Frequency Distribution Research Articles

The Influencing Factors of The Leptospirosis Prevalence in the Working Area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease in the world caused by the bacterium Leptospira sp. The Kebonagung Public Health Center reported 34 cases of leptospirosis in 2023. The purpose of the study is to determine the factors influencing the leptospirosis prevalence in the Working Area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center. The type of this research was quantitative using a case control study design. The number of samples obtained were 22 cases and 22 controls. The sampling technique used were non probability sampling with purposive sampling. Univariate data analysis construed the frequency distribution, bivariate analysis with Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression test. The results of the bivariate analysis shows that there is an influence between education (p-value=0,018), occupation (p-value=0,037), and past injury (p-value=0,003) on the prevalence of leptospirosis in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center. There is no influence between income (p-value 0,280) and personal hygiene (p-value=0,203) on the leptospirosis prevalence in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Cente,. The results of multivariate analysis shows that the factor that most influenced the prevalence of leptospirosis in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center, is past injuries with (p-value=0,006). It is hoped that the public will adopt clean and healthy living habits, especially in caring for wounds and with Increasing leptospirosis surveillance, cross-sectoral coordination, and also familiarization of leptospirosis prevention and control need to be conducted as soon as possible to prevent the prevalence of leptospirosis.

The Relationship Between Worm Infections and Selenium Intake In Children In The Working Area Of Tabaringan Health Center Makassar City

Background: Worm infection is one of the health problems in Indonesia. Worm infections can disrupt nutrient requirements, hinder growth, intellectual development, and affect the immune system, making the body susceptible to other diseases. Selenium is a micronutrient with great potential to influence the immune system. The mechanism of action of selenium includes antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative damage, maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, and anti-apoptotic function in the large intestine. Selenium can enhance the host's immune response by increasing the activity of Alternative Activated Macrophages (AAM), which are the main macrophages in fighting intestinal parasitic worms. Research Objective: To determine the relationship between worm infections and selenium intake. Research Method: Analytical research using a cross-sectional approach. Sampling was done using total sampling technique on elementary school children in the Tabaringan Health Center working area in Makassar City, aged 7-9 years. Research Results: The frequency distribution of positive worm infections was 22.2%, equivalent to 8 samples, and negative worm infections were 77.8%, equivalent to 28 samples. Adequacy of selenium intake in the samples showed 16.7% inadequacy, equivalent to 6 samples, and 83.3% adequacy, equivalent to 30 samples. The analysis of the relationship between worm infections and selenium intake yielded a P-value = 0.151. Conclusion: There is no relationship between worm infections and selenium intake in children in the Tabaringan Health Center working area in Makassar City.

Gambaran Tingkat Kecemasan Keluarga Dalam Merawat Pasien Dengan Skizofrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health disorder, which requires family support in the recovery process. Schizophrenia patients who are cared for directly by their families have the potential to cause immediate anxiety for their families. Objective: to determine the level of family anxiety in caring for patients with schizophrenia. Method: The research design used in this research is descriptive with a cross-sectional approach model. Using a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling, with a sample size of 93 people. This research uses the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRS-A) questionnaire. Data analysis uses univariate analysis, namely analysis carried out on each research variable to look for frequency distributions, namely frequencies and percentages. Results: Based on age characteristics, it was found that the majority of respondents were in the 36-45 year range, 37 people (39.8%) with an elementary school education level of 35 people (37.6%), 52 people (55%) were male. .9%) and work as farmers as many as 39 people (41.9%). The results of the study showed that the level of family anxiety in caring for schizophrenic patients was mostly 35 people (37.60%) in the mild category. Conclusion: The anxiety level of the patient's family in caring for schizophrenic patients is in the mild category.

