Test Parameters Research Articles

A sham-controlled, randomized trial of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a treatment option for patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) who experience pain that does not respond to standard interventions. However, there is a lack of sham-controlled trials to support its efficacy. This randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled, cross-over trial enrolled 16 CP patients with insufficient pain relief from standard therapies. Patients underwent high-frequency (1000 Hz) paraesthesia-free SCS or sham for two 10-day stimulation periods, separated by a 3-day washout period. The primary outcome was daily pain intensity registered in a pain diary based on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included various questionnaires. Quantitative sensory testing was used to probe the pain system before and after interventions. The average daily pain score on the NRS at baseline was 5.2 ± 1.9. After SCS, the pain score was 4.2 ± 2.1 compared to 4.3 ± 2.1 in the sham group (mean difference -0.1, 95% CI [-1.4 to 1.1]; P = 0.81). Similarly, no differences were observed between groups for the maximal daily pain score, secondary outcomes or quantitative sensory testing parameters. During an open-label, non-sham-controlled and non-blinded extension of the study, the average daily NRS was 5.2 ± 1.7 at baseline, 3.2 ± 1.8 at 3 months, 2.9 ± 1.9 at 6 months and 3.4 ± 2.2 at 12 months of follow-up (P = 0.001). In this first sham-controlled trial of SCS in painful CP, we did not find evidence of short-term pain relief with paraesthesia-free high-frequency (1000 Hz) stimulation. However, evaluation of the long-term effect by larger sham-controlled trials with long-term follow-up is warranted. In this first sham-controlled trial to apply high-frequency (1000 Hz) spinal cord stimulation in patients with visceral pain due to chronic pancreatitis, we did not find evidence for clinically relevant pain relief. Taken together with potential procedure-related complications, adverse effects and costs associated with spinal cord stimulation, our findings question its use for management of visceral pain.

Determining the relationship between oral health and physical function in elderly people.

Poor oral conditions in the elderly may have numerous effects on general health, including physical fitness and performance. This study aimed to determine the relationship between oral health and physical function in elderly people. Physical function and oral health parameters were compared using parametric comparison tests and Pearson correlation analyses. In addition, principal components analysis, hierarchical clustering and multidimensional scaling analysis clustered the patients' physical and oral health scores. The relationship between the groups was also determined using decision tree analysis. A total of 112 elderly patients participated in the study. Grip strength (GS) was higher in patients with high chewing ability, and Timed Up and Go (TUG) scores were lower in the high oral health group (p < .05). GS was correlated with Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth Index (DMFT) and the number of remaining and functional teeth (p < .05). According to principal component analysis, it was seen that there were three components (oral, functional and quality of life (QoL) parameters), and the features that were related to each other were gathered together. TUG and GS showed the highest relative importance among physical function criteria in the classification based on chewing ability. They were GS and physical activity for oral health-related QoL. In the elderly, higher physical function parameters, especially GS may be an indicator of a better oral health and oral health-related QoL. Preventive physical rehabilitation practices, in addition to oral treatments, may be effective in improving oral health in the elderly.

Combined Exercise and Mindset Training During a Pediatric Cardiac Fitness and Rehabilitation Program Benefits Youth with a Range of Congenital Heart Disease.

Pediatric cardiac fitness and rehabilitation programs vary widely in structure and content. The Cardiac Fitness Program (CFP) is built on traditional training pillars of aerobic, strength, and flexibility, and adds a fourth, training a positive mindset. This study assesses whether the systematic and comprehensive framework of the CFP results in broad benefits for a range of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). Data from participants between 01/2017 and 12/2022 were analyzed. Pre- and post-CFP cardiopulmonary exercise test parameters, strength and flexibility metrics, and mindset survey results were compared overall, and by sex, age, diagnosis, and hemodynamic level. Of 62 participants (median age 15.5years, range 8 to 23, 50% female), 3% had simple, 37% complex, 24% single ventricle CHD, and 35% arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, or transplant. Significant improvements were noted in aerobic fitness (mean 9 ± 15% increase in % predicted peak oxygen consumption, p < 0.001). Strength metrics significantly improved (each p < 0.001), as did flexibility (p < 0.001). Patient-reported positive mindset scores did not improve significantly (mean increase 1.8 ± 5.1, p = 0.10, n = 25), whereas parents reported significant improvements (5.9 ± 10.4, p = 0.02, n = 20). Improvements were not significantly different by sex, age, diagnosis, or hemodynamic level. Comprehensive training across four pillars of fitness yields significant improvements in aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility, and parent-reported mindset scores for pediatric CHD patients, regardless of patient characteristics, diagnosis type, or severity of hemodynamic limitation. Further study is warranted into optimal standardization of training and whether a comprehensive approach amplifies individual pillars to create more than the sum of its parts.

