Test Parameters Research Articles

Evaluating the clinical performance of an updated microRNA classifier in indeterminate and RAS-mutated thyroid nodule management: A multi-institutional study

BackgroundIntegrating microRNA markers with next-generation sequencing panels may enhance risk assessment of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. The ThyGeNEXT–ThyraMIRv1 multiplatform test version 1 demonstrated limited utility in risk-stratifying RAS-mutated indeterminate thyroid nodules. We sought to validate the updated ThyraMIRv2 platform in clinical practice. MethodsThyGeNEXT/ThyraMIRv2, a 3-tiered microRNA classifier, were evaluated using a previously studied multi-institutional cohort of Bethesda III/IV nodules, with positive results having risk of malignancy ≥10%. In addition, ThyraMIRv2's clinical utility in RAS-mutated indeterminate thyroid nodules was assessed. ResultsIn 366 indeterminate thyroid nodules, ThyraMIRv2 platform yielded a 30.3% positive-call rate. ThyraMIRv2 platform + nodules had greater operative rates (63.9% vs 36.1%, P < .0001) and cancer/noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features diagnosis (65.9% vs 25.0%, P < .0001) than ThyraMIRv2 platform nodules. Compared with multiplatform test version 1, ThyraMIRv2 platform’s diagnostic testing parameters did not improve significantly. Among 68 RAS-mutated nodules, ThyraMIRv2 classified 36.8%, 55.9%, and 7.4% as positive, moderate, and negative, respectively. All moderate nodules had risk of malignancy ≥10% and were combined with the positive cohort. No significant differences existed in operative rate (81.0% vs 60.0%, P = .272) or cancer/noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features diagnosis (47.6% vs 40.0%, P > .999) between RAS-mutated positive/moderate and negative groups. For RAS-mutated nodules, ThyraMIRv2 demonstrated improved sensitivity (93.8% vs 64.7, P = .003) and decreased specificity (4.5% vs 34.8%, P = .008) compared with ThyGeNEXT–ThyraMIRv1 multiplatform test version 1, with comparable negative predictive value (33.3% vs 40.0%, P = .731) and positive predictive value (58.8% vs 59.5%, P = .864). ConclusionThyraMIRv2 platform does not improve indeterminate thyroid nodule malignancy stratification compared to ThyGeNEXT–ThyraMIRv1 multiplatform test version 1. ThyraMIRv2 improves malignant RAS-mutated nodule detection but increases false positives. Future studies encompassing a larger cohort of RAS-mutated with surgical pathology results are warranted to better characterize the performance parameters of this classifier.

Microstructural evaluation and optimization of wear behaviour of vacuum arc melted AlFeCrNiSi high entropy alloy

High-entropy alloys (HEA) are equiatomic, multi-element systems that, while having several elements with various crystal geometries to form a single phase. In this study, a novel equiatomic AlFeCrNiSi HEA is prepared using the vacuum arc melting process. The resulting microstructure featured dendritic and inter-dendritic structures with formations of intermetallic compounds such as Al₃Fe₂Si, NiAl, and AlCrNi phases. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of alloying elements and EBSD analysis revealed refined grains with an average size of 1 ± 0.15 µm size. Pin-on-Disc wear test with varying test parameters is conducted to optimize the wear parameters. Signal-to-noise ratio and analysis of variance identified the most significant wear parameters, with load being the most influential, followed by sliding distance and velocity. The wear rate is minimum at the lowest conditions of applied load, sliding distance, and sliding velocity. The improved microhardness also contributed to the improved wear resistance of the cast alloy. The subsequent worn morphology revealed the formation of grooves, microcracks, and oxide layers on the worn surface.

A Critical Review on the Factors Affecting the Bond Strength of Direct Restorative Material Alternatives to Amalgam.

This article comprehensively reviews the performance of simplified direct restorative materials that have the potential to be an alternative to amalgam. Following an understanding of the material structures and clinical performances, this review provides an analysis of the bonding mechanisms and influential factors on the bond strength. These factors include substrate-related variations, involving primary vs. permanent dentin, sound- vs. caries-affected/demineralized dentin comparisons and surface-related factors and pretreatments. Special attention is given to the factors changing the substrate surface, such as different contaminants, remedy methods after contamination and different conditioning methods related to the materials. Variations in sample preparation and bond strength test parameters are also evaluated for the analysis of the outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors involved in the application procedure of direct restorations together with in vitro testing variations to guide the selection of suitable materials by understanding strengths and shortcomings.

Building shape optimization based on interconnected embodied and operational energy and carbon impacts

Strategic building design decisions informed by a comprehensive life cycle impact assessment hold substantial potential in addressing global energy consumption and carbon emissions, with buildings accounting for 40% of energy consumption and 37% of emissions. While building operational energy (OE) has traditionally received greater attention, the dynamic trade-offs between OE and embodied energy (EE) in building design are often overlooked. Design decisions, such material selection and building shape, can present conflicting considerations between OE and EE. Addressing these impacts in isolation may fail to achieve comprehensive reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study highlights the necessity of a holistic approach to design decisions such as building shape and material selection, emphasizing the importance of considering both OE and EE simultaneously. Our literature review confirms a gap in studies that consider these factors together in the context of building shape optimization. To analyze the interconnectivity of building shape design, material choice, and the trade-offs between OE and EE, we devised two parametric test cases with identical features but using two different insulation materials: hemp-based and glass wool. The analysis allows us to (1) evaluate the impact of integrating total lifecycle impact on building shape design optimization, in comparison to designs that focus solely on OE; (2) assess how the selection of materials, specifically hemp-based versus glass wool insulation, influences optimized building shape and carbon emissions reduction; and explore the benefits of bio-based materials by analyzing performance variations in the two insulations case studies. Our findings reveal that although OE typically has a larger impact over a building’s lifetime, the optimal building shape can still vary significantly based on the EE contribution. The benefit of bio-based material is context-dependent, varying with factors such as the building shape discussed in this paper, as well as other factors such as climate. In our test cases, we observed that shape variations resulted in up to a 17.9% change in OE due to different building shapes, and a 60.7% variation in the envelope’s surface area, while the building area remained unchanged. This expanded understanding will facilitate more informed and sustainable decision-making in the construction and design industries, addressing the often-overlooked interconnectivity of OE and EE.

The Effect of Conflict Management Strategies on Job Satisfaction: A Study in the Accounting Sector

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of conflict management on job satisfaction for the accounting sectorand to examine the effect between the conflict management strategies used by employees and their job satisfaction. Also, demographic characteristics are to contribute to the related literature by examining the effect of job satisfaction, conflict management, and conflict management strategies. In this study, survey research method and relational screening model were used. Then, e-survey was applied to 451 accounting professionals through convenience sampling among approximately 200.000 accounting sector employees operating in Turkey and 403 questionnaires were analysed. The factor loadings of the scales were examined, followed by reliability and normal distribution analyses of the relevant scales and then parametric tests were performed. Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to examine the relationship between constructive, adaptive, coercive, avoidant and compromising subscales of job satisfaction scale and conflict management strategy scale. According to the results, conflict management has a positive effect on job satisfaction. Also, constructive, accommodative, compromise, avoidant and coercive conflict management strategies were also found to have a positive effect on job satisfaction. When demographic characteristics were analysed, it was found that there was no significant difference between gender, marital status, age, education level variables and job satisfaction, conflict management, adaptive, constructive, coercive, avoidant and accommodative conflict management strategies. It was observed that there was a significant difference between the professional experience variable and compatible conflict management strategy, also between the occupation variable and coercive conflict management strategy.

Social Capital Elevates Courtesy Take into Consideration Teaching-Learning Process in Secondary Schools

Social capital which is also known as relational capital plays very significant role in enhancing education by fostering innovations in educational institutions. Social capital encompasses the relationships and networks which facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and community engagement which are essential for teaching learning process. The existence of productive social capital among the stake holders promotes civility which leads towards imparting quality education to the learners. The main aim of this study is to highlight the importance of social capital in educational institutes. The data for the current study has been collected from a sample size of target population of secondary school teachers in Tehsil Wari, Dir Upper, Pakistan. The study is quantitative in nature as close-ended questionnaire comprising of 33 items covering six dimensions of social capital and teaching learning process with a five point Likert Scale is used for data collection. The validity and reliability of this survey instrument has been ensured by following predetermined principles, like sending for validation to four experts in the field, and checking the value of Cronbach’s alpha. The collected data has been analyzed by using SPSS-22. Descriptive statistics highlights that data is normally distributed therefore parametric tests like Pearson Correlation has been used to determine the relationship between social capital and teaching learning process. The results provide evidence that there is a high, positive and significant correlation between social capital and teaching-learning process. From results it is concluded that for effective teaching-learning process, the existence of social capital in educational institute is of paramount importance. The study recommends that there is need for further research as to explore antecedent variables affecting the co-existence of social capital and teaching-learning process.

Experimental study on pore structures and mechanical properties of ferroaluminate cement under sulfate attack

Ferroaluminate cement (FAC) emerges as a special cement with outstanding durability, offering promising applications. However, the resistance to sulfate attack of FAC remains inadequately understood. In this paper, the impact of sulfate attack on the pore structure of FAC concrete is explored through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests from a microscopic perspective. Meanwhile, the macroscopic mechanical characteristics of concrete attacked by sulfate are investigated under different loading conditions, including splitting tensile and conventional triaxial compression. NMR test analysis shows that as the degree of erosion increases, the number of mesopores and macropores in FAC concrete decreases while the number of micropores increases. The changes in pore structure distribution alter the mechanical response of specimens. The discussion of strength characteristics, deformation behavior, and energy parameters in conventional triaxial tests reveals that FAC concrete attacked by sulfate exhibits superior mechanical properties under confining pressure. Uniaxial strength results indicate that sulfate attack has less impact on specimens under tensile stress state than under compression. Based on the experimental findings, this paper introduces a sulfate attack impact factor to capture the uniaxial strength changes. Further, a multiaxial strength criterion is developed to describe the strength properties of sulfate-attacked concrete under triaxial stress conditions.

Albumin adjuvant therapy for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (AMASS-LVO): rationale, design, and protocol for a phase 1, open-label, clinical trial.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is an acute brain injury caused by sudden occlusion of a blood vessel. Endovascular therapy is the most effective way to restore blood flow. However, despite the restoration of blood flow in some patients, their clinical prognosis often remains unsatisfactory. Albumin has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of AIS. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of local arterial infusions of 20% human serum albumin solution as an adjuvant therapy after endovascular therapy in patients with AIS. This study is a prospective, therapeutic exploratory, non-randomized, open-label, phase 1 clinical trial testing the use of 20% human serum albumin solution injected via the artery immediately after successful reperfusion in patients with AIS. The study is divided into two stages. In the first stage, a single-dose-finding will explore the maximum safe dose according to the 3 + 3 dose escalation principle;, with the maximum dose being 0.60 g/kg. After recanalizing the occluded blood vessel, human serum albumin solution will be injected into the internal carotid artery region through a guiding catheter for 30 min. The second stage involves an albumin adjuvant therapy cohort (AT) and an endovascular treatment lonely cohort (ET). The AT cohort will encompass at least 15 additional participants to complete safety trials at the maximum safe dose determined in the first stage. The ET cohort will include well-matched patients receiving endovascular therapy alone, derived from a contemporaneous prospective registry, who will be excluded from having cardiopulmonary disorders and from receiving any neuroprotective therapy. The primary outcome of this study will be symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Efficacy outcomes will include the proportion of patients with the progression of cerebral infarction volume, a modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 on day 90 after randomization. An exploratory secondary outcome will be the analysis of thromboinflammatory and neuroprotective molecule profiles. This pilot trial aims to explore the safety and efficacy of arterial infusion of an albumin solution after occlusive vessel opening in AIS. The results will provide data parameters for subsequent tests on the arterial infusion of albumin solutions. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05953623.

Comparison of the Torsional Strength of Material Samples Made Using Selected Rapid Prototyping Methods

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of rapid prototyping techniques that support industrial processes. The analysis of studies on strength tests of parts manufactured using additive techniques from model materials and hybrid composites usually includes tests of material and strength parameters based on uniaxial tension, bending, and compression tests. For elements manufactured from polymeric materials using traditional methods (e.g. injection moulding), data obtained from these tests are sufficient to determine the strength of the material and to apply the results in the product design process. In the case of the layered extrusion method, due to the model construction process, strength data based on standard samples do not have a direct transposition on the strength of machine parts operating under various load ranges, especially torsional loads. The publication presents the results of tests on the torsional strength of cylindrical samples with splines produced by layered extrusion, vacuum casting technology, and hybrid technology, which combines both technologies. The test samples were made using a Prusa i3 MK3 3D printer and the plasticised plastic modelling (fused filament fabrication, FFF) method, while PolyJet technology was used to create a reference model. The findings indicate that hybrid technology, in which a thin-walled mould is filled with a chemically hardened polymer, achieves the desired strength for the manufactured parts while maintaining dimensional accuracy and shape. The research results show that producing rotating elements using the hybrid technology reduces the sample core’s ability to undergo plastic deformation due to the adhesion between the materials and the occurrence of notches resulting from the model production process using the layered extrusion method.

The Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Was Associated With Intraplaque Neovascularization of the Carotid Artery on AngioPLUS.

The monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) is a hematological test parameter that reflects the status of both monocytes and lymphocytes as inflammatory cells. This study aims to investigate the relationship between MLR and carotid intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. We performed the Angio Planewave Ultrasensitive (AngioPLUS) screening for patients with carotid plaques. The carotid plaque stability was evaluated by semiquantitative visual grading of carotid IPN. Binary logistic regression models were performed to determine the associations between different clinical and laboratory indicators and the presence of high IPN. A total of 160 patients were eventually enrolled with 99 in the low IPN group (Scores 0-1) and 61 in the high IPN group (Score 2). Univariate logistic regression showed that age, monocytes, lymphocytes, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fibrinogen, d-dimmer, and MLR were significantly associated with the presence of high IPN (all p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression models showed that MLR was significantly associated with the presence of high IPN after adjusting for other covariates. An MLR value of 32.9 was the optimal cutoff value to differentiate high and low IPN. High MLR was also significantly correlated with the presence of high IPN (odds ratio [OR]=4.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.69-9.88, p=0.002) when included in the above multivariate logistic regression model. Elevated MLR is closely associated with the presence of high IPN and may serve as a surrogate biomarker for carotid IPN.

Predictive modeling of abrasive wear in in-situ TiC reinforced ZA37 alloy: A machine learning approach

Abrasive wear rates are of significant interest in various industrial applications where materials are subjected to severe wear conditions. The study analyzed high-stress abrasive wear rates on the novel in-situ TiC reinforced ZA37 composites. The inclusion of in-situ TiC reinforcement in ZA37 alloy has shown potential for enhancing wear resistance. The impact of tribological test parameters on the abrasive wear response was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). Using tribological data, various machine-learning algorithms were trained to predict the wear behaviours of the developed composites. The performance measurements show that the machine learning models accurately predicted the abrasive wear response of test samples. Our findings suggest that machine learning can revolutionize tribology, paving the way for tribo-informatics.

Incidence of serious maternal Morbidity at the RUASHI military hospital (DRC)

Maternal morbidity is a public health problem in developing countries. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of serious maternal morbidity at the Ruashi military hospital (DRC) with a view to ensuring good care and monitoring of pregnant women. A longitudinal descriptive study was conducted among 154 pregnant women in a prospective manner, data entry and analysis of results were carried out using Microsoft office 2016 and statistical test parameters were made using of Epi Info 7.2. The incidence of maternal morbidity was 24.2%, of which 32.4% had anemia followed by hemorrhage with 27% and finally sepsis and uterine subinvolution with 5.4% each. However, 94.6% had followed the prenatal consultation against 5.4% and 29.7% had a frequency of 3 participations in the prenatal consultation and finally 8.1% had a frequency of 6 participations in the CPN. The analysis showed that the frequency of prenatal consultation and postnatal visits, literacy and socio-economic level are statistically associated with maternal morbidity. Improving the socio-economic level of households, combating illiteracy and monitoring prenatal consultation are among the factors that will determine maternal morbidity.

Antioxidant Activity of Arabian Leaves (Ziziphus spina-christi L) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees &amp; T. Nees) Blume) Herbal Tea

Herbal tea is a drink made from the roots, stems, flowers, leaves, seeds and fruit skin of plants which have medicinal plant benefits, easily dissolved in hot water. Herbal teas have health benefits related to the antioxidant and free radical inhibitor activity of tea which is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. This study aims to determine the physical quality and antioxidant activity of herbal tea from Arabic bidara leaves and cinnamon. The method and type of research carried out is quantitative research using a descriptive design. Test parameters include physical quality tests, qualitative flavonoid tests, quantitative flavonoid tests and antioxidant activity tests using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer. The research results from the physical quality test of chopped herbal tea have a brownish yellow color, a typical tea smell, and a typical tea bitter taste. Qualitative flavonoid tests showed that herbal tea contained flavonoid compounds in the flavonol group due to the orange color that was formed, then continued with a test to determine total flavonoid levels with results of 14.382%. The antioxidant test results on herbal tea showed an IC 50 value of 38.294 mg/L, which is included in the very strong antioxidant category.

The Impact of Science, Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS) Learning Model Integrated with Google Earth on Spatial Thinking Ability in Senior High School

Developing spatial thinking skills in students often poses a challenge for Geography teachers in Indonesia. The concept of spatial relationships in geography places spatial thinking as a distinct aspect of intelligence, enabling individuals to identify patterns and trends in spatial change. Therefore, appropriate models and strategies are needed to develop spatial thinking skills. This study aims to determine the effect of the Science, Environment, Technology and Society (SETS) learning model integrated with Google Earth on students' spatial thinking ability. This research is a quasi-experiment with posttest-only design nonequivalent groups that uses a quantitative approach with the inferential statistical method using the Independent sample t-test parametric test. The subjects of this study were randomly selected XI grade students from SMAN 10 Malang including, XI-C class as the experimental class and XI-D as the control class. The research instruments used are seven essay questions on spatial thinking ability. The data obtained will be analyzed using parametric statistics Independent sample t-test and obtained sig value. (2-tailed) 0.041. The mean value of the experimental class is greater (80.14) than the mean value of the control class (72.08). It can be concluded that the Science, Environment, Technology, and Society (SETS) model integrated with Google Earth affects students' spatial thinking ability on the material of Disaster and Environment class XI SMAN 10 Malang City. Another finding of this study is that three syntaxes are dominant in bringing up and developing students' spatial thinking ability, namely initiation, concept development formation, and concept application.

The Effectiveness of Sunscreen Cream with Ethanol Extract of Sungkai Leaves (Peronema canescens Jack)

Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) (PCL) contains flavonoid compounds that can absorb UV light therefore having the potential to be developed as a raw material for cosmetics that functions as a sunscreen. The research aims to formulate PCL extract into a sunscreen cream. Sungkai leaves are macerated using 96% ethanol solvent. Specific and non-specific parameter tests were carried out on the extract as well as antioxidant tests using the DPPH method and SPF tests using the Mansur method. The results of this research showed that 96% ethanol extract of PCL had a blackish-green color, pH 5.25; the ethanol and water-soluble essence levels were 6.25% and 5.17%. The water content obtained is 27.4%; drying shrinkage is 0.46%; total ash content is 0.12% and acid insoluble ash content is 0.1%. The antioxidant value obtained was 35.06 ppm. Three cream formulations were prepared (FI of 0.1753%, FII of 0.3506%, and FIII of 0.5259%) and evaluated for organoleptic, homogeneity, cream type, viscosity, pH, particle size, and spreadability tests for one month at 25℃ and 40℃. The organoleptic test results of the cream have a soft texture, with varying colors; light green (FI), green (FII), and dark green (FIII) color. Other evaluation test results show that the cream has a pH of 5.16 - 6.73, a spreadability of 6.47 - 8.07 cm, a viscosity of 15466.67 - 38933.33 cPs, a particle size of 9.88 - 16.17 µm and an SPF of 17.68 (FI), 27.46 (FII), and 33.64 (FIII) with ultra protection on all three. PCL extract after being formulated into creams shows high SPF activity with F3 as the best formula. PCL extract can be formulated into a cream form that meets physical and chemical quality parameters.

Неформалното образование по биология през погледа на ученици, учители и родители

The article presents the results of a survey among students, teachers and parents on non-formal educational activities. The sample size included 80 students between the ages of 12 – 14, participants in summer academies for children, 100 teachers and 69 parents. The main diagnostic tool is a survey of five questions - four with closed and one question with open answers. The survey results were processed statistically, using descriptive statistics, Fisher's parametric test and Kruskal Wallis's non-parametric test. Most of the respondees (students, teachers and parents) believe that the Middle school curriculum in Science (V – VI grade) and Biology and Health Education (VII grade) affects career choice. Students are not sure, while parents are doubtful, that in formal education one can acquire enough knowledge and skills, applicable to the real professional life. The results of the research indicate that non-formal educational initiatives are rare at the schools of the repondees (students, parents and teachers).

Nutritional Profile Analysis of Red Bean Tempeh Fermented Using &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Rhizopus Oligosporus &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;at Different Time

Investigation of non-soybean legumes as raw material for making tempeh is very important to be carried out continuously considering soybean production tends to decline from year to year. This study aims to analyse the potential of red bean seeds as raw material for tempeh and changes in their nutritional profile when fermented at different fermentation times. The red beans were soaked in water overnight at room temperature and then boiled for 20 minutes. After boiling, the red beans were drained and then fermented for 36, 48, and 60 hours using a suspension of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Rhizopus oligosporus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; with a weight of 2 g for each 1000 g of red beans. Red bean tempeh was analysed for quality using test parameters including physical appearance (color, texture, and aroma) and nutritional profile (calorie value, ash, water, crude fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate content). The physical appearance and nutritional profile of red bean tempeh were compared with those of soybean tempeh, while the quality of tempeh was compared with Indonesian national standards for tempeh. The results showed that the length of fermentation time significantly affected the nutritional profile of tempeh. Red bean tempeh fermented for 48 hours had a nutritional profile including energy, water, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber content of 201.59 kcal/100 g tempeh, 61.97%, 1.18%, 16.19%, 10.98%, 8.29%, and 1.13%, respectively. The physical appearance and nutritional profile of red bean tempeh have met the tempeh quality requirements issued by the Indonesian national standard for tempeh. Therefore, red bean seed appears to be as good as raw materials for tempeh production.

Fundamentals of Nonparametric Statistical Tests for Dental Clinical Research.

This article provides the foundation for employing nonparametric testing in dental clinical research. To make wise judgments in their research, investigators should learn more about the main nonparametric tests and their particular uses. Biostatistical analysis is essential in dental research; dental research frequently deviates from the assumptions that underpin traditional parametric statistics. Nonparametric statistics are useful for studies with small sample sizes, nominal- or ordinal-level data, and non-normally distributed variables. These statistical tests make no assumptions about the sampled population. Nonparametric tests are statistical methods based on signs and ranks. For dental research to be conducted effectively and accurately, statistical approaches must be applied correctly. Therefore, dental researchers must understand the many statistical methods at their disposal and know when to use them.

Significant impact of the covid-19 pandemic on methane emissions evaluated by comprehensive statistical analysis of satellite data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced various aspects of society, including environmental factors such as methane emissions. This study investigates the changes in methane concentrations in Seoul, South Korea, from 2019 to 2023, using TROPOMI satellite data and rigorous statistical analyses. The normality of the sample data is first assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk (S-W) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests, indicating that the data can be considered to come from a normal distribution. The S-W test demonstrated superior discriminative power (highest statistical power: 0.8668) compared to the K-S test (highest statistical power: 0.4002), confirming the validity of parametric tests for our data. The S-W test shows better discriminative power than the K-S test in terms of sensitivity to departures from normality, particularly for small sample sizes. Based on this confirmation, parametric tests such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc tests (Bonferroni correction, Tukey's HSD, Scheffe's method) are employed to identify significant differences in methane levels across different years. The ANOVA results show a statistically significant difference in methane concentrations across years (p-value: , F-value: 26.572). Post-hoc analyses reveal no significant difference in methane concentrations between 2019 and 2020 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.1045, Tukey's HSD - 0.397, Scheffe's - 0.1045), and no significant difference between 2020 and 2021 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.917, Tukey's HSD - 0.840, Scheffe's - 0.917). However, a significant increase in methane levels is observed from 2022 to 2023 (p-values: Bonferroni - 0.0001, Tukey's HSD - 0.0002, Scheffe's - 0.0001), correlating with the "new normal" policy implemented in South Korea starting in November 2021 and effectively from the beginning of 2022. This suggests that changes in industrial activities and transportation patterns due to the "new normal" have contributed to higher methane emissions. Student's t-test and Welch's t-test were used to validate the ANOVA results. Permutation tests showed no significant difference between 2019 and 2020 (test statistic: -0.0096, p-values: 0.1191 for Student's and 0.1156 for Welch's). However, a significant difference was found between 2022 and 2023 (test statistic: -0.0172, p-value: 0.0001), confirming ANOVA results that indicated increased methane levels post-pandemic. This study provides a robust quantitative assessment of the pandemic's impact on methane levels and sets a methodological statistical approach for future research in the environmental research community.

Evaluation of Water Quality and Scarcity Issues for Sustainable Water Management Strategy in Twin Cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Pakistan.

Today's water world is pebbledashed with two main trepidations of water security/ scarcity, which need in-depth elaboration. Developing countries are particularly facing the impacts of water contamination and scarcity but lack the required impetus and technical infrastructure, thus necessitating swift actions to evaluate the effects of water security/ scarcity on the environment and water resources. In this study, an effort has been made to assess the water security/ scarcity situation in the twin cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, elucidating the water quality/ quantity parameters in the Rawal Lake reservoir in Pakistan by analysing the contamination. The samples were collected/ tested during spring/ monsoon seasons to analyse temporal/fluvial impacts on water discharge. The results were compared with Pakistan's and WHO's drinking water standards before and after the water treatment. Almost all the testing parameters of the raw water samples from the Rawal Lake reservoir feeding streams exceeded the standard limits or fell close to the upper threshold limits, suggesting that this water was unsuitable for drinking without extensive treatment and an efficient distribution system. The contamination, untreated sewage disposal, non-regulated water utilisation, drawdown and supply/ demand gaps are the grave factors causing the water security/ scarcity in the capital/ twin cities of Islamabad/ Rawalpindi. Pakistan has already entered the water scarcity threshold of 1014 m3/ person/ annum in 2018, reduced from water availability of 5260 m3/ person/ annum in 1950 and will likely reach a drought level by 2050 due to increased population and reduced water resources. The study proposes an organisational implementation model for catchment-level river management to ensure good quality of water, construction of 5-10 small dams, and the provision of water from Terbella Dam suggested as the long-term strategy to prevent water scarcity.