Non-Compliance of Fresh Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) Fisheries Products from Uganda

This study aimed to assess official monitoring data for fresh Nile perch fisheries products in Uganda. This review focuses on identifying patterns of non-compliance with food safety standards and understanding hazards associated with the Nile perch value chain. The results will serve as a basis for updating/improving pertinent Uganda Standards and regulations. An in-depth analysis was conducted utilizing secondary data for 14 factories encompassing official laboratory results spanning twelve years (2010-2022), sourced from the Department of Fisheries Resources records. Frequency distribution tables were employed to determine trends in non-compliance, emphasizing both the frequency and parameters contributing to deviations from safety standards. Examination of non-compliance trends, done using the Mann-Kendall test, revealed a compliance rate of approximately 80% for fresh Nile perch products across the majority (10) of the studied factories. Four factories experienced non-compliance, exceeding 20% of the total monitoring samples at least once during the study period. Among these, only one factory consistently demonstrated non-compliance exceeding 20% throughout the entire review period. There was a correlation between the factories exhibiting the highest non-compliance rates and their history of frequent changes in ownership and/or management over the past two decades. Microbial analysis results highlighted Total Viable Count (TVC), Total Coliforms (TC), and Enterobacteriaceae as the predominant contributors to non-compliance. In addition, heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, emerged as prevalent chemical hazards associated with non-compliance in the fresh Nile perch value chain in Uganda. It is recommended that efforts be concentrated on addressing the prevalence of the identified microbiological parameters. Furthermore, a formal review of national standards is advised, with consideration for the removal of parameters such as Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio cholerae, and Clostridium perfringens, which showed negligible occurrence. Instead, emphasis should be placed on incorporating Enterobacteriaceae, consistently prevalent in fresh Nile perch products across most factories throughout the entire review period.

Characteristics of VE/HXLPE wear particle morphology: A comparative analysis with UHMWPE in an in vitro artificial tibial insert simulation test

Particle generation from artificial knee prostheses is a leading cause of artificial joint failures. Vitamin E stabilized highly cross-linked polyethylene (VE/HXLPE) is known for its antioxidant properties and minimal wear characteristics. However, research on the wear behavior of VE/HXLPE is limited. This study aims to compare wear debris from VE/HXLPE with the conventional material Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) under identical in vitro test conditions. Specifically, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to morphologically categorize particles, resulting in four distinct groups for VE/HXLPE and five for UHMWPE. Notably, 68 % of VE/HXLPE particles exhibited small-sized spheroidal morphology, while UHMWPE mainly produced elongated bioactive particles. Key particle attributes were then assessed, including 'equivalent circle diameter (ECD)', 'aspect ratio (AR)', and 'roundness (R) ', and presented as frequency distributions. The morphological analysis revealed that VE/HXLPE particles displayed various shapes, such as spheroidal, flakes, bulks, rods, and fibrils, and their formation mechanism was discussed. Additionally, the Functional Biological Activity (FBA) of VE/HXLPE wear particles was calculated. The results demonstrated differences in particle sizes, shape distributions, and bioactivity between VE/HXLPE and UHMWPE, which indicates that VE/HXLPE particles had a lower likelihood of inducing osteolysis. This study holds promise for gaining deeper insights into the mechanical properties and the potential for bioactivity in VE/HXLPE as an artificial joint material.

Productive Employee Training and Its Impact on Retention

Background: The present research examines the financial aspects of efficacious employee training and its influence on employee retention in corporate environments. The study aims to assess how management assistance for employee retention, training and development, and future growth are related to performance reviews. Methods: Using a frequency distribution, the study looks at the demographic and social status of 297 participants who make up its sample. The reliability analysis demonstrates good consistency in the measurement scales. Results: Correlation analysis finds significantly positive correlations between the variables. A multiple regression analysis reveals a well-fitting model (R Square = 0.841), confirming the significant contribution of future growth, training, development, and management support to employees and performance reviews to explain variance in employee retention. Conclusion: The coefficient analysis emphasizes the significance of strategic approaches to improving employee retention and highlights the individual contributions of these factors. Novelty: This research adds to our understanding of the changing direction of employee retention. It offers valuable advice to firms looking to maximize managerial support and training strategies to cultivate a loyal and contented workforce.

Use of locums in the Regular GP Scheme 2016-22.

Under the Regular GP Scheme, locum GPs must be used when GPs are absent or when a patient list has no GP. We have studied the prevalence and development of locum contracts registered in the Regular GP Scheme in the period from 1January 2016 to 31December 2022. In this descriptive registry study, we categorised 21418 locum contracts from the period 1January 2016 to 31December 2022 according to municipality and duration. We divided the municipalities into groups according to Statistics Norway's six centrality classes. Classes 1‒2 are central; 3‒4 are less central; and 5‒6 are the least central municipalities. The analysis is based on frequency tables, contingency tables and rates. In the period studied, the number of registered locum contracts increased in Norway from 916 to 5003 (446%). The increase was largest in centrality group 5‒6. The average duration of the locum positions was 195 days in centrality groups 1‒2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 190‒200), 130 days in centrality groups 3‒4 (95% CI 127‒134) and 67 days in centrality groups 5‒6 (95% CI 64‒69). Centrality groups 5‒6 had twice as many locum contracts for full-time positions compared to centrality groups 1‒2, where part-time positions were more common. Locum contracts per list without a GP increased nationally from 0.5 to 4.7 in the study period. The GP Registry provides increasingly useful, nationwide information on the use of locum GPs. Use of locums in the Regular GP Scheme has increased significantly since 2016, and this may represent a challenge to equal access to health services. Future research should examine the causes and consequences of increased use of locum GPs.

Impact of the water-wedge deterioration effect of pulsating water injection on AE waveforms and crack propagation during fracturing processes

Pulsating hydraulic fracturing (PHF) is a promising technology for enhancing the extraction of coalbed methane. In this study, the effects of pulsating water response of coal fractures were investigated. Prior to quasi-static fracturing, coal samples were subjected to pulsating water injection for 120 min. The fracturing process was monitored using an acoustic emission (AE) system and compared with direct fracturing without pulsating water injection. The Hilbert–Huang transform theory was employed for the analysis. The AE signals were examined in time and frequency domains, across various parameters, including intrinsic mode function (IMF) components, energy, three-dimensional spectrum, location features, and crack development. The results indicated a 37.82 % reduction in initiation pressure, accompanied by decreased AE counts and the promotion of gradual fracture initiation. Initially, the AE waveform amplitudes decreased, followed by an increase in distinctive patterns. Water injection primarily reduced the amplitudes during unstable fracturing, shifting the extreme IMF component forward. Moreover, it decreased the peak energy, shortened the energy release duration, and improved the signal-to-noise ratio during crack propagation. Water injection also narrowed the frequency distribution range, concentrated the energy distribution, expanded the extent of the fracture, increased the number of location points, and induced more macroscopic cracks within the coal body.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Treatment with Conventional Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Versus Clear Aligners in Saudi Arabia: A Multi-Center Cross-sectional Study

Background: This study aimed to compare the treatment progress and complications between patients receiving conventional orthodontic treatment and clear aligners during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: An electronic survey was distributed randomly among orthodontic patients in Saudi Arabia to understand how the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 affected orthodontic patients. The survey questions were structured into four sections, including demographic data, continuation of orthodontic follow-up appointments during the COVID-19, reasons for missed appointments, and problems of orthodontic patients. Data analysis consisted of simple descriptive statistics presented in frequency tables and percentages. Statistical significance was set at P≤0.05. Results: A total of 512 electronic responses were received. Sixty-two (12.11%) participants missed no orthodontic follow-up appointment during the COVID-19 lockdown. Hence, the study included 450 (87.89%) participants to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sustained orthodontic treatment. The proportion of patients in the fixed appliance group (35.2%, 86 patients) who responded that “they had not even once tried to communicate with their orthodontists” was significantly higher than that in the clear aligner group (9.2%, 19 patients) (P<0.001). The proportion of participants who received fixed appliances (62.3%, 152 patients) and disagreed with the lockdown of orthodontic clinics during the COVID-19 was significantly higher than that in clear aligner users (19.4%, 40 patients) (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that most issues were reported by patients who had fixed appliances. Thus, tele-orthodontics could provide a solution to continue dental practice during the COVID-19, and clear aligners are preferable to traditional orthodontic treatment methods.

Perbedaan Tingkat Pemahaman Akuntansi Di Antara Mahasiswa Berdasarkan Kelulusan Pada Mahasiswa Semester II Tahun Angkatan 2017 Di Program Studi Akuntansi Universitas Muara Bungo

This study aims to investigate whether disparities exist in the comprehension of accounting concepts among students with diverse educational backgrounds. The research is conducted at the Faculty of Economics, Muara Bungo University, focusing on students majoring in Accounting. The study population comprises 62 second-semester students at Muara Bungo University (UMB). Quantitative descriptive data analysis, presented in the form of frequency tables, is employed for this research. The Likert scale is utilized as the scoring technique to evaluate respondents' answers to the questionnaire. According to the American Accounting Association, accounting is defined as the process of identifying, measuring, and reporting economic information to facilitate informed decision-making for stakeholders. The findings indicate significant discrepancies in the comprehension levels of assets among students from vocational schools specializing in accounting, high schools with a focus on social studies, and general Madrasah Aliyah. Similarly, there are noteworthy variations in the understanding levels of liabilities and equity among students from different educational backgrounds.

The Assessment of Knowledge Regarding Hypertension and Treatment Adherence

Background: Hypertension is a leading global health challenge due to its substantial role in increasing the risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Despite its prevalence, there remains a significant gap in the general population's knowledge about hypertension management and the adherence to treatment protocols. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding hypertension and the adherence to treatment among patients diagnosed with the condition in a tertiary care setting in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. The study utilized convenient sampling to recruit 135 patients diagnosed with hypertension. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from Morisky et al. (2008), which included sections on demographic data, knowledge about hypertension, and treatment adherence. The reliability of the scales was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.997 for the knowledge scale and 0.983 for the adherence scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions in SPSS version 25. Results: The majority of participants were aged between 31-40 years (75.8%), with a balanced gender distribution (53.3% male, 46.7% female). Educational levels varied, with the majority holding matric qualifications (46.7%). Knowledge about hypertension was moderate, with 45.9% correctly identifying the implications of high diastolic or systolic blood pressure. However, substantial misconceptions persisted regarding the necessity of lifestyle changes alongside medication. Treatment adherence was moderately low, with 45.9% of participants frequently forgetting to take their medication, and a significant portion deliberately skipping doses. Conclusion: The study highlighted a moderate understanding of hypertension and a corresponding moderate to low adherence to treatment protocols among patients. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted educational interventions to enhance knowledge and improve adherence, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden of hypertension-related complications.

Leisure-time physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly community: population census

Adopting healthy habits, especially regular physical activity, is essential for healthy aging and cognitive health promotion. Objective: to describe the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and its association with cognitive function in community-dwelling elderly. Methods: a cross-sectional, census-based study with individuals ≥ 60 years residing in Coxilha, Rio Grande do Sul in 2021. The level of physical activity, mental state, and sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed. Qualitative variables were presented in univariate frequency distributions and bivariate analysis through the chi-square test and Fisher's Exact Test. Results: Of the 519 elderly evaluated, only 11.4% were classified as physically active in their leisure time, being more common in elderly without cognitive decline (p=0.027). The other investigated variables did not show a significant association with the outcome (p>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of physically active elderly in leisure time is low, being more prevalent among those without cognitive decline.

Design and Evaluation of Novel Submerged Floating Tunnel Models Based on Dynamic Similarity

Submerged floating tunnels (SFTs), also known as the Archimedes Bridge, are new transportation structures designed for crossing deep waters. Compared with cross-sea bridges and subsea tunnels, SFTs offer superior environmental adaptability, reduced construction costs, and an enhanced spanning capacity, highlighting their significant development potential and research value. This paper introduces a new type of SFT scale model for hydrodynamic experiments, adhering to the criteria for geometric similarity, motion similarity, and dynamic similarity principles, including the Froude and Cauchy similarity principles. This model enables the accurate simulation of the elastic deformation of the tunnel body and complex hydrodynamic phenomena, such as fluid–structure interactions and vortex–induced vibrations. Moreover, this paper details the design methodology, fabrication process, and method for similarity evaluation, covering the mass, deflection under load, natural frequency in air, and the natural frequency of the various underwater motion freedoms of the model. The results of our experiments and numerical simulations demonstrate a close alignment, proving the reliability of the new SFT scale model. The frequency distribution observed in the white noise wave tests indicates that the SFT equipped with inclined mooring cables experiences a coupled interaction between horizontal motion, vertical motion, and rotation. Furthermore, the design methodology of this model can be applied to other types of SFTs, potentially advancing technical progress in scale modeling of SFTs and enhancing the depth of SFT research through hydrodynamic experiments.

Utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients attending clinic at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

The aim of food labels is to inform consumers on the food content. The information conveyed on food labels has evolved over time thus the objectives of food labelling have become numerous. Despite the recognized association of food labels utilization and disease management, the current global mortality rate from diabetes mellitus and hypertension remains high. In order for the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension to reduce, population-wide interventions including the promotion of healthy diets through the provision of adequate information on food labels should be done. This study aimed at assessing utilization of nutrition information on food labels by diabetic mellitus and hypertensive patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in March and April 2022 at Kakamega County Teaching and Referral hospital, Kenya. Data was collected from respondents using a structured questionnaire administered to 125 randomly selected respondents and the response rate was 80%. Socio- demographic characteristics of the study participants were determined using descriptive statistics for distribution. Association between the study variables was determined using Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The analyzed data was presented by use of frequency tables, graphs and pie charts. About 46% of the respondents were aged >60years. About 73% were married and about 40% reported to have completed primary education level. About 39 % were self-employed earning less than Ksh. 5,000 (50 USD) per month. Prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Kakamega were at 4.6% and 29.4% respectively. Age (p= 0.028), Education (p= 0.001), Job/employment (p=0.0010), Monthly income (p=0.001) and Monthly household food expenditure (p=0.007) significantly influenced utilization of food labels. About 64% (n=64) reported to be knowing what food labels are and about 34% (n=34) reported not knowing what they are. About 46.8% (n=30) of those who reported they read the labels participants reported that they read nutrition information every time they purchased the product, 37.5% (n=24) read the information the first time they purchased the product and 15.7% (n=10) read nutrition information on food labels at other different times. Food prices, nutrition information on the food label, health and nutrition status and fat/sodium/sugar content were among the factors that had a high influence on utilization of food labels. This study recommends nutrition education to the general population on benefits of reading nutrition information on food labels in order to make healthful food choices in order to reduce the prevalence of these chronic diseases. Key words: Food labels, Utilization, Nutrition, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Kakamega

Perceptions of Medical Students Concerning Online Education

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to online education systems worldwide, significantly affecting traditional learning environments. This study examines the perceptions and experiences of medical students at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS) during the enforced online education period, exploring the efficacy and challenges of this sudden transition. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess medical students' perceptions of online education, their engagement with various digital tools, and the effectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a non-probability convenience sampling method at LUMHS. The study spanned one month and included undergraduate medical students who consented to participate. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data on students' demographics, their experiences with online classes, and the challenges faced. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Review Committee of LUMHS. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and Chi-square tests to assess the relationships between variables. Results: The study comprised 328 participants with a gender distribution of 40.55% male and 59.45% female. Age groups were 18-20 (30.48%), 21-22 (33.55%), and 23-24 (35.97%). Most students preferred online sessions of 40-45 minutes, with significant dissatisfaction reported regarding the educational effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional methods. Technical issues, internet connectivity, and inadequate electrical supplies were significant barriers encountered. Conclusion: The findings highlight the challenges and limitations of sudden transitions to online learning. Despite the proactive measures by educational institutions and government bodies, students faced significant hurdles that impacted their learning experiences. Future educational strategies should consider these insights to enhance the design and delivery of online education, ensuring it is more robust and effective.

Genetic variability in stroke patients: CYP2C19 polymorphisms unraveled

ObjectiveTo study the distribution characteristics of CYP2C19 polymorphisms in patients suffering from stroke in Han Chinese patients.MethodPCR and DNA microarray chip technology were used to detect the CYP2C19 genotype of 549 patients with stroke, and the genotype, allele frequency and metabolic type of patients with different sexes, ages and types of infarctions and the independent risk factors for clopidogrel resistance were analyzed.ResultsSix genotypes were detected in these 549 patients. A total of 233 (42.44%) patients had the heterozygous allele *1/*2, which was the most prevalent, followed by the homozygous wild-type allele *1/*1 (191, 34.79%). A total of 30 (5.46%) patients possessed the heterozygous allele *1/*3, and 65 (11.84%) patients had the homozygous mutant allele *2/*2. Twenty-nine (5.28%) patients had the compound heterozygous mutant allele *2/*3, and only 1 patient had the homozygous mutant allele *3/*3. The distribution of genotypes, alleles, and metabolic types did not change significantly (P > 0.05) by sex, age, or type of stroke. In addition, no independent risk factors for clopidogrel resistance were found in this analysis.ConclusionThe distribution of CYP2C19 genotypes, allele frequencies, and metabolic types in patients with stroke in Han Chinese patients were not correlated with sex, age, or infarction type. The possibilities of hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia and high blood pressure were not statistically associated with CYP2C19 genotypes. CYP2C19 gene polymorphism detection is recommended for patients who are available, and during treatment, the CYP2C19 genotype can be used to guide personalized precise medication use in patients with stroke.

Phenotypic characterization and candidate gene analysis of a short kernel and brassinosteroid insensitive mutant from hexaploid oat (Avena sativa).

In an ethyl methanesulfonate oat (Avena sativa) mutant population we have found a mutant with striking differences to the wild-type (WT) cv. Belinda. We phenotyped the mutant and compared it to the WT. The mutant was crossed to the WT and mapping-by-sequencing was performed on a pool of F2 individuals sharing the mutant phenotype, and variants were called. The impacts of the variants on genes present in the reference genome annotation were estimated. The mutant allele frequency distribution was combined with expression data to identify which among the affected genes was likely to cause the observed phenotype. A brassinosteroid sensitivity assay was performed to validate one of the identified candidates. A literature search was performed to identify homologs of genes known to be involved in seed shape from other species. The mutant had short kernels, compact spikelets, altered plant architecture, and was found to be insensitive to brassinosteroids when compared to the WT. The segregation of WT and mutant phenotypes in the F2 population was indicative of a recessive mutation of a single locus. The causal mutation was found to be one of 123 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the entire chromosome 3A, with further filtering narrowing this down to six candidate genes. In-depth analysis of these candidate genes and the brassinosteroid sensitivity assay suggest that a Pro303Leu substitution in AVESA.00010b.r2.3AG0419820.1 could be the causal mutation of the short kernel mutant phenotype. We identified 298 oat proteins belonging to orthogroups of previously published seed shape genes, with AVESA.00010b.r2.3AG0419820.1 being the only of these affected by a SNP in the mutant. The AVESA.00010b.r2.3AG0419820.1 candidate is functionally annotated as a GSK3/SHAGGY-like kinase with homologs in Arabidopsis, wheat, barley, rice, and maize, with several of these proteins having known mutants giving rise to brassinosteroid insensitivity and shorter seeds. The substitution in AVESA.00010b.r2.3AG0419820.1 affects a residue with a known gain-of function substitution in Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE2. We propose a gain-of-function mutation in AVESA.00010b.r2.3AG0419820.1 as the most likely cause of the observed phenotype, and name the gene AsGSK2.1. The findings presented here provide potential targets for oat breeders, and a step on the way towards understanding brassinosteroid signaling, seed shape and nutrition in oats.

The Effects of Medical Clowning on the Quality of Life (QoL)on the Patients in on Co-Pediatric Daycare Wards

This study investigate the effects of Medical Clowning on the quality of life (QoL)on the patients in onco-pediatric daycare wards. A total of 35 participants aged 8-15 years were recruited from an onco-pediatric ward. Validated tools, including the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and thematic coding, were utilized to assess QOL respectively. Statistical analysis, including frequency distribution for quantitatively analyzing the scores of quality of life and further using thematic coding to form respective codes done conducting semi structured interviews on the patients and their guardians were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed significant improvements in the pediatric quality of life following medical clowning therapy. The frequency distribution for scoring quantitative data for quality of life, thematic coding for qualitatively analysis and forming 8 different themes, to assess the effectiveness of medical clowning therapy was used. The findings indicated a significant positive impact of medical clowning on improving pediatric quality of life. These results highlight the therapeutic benefits of medical clowning interventions in pediatric oncology care, emphasizing their role in enhancing patient well-being and promoting a supportive treatment environment. Furthermore, the findings underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and policy support in integrating medical clowning into comprehensive pediatric oncology care protocols. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the effectiveness of medical clowning as a psychosocial intervention in pediatric oncology settings, providing evidence to support its integration into standard care protocols. Moving forward, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of medical clowning interventions and optimize their implementation in clinical practice.

Polygenic dynamics underlying the response of quantitative traits to directional selection

We study the response of a quantitative trait to exponential directional selection in a finite haploid population, both at the genetic and the phenotypic level. We assume an infinite sites model, in which the number of new mutations per generation in the population follows a Poisson distribution (with mean Θ) and each mutation occurs at a new, previously monomorphic site. Mutation effects are beneficial and drawn from a distribution. Sites are unlinked and contribute additively to the trait. Assuming that selection is stronger than random genetic drift, we model the initial phase of the dynamics by a supercritical Galton–Watson process. This enables us to obtain time-dependent results. We show that the copy-number distribution of the mutant in generation n, conditioned on non-extinction until n, is described accurately by the deterministic increase from an initial distribution with mean 1. This distribution is related to the absolutely continuous part W+ of the random variable, typically denoted W, that characterizes the stochasticity accumulating during the mutant’s sweep. A suitable transformation yields the approximate dynamics of the mutant frequency distribution in a Wright–Fisher population of size N. Our expression provides a very accurate approximation except when mutant frequencies are close to 1. On this basis, we derive explicitly the (approximate) time dependence of the expected mean and variance of the trait and of the expected number of segregating sites. Unexpectedly, we obtain highly accurate approximations for all times, even for the quasi-stationary phase when the expected per-generation response and the trait variance have equilibrated. The latter refine classical results. In addition, we find that Θ is the main determinant of the pattern of adaptation at the genetic level, i.e., whether the initial allele-frequency dynamics are best described by sweep-like patterns at few loci or small allele-frequency shifts at many. The number of segregating sites is an appropriate indicator for these patterns. The selection strength determines primarily the rate of adaptation. The accuracy of our results is tested by comprehensive simulations in a Wright–Fisher framework. We argue that our results apply to more complex forms of directional selection.

Impact of meteorological data factors and material characterization method on the predictions of leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades

Leading edge erosion of wind turbine blades is a major contributor to wind farm energy yield losses and maintenance costs. Presented is a multidisciplinary framework for predicting rain erosion lifetimes of wind turbine blades. Key aim is assessing the sensitivity of lifetime predictions to: modeling aspects (material erosion model, blade aerodynamics), input data and/or their preprocessing (joint frequency distribution of wind speed and droplet size based on synchronous site-specific measurements versus frequency distribution generated with partly site-agnostic modeling standards, wind speed records of nacelle anemometer or extrapolated at hub height from met masts), and environmental conditions (UV weathering). The analyses consider a Northwest England onshore site where a utility-scale turbine is operational, focus on a reference 5 MW turbine assumed operational at the site, and use a typical leading edge coating material. It is found that the largest variations in erosion lifetime predictions are due to material erosion model (based on rain erosion test data or fundamental material properties) and wind and rain model (measurement-based joint wind speed and droplet size distribution or standard-based modeled distribution). The use of joint wind and rain distribution also enables identifying wind/rain states with highest erosion potential, knowledge paramount to deploying erosion-safe turbine control.