Fire performance of steel reinforced concrete column to reinforced concrete beam planar frames: Experiment

This paper investigates the fire performance of large-scale steel reinforced concrete (SRC) column to reinforced concrete (RC) beam planar frames by a series of fire resistance tests. The testing parameters included beam load ratio, column steel ratio and column dimension. The test results indicated that, in fire condition, the SRC column to RC beam frame exhibited two primary failure modes: beam shear failure and column compression failure. In the case of beam shear failure, the fire resistance of frame specimens increased as the beam load decreased. In the scenario of column compression failure, out-of-plane failure occurred due to the weak axis of the SRC column being located outside the frame plane. Concurrently, the RC beam displayed significant shear deformation at the ends and notable bending deformation in the middle. The test results indicated that the column cross-sectional size notably influenced the fire resistance of SRC column to RC beam frame, however, the influence of column steel ratio was minimal.

Experimental and numerical investigations on shear behavior of RC beams strengthened with U-wrapped PET FRP

This paper reports the investigations of experimental and numerical programs on the shear performance of U-shaped Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) FRP-retrofitted RC beams. Twelve RC beams were fabricated and tested under monotonic three-point loading with the test parameters being FRP strip width and shear span-to-effective depth ratio. A comprehensive analysis and investigation were conducted in terms of the failure modes, shear load–deflection responses, shear capacities, the strain evolution of FRP and stirrups, and the interaction of shear contributions among FRP, stirrups and concrete. Larger debonding strains were observed for PET FRP. Five design guidelines and two models available in the literature were assessed against the measured PET FRP shear contribution. A modified model of the shear contribution for PET FRP was developed and verified by the test results. Finally, a finite element model was established to further understand the shear performance of retrofitted beams, in which the bond-slip relationship between concrete and FRP was considered. The FE model was validated by comparing the test and FE results. The proposed FE model could accurately capture the propagation of shear critical cracks and FRP debonding failure for the specimens with medium and large shear spans.

Experimental and numerical investigations on impact response of reinforced concrete beams with a sandwich panel protective layer

This paper investigates the response of reinforced concrete beams protected by an aluminium foam sandwich panel under impact loadings. A series of impact tests were conducted on one reinforced concrete beam and five beams with a protective layer, focusing on their dynamic responses and failure patterns. Test parameters included the type of protective layers (unprotected, aluminium foam and sandwich panel) and impact energy. Test results showed that the aluminium foam and sandwich panel could effectively protect the reinforced concrete beam from severe damage under impact loadings and converted the failure pattern of beams from shear failure to flexure-shear failure. Compared with the unprotected beam, the beams with a protective layer exhibited a lower peak force and developed a smaller mid-span deformation. Besides, the protective effects of the aluminium foam and sandwich panel were found to be nearly the same. Moreover, the peak force, plateau force and deformation of the beams were increased with the increasing impact energy. A numerical model was developed to investigate the energy distribution of beams with a sandwich panel protective layer. Based on the validated model, the effects of longitudinal reinforcement ratio and shear-span ratio on the impact response of beams were further studied. It was found that the deformation of beams increased significantly with the increasing shear-span ratio, whereas an increase in the longitudinal reinforcement ratio led to a decreased deformation. This study provides an important reference for designing reinforced concrete beams with a sandwich panel protective layer to resist impact loads.

