Results Of Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test Research Articles

Exploring the influence of body movements on spatial perception in landscape and interior design

This study investigates the influence of body movements on spatial perception in both landscape and interior design environments, focusing on how physical interactions shape spatial understanding beyond visual perception alone. Grounded in the theory of embodied cognition, the research examines how gait, posture, and movement dynamics affect spatial awareness. The study captures detailed data on movement patterns and visual engagement across different spatial contexts using a combination of real-world observations and Virtual Reality (VR) simulations, motion-tracking systems, wearable sensors, and eye-tracking technology. A total of 157 participants, aged 20 to 65, navigated both outdoor landscapes and indoor environments, with key variables such as surface materials, spatial layout, and lighting conditions manipulated to assess their effects on spatial perception. The study measured gait speed, step frequency, path deviations, time to destination, visual attention, and subjective ratings of perceived openness, ease of movement, and emotional response. Key findings include that surface materials significantly influenced gait speed and step frequency. For example, participants walking on concrete had a significantly faster gait speed (mean difference = 0.5220, p = 0.001) than those walking on gravel. In terms of spatial layout, the two-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that winding paths led to more path deviations (F-statistic = 350.00, p = 3.19 × 10−8) and longer times to destination (F-statistic = 1744.00, p = 2.39 ´ 10−11) compared to straight paths. The environment type (landscape vs. interior) also significantly affected navigation, with landscape participants showing a more significant deviation from direct paths (F-statistic = 19.60, p = 2.37 × 10−3). Visual engagement data, analyzed through a chi-square test, indicated that vertical elements like walls approached significance in attracting visual attention (Chi-square = 2.88, p = 0.0896), while other elements like trees and benches had less impact. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results showed significant differences between real-world and VR experiences in perceived openness (W-statistic = 0.0, p = 0.001953), ease of movement (W-statistic = 0.0, p = 0.001953), and comfort (W-statistic = 0.0, p = 0.001953), highlighting VR’s limitations in replicating the full embodied experience of physical spaces.

Identifying Constraints to Dryland Farming: A Study of Technical, Socio-personal, and Financial Barriers in Drought Prone Area of Andhra Pradesh, India

Dryland farming is a crucial agricultural practice in many regions, but farmers face various constraints that hinder its adoption. This study investigated the technical, socio-personal, and financial constraints faced by dryland farmers in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. A survey of 120 farmers revealed that technical constraints were the most severe, with insufficient availability of water (226 - I) and non-availability of quality seed in time (208 - II) being the top two constraints. Socio-personal constraints, such as illiteracy (188 - II) and inability to accept new practices (186 - III), were also significant. Financial constraints, including high cost of inputs (212 - I) and delay in sanction of loans (200 - II), were also major concerns. Friedman test results showed a significant difference between the different constraints (p < 0.001), with technical constraints having the highest mean rank (2.40). Wilcoxon signed rank test results revealed significant differences between technical and socio-personal constraints (p = 0.009) and financial and technical constraints (p = 0.001), but not between socio-personal and financial constraints (p = 0.321). These findings highlight the need to address technical constraints to improve adoption of critical interventions in dryland farming.

Effects of Sensory-Motor Perception and Movement Trainings in 2-6 Years Old Children Having Developmental Problems on Development Area and Emotional and Behavioral Problems

This study aimed to examine the effects of sensory-motor perception and movement training on the developmental areas and emotional and behavioral problems of children with neurodevelopmental problems. The sensory-motor perception and movement training program applied in this work focused on the personal and social, fine and gross motor, receptive and expressive language, emotion, and behavior issues of 15 children aged 2 to 6 years consisting of nine children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, three children having Speech Disorder, and three children having General Development Delay. The program was applied for 18 weeks, six days a week and two hours per day, for a total of 216 hours. The Denver-II development scale and the Child Behavior Checklists (separately for ages of 2-3 and 4-6) were used to create the pretest-posttest design. Using these data, the positive impacts of training on development areas as well as emotional and behavioral issues were measured. According to the Wilcoxon signed-rank test results, children’s Denver-II development scale and its sub-dimensions’ scores after sensory-motor perception and movement training improved significantly (p<0.05). When the pretest and posttest averages of Child Behavior Checklist for children aged 2-3 and 4-6 were compared, internalizing, externalizing, and overall scores decreased significantly after sensory-motor perception and movement training (p<0.05). In conclusion, children with developmental problems aged 2 to 6 who received sensory-motor, perception, and movement training showed significant decrease in anxiety levels, significant reduction in aggressive and destructive behavior, and significant improvement in fine- and gross-motor abilities as well as language and social skills.

Plants with silver nanoparticles to improve electrical conductivity: an innovative approach in biology

AbstractThis paper shows the effect of electrical conductivity on the vascular system of plants through the utilization of silver nanoparticles supported by nanocellulose. The plant Epipremnum aureum, also known as pothos, was used in the experimentation. The main characteristics of the plant are its vigorous growth, remarkable adaptability to thrive in both soil and aquatic environments, simple propagation, and noteworthy resilience against diseases. The experiment used a polarization voltage ranging from − 1.5 to 1.5 V and shunt resistors of 1, 10, 100, and 1000 ohms. The scan polarization rate was 15 mV/s. Methods like environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used for chemical and structural analysis. The findings demonstrate that adding silver nanoparticles held together by nanocellulose enhances the vascular system's capacity to conduct electricity. Moreover, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test results revealed no statistically significant difference between the root-steam and stem-leaf output voltage values. These findings imply that silver nanoparticles are distributed throughout the vascular system and act as conductive pathways in plants. Additionally, electrolysis-Faraday's law was used to calculate the recovery of silver material, yielding 40 mg/mm2 per hour. These discoveries open new avenues for comprehending and manipulating plant physiological processes, potentially leading to beneficial outcomes in agriculture and contaminant recovery.

PRODUCTIVE ZAKAT AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: IMPACT ON MUSTAHIQ INCOME AT DARUL ILMI ISLAMIC SCHOOL

Despite its substantial zakat potential, economic inequality remains a significant challenge in Indonesia. This study examines the impact of productive zakat on the economic empowerment of mustahiq (zakat recipients) at the Modern Islamic Boarding School Darul Ilmi Indonesia. The research employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative income analysis before and after receiving zakat with qualitative insights from beneficiary interviews. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results indicate a significant increase in mustahiq income post-zakat. This highlights the effectiveness of productive zakat in enhancing economic self-sufficiency. The study's novelty lies in its comprehensive evaluation of zakat's role in socio-economic upliftment within an Islamic educational context. These findings underscore the potential for replicating such models in similar institutions to mitigate economic disparities.

Changes in Blood Electrolytes Induced by Anesthesia

Electrolyte imbalances can significantly impact anaesthesia management, potentially leading to complications during procedures. Hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and metabolic acidosis can disrupt crucial physiological processes required for safe anaesthesia, affecting nerve transmission and heart function. Maintaining the proper fluid and electrolyte balance is essential for the body to function normally, emphasizing the importance of monitoring electrolytes during anaesthesia to prevent complications. To investigate the effects of anaesthesia on blood electrolytes, a prospective Cross-sectional design; An observational study was conducted in four hospitals from May to September 2023, involving 50 patients. The study utilized statistical analysis with SPSS, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to assess electrolyte levels before and after anaesthesia. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered significant in the analysis. The study sample comprised 50 individuals, with 66% females and 34% males, the majority of them were within the 18-60 age range, with the highest proportion in the 20-29 category. Blood tests conducted pre- and post-anaesthesia showed varying distributions: 58% under general anaesthesia, 34% under spinal anaesthesia, and 8% under local anaesthesia. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results indicated no statistically significant differences in electrolyte means immediately after anaesthesia, suggesting that anaesthesia did not directly impact electrolyte levels. Maintaining correct electrolyte balance is crucial during anaesthesia to ensure normal physiological function and prevent complications that could influence patient outcomes. By recognising the significance of electrolytes, addressing imbalances, and leveraging advancements in research and technology, patient safety and surgical outcomes can be enhanced.

Arctic puffin optimization: A bio-inspired metaheuristic algorithm for solving engineering design optimization

In this paper, we innovatively propose the Arctic Puffin Optimization (APO), a metaheuristic optimization algorithm inspired by the survival and predation behaviors of the Arctic puffin. The APO consists of an aerial flight (exploration) and an underwater foraging (exploitation) phase. In the exploration phase, the Levy flight and velocity factor mechanisms are introduced to enhance the algorithm's ability to jump out of local optima and improve the convergence speed. In the exploitation phase, strategies such as the synergy and adaptive change factors are used to ensure that the algorithm can effectively utilize the current best solution and guide the search direction. In addition, the dynamic transition between the exploration and development phases is realized through the behavioral conversion factor, which effectively balances global search and local development. In order to verify the advancement and applicability of the APO algorithm, it is compared with nine advanced optimization algorithms. In the three test sets of CEC2017, CEC2019, and CEC2022, the APO algorithm outperforms the other compared algorithms in 72%, 70%, and 75% of the cases, respectively. Meanwhile, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test results and Friedman rank-mean statistically prove the superiority of the APO algorithm. Furthermore, on thirteen real-world engineering problems, APO outperforms the other compared algorithms in 85% of the test cases, demonstrating its potential in solving complex real-world optimization problems. In summary, APO proves its practical value and advantages in solving various complex optimization problems by its excellent performance.

Support Group Intervention on Self-Awareness and Parental Coping Strategies as an Effort to Prevent Sexual Violence in Children

Background: The victims, primarily female children, have suffered sexual abuse, often perpetrated by individuals known to them, such as neighbors or acquaintances. In interviews with concerned parents regarding ongoing cases of sexual abuse, they expressed fears about their children falling victim to such incidents.. The research aim was to assess the effectiveness of support group interventions in enhancing self-awareness and parental coping strategies as preventive measures against child sexual abuse. Methods: The study's main objective is to evaluate the impact of Support Groups in improving Self-Awareness and Parental Coping Strategies. It employed a quasi-experimental design using a non-equivalent group pre-test and post-test methodology, with one group as the control and the other as the experimental group. The study included 70 respondents in the intervention group and an equal number in the control group, selected through purposive sampling. Research instruments comprised the Revised Ways of Coping Scale questionnaire for coping strategies and a self-awareness questionnaire. Non-parametric data analysis was conducted using SPSS, specifically the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: Results of the normality test indicated that both the intervention and control groups had p-values of less than 0.05 for coping strategies (0.002 for the intervention group and 0.003 for the control group) and self-awareness (0.000 for both groups), suggesting non-normal data distribution. Consequently, non-parametric statistical analysis was applied with SPSS, and a significance level was set at p < 0.05. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test results for the intervention group were 0.000 (coping strategies) and 0.000 (self-awareness), signifying a significant difference in average pretest and posttest scores within the intervention group. Conversely, the control group's Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test results were 0.953 (coping strategies) and 0.317 (self-awareness), indicating no significant difference in average pretest and posttest scores within the control group. Conclusion: Based on the research findings and discussion, it can be deduced that support group interventions positively impact the enhancement of parental coping strategies and self-awareness in the endeavor to prevent child sexual abuse.

Effectiveness of an interactive start-up simulation to foster entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate university students: a quasi-experimental study

Higher education institutions play an essential role in promoting entrepreneurial intentions through entrepreneurial education. However, the effectiveness of such approaches and factors that stimulate entrepreneurial intentions among university students remains uncertain. The current study investigates the impact of an online-based entrepreneurial simulation game, so-called intervention, on entrepreneurial intentions among students. Seventy-five students enrolled in universities in Germany, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Russia are grouped into treatment and controlled sets. Using a pre- and post-intervention survey and principal component analysis, the ordinal regression results found that entrepreneurial competence, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, personality traits, and social environment directly influence entrepreneurial intention. In addition, regression results on these causal variables provide insight into factors that indirectly influence entrepreneurial intention. Considering the nonparametric nature of the data for intervention assessment, the Wilcoxon sign-rank test results indicate that the entrepreneurial simulation did not have a direct impact on entrepreneurial intention. However, the teaching intervention was effective in improving other vital factors that influence entrepreneurial intentions as the self-perceived likelihood of students to start their own business after graduation, level of risk tolerance, entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, exposure to business economics courses, and adeptness to entrepreneurial tasks. Moreover, nonparametric tests such as the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant differences between respondents on these direct and indirect factors that prompt entrepreneurial intentions. Our findings provide valuable implications for improving the design and effectiveness of future entrepreneurial education programs.

An improved artificial rabbits optimization for accurate and efficient infinite impulse response system identification

Identifying models with Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) is crucial in signal processing and system identification. This paper addresses the challenges of IIR model identification by proposing an improved version of the Artificial Rabbits Optimization (ARO) algorithm called improved ARO (IARO). The IARO algorithm integrates an adaptive local search mechanism and an experience-based perturbed learning strategy as two key enhancements to improve the effectiveness of ARO. These additions aim to address the loss of accuracy during iterations and improve the algorithm’s ability to exploit promising areas. Four benchmark examples of different IIR plants are considered, and the performance of the proposed IARO algorithm is compared to existing competitive methods. The results consistently demonstrate that IARO outperforms ARO in accuracy and convergence for system identification across all orders of IIR systems. Visual analysis, convergence curves, coefficient comparison, and statistical metrics comparison all validate the superiority of the IARO algorithm. Additionally, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test results provide further statistical evidence supporting the superior performance of IARO. The comprehensive analysis showcases the efficacy and effectiveness of the IARO algorithm in accurately identifying IIR systems. This work represents a significant advancement in IIR system identification, offering a superior methodology for accurate and efficient system modeling.

Evaluation of Image for Phantom according to Normalization, Well Counter Correction in PET-CT

Purpose: PET-CT imaging require an appropriate quality assurance system to achieve high efficiency and reliability. Quality control is essential for improving the quality of care and patient safety. Currently, there are performance evaluation methods of UN2-1994 and UN2-2001 proposed by NEMA and IEC for PET-CT image evaluation. In this study, we compare phantom images with the same experiments before and after PET-CT 3D normalization and well counter correction and evaluate the usefulness of quality control. Materials and methods: Discovery 690 (General Electric Healthcare, USA) PET-CT equiptment was used to perform 3D normalization and well counter correction as recommended by GE Healthcare. Based on the recovery coefficients for the six spheres of the NEMA IEC Body Phantom recommended by the EARL. 20kBq/㎖ of 18F was injected into the sphere of the phantom and 2 kBq/㎖ of 18F was injected into the body of phantom. PET-CT scan was performed with a radioacitivity ratio of 10:1. Images were reconstructed by appliying TOF+PSF+TOF, OSEM+PSF, OSEM and Gaussian filter 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6,5 ㎜ with matrix size 128×128, slice thickness 3.75 ㎜, iteration 2, subset 16 conditions. The PET image was attenuation corrected using the CT images and analyzed using software program AW 4.7 (General Electric Healthcare, USA). The ROI was set to fit 6 spheres in the CT image, RC (Recovery Coefficient) was measured after fusion of PET and CT. Statistical analysis was performed wilcoxon signed rank test using R. Results: Overall, after the quality control items were performed, the recovery coefficient of the phantom image increased and measured. Recovery coefficient according to the image reconstruction increased in the order TOF+PSF, TOF, OSEM+PSF, before and after quality control, RCmax increased by OSEM 0.13, OSEM+PSF 0.16, TOF 0.16, TOF+PSF 0.15 and RCmean increased by OSEM 0.09, OSEM+PSF 0.09, TOF 0.106, TOF+PSF 0.10. Both groups showed a statistically significant difference in wilcoxon signed rank test results (P value<0.001). Conclusion: PET-CT system require quality assurance to achieve high efficiency and reliability. Standardized intervals and procedures should be followed for quality control. We hope that this study will be a good opportunity to think about the importance of quality control in PET-CT.

O026 The surgical datathon - a high-yield learning model for students: a mixed methods analysis

Abstract Introduction Datathons are high-yield research events where cross-disciplinary researchers collaborate to investigate pertinent healthcare problems by analysing multimodal electronic patient data. This paper aims to demonstrate the value of a surgical datathon as a learning model in students using both objective and qualitative assessments. Methods Fifteen individuals were recruited for the 24-hour datathon with representation from medicine, psychology, and clinical neurosciences including two postgraduate neurosurgery faculty. All reported interest in learning more academic skills. The aim was to solve a pertinent neurosurgical challenge, namely the prediction of intracranial pressure based on brain MR-imaging, with the goal of completing a full manuscript within 24 hours. Participants were trained and split into smaller open working groups, supervised allowing real-time specialist feedback. Groups intermittently merged to cross-collaborate. Surveys with mixed-methods analysis explored participant opinions and the value of developing research skills at multiple time points. Results Participants’ knowledge were tested showing an increased mean test score post-datathon (69.92%) compared to pre-datathon scores (57.31%). Wilcoxon signed-rank test results demonstrated a significant change for these results (p=0.04, 95% CI -27.21 - -0.04). Likert-scales showed that majority of participants strongly agreed that the datathon accelerated their productivity (58.3%). Data collection was rated particularly useful (100%) despite majority being less than confident in analysing neuro-radiological images (84.6%) pre-datathon. Time pressures were the largest barrier participants faced (47.1%). Conclusion A full manuscript was produced and the datathon goal was met with conference acceptance. Surgical datathons represent a pragmatic learning model for students of all backgrounds.

Effect of Mnemonic-Aided Instruction on Academic Performance of Maritime Students in Calculus

This paper describes the effect of mnemonic aided instruction on the academic performance of maritime students in Calculus. Specifically, it aimed to determine the level of academic performance of students before and after the intervention when taken as a whole and in terms of the topic areas. Furthermore, it aimed to determine the significant difference between the level of academic performance before and after the intervention when taken as a whole and in terms of the topic areas (Derivative and Integral). A One-Group Pre-test Post-test Quasi-Experimental research design was used to assess the effect of mnemonic aided instruction on the academic performance of maritime students in calculus during the school year 2021-2022. The data were gathered using a researcher-made instrument in order to answer the study’s objectives, as reflected in the table of specifications prepared by the researcher, which had undergone validity and reliability testing. Thirty-four (34) maritime students participated in the study, considering they have complete attendance from the administration of test before intervention up to the administration of test after the intervention. The results showed that maritime students got low academic performance in calculus before the intervention and average level of academic performance in calculus after the intervention. This implied a favorable increase in students’ level of academic performance when taken as a whole and in terms of the topic areas after they are infused with mnemonic-aided instruction. Furthermore, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test results revealed a significant difference between the level of academic performance before and after the intervention when taken as a whole and in terms of the topic areas. From the results, this study emphasizes the need to consider the infusion of mnemonic-aided instruction to improve students’ learning through memory retention in calculus, specifically in the topic areas of derivative and integral.

ONLINE ASSESSMENT DRIVE LEARNING MODEL FOR COMPUTER-BASED TEST PREPARATION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Computer Based Test (CBT) preparation is important to face the final national exam. During the covid-19 pandemic, it is necessary to modify these preparations online. Assessment can strengthen the learning process, and improve student performance in learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the increase in the ability to do CBT in participants and whether the online drive learning assessment model was well received.Methods: An analytical study was carried out using mixed methods. The research sample were the participants of the Uji Kompetensi Mahasiswa Program Profesi Dokter (UKMPPD) preparation for May and August 2021 at FK Unri who met the inclusion criteria, totalling 37 people. Data were collected through questionnaires, FGDs, and secondary data. Hypotheses were tested using Friedman rank test, continued with Wilcoxon signed rank testResults: There was a significant difference between the four integration tests carried out ( firedman test p < 0.001 and Wilcoxon test p <0.005 ), where the highest score was on the 4th integration test. The results showed that 68% of participants were in the satisfied category and 25% of participants were in the very satisfied category. Some of the themes obtained were organization, methods, benefits, learning load, and comparison with similar programs outside campus.Conclusion: The online assessment drive learning model has been proven to improve the ability of participants to take the CBT test for the preparation of UKMPPD. Participants' satisfaction was quite good both quantitatively and qualitatively.

PENGARUH AROMATERAPI KAYU MANIS TERHADAP NYERI HAID PRIMER PADA REMAJA DI DESA PASIR GADUNG TANGERANG

Menstrual pain caused by the release of excess prostaglandin causes the increasing contraction of the uterus, a common gynecology disorder in young women that can interfere with learning and social activity. Based on a preliminary study in the village of the gadung young women take pharmacological medicines and warm compresses to hold or reduce menstrual pain. The study to learn the aromatherapy of cinnamon on primary menstrual pain in young women in the village of gadung tangerang. This method of research USES quantitative with research design quasi nity, one group pre-existing and post-existing. The study conducted according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria amounts to 38 respondents and instrument of the observation sheet. That was done with Shapiro wilk and a statistic wilcoxon signed rank. Studies show 7 days of cinnamon aromatherapy intervention, a scale of pain reduced from 1.79 to 1. Wilcoxon signed rank test results of a significant influence between the scale of pain before and after an intervention on cinnamon aroma recipients in the village of gadung sand. Aroma of cinnamon therapy may be an alternative to reduce menstrual pain.

BODY IMAGE DIFFERENCES IN BODY IMAGE BETWEEN BEFORE AND AFTER MASTECTOMY TO BREAST CANCER CLIENTS AT RSUD DR. SAIFUL ANWAR MALANG

ABSTRACT
 Indriyanto, Slamet. 2021. Differences in Body Image Between Before And After Mastectomy To Breast Cancer Clients At RSUD Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang. Thesis. Bachelor of Nursing, Maharani Health College Malang. Supervisors: (1) Ns. Wiwik Agustina, S.Kep., M. Biomed, (2) Ns. Rahmawati Maulidia, M.Kep.
 Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Indonesia and mastectomy is a rational and effective treatment procedure to prevent the spread and disposal of cancer cells. Body image undergoes many changes during breast cancer therapy and treatment, the impact of these changes affects client perception, sexuality, and social function. The purpose of this study is to identify body image before and after the mastectomy, and whether there is a change in body image between before and after the mastectomy. The study used the BREAST-Q Version 2.0 Mastectomy Module and Pre-Post Operative Scales questionnaire. The design of this study is comparative study with cross sectional analysis. The results of the study, obtained body image before mastectomy almost all respondents (90%) with negative body image. While body image after mastectomy, obtained by all respondents (100%) have a negative body image. Wilcoxon signed rank test results showed a difference in body image between before and after the mastectomy, with a value of p: 0.005 smaller than α= 0.05 Body image has changed before the mastectomy, even decreasing after the mastectomy. 
 Keywords: Breast Cancer, Body image, Mastectomy.
 
 
 

Impact of Visual and Verbal Elements of Eco-Friendly Packaging on Consumer Buying Behavior

Designing an eco-friendly offering for the market needs a thorough understanding of the nature of eco-friendly consumers. However, organizations are merely concerned about the impact of eco-friendly packaging on purchasing behavior of the consumer without considering the main elements demanded by consumers in detail. Hence, organizations spend many resources on ecofriendly packaging without emphasizing the effect of packaging elements on consumer buying decisions that ultimately yield low profits with foreseeable environmental threats. The absence of concrete results published in this regard, especially concerning the Sri Lankan context accelerates this negative impact. Therefore, the present research examines the effect of visual and verbal elements of eco-friendly packaging on consumer buying behavior with special reference to dairy products while considering visual and verbal as the main packaging elements and dairy products as the main product category. Data were collected by distributing a pre-tested structured questionnaire among the consumers (n = 104) shopping at Cargills Food city outlet, Galgamuwa. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test results revealed that, visual elements: shape (p = 0.001; t = 5.029), material (p = 0.001; t = 7.412), size (p = 0.001; t = 5.029) and graphics on the package (p = 0.064; t = -1.849) showed a significant impact on buying behavior while, color (p = 0.706; t = -0.377) proved insignificant. Moreover, verbal elements including product (p = 0.000; t = 7.771)) and nutritional (p = 0.001; t = 7.454) facts showed a highly significant impact on purchasing dairy products with eco-friendly packaging. The Chisquare test revealed a highly significant relationship between purchasing environmentally-friendly packages with educational level (p = 0.015; x² = 12.339) and a marginally significant relationship with the occupation of consumers (p = 0.064; x² = 8.900). Findings of this research direct marketers, and product designers, in particular, to manufacture packages incorporating consumer-preferred visual and verbal elements of packaging to attract consumers towards eco-friendly packed dairy products in particular.

Empowering Community Leaders to Prevent and Control Lung Tuberculosis in Manado City: A Quasi-experimental Study

Background: Lung tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem as it continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to WHO, as many as 44% of lung TB cases were in the Southeast Asian region. A previous study showed the importance of the support of community leaders and health cadres in increasing knowledge and improving public attitudes towards the prevention and control of lung TB. Objective: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of health education in empowering community leaders to prevent and control lung TB in four Public Health Centres in Manado City. Methods: A quasi-experiment with pre and post-design was used to answer the research hypothesis. With cluster sampling, four Public Health Centres in Manado City were selected based on their geographical location. Community leaders were selected according to the inclusion criteria using a convenience sampling technique. One hundred community leaders from the four Public Health Centres agreed to participate. Health education used the newly developed printed and e-posters accessed through YouTube. The health education was conducted once for each group according to the respondents’ convenient time. Questionnaires collected knowledge and attitudes data before and after the educational program from July to August 2021. Results: Sixty percent of respondents were women, and most of their education level was Senior High School. Wilcoxon signed-rank test results for the knowledge variable and paired t-test for the attitude variable showed a significant difference (P-value < 0.05). Results indicated an increase in knowledge and a positive change in attitudes of the community leaders after the health education. Conclusion: Findings from this study showed that the educational program was highly effective in empowering community leaders to prevent and control lung TB in four Public Health Centers in Manado.

WhatsApp Group Dapat Mempengaruhi Pola Makan Remaja Perempuan Yang Mengalami Gastritis

Introduction: Gastritis or ulcer disease is a very disturbing disease. This gastritis usually occurs in people who have irregular eating patterns and eat foods that can stimulate the production of stomach acid. Gastritis is more common in teenagers, especially teenage girls who more often have irregular eating patterns and who like to procrastinate eating. If gastritis is not treated immediately, it will cause dangerous complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcer, and gastric perforation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of WhatsApp groups on the eating patterns of adolescent girls who experience gastritis in Sarua Indah Village, South Tangerang City. Methods: The research design used in this study was the One Group Pre-test Post-test design with the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The sampling technique used purposive sampling with a total sample of 30 respondents. Result: In the Wilcoxon signed rank test results obtained p-value 0.000 <0.05. Conclusion: This study concludes that there is an effect of WhatsApp groups on the eating patterns of teenage girls who experience gastritis in Sarua Indah Village, South Tangerang City in 2021.

MRI Assessment of the Early Disc Degeneration Two Levels above Fused Lumbar Spine Segment: A Comparison after Unilateral and Bilateral Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) Procedure.

Background: Adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) has become a great concern as a late complication in patients following fusion spine surgery with a potential need for revision surgery. Segments above the fused spine have higher mobility and they are especially prone to accelerated disc degeneration. The purpose of our study is to investigate early disc degenerative changes two levels above a surgically fused lumbar spine segment and to compare MRI analyses after unilateral and bilateral TLIF procedures. Methods: A total of 117 patients were included in this cross-sectional retrospective single center study (after bilateral TLIF surgery: n = 91, and after unilateral TLIF: n = 26). In both groups, the average patient age was similar: 62.84 years (SD = 12.53) in the unilateral TLIF group and 60.67 years (SD = 11.89) in the bilateral TLIF group. On average, MRI was performed 2.5 years after surgery (SD = 2.09). The modified eight-level Pfirrmann grading system was used for the assessment of disc degeneration severity. Descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney test were used to show differences in the Pfirrmann grