Variables For Outcome Research Articles

Is the transradial approach associated with decreased acute kidney injury following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients not complicated by major bleeding and haemodynamic disturbance?

The impact of the transradial approach (TRA) on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) has been controversial. We retrospectively analysed 463 patients undergoing PCI for either acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Excluded patients were those with missing laboratory or procedural data, acute/decompensated heart failure, major bleeding, haemodynamic instability, long-term dialysis and mortality. The primary endpoint of the study was the incidence of AKI after PCI, which was defined as an increase in serum creatinine (SCr) level of 0.5 mg/dl or 25% from the baseline. Secondary endpoints were change in SCr level, increase in SCr of ≥ 0.3 and ≥ 0.5 mg/dl, and increase in SCr of ≥ 25 and ≥ 50%. We compared the incidence of AKI between the TRA and the transfemoral approach (TFA) in the overall and a propensity score (PS)-matched study population. The study population included 339 patients. After PS matching, we obtained a well-balanced population of 182 patients. The differences between the incidence of AKI in the TRA and TFA were not significant in both the overall (9.0 vs 11.2%, p = 0.503) and PS-matched (9.9 vs 7.7%, p = 0.601) study population. TRA resulted in a significantly lower incidence of SCr increase of ≥ 50% in unmatched patients. However, after PS matching, there was no difference between the TRA and TFA in any variable of secondary post-PCI renal outcomes. Age, female gender, baseline SCr level, baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and contrast volume were independent predictors of AKI. Compared to the conventional TFA, TRA was not associated with a reduced incidence of AKI after PCI in patients not complicated by major bleeding, acute heart failure and haemodynamic disturbances.

Health Disparities in General Medicine: A Systematic Review of Socioeconomic and Demographic Influences

Health disparities in general medicine are a critical concern, with socioeconomic and demographic factors such as income, education, race, gender, and geographic location contributing to unequal healthcare access, quality, and outcomes. This systematic review aims to assess how these factors influence health disparities in general medical settings. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE, focusing on studies published in the last decade that examined the role of socioeconomic and demographic variables in health outcomes within general healthcare. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria, including cohort and cross-sectional studies. Findings reveal significant health disparities associated with lower socioeconomic status, with low-income individuals facing higher morbidity and mortality risks and reduced access to preventive care. Racial and ethnic minorities frequently experience poorer health outcomes and encounter systemic biases in medical treatment, while rural populations report limited access to healthcare services. The review underscores the need for policy interventions to address structural inequalities in healthcare. Future research should focus on developing targeted interventions to mitigate health disparities across diverse populations and healthcare settings.

Who benefits from digital interventions for bipolar disorder? Stage of illness characteristics as predictors of changes in quality of life.

This study explored the potential role of stage-related variables in intervention outcomes in bipolar disorder (BD). Specifically, we aimed to identify which subgroups of individuals were most likely to experience improved quality of life following digitally delivered psychosocial interventions for BD. The study involved a secondary analysis of combined data from two randomised control trials (RCTs). Each trial assessed the effectiveness of digitally delivered interventions for improving quality of life, in late-stage (ORBIT RCT) or early-stage (BETTER RCT) BD. Three iterations of cluster analyses were performed, identifying subgroups of individuals based on (i) current phenomenology, (ii) course of illness and (iii) medication response. The resultant subgroups were compared with regard to changes in quality of life pre-post intervention, via repeated measures ANOVAs. In each cluster analysis, two clusters were found. The current phenomenology clusters reflected two impairment levels, 'moderate impairment' and 'low impairment'. The course of illness clusters reflected 'more chronicity' and 'less chronicity' and the medication response clusters reflected 'good medication response' and 'poor medication response'. Differences in changes in quality of life over time were observed between the two current phenomenology clusters and between the medication response clusters, while the course of illness subgroups did not respond differently. There are at least two distinct groups of treatment-seeking individuals with established BD, based on illness features with previously established links to different illness stages. Clusters within the current phenomenology and medication response domains demonstrated significantly different trajectories of QoL change over time in the context of our interventions, highlighting potential implications for treatment selection aligned with precision psychiatry.