Identification of asphalt binder tests for detecting variations in binder cracking performance

Asphalt binders are vital components in the construction of roadways, and their quality significantly impacts the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures. However, it is possible for binders to exhibit different performance with identical Performance Grade (PG) due to variations in source, refining processes, and modifiers (if any). This paper presents a comprehensive study aimed at identifying candidate tests to detect variances in the quality of the binders in terms of cracking resistance. Eight PG 64-22 asphalt binders were selected and subjected to multiple laboratory tests, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Poker chip, and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests. The binders were then incorporated into asphalt mixtures, and their cracking resistance was evaluated using the IDEAL cracking test (IDEAL-CT) and Overlay test (OT). The study findings revealed that phase angle test, poker chip test, and Glover–Rowe (G–R) parameter test emerged as promising candidates to detect variations in the quality of binders of the same grade based on their cracking resistance. Notably, phase angle and G-R tests, both utilizing DSR, offered valuable supplementary assessments to the traditional PG grading system, proving crucial in evaluating cracking resistance. Furthermore, the poker chip test, an affordable alternative to DSR, demonstrated its effectiveness in evaluating binder quality for cracking performance. In conclusion, the identified candidate tests provide valuable insights into evaluating the quality of asphalt binders. By incorporating these tests into mix design and evaluation processes, engineers can make informed decisions to optimize the performance and durability of asphalt pavements.

Settlement and stress analysis in stabilized slab- and pile-supported embankment based on double-equal settlement plane

PurposeThe soft stabilized slab and pile-supported (SSPS) embankment is an improvement technique to increase the efficiency of resources in road construction. To capture the effects of stabilized slabs on the stress transfer mechanism, the differential settlements and the lateral displacement of the embankment completely. A theoretical model of SSPS is proposed by considering the effect of soil arching and the interaction between the embankment fill, stabilized soil, pile, foundation soil and bearing stratum.Design/methodology/approachIn the theoretical model, the stress and strain coordination relationship of the system was analyzed in view of the minimum potential energy theory and equal settlement plane theory. Subsequently, the theoretical method was applied to field tests for comparison. Finally, the influence of the elastic modulus and the thickness of the stabilized slab on the stress concentration ratio and foundation settlement were examined.FindingsIn addition to the experimental findings, the method has been revealed to be reasonable and feasible, considering its ability to effectively exploit the stabilized slab effect and improve the bearing capacity of soil and piles. An economical and reasonable arrangement scheme for the thickness and strength of stabilized slabs was obtained. The results reveal that the optimum elastic modulus was chosen as 28 MPa–60 MPa, and the optimum thickness of the stabilized slab was selected as 1.5 m–2.1 m using the parameters of field tests, which can provide guidance to engineering design.Originality/valueAn optimization calculation method is established to analyze the load transfer mechanics of the SSPS embankment based on a double-equal settlement plane. The model’s rationality was analyzed by comparing the settlement and stress concentration ratios in the field tests. Subsequently, the influence of the elastic modulus and the thickness of the stabilized slab on the stress concentration ratio and settlement were examined. An economical and reasonable arrangement scheme for the thickness and elastic modulus of stabilized slabs was obtained, which can provide a novel approach for engineering design.

Influence of Apparatus Scale on Geogrid Monotonic and Cyclic/Post-Cyclic Pullout Behavior in Cohesive Soils

Geosynthetics have increasingly been applied to geotechnical engineering works due to their numerous advantages, including cost-effectiveness and their significant role in sustainable development. When geosynthetics are used as reinforcement in earth structures, such as embankments, retaining walls and bridge abutments, soil–geosynthetic interface shear behavior is a critical parameter involved in the design. This paper presents a series of monotonic and cyclic/post-cyclic pullout tests carried out to examine the apparatus scale effect on the pullout response of a geogrid embedded in two different soils. To assess the small-scale equipment feasibility, comparisons were made between pullout test parameters derived from small- and large-scale equipment. The test results indicate that, under a low confining stress of 25 kPa, using a smaller-sized apparatus results in lower values of geogrid pullout resistance and maximum mobilized shear stress, but higher values of confined tensile stiffness at low strains. On the other hand, as the confining stress increases (i.e., 50 kPa and 100 kPa), the difference between the results becomes less significant and similar trends are observed regardless of the equipment type. Adopting small-scale equipment enables obtaining soil–reinforcement interaction parameters using test procedures that are less time-consuming than those associated with large-scale pullout tests. However, proper scale effect correction factors may be considered for more consistent estimates of the interface strength parameters under low normal stress values.

Identification of peripheral blood test parameters predicting the response to palbociclib and endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective study in a single institution.

Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors have been used in endocrine therapy for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative metastatic breast cancer. Although randomized trials have shown that combined therapies prolong progression-free survival (PFS) in comparison to endocrine monotherapy, the predictors of efficacy are unknown. This study aimed to identify the blood test parameters to predict the effects of palbociclib and endocrine therapy. Seventy-nine patients treated with palbociclib and endocrine therapy between December 2017 and June 2022 were reviewed. We assessed PFS in patients according to factors evaluated based on patient characteristics and peripheral blood tests. Patients in the C-reactive protein (CRP)-high, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-high, and albumin (Alb)-low groups had significantly shorter PFS than those in the normal group. A multivariate analysis revealed that high LDH and low Alb levels were independent factors that affected PFS. The Alb-low group had an inferior disease control rate. Patients in the CRP-high, LDH-high, and Alb-low groups who received these therapies as first- or second-line treatments showed poor PFS. Several predictors of the efficacy of palbociclib and endocrine therapy were identified in the peripheral blood test parameters of patients with ER-positive and HER2-negative subtypes of metastatic breast cancer.

Smart data analysis V2: A user-friendly software for non-statisticians.

Data analysis can be accurate and reliable only if the underlying assumptions of the used statistical method are validated. Any violations of these assumptions can change the outcomes and conclusions of the analysis. In this study, we developed Smart Data Analysis V2 (SDA-V2), an interactive and user-friendly web application, to assist users with limited statistical knowledge in data analysis, and it can be freely accessed at https://jularatchumnaul.shinyapps.io/SDA-V2/. SDA-V2 automatically explores and visualizes data, examines the underlying assumptions associated with the parametric test, and selects an appropriate statistical method for the given data. Furthermore, SDA-V2 can assess the quality of research instruments and determine the minimum sample size required for a meaningful study. However, while SDA-V2 is a valuable tool for simplifying statistical analysis, it does not replace the need for a fundamental understanding of statistical principles. Researchers are encouraged to combine their expertise with the software's capabilities to achieve the most accurate and credible results.

P-673 Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like 1 (TINAGL1) expression is lower in the follicular fluid of patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): A novel biomarker

Abstract Study question Are TINAGL1 levels in follicular fluid associated with ovarian reserve in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for in-vitro fertilization (IVF)? Summary answer TINAGL1 concentration was lower in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients with DOR vs patients without infertility or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). What is known already TINAGL1 is an extracellular matrix protein involved in cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. TINAGL1 has previously been shown to be expressed in the mouse ovary and to be a serum biomarker that varies throughout the mouse estrous cycle, peaking in the estrous phase. Furthermore, TINAGL1 knockout mice have been shown to be infertile. TINAGL1 expression in the human ovary has not been previously evaluated. Study design, size, duration Between 2019 and 2023, a prospective study of 136 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation and oocyte retrieval (OR) was conducted at a single academic fertility center to assess TINAGL1 levels in luteinized FF and granulosa cells. Study groups were determined by infertility diagnosis: DOR n = 24, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) n = 27, and control n = 85 (undergoing fertility preservation or had a partner with male factor only). Participants/materials, setting, methods TINAGL1 protein levels were quantified in the FF of patients that underwent OR via commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Granulosa cells were recovered from FF after OR, underwent lysis, RNA extraction, cDNA amplification and TINAGL1 mRNA expression was quantified via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Demographics and infertility diagnoses were collected from the medical record. TINAGL1 levels were compared between the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed with parametric and non-parametric tests as appropriate. Main results and the role of chance Patients with DOR were younger when compared to the control and the PCOS group [Mean(SD) 32.7 (3.8) vs 34.45(3.9) vs 37.7 (3.0) years, p &amp;lt; 0.001] and had lower AMH levels [1.19 (0.8) vs 3.96 (3.03) vs 8.67 (4.56) ng/ml, p &amp;lt; 0.001]. TINAGL1 protein concentration in FF was measured by ELISA. Mean (SD) TINAGL1 levels were highest in PCOS, and lowest in the DOR group. Mean TINAGL1 levels were higher in the FF of the PCOS group when compared to the control group [4.73(7.15) vs 4.45 (4.57) ng/ml, p = 0.83] but this difference did not reach statistical significance. However, mean TINAGL1 FF levels were significantly lower in the DOR group when compared to the control group [2.54 (1.6) vs 4.48 (4.57) ng/ml, p = 0.04]. TINAGL1 was also found to be expressed in the granulosa cells with qPCR. TINAGL1 expression was upregulated by (+89%) in the PCOS group vs the control group (p = 0.0095). Importantly, there was a trend for decreased (-52%) TINAGL1 expression in DOR when compared to the control group (p = 0.67). The latter result should be interpreted with caution since only a subset of samples had sufficient granulosa cells for RNA extraction (DOR=4, control=18, PCOS=5). Limitations, reasons for caution This is a single institution study with a small number of patients in the DOR group (n = 24). Wider implications of the findings This is the first study to show that TINAGL1 is expressed in human granulosa cells. Decreased TINAGL1 may be a biomarker associated with DOR. Future studies should assess serum TINAGL1 levels at baseline and during ovarian stimulation and its contribution to the pathophysiology of DOR. Trial registration number Not applicable

Efficacy Analysis of Arthroscopic Surgery Combined with Intra-articular Chitosan Injection for Stage II-III Knee Osteoarthritis in Patients with Abnormal Body Weight.

Weight is an influential factor in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the effect of abnormal body weight on chitosan's efficacy in treating KOA is unclear. This study aimed to explore the differences in the effectiveness of arthroscopic surgery combined with intra-articular chitosan injection for KOA in patients with abnormal body weight. Patients with stage II-III KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence rating, K-L) undergoing arthroscopic surgery were recruited for this clinical study from January 2020 to September 2021. Based on body mass index (BMI) and intra-articular chitosan injection, patients with KOA undergoing arthroscopic surgery (138 patients) were divided into four groups: low-weight-non-injection (Lw-N, BMI <18.5); low-weight-chitosan injection (Lw-CS, BMI <18.5); overweight-non-injection (Ow-N, BMI ≥25); overweight-chitosan injection (Ow-CS, BMI ≥25). A 2-year follow-up was conducted to evaluate various indicators, including the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index score (WOMAC). Statistical analyses were performed using relevant parametric or non-parametric tests. In total, 138 patients with KOA were included in this study. There were no significant differences in gender, age, and incidence of chronic residual pain after arthroscopy among the four groups (p > 0.05). The proportion of patients undergoing subsequent knee arthroplasty during the 2-year follow-up period was significantly higher in the Ow-CS group (20/35) than in the Lw-CS group (12/39) (p < 0.05). The K-L rating showed an overall increasing trend over time, with the K-L rating in the Ow-N and Ow-CS groups significantly higher than that in the Lw-CS group at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). VAS and WOMAC scores significantly decreased at 1 and 3 months post-arthroscopy and then increased. One month after arthroscopy, VAS was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the intra-articular chitosan injection groups (Lw-CS and Ow-CS) compared with the non-injection groups (Lw-N and Ow-N). VAS was lower in the Ow-CS group than in the Lw-CS group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in WOMAC between the intra-articular chitosan injection and non-injection groups at each time point (Lw-N vs. Lw-CS, Ow-N vs. Ow-CS, p > 0.05). Arthroscopic surgery combined with intra-articular chitosan injection shows short-term positive effects in treating KOA. Intra-articular chitosan injection appears to have a greater short-term pain relief effect in obese patients.

678 Investigating the Fidelity and Usability of Virtual Reality Surgical Training Platforms

Abstract Introduction Virtual Reality (VR) technology has existed for decades; however, the fidelity of current applications has resulted in limited adoption in surgical training and no framework exists to assess usability of VR in surgery. This study aimed to define immersion quality and identify which metrics surgical trainees and trainers prioritise when utilising VR. Method Surgical trainees and trainers were eligible for inclusion. Participants were purposively sampled from delegates at the RCS England Future Surgery Show 2023. A 14-point questionnaire generated through steering-group expert consensus was utilised. Immersion was measured using the NASA Fidelity Rating Scale (1;excellent–6;very bad) and a usability importance metric (1;extremely important–5;not important). Parametric statistical tests were used following test of normality (µ=0.05). Results 34(23M:10F) responses were analysed. 50%(n=17) were completing or had completed surgical training with experience across 8 different VR systems. 18%(n=6) had experienced side-effects. Mean immersion across the systems was 2.7±0.8(Good/Fair). ‘Ease of Use’(1.4±0.6) and ‘Translatable Training’(1.4±0.5) were the highest priority usability metrics with ‘Access’(1.9±0.8), ‘User Comfort’(1.6±0.6) and improvement in ‘Economy of Movement’(1.9±0.7) also regarded as Extremely important or Important. There was an observed difference in ‘User Comfort’ importance between Male(1.6±0.4) and Female(1.1±0.2) participants which approached significance(p=0.07). Conclusions Immersion of available VR surgical training platforms requires improvement. Side-effects remain common. Ease of use and translatable training are the highest priority metrics for end-users and should be central to any framework. Gender differences in VR usability requires further investigation.

Experimental and numerical investigations on flexural behavior of stress-laminated timber-concrete composite decks with butt joints

Stress-laminated timber (SLT) products are increasingly used in the field of timber bridges. However, existing butt joints and significant vibrations of SLT greatly hinder its application. Allying a concrete slab on the top of an SLT deck to form a composite structure can effectively ameliorate these deficiencies. In this study, the flexural behavior of SLT-concrete composite decks (SCCD) was investigated via four-point bending tests. The test parameters include prestress level, butt joint frequency, and concrete slab thickness. Comparative analysis against the SLT deck revealed substantial improvements in the load-carrying capacity and initial bending stiffness of SCCD, with increases of 30.2 % and 86.2 %, respectively. Additionally, the improvement is more significant when the concrete slab thickness increases. The presence of butt joints reduces the structural performance of SCCD, and its stiffness reduction degree is slightly greater than that of the SLT deck at the same butt joint frequency. Furthermore, a finite element (FE) model for the SCCD was established, and the numerical simulation showed good agreement with the test results in terms of failure modes and bending performance. Finally, the bending stiffness reduction coefficient for the SCCD was recommended by considering various butt joint frequencies based on tests and numerical simulations, which can serve as a reference for practical engineering.

Aspects Regarding the Physical Parameters and Wear in the Work Process of the Disc Openers for Seeding Machines

This paper primarily presents statistics on the variation of physical characteristics (dimensions and mass) for the coulter discs of double-disc seeders. This statistic was calculated based on actual measurements of the probability density and cumulative probability for the mass of the discs, their average thickness, and outer diameter. These parameters (m = 4000 g, g = 4 mm, D = 380 mm) are tracked from the design phase to the actual realization phase, being the parameters specified in the purchase phase by users from agricultural machinery distributors. The standard deviation and deviation from the mean for a cumulative normal (Gaussian) distribution were calculated, and an analysis was made for the decrease of the mentioned parameters in discs already used for sowing cereals on an area of 80 hectares, due to the wear that appeared as a trace of the contact with the soil and the abrasive wear caused by it. Testing of disk parameters using both logarithmic and Gaussian distributions was performed, and test results are presented through appropriate graphs. With small deviations (which appeared for known or unknown reasons), it can be stated that the distribution of the mentioned parameters is generally a normal-type distribution. If the new discs are 15″ in diameter, experts recommend that they be replaced when they reach a diameter of less than 14.5 inches. This study can provide a reference for improving the physical characteristics of opener discs of seed drills in no-till conditions and beyond.

Determination of the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the EU countries using the methods of ordinal statistics

The subject matter of the article is the process of assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries. The goal of the article is to develop a methodology for determining the number of periods for which it is necessary and sufficient to assess the sustainable development indices of states. The article results the following task: to develop a methodology for determining the law of distribution of random variables of sustainable development indices. Determination of the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries. Methods used: parametric and ordinal statistics. The following results are obtained: parametric and non-parametric methods of statistics, their advantages and disadvantages are considered. Various methods of estimating the distribution function for small samples, in particular the method of rectangular contributions and the method of uncertainty reduction are analysed. Particular attention is paid to the problem of changing the law of scattering of quality indicators when changing the conditions of technology. A graph-analytical method for identifying the law of distribution of random variables based on a small amount of statistical information is proposed. For this purpose, the theory of ordinal statistics was used. A step-by-step methodology for identifying the law of distribution of random variables using 10 ordered values has been developed. The mathematical expectations of ordinal statistics for three distribution laws are proposed. A methodology for determining the number of periods for assessing the indices of sustainable development of countries using ordinal statistics is developed. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data for the last ten years and their ordering in ascending order. The mathematical expectations of ordinal statistics are used to select appropriate distribution laws. Given the limited information available when working with small samples, the article proposes a methodology that allows obtaining the maximum amount of information from the available data. The developed approach makes it possible to take into account the uncertainty of the phenomenon under study and make informed decisions based on statistical analysis. Conclusions: based on the knowledge of the law of distribution, a methodology for determining the minimum number of periods for assessing the sustainable development indices of the European Union countries is proposed. Testing of the methodology on real numerical data has confirmed that the minimum number of periods is seven, provided that the distribution law follows the normal law.

Gastrointestinal and Neuropsychological Symptoms Are Associated With Distinct Vomiting Profiles in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

To identify subgroups of patients with distinct chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) profiles; determine how these subgroups differ on several demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics; and evaluate factors associated with chemotherapy-induced nausea and CIV profiles. Adult patients (N = 1,338) receiving cancer chemotherapy. Data were collected on demographic, clinical, and symptom characteristics. Differences among subgroups of patients with distinct CIV profiles were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. Three CIV profiles (None, Decreasing, and Increasing) were identified. Compared with the None class, Decreasing and Increasing classes were more likely to have lower household income and a higher comorbidity burden, as well as to report higher rates of dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, morning fatigue, and pain interference. Clinicians need to assess common and distinct risk factors for CIV and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Selection of Optimal Knot Point and Best Geographic Weighted on Geographically Weighted Spline Nonparametric Regression Model

This study proposes the development of a nonparametric regression model combined with geographically weighted regression. The regression model considers geographical factors and has a data pattern that does not follow a parametric form to overcome the problem of spatial heterogeneity and unknown regression functions. This study aims to model provincial food security index data in Indonesia with the GWSNR model, so finding the optimal knot point and the best geographic weighting is necessary. We propose the selection of optimal knot points using the Cross Validation (CV) and Generalized Cross Validation (GCV) methods. The optimal knot point will control the accuracy of the regression curve as we also consider the MSE value in showing the ability of the model. In addition, we determine the best geographic weighting and test the significance of the model parameters. We demonstrate the GWSNR model on food security index data. The best GWSNR model uses the Gaussian kernel weighting function and selects the optimal knot point as one-knot point based on the lowest CV and GCV values. Simultaneous and partial parameter test results show that there are 10 area classifications with different effects on each group of classification results. Some of the highlights of the proposed approach are:• The method is the development of a nonparametric regression model with geographic weighting, which combines nonparametric and spatial regression in modeling the national food security index.• There are three-knot points tested in nonparametric truncated spline regression and three geographic weightings in spatial regression. Then the optimal knot point and best bandwidth are determined using Cross Validation and Generalized Cross Validation.• This article will determine regional groupings in Indonesia in 2022 based on significant predictors in modeling the national food security index numbers.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Function and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) on Elderly Independence

Aging is a natural process followed by physical and behavioural changes. All individuals will experience the process of growing old and old age is the final stage of human life, where there is a gradual physical, mental and social decline. Actual deterioration occurs in the elderly will reduce muscle mass and flexibility, so it can affect the capacity of the elderly to meet their needs. The lack of elderly activities carried out independently in daily activities, elderly people aged 85 years and over have difficulty in managing daily activities, and deterioration of cognitive function. Objective: To determine the Effectiveness of Cognitive Function and Activity of Daily Living (ADL) on Elderly Independence at Panti Sosial Harapan Kita Palembang. Methods: This study used parametric statistics to determine the relationship between cognitive function and Activity Of Daily Living on independence with a sample of 36 respondents taken by total sampling technique. Results: The results of the statistical test obtained a p value of 0.766 means that there is no significant relationship between cognitive function and independence. As for the relationship between Activity of daily living and the independence of the elderly, the p value is 0.039, meaning that there is a significant relationship between Activity of Daily Living and independence. Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between cognitive function and independence and there is a significant relationship between Activity of Daily Living and the independence of the elderly at Harapan Kita Palembang social centre.