t-test for equality of means were employed to check for the differences in Generation Y financial literacy patterns. The correlation between all three financial literacy perspectives was evaluated.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings&#x0D; &#x0D; The results unfold Lithuanian millennials&amp;rsquo; intermediate level financial literacy competence: moderate financial knowledge, positive financial behaviour, and more positive financial attitude towards sustainability, where the latter exceeds the global sustainability concern. Furthermore, our tests indicate the differences in Generation Y financial knowledge in terms of gender and education and the differences in their attitude on financial sustainability in terms of gender, education, income source, and monthly income. Moreover, our research evidences the statistically significant proportional relationship between Generation Y financial behaviour and their attitude towards the sustainability principles application in the financial services.&#x0D; &#x0D; Originality/value&#x0D; &#x0D; In terms of financial literacy, global research extensively focuses on selected countries; Lithuania, the Baltic States, or Eastern and Central European countries are seldom considered. Previous research identifies the existing differences between age groups when evaluating their financial literacy and level of personal finance planning skills. In contrast, our research contributes to increasing the body of knowledge of financial sustainability literacy, and to a better understanding of financial literacy by shedding light on the patterns of Generation Y in Lithuania and provides roots for developing insights for both finance literacy policy makers and financial service providers.

Factors Affecting to Work-Life Balance of Accountants: Evidence from Sri Lanka

Managing an appropriate balance between work and life has been an unending challenge for accounting professionals. The study aims to find out the impact of work environment, job burnout and demographic differences on the work-life balance of accounting professionals in Sri Lanka. The questionnaire was self-administrated and snowball sampling method was used. Data analysis was performed considering the mean, ANOVA test, Levene’s test for equality of variance and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. It was found that most accounting professionals in Sri Lanka don’t have a proper work-life balance. Work Environment factor had a positive impact on the work-life balance. The job burnout factor had a negative impact on the work-life balance. Further, there isn’t a difference in the work-life balance perspectives of male and female accounting professionals. The age of accounting professionals had no impact on work-life balance. And the marital status of accounting professionals had no impact on their work-life balance.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND DUAL CAREER PROMOTION FOR SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Human communication is achieved with the help of the interaction between two types of relationships: direct (when we talk about interpersonal communication) and indirect (when technological support also intervenes in mediating communication). Nowadays, social media is spreading all over the world with the help of digital progress, which opens new approaches to a multitude of platforms and applications (Gabelaia, 2019). Because social media catalyzes the transmission of information between people, allowing them to amplify their voices and reach large audiences in fractions of a second and at no cost (Kocak &amp; Kibris, 2022), it follows that social media is becoming an important factor in daily life. In the present research, it was analyzed which social network is, from the subjects' point of view, the most suitable to promote the phrase "dual career" in the online environment. The Levene's Test for equality of variances and the Chi-square Test of Independence were used to determine whether there were associations between the responses obtained. The conclusions of the research are obvious: there is a social network that can successfully promote the dual career of athletes among young people.

Comparing Islamic and Non-Islamic College Students’ Personalities As Perceived by the Adversity Quotient

Adversity Quotient (AQ) influences an individual student’s personality in overcoming school challenges to perform well. This study aims to compare the AQ level of EFL students of Islamic (PTKI) and non-Islamic colleges (PTU) and its relationship with their achievement in language learning. This study is a mixed-method study with a sequential explanatory design. The population of this study was the last semester students of the English language education study program at PTKI and PTU in the city of Bengkulu, consisting of 357 students. The sample was selected randomly, consisting of 86 students from PTKI and the other 86 from PTU, with a total number of 172. The data were derived from the questionnaires of which conceptual guidelines from Stoltz. Descriptive statistics through the independent sample test was used to determine the difference in the average AQ results between PTKI and PTU. The results revealed 52,9% of students were in transition climbers. The second category, campers, consisted of 25% of students. The climbers' category was up to 20,35% students, and the last was transition campers revealed up to 0,02% of students. Neither PTKI nor PTU had any quitters. Moreover, the average AQ value of PTKI students is 153.78, while the average AQ value of PTU students is 142.23. The Sig. Levene's Test for Equality of Variances is 0.192, and its independent sample t-test is 0.000. These statistical data imply a significant difference between the average AQ results of students at PTKI and students at PTU.

Development of a microbead based immunoassay to detect circulating soluble HLA-E: Application in cancer immunobiology.

e17606 Background: The Human Leukocyte Antigens [HLA] gene complex is subdivided into classical (HLA-A, B, and C) and non-classical (HLA-E, F, G, and H) loci. These genes are associated with immune modulation and immunopathogenesis in cancer, though the roles of non-classical HLA molecules are poorly understood. Here, we explored potential expression patterns of soluble HLA-E (sHLA-E) in patient sera across a range of common malignancies to identify potential disease applications for future study. Methods: Quantitative Luminex immunobead assay were developed for sHLA-E using methods we previously defined. In the first phase of this study, we assessed sHLA-E protein levels across a range of treatment-naïve metastatic malignancies (n=5 each), including breast, lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, melanoma, and sarcoma. Based on these results, we refocused our efforts on a second cohort surgically treated by gynecologic oncology for either non-malignant (n=13) or malignant (n=42) lesions of ovarian origins. One-way ANOVA or Independent sample t tests, with normality confirmed via Levene's Test for Equality of Variances, were used to identify statistical relationships. Results: There were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher levels of sHLA-E protein in ovarian cancer relative to other cancer types surveyed. In the second phase of the study, serum specimens from patients undergoing surgery for a suspected gynecological malignancy were tested for sHLA-E. This study also showed the significantly high expression of sHLA-E in ovarian cancer relative to those with nonmalignant lesions of ovarian origins (p=0.035) that was independent of FIGO grade (p&gt;0.05). For comparison, levels of sHLA-E were not significantly elevated for tumors of endometrium/ endomyometrium origins (n=76; p=0.270) relative to baseline of benign cases. Conclusions: We identified a highly specific statistical relationship for a circulating isoform of HLA-E in ovarian cancer in our cohorts. The significance of these findings in relation to clinical outcomes or treatment response will be explored in future studies. [Table: see text]

FINANCIAL FLOWS, FINANCIAL STABILITY AND MANAGING THE CAPITAL STRUCTURE IN EMERGING COUNTRY

New financial flows and the development of fin-tech are making up different rules of managing the structural of company’s capital. The globalization brings new views and acting of managers for using financial sources and rise of the company. So, capital structure is linked with financial market development, market conditions, availability of debt, type of industry sector as the control of managers. Capital structure is linked with company’s success. Measuring the profitability of the company is not enough due to the fact that there are cases where profitable company does bankrupt. That is the reason in this paper to analyze the financing performance and successful managing of the financial (capital) structure in Macedonia. The companies (the sample in the survey) are divided on companies which have opened bankruptcy proceeding in 2021 and companies which haven't opened bankruptcy proceeding in 2021. The analysis of the survey is done by Chi-square test, T-test and Levene's test for equality of variances.

대만 한국어 학습자의 학습 동기 분석

The purpose of this study is to analyze the students' motivation for learning Korean as a Foreign language. Based on Gardner and Lambert's theory of integrative motivation and instrumental motivation, this study conducted a survey of 64 students who were taking 「Basic Korean」 GE class at Taiwan Shih Chien University Kaohsiung Campus. As a result of the survey, the respondents' learning motivation was closely related to Hallyu media contents, that is, most of students' interest in Korean pop culture and efforts to enjoy it motivated them to learn Korean and start learning Korean. And the integrated learning motivation showed significant differences in gender and learning experience, and the instrumental motivation showed a significant difference in learning experience, but the grade did not have a statistically significant impact on the two motivations. Although the learning motivation according to the department to which it belongs showed a significant difference, the post-hoc test was not conducted because it was a verification value excluding three departments with a frequency of 1 in the ANOVA test for equal variance.

Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate by Vision Principle and Westergren Method

Background: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a common test used as an assessment tool for inflammation since many years. Aim: To compare erythrocyte sedimentation rate by automated ESR analyzer working on vision principle against conventional manual Westergren method. Study design: Cross sectional study. Methodology: A total number of 120 samples were taken from routine hospital patients whom ESR was requested through non-probability consecutive sampling following ethical approval. Samples were subjected to ESR estimation by manual Westergren and automated methods. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22. Independent sample t-test used to compare erythrocyte sedimentation rate by automated ESR analyzer working on vision principle against conventional manual Westergren method with p-value ≤0.05 as significant. Pearson correlation was also applied. Results: Mean ± SD for Manual Westergren method was 39.37±25.486 and Automated Vision principle was 25.83±21.015. Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances have p-values for ESR in patients with Manual Westergren method &amp; Automated Vision principle was 0.018 with F-value 5.670. There was a non-linear relationship between the two methods (P value &lt; 0.01). Practical Implication: This study helped in exploring reliability of different ESR estimation methods as ESR results have notable impact on patient diagnosis and follow-up. With increasing demands and burden of patients in labs, new reliable and quick techniques for ESR determination are need of hour. Conclusion: It was concluded that automated methods showed good correlation to manual Westergren method thus are reliable for ESR estimation. However, manual Westergren remained gold standard procedure for ESR estimation. Keywords: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Reliability, Westergren Method and Automated Method.

Multicomponent spectrophotometric determination of a ternary mixture of widely-prescribed cardiovascular drugs by four different methods

Four accurate, green, uncomplicated, and fast spectrophotometric procedures were established for the purpose of resolving as well as quantifying a ternary combination prescribed for cardiovascular patients, such as aspirin, atorvastatin, and ramipril. Method (A) is based on the first derivative zero-crossing spectrophotometry for the determination of aspirin and atorvastatin at 247.4 nm and 302.6 nm, respectively. Ramipril was determined using the second derivative at 211 nm. Method (B) depends on the ratio spectra first derivative (RDS) where the absorption spectrum of the ternary combination was divided by the spectrum of one of the analytes. When treated similarly, the concentrations of the other two analytes were measured using their corresponding calibration graphs. For the determination of ASP and RAM, ATR was used as a divisor with a concentration of 26 µg/mL, and the RDS values at 272.0 and 225.8 nm, respectively, were plotted against the ASP and RAM concentrations. Using 40 µg/mL ASP as a divisor, ATR was analyzed, and the RDS values at 295 nm were plotted versus the ATR concentration. Method (C) is based on the double divisor-ratio spectra derivative technique. In this technique, the derivative of the ratio spectrum is computed by dividing the absorption spectra of the studied combination by the standard spectrum of abinary combination of two of the three analytes being studied. The concentrations of the three analytes in the mixture were assayed by determining the absorbance either at the positive or the negative amplitude. For the determination of ASP, ATR, and RAM, the wavelengths used were 244, 295, and 220 nm, respectively. Method (D) was a hybrid double divisor-ratio spectra technique based on convolving the double divisor-ratio spectra with trigonometric Fourier functions. The magnitudes of the Fourier function coefficients at either maximum or minimum points were correlated to the concentration of each drug in the mixture. The specificity of the suggested methods was tested by analyzing synthetic laboratory-prepared combinations and laboratory-made tablets. Furthermore, the accuracy and precision were ensured by statistically comparing the obtained results with those obtained from comparison method using Bartlett's Test for Equality of Variances and ANOVA test.

Implementation of an Epidural Rounding Reminder in the Electronic Medical Record Improves Performance of Standardized Patient Assessments during Labor.

Poorly functioning labor epidural catheters lead to pain and dissatisfaction. Regular catheter assessment ensures timely identification of malfunction and may improve safety by facilitating rapid and successful conversion to general anesthesia for emergency cesarean. Informatics-based systems encourage standardization of care to identify epidural malfunctions earlier. This article demonstrates that visual epidural rounding reminder display on an electronic patient board would alert clinicians to elapsed time and decrease mean time between assessments. As a quality initiative, we implemented an epidural rounding reminder on our obstetric patient board. The reminder indicated the number of elapsed minutes since placement or last patient assessment. We retrospectively reviewed labor epidural charts 3 months prior to and 5 months following reminder implementation, with a 4-week washout period. The primary outcome was mean time between documented epidural assessments, with secondary outcomes including maximum time between assessments, total number of assessments during labor, catheter replacement rates, and patient satisfaction. Unadjusted comparisons between pre- and postimplementation groups were conducted using Wilcoxon's rank-sum and Pearson's chi-square tests, as appropriate. A test for equal variances was conducted for time between assessment outcomes. Following implementation, mean time between assessments decreased from a median of 173 (interquartile range [IQR]: 53, 314) to 100 (IQR: 74, 125) minutes (p <0.001), and maximum time between assessments decreased from median 330 (IQR: 60, 542) to 162 (IQR: 125, 212) minutes (p < 0.001). Total number of evaluations during labor increased from 3 (IQR: 2, 4) to 5 (IQR: 3, 7; p < 0.001). Decreased variance in mean and maximum time between assessments was noted following reminder implementation (p < 0.001). Epidural replacement rates decreased from 14 to 5% postimplementation (p < 0.001). Patient satisfaction was unchanged. Implementation of an informatics-based solution can promote standardization of care. A simple epidural rounding reminder prompted clinicians to perform more frequent labor epidural assessments. In the future, these process improvements must be linked to improvements in patient experiences and outcomes.

Clinical Efficacy of Kedo S Square Files versus Manual K Files in Root Canal Preparation of Deciduous Molars: A Randomised Clinical Tria

Introduction: The conventional approach to root canal preparation in primary molars involves hand instrumentation. However, the disadvantage of longer instrumentation time poses a challenge for dentists treating paediatric patients. As a solution, rotary file systems have been introduced to reduce chairside time and improve patient cooperation. Among the various rotary file systems available, the "Kedo S Square" rotary files are exclusive single files made of Nickel-titanium (NiTi), offering increased flexibility and variable taper to adapt to the curved canals of deciduous molars. Aim: To assess and compare the instrumentation time and obturation quality of rotary “Kedo S Square” files with manual K files in deciduous molars. Materials and Methods: This randomised clinical trial was conducted from July 2022 to February 2023 included 40 primary molars from four to six-year-old children requiring root canal therapy. The teeth were evenly allocated to two groups: Group 1 underwent instrumentation using “Kedo S Square” files, while Group 2 underwent instrumentation using manual K files. The instrumentation time was recorded, and post-treatment radiographs were taken to evaluate the quality of obturation by a single-blinded investigator. Statistical analysis included the Independent t-test, Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances, Chisquare test, and Fisher’s-exact test. Results: The use of Kedo S Square files resulted in significantly less instrumentation time (p&lt;0.001) with a mean time of 3.91±1.462 minutes. There was no statistically significant difference in obturation quality between the two groups, with a p-value of 0.427. Conclusion: Kedo S “Square” files demonstrated comparable obturation quality with shorter instrumentation time compared to manual K files in root canals of primary molars.

Brain structure alterations in girls with central precocious puberty.

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is puberty that occurs at an unusually early age with several negative psychological outcomes. There is a paucity of data on the morphological characteristics of the brain in CPP. This study aimed to determine the structural differences in the brain of patients with CPP. We performed voxel- and surface-based morphometric analyses of 1.5 T T1-weighted brain images scanned from 15 girls with CPP and 13 age-matched non-CPP controls (NC). All patients with CPP were diagnosed by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were evaluated using Levene's test for equality of variances and a two-tailed unpaired t-test for equality of means. False discovery rate correction for multiple comparisons was applied using the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Morphometric analyses of the brain scans identified 33 candidate measurements. Subsequently, increased thickness of the right precuneus was identified in the patients with CPP using general linear models and visualizations of cortical thickness with a t-statistical map and a random field theory map. The brain scans of the patients with CPP showed specific morphological differences to those of the control. The features of brain morphology in CPP identified in this study could contribute to further understanding the association between CPP and detrimental psychological outcomes.

DECLINE OF FOREST ECOSYSTEM THROUGH CLIMATE CHANGE: DIEBACK IN PERSIAN OAK (QUERCUS BRANTII LINDL.)

Climate change could alter forest disturbances, such as insect outbreaks, invasive species, wildfires, storms, and disease. In the present study, the influence of climate change on the structure and decline of Persian oak in the Zagros forest stands is scrutinized. A regular random sampling with fixed sample plots through two sampling periods was applied in 1998 and 2018. Further, the precipitation, temperature, frost, and relative humidity climatic elements pattern was studied from 1988 to 2018. The cross-sectional of standard-form oak was decreased from 19.2, 23.3, and 24 m3.ha in the first sampling stage to 12.3, 16.8, 17.8 m3.ha in the second sampling in Vizhenan, Chelleh, Ghalajeh, respectively. Levene’s test for equality of variances and mean comparison findings via an independent t-test showed a significant difference between the compared groups in 1998 and 2018. The Mann-Kendall analysis results of climatic elements showed that the precipitation, frost, and relative humidity decreased, and the temperature increased during the study period. Noticeable stability was perceived in the studied indices in the first decade and partially in the second decade, but there were many fluctuations in the third decade. According to the findings, it can be assumed that climate change and the occurrence of severe drought stresses cause oak trees to suffer from physiological vulnerability.

The Effectiveness Of The Descriptive Statistics Module In Online Learning In Computerized Accounting Study Program, Banjarmasin State Polytechnic

Module is considered important in distance learning as a self-study guide for students. The importance of module in the learning process because modules can facilitate students in learning independently or face to face. Based on several explanations regarding the importance of modules in distance learning, the authors are interested in examine the effectiveness of using the descriptive Statistics Module in Online Learning in the Computerized Accounting Study Program, Banjarmasin State Polytechnic. The variables observed by the authors in this study were the learning outcomes of groups of students who were given a module and those who were not given a module in descriptive statistics courses. The two variables were carried out a Normality Test with the purpose of assessing the distribution of data in groups of data or variables, whether the data distribution was normally distributed. From the results of the data normality test, a test of the assumption of homogeneity of variance was then carried out to determine the variance of several populations was the same or not. Then a difference test was carried out to test the differences in the group of students who were given the module and the group of students who were not given the module in learning descriptive statistics courses. The data normality test was carried out using the SPSS Kolmogorov Smirnov Test application on the learning outcomes data for descriptive statistics courses for students who were given a module and those who were not given a module yielded a significance value of 0.101. The significance value of 0.101 was greater than 0.05 so it can be concluded that the research data met the assumption of normality. The homogeneity of variance test was carried out by analyzing the significance value of Levene's Test for Equality of Variance where the significance result was 0.466 so it can be concluded that the data had a homogeneous variance. The final stage of this analysis is to test the difference between the learning outcomes data of student groups who were given modules and not given modules by using the Independent Sample t Test. The test results showed a significance value of 0.021 where the significance value was less than 0.05. Thus it can be concluded that the alternative hypothesis (H1) that states that "There is a significant difference between the learning outcomes of groups of students who are given a module and not given a module" can be accepted and verified statistically.

Perbandingan Tingkat Kepercayaan Peserta Didik Suku Banjar Terhadap Konselor Dan Guru Spiritual (Studi di SMAN 3 Martapura)

The client's trust in the counselor to be open in telling the problem, the client's willingness to come to the counselor, and the client's perception that this does not make the counselor a threat. Likewise, a spiritual teacher who can be trusted (trustworthiness) refers to things that are suggested by the teacher to be done voluntarily by the Banjar community without any coercion. This study aims to analyze the level of trust of students in spiritual counselors and teachers in the aspect of alleviating problems as well as carry out a comparative correlation analysis on comparisons or differences in the level of trust of students in counselors and spiritual teachers at SMAN 3 Martapura. The results of this study show that the independent simple t test has the difference between counselors (80.542 to 2.920) and spiritual teachers (81.970 to 1.492). 95% Confidence Interval of the Difference. The result of Sig. "Levene's Test for Equality of Variances" of 0.000 for counselors and spiritual teachers. Thus, the significant difference between students' trust in counselors and significant differences between students' trust in spiritual teachers does not make students lose their way, students will choose who to trust in helping to alleviate their daily problems. Keywords : Counselors,Learners, Spiritual Teachers.

A comparative study of hemodynamic stability through intraoperative fluid administration guided by stroke volume variation assessment versus conventional parameters in terms of inferior vena cava diameter and collapsibility index during spine surgery

Stroke volume variation (SVV) is a naturally occurring phenomenon, often used by anesthesiologists for hemodynamic response to intra-operative fluid administration. In a mechanically ventilated patient under general anesthesia, the arterial pulse pressure rises during inspiration and falls during expiration due to changes in intra-thoracic pressure secondary to positive pressure ventilation. : In this open labelled, parallel group, randomized controlled trial, we investigated the role of using SVV as a marker for optimal intra-operative fluid therapy versus the conventional parameters of hemodynamic monitoring i.e., blood pressure, pulse rate and urine output in patients undergoing major spinal surgery in prone position. It was a single centre study and each group consisted of 35 patients in the age group of 18 – 50 years having ASA grade I status and without any previous comorbidities. SVV was maintained between 10 to 13% and Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) and pulse rate maintained within 20% of baseline pre-induction values. Ringer’s lactate solution was chosen as fluid therapy in both groups. : The study showed that the total amount of fluid infused to either group had no statistically significant difference; however, the change in Inferior vena cava maximum diameter (IVCmax) in patients of the SVV monitored group was significantly lower than the conventional arm, for a given amount of fluid in either group. (Levene’s test for equality of variance F = 45.46, test statistics for equality of means t = 3.86; p = 0.001) Moreover, those patients who were maintained on lower margin of SVV range had a remarkable decrease of collapsibility index of IVC compared to pre-operative values. (Spearman’s rank correlation r = 0.533; p = 0.001) Thus, SVV proves to be a surrogate marker of administering intravenous fluid per-operatively maintaining euvolemic status as reflected by subsequent IVC collapsibility index (CI) values obtained in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

Cement Industry and Climate Change in Nigeria: A Case Study of Dangote Obajana Cement Plant

Climate change has emerged as a global issue and one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Despite the contribution of the cement industry to the releases of carbon dioxide (the most significant contributor to GHG emissions) in Nigeria, only a few research writing focused on its influence on climate change. This paper, therefore, studied the variation in concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) within the environment of the Dangote Obajana Cement Plant. The CO₂ data used for the study were collected from the European Space Agency website. The satellite image data were downloaded from Google Earth and digitized to extract the study area using the WGS1984 geographic coordinate system while ArcMap packages were used for the data processing. The annual descriptive statistics for CO₂ variation for the years 2003, 2008, and 2018, showed that the minimum mean concentration was 373.451.07, 382.92054, and 0.950.17 while the maximum mean concentration was 374.931.0, 384.780.69, and 0.970.17. Bartlett's test for equal variances, with chi-squares statistics of 103.44 and 12.33, and a probability (Prob>chi2) value of 0.001 established that the minimum and maximum CO₂ emissions variances within the years are significantly different. The Bonferroni test revealed that all the years had CO₂ emissions that were significantly different from one another as their p-value was less than 0.05 with the minimum emission occurring in 2018 and the maximum in 2008. The study concluded that the influence of the Dangote Obajana Cement Plant's operation on the release of CO₂ concentrations across the study areas was insignificant since there was no uniformity in their concentrations.

Validation of the sensitivity analysis method of coordinate measurement uncertainty evaluation

The paper presents the results of the tests carried out to validate a new method for evaluating the uncertainty of coordinate measurements categorised as the Sensitivity Analysis (SA). This method concerns measuring dimensions and geometrical deviations. Measurement uncertainty is evaluated on the basis of information given in the Maximum Permissible Error (MPE) formula for a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Measurement models express the measured characteristics as a function of differences of coordinates of a small number of appropriately selected points of the workpiece. If reverification test results for the CMM used are available, then the estimated uncertainty takes into account the actual accuracy of the CMM. General formulae are given to calculate the uncertainty of measurement of a circle diameter and coaxiality. The relevant experiment is based on ISO 15530-3 recommendations. Acalibrated cylindrical square was used for validation. 17 circles’ diameters and 84 different combinations of datum length and distance of the toleranced element from the datum for measuring coaxiality were adopted as validated characteristics. The validation results are presented in tables and graphs and the chi-square test for equality of variances was used to confirm that the method is correct. The validation results are positive.