Pengaruh Minat Belajar Terhadap Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik Melalui Penerapan Model Inkuiri Terbimbing Berbantuan Simulasi PhET Pada Materi Gerak Harmonik Sederhana

The problem that is often faced is that many students are less interested and less motivated in learning physics, especially on the concept of simple harmonic motion. This has a negative impact on their learning outcomes, as indicated by low test scores and overall academic achievement. Therefore, an intervention is needed that can improve students' interest in learning and learning outcomes. This study aims to determine the interest and learning outcomes of physics students in class X IPA 6 SMA Negeri 2 Kupang in the guided inquiry learning model assisted by PhET simulation on simple harmonic motion material. This research is a descriptive quantitative study with a simple regression approach that aims to determine the effect between the variable of interest in learning on the variable of learning outcomes. The results of descriptive test analysis for interest variables and learning outcomes showed that the average percentage of interest in learning on pretest was 61% (high category) and on posttest was 72% (very high category); the average percentage of learning outcomes on pretest was 22 (low category) and on posttest was 86 (very high category). The regression test results show a significant effect of learning interest on student learning outcomes on simple harmonic motion material in guided inquiry learning assisted by PhET simulation. The application of guided inquiry learning model assisted by PhET simulation can increase students' learning interest, which in turn significantly improves their learning outcomes on simple harmonic motion material.

Internationalization of higher education institutions: a comparative study in Taiwan and Japan

PurposeThe internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs) is the top stage of international relations among universities, and it is no longer regarded as a goal but as a means to improve the education of sustainability. As institutional commitments to internationalize higher education continue to grow, so does the need to critically consider the intended purposes and actual outcomes of the resulting programs and policies. This study aims to explore how institutional international policies influence outcomes of HEIs internationalization in the East Asian region, specifically in Taiwan and Japan.Design/methodology/approachThe study used quantitative design. 3,158 participants, including 1,192 participants from Taiwan and 1,966 participants from Japan, were randomly recruited to complete the Academic Profession in the Knowledge Society (APIKS), an international survey examining the change in academic work in HEIs. The study adopted quantitative data and used two variables (institutional international policies and outcomes of internationalization) with descriptive, correlational, and moderated multiple hierarchical regression analysis with SPSS computer software to answer the research questions.FindingsThe study showed that both Taiwanese and Japanese academics have high agreements on the outcomes of internationalization for enhancing academic quality and increasing mobility of students. In both countries, two institutional international policies of HEIs internalization-- clear internationalization strategies and funding for faculty members to undertake research abroad-- can significantly influence the process of internationalization in the teaching-oriented and research-oriented HEIs respectively.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into the relationship between institutional international policies and the outcomes of HEIs internationalization in Taiwan and Japan. It provides university leaders with empirical evidence for implementing managerial strategies of internationalization that promote education for sustainability in HEIs.

Employment, education or training status (NEET) at baseline predicts high-threshold symptomatic remission in first episode psychosis: A cohort study.

Clinical studies following a first episode of psychosis (FEP) have increasingly exposed the complexity of identifying predictive outcome variables. We aimed to explore the utility of NEET status (not in education, employment or training) at FEP onset in predicting high threshold clinical remission (absence of positive symptoms and off antipsychotic medication for 6 months) at 3 years following treatment with an early intervention for psychosis service. We studied an established retrospective naturalistic cohort of 354 patients with FEP (the S1P cohort). Baseline NEET status was identified in 172 patients (49%) and was significantly associated with mean duration of untreated psychosis (p = .035). Only 64 (21%) achieved defined remission criteria by 3 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed baseline NEET status as the only variable significantly associated with remission status (p < .001). NEET may represent an important predictive variable of symptomatic outcomes which requires prospective evaluation.

The Influence of Tahfidz and Qiro'ati on Islamic Religious Education Learning Outcomes at Islamic Middle School "Al Hasanah" Bengkulu City

The purpose of research is to determine influence of the foundation program toward the result of Islamic Religious Education learning at Al Hasanah Islamic Junior High School, to know the influence of the Tahfidz program on improving learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education, and to know the influence of the Qiro'ati method on improving learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education at Al Hasanah Islamic Middle School Bengkulu City. The method used in this research is quantitative research approach, this type of research is non-experimental quantitative research. Research data collection techniques through observation, questionnaire, and documentation. The data analysis technique in this study using simple linear regression analysis with the help of a computer program SPSS version 16.0. The results of this research indicate is no significant influence between the Tahfidz program and the Qiro'ati method on improving the learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education. Results of testing the hypothesis above, namely the F test, and the coefficient of determination that the foundation program variable (X) does not significantly influence the variable of learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education (Y). The contribution given by the foundation program variable (X) to the variable of increasing learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education (Y) is only 0.1% which is indicated by the determinant coefficient value of 0.1%. Thus it can be concluded that there is no significant influence between the Tahfidz program and the Qiro'ati method in improving the learning outcomes of Islamic Religious Education at Al Hasanah Islamic Middle School, Bengkulu City.

Analysis of Kumon Learning at SMA PAB Saentis Kaliserayu Sub-District Road Percut Sei Tuan Desa Saentis

The learning that has been carried out so far in the school tends to apply classical learning techniques that do not pay attention to the stages in the variety of learning. For this reason, a good way is needed to learn a lesson, one of which is known as a learning technique. In this research activity, the theme of mathematics learning for school children is based on the KUMON method. This technique is considered one of the solutions that is expected to increase children's academic values and awareness in learning and train children to have independence and full responsibility in the learning process. Indirectly, when repeating the material done by the child, the child will get a reinforcement value that is more than the material conveyed Repetition is intended to provide added value in learning a new material and is implicit in the hierarchical structure of the material that has been learned so that it will be self-absorbed when the child is faced with a problem that establishes a relationship to relates the past material to the future material. the regression analysis test using simple linear regression analysis with the general form of the equation formed is as follows: Y = 0.099X + 36.823. Where the learning variable affects the bound variable of learning outcomes of 0.099 and the value of the constant when no one variable influences, it will produce a learning outcome value of 36, 823. hypothesis test proved to be accepted and the null hypothesis was rejected from the results of the calculation of the value of t obtained was t calculated 6.796 greater than t tabel = 0.697 and sig = 0.763 &gt; sig 0.05, it can be proven that the learning variable has a positive and significant effect on the learning outcome variable.

Further experience with polydioxanone airway stents in children.

The aims of this study were to update our experience with biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) airway stents in children, focusing on effectiveness and safety, and to analyze the factors involved in the different outcomes observed. Retrospective study of patients managed with PDO stents from 2012 to 2023. Variables collected: demographics, comorbidities, indication, clinical baseline, stent size, location, complications, clinical outcome, and time of follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed to detect the eventual contribution of variables in the different outcomes observed. Fifty-four PDO stents were placed in 26 patients (median age, 4 months). All showed severe symptoms of central airway obstruction due to tracheomalacia in nine patients, bronchomalacia five, tracheobronchomalacia 10, and tracheal stenosis two. Stent placement was uneventful in every case: 29 stents in the trachea and 25 in the main bronchi. 53.8% of patients needed successive stenting, and all exhibited comorbidities. Complete clinical resolution was observed in eight cases (30.7%), partial improvement in 13 (50%), unchanged in 4 (15.3%), and worsened in one. Age had a significant positive impact on outcome (6 vs. 3 months; p = 0.024). Additionally, smaller stents were associated with a better outcome (20 vs. 26 mm; p = 0.044). Granulation tissue was the most frequent complication (34.6%). Five patients (19.2%) died due to severe comorbidities, follow-up was complete in survivors (median, 58 months). PDO stents are safe and effective when dealing with severe tracheobronchial obstruction. Stent-related granulation tissue continues to be a relevant matter of concern. This issue, together with increased degradation times, deserves further research.

Capital Market and Economic Growth in Nigeria

In spite of its expected role of bridging the saving and investment gap for economic growth, the impact of the Nigerian capital market on the growth of the economy remains unclear. This study looked at the influence of the capital market on economic growth in Nigeria between 1981 and 2022, using vector autoregressive (VAR) analysis. The variables used included: real gross domestic product (RGDP), market capitalization (MCAP), total value of securities traded (TVST), and gross fixed capital formation (GFCF). The study concluded that while RGDP and MCAP influenced their own outcome as well as the outcome of other variables positively in both the short and long run, TVST and GFCF influenced their own outcome as well as the outcome of other variables negatively in both the short and long run, using the VAR system tools of impulse response function and forecast error variance decomposition. Based on the findings of this study, we recommended among others the urgent need to boost the perception of local firms listed in the Nigerian stock exchange both locally and internationally in terms of the total value of their corporate assets and performance measured by price-to-earnings, price-to-sales and return-on-equity metrics. This can be improved upon when these firms are able to increase the quality of their products and services thereby making them better competitors in the global space.

Clinical Crossroads: Countertransference, Ethics, and Premature Termination

The literature extensively examines the clinical constructs of countertransference and premature termination through several theoretical orientations. It explores how countertransference is one of the most significant variables in successful therapy outcomes, and how premature termination is often an outcome of a poor therapeutic alliance stemming from the client’s insecure attachment to primary caregivers (Berg & Lundh, 2022; Westerling et al., 2019). However, few studies explore the interconnection of these two constructs and how clinicians process their countertransference when it interferes with their ability to provide effective treatment. Despite the gap in the literature, clinicians are bound to experience countertransference in their work with clients; thus, the literature must provide language to describe these experiences to lessen the feelings of guilt, shame, and uncertainty that tend to emerge through these processes. This clinical note aims to provide a review of these constructs through a case study to emphasize the clinical, ethical, and legal dilemmas clinicians encounter when they experience countertransference throughout the course of therapy. While experiences of countertransference are intimate and painful for the clinician, they are bound to happen; and it is the responsibility of the clinician to address them in the best interest of the client.

Technology Usage and Learning Outcomes of Students in the New Normal: Basis of Learning Continuity Plan

Technology in education plays a vital role, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers can harness online learning as a powerful educational tool by integrating technology into existing curricula. Thus, this study determined the extent of technology usage and learning outcomes of the students in the different subjects in terms of the most essential learning competencies (MELCs). Moreover, significant differences and relationships were explored for further analysis. The results revealed that most of the students used technology to search and study their lessons, watched DEPED TV episodes to learn, participated in online courses, and answered modules. Additionally, usually installed apps on their phones, but they were unlikely to listen to the radio. As such, the student’s learning outcomes are significantly high across subject areas despite of difficulties experienced. Relatively, highly significant differences and relationships were seen in some areas in terms of variables for both usage and learning outcomes. Therefore, technology is a factor in education. It is then recommended to utilize the continuity plan for improvement.

PENGARUH MEDITASI CINTA KASIH DAN KEPERCAYAAN DIRI TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR SISWA PENDIDIKAN AGAMA BUDDHA DI SMK NEGERI 1 TANJUNG KABUPATEN LOMBOK UTARA

Learning outcomes are one of the indicators of achieving educational goals, to overcome the achievement of learning outcomes that are less than optimal, SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung North Lombok Regency has implemented the practice of loving kindness meditation and self-confidence in an effort to increase student learning concentration. The problem in this study based on preliminary observations shows that not a few students of SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung still show symptoms of lack of concentration and lack of confidence in learning. Data collection was carried out on the population that had been established by the researcher with questionnaires. The collected data is tested for validity and reliability, which is analyzed using inferential statistical methods. The results of the analysis are presented in the form of tables, frequency distribution tables, and graphs. Next, discussion and interpretation are carried out. Finally, conclusions are made based on the data collected as a short answer to each problem formulation that has been proposed. The results showed that the regression of loving-kindness meditation (X1) had an effect of 0.751 or 75.1%, the regression of the Self-Confidence variable (X2) of -0.216, this showed that the level of self-confidence carried out on students of SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung North Lombok Regency was very low but very significant. Simultaneously Loving Kindness Meditation, Self-Confidence has a positive and significant effect on Learning Outcomes at SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung North Lombok Regency. Based on the results of the coefficient of determination test, an Adjusted R Square value of 0.183 was obtained. These results showed that only 18.3% of the variables of loving-kindness meditation (X 1), self-confidence (X2) were able to explain the variable of learning outcomes (Y) in students of SMK Negeri1 Tanjung North Lombok Regency while the remaining 81.7% were the influence of other independent variables that were not explained. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the loving kindnes meditation and self-confidence of students shows a significant influence on the learning outcomes of SMK Negeri 1 Tanjung students. The suggestion put forward is that loving kindness meditation and self-confidence need to be further improved by students, so that its application does not only stop at school, but can be continued at home, and other researchers are advised to conduct more in-depth similar research on loving kindness meditation and students’ self confidence

Genetic overlap and causal inferences between diet-derived antioxidants and small-cell lung cancer.

Several studies have reported that antioxidants exert both preventive and inhibitory effects against tumors. However, their causal effects on small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) remain controversial. Herein, we explored the causal effects of 6 antioxidants on SCLC by combining a genome-wide association study database and the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We obtained antioxidant genetic variance data for 6 exposure factors: carotene, vitamin A (retinol), selenium, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E, from the genome-wide association study database. The instrumental variables for exposure factors and SCLC outcomes were integrated by screening instrumental variables and merging data. Two-sample MR was used to analyze the causal relationship between exposure and outcomes. Finally, we examined the heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy of the MR analysis by performing multiple sensitivity analyses. We found a causal relationship between carotene and SCLC using two-sample MR analysis and sensitivity analysis (P = .02; odds ratio = 0.73; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-0.95). In contrast, there was no causal relationship between other examined antioxidants and SCLC. We found that diet-derived circulating antioxidants could afford protection against SCLC, and carotene is the causal protective factor against SCLC.

Clinical Features and Predictors of Lethal Outcome in Tick-Borne Encephalitis: A Retrospective Study from Lithuania

Background. In Lithuania, the incidence rate of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) increases and remains the highest in the whole Europe. Diverse clinical manifestations cause difficulties in diagnosing and treating this infectious disease. The aim of the study was to analyze clinical manifestations of the TBE and to indicate predictive variables for unfavorable outcome. Methods. A retrospective study of case histories of patients diagnosed with TBE and treated at the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in the years 2019-2021. Demographic variables, symptoms and clinical form of the disease, laboratory values, and aspects of treatment were recorded. Results. Six hundred and seven case histories were analyzed. Of these, 588 case histories were included in the final analysis. Men made up 56.97% of the population studied. The median age of the patients was 54 years (18-86). The median length of hospitalization was 9 days (1-50). Seventeen (2.89%) patients were immunized against TBE, the others were not immunized (401, 68.20%) or their immunization status was unknown (170, 28.91%). The most common symptoms were headache (509, 86.56%) followed by febrile fever (403, 68.54%), fatigue (400, 68.03%), and dizziness (394, 67.01%). The most prevalent clinical form of TBE cases was meningoencephalitis (387, 76.18%) followed by meningitis (88, 17.32%), meningoencephalomyelitis (29, 5.71%), and encephalitis (4, 0.79%). Patients with the meningoencephalomyelitic form of TBE less often had headache on admission, more often had diabetes, and had fewer lymphocytes in the CSF (all p&lt;0.05). Six patients (1.02%) died. The latter patients were significantly older (71 vs. 53 years, p=0.003), had higher protein concentration and cytosis in the CSF (1.04 vs. 0.70 g/L, p=0.006 and 422 vs. 84 cells per milliliter, p=0.003, respectively), whereas the percentage of lymphocytes in the CSF was lower (62% vs. 81%, p&lt;0.001). Univariate analysis showed that older age, absence of headache and fatigue, higher cytosis and percentage of neutrophils in the CSF may be prognostic variables for the lethal outcome of the disease. Multivariate analysis showed that the absence of fatigue and higher pleocytosis were significant predictors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusions. Clinical forms of TBE differ based on symptoms and laboratory values. Symptoms and laboratory results may prognose the outcome of the disease.

Cerebrovascular reactivity (PRx) and optimal cerebral perfusion pressure in elderly with traumatic brain injury

PurposeCerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) guidance by cerebral pressure autoregulation (CPA) status according to PRx (correlation mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and intracranial pressure (ICP)) and optimal CPP (CPPopt = CPP with lowest PRx) is promising but little is known regarding this approach in elderly. The aim was to analyze PRx and CPPopt in elderly TBI patients.MethodsA total of 129 old (≥ 65 years) and 342 young (16–64 years) patients were studied using monitoring data for MAP and ICP. CPP, PRx, CPPopt, and ΔCPPopt (difference between actual CPP and CPPopt) were calculated. Logistic regression analyses with PRx and ΔCPPopt as explanatory variables for outcome. The combined effects of PRx/CPP and PRx/ΔCPPopt on outcome were visualized as heatmaps.ResultsThe elderly had higher PRx (worse CPA), higher CPPopt, and different temporal patterns. High PRx influenced outcome negatively in the elderly but less so than in younger patients. CPP close to CPPopt correlated to favorable outcome in younger, in contrast to elderly patients. Heatmap interaction analysis of PRx/ΔCPPopt in the elderly showed that the region for favorable outcome was centered around PRx 0 and ranging between both functioning and impaired CPA (PRx range − 0.5–0.5), and the center of ΔCPPopt was − 10 (range − 20–0), while in younger the center of PRx was around − 0.5 and ΔCPPopt closer to zero.ConclusionsThe elderly exhibit higher PRx and CPPopt. High PRx influences outcome negatively in the elderly but less than in younger patients. The elderly do not show better outcome when CPP is close to CPPopt in contrast to younger patients.

Assessment of quality of life for frail, elderly patients post-ICU discharge: a protocol for a scoping review

IntroductionRises in average life expectancy, increased comorbidities and frailty among older patients lead to higher admission rates to intensive care units (ICU). During an ICU stay, loss of physical and...

The Longitudinal Associations of Body Dissatisfaction with Health and Wellness Behaviors in Midlife and Older Women.

Emerging research suggests that body dissatisfaction (BD) is prevalent among midlife and older women (i.e., upwards of 70%). Cross-sectionally, BD is associated with myriad poor health and wellness outcomes (e.g., depression, disordered eating, bad nutrition) in midlife/older women. However, relatively few studies have examined the longitudinal relations between BD and health outcomes in this population. This preliminary study investigated the longitudinal associations of BD with wellbeing and health-related quality of life (QOL) among midlife/older adult women over one year. Participants (n = 86, women aged 40-72 years, M = 51.49, SD = 7.34, 86% white) completed self-report measures of BD, psychosocial impairment, health behaviors, and QOL at baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2). A series of multiple linear regression models included T1 BD as the predictor variable of health outcomes at T2, covarying for T1 BMI and age in all models. BD was associated with greater negative emotions and psychosocial impairment, less physical activity enjoyment, and poorer physical, psychological, and social QOL one year later. Findings suggest that BD is associated with negative consequences for women across the lifespan (ƒ2 ranges = 0.06-0.60). Future research investigating BD as a unique, modifiable risk factor for health outcomes among diverse samples of midlife/older women is warranted. Targeting BD in interventions may improve health indices beyond eating disorders for this population.

Effects of Interventions Involving Tablet-Based Speech-Generating Devices for Individuals with ASD: A Meta-analysis.

The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of tablet-based speech-generating devices (SGDs) in improving communication skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 31 single-case design intervention studies involving 84 individuals with ASD were reviewed and included in the analysis. We calculated Tau-U to evaluate the impact of interventions involving tablet-based SGDs on four different communication responses: specifically, mands, intraverbals, tacts, and vocalizations. To explore potential moderating variables for mand outcomes, we used the Kruskal-Wallis one-way test. The analysis revealed that interventions utilizing tablet-based SGDs led to improvements in communication responses. Specifically, large to very large changes were observed in mand and intraverbal responses, whereas moderate changes were noted in tact responses and vocalizations. The findings of this review underscore the potential of tablet-based SGDs in enhancing communication among individuals with ASD. We discuss the findings and provide implications for future research and practice.

Combining UAV thermography, point cloud analysis and machine learning for assessing small‐scale evapotranspiration patterns in a tropical rainforest

AbstractMicroclimate and vegetation structure control evapotranspiration (ET) from land surfaces at stand and landscape scales. Tropical rainforests are among the most diverse and complex terrestrial ecosystems, harbouring vast plant and animal species throughout their dense multistory canopy. They contribute substantially to global precipitation through their high ET. However, there is little information about ET influences at very small spatial scales under given climatic conditions. In a tropical rainforest on Sumatra, we studied the relationship between pixel‐level ET as derived from high‐resolution (~10 cm), near‐surface thermography from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and canopy structure as derived from red–green–blue (RGB) image and three‐dimensional (3D) point cloud analyses. The 16 derived potential predictors encompassed vegetation height, height variability, vegetation density and reflectance variables. Using regression models, several of the studied variables had a significant linear relationship with ET, but the explained variance was only marginal. However, applying a random forest algorithm including forward feature selection and target oriented cross validation explained substantial parts of the pixel‐level variance in ET (R2 = 0.56–0.65), thus indicating multiple non‐linear relationships with interactions among predictor variables. Therein, green leaf index, leaf area density and vegetation height were often the most important variables for the prediction outcome, but their sequence varied among the four study plots. Overall, combining canopy structure variables derived from RGB photogrammetry explained relatively large parts of spatial ET variations. Our study thus indicates the large potential of combining UAV‐based thermography and photogrammetry techniques with machine learning approaches to better understand ET but also suggests that more work remains to be done in explaining ET patterns at very small spatial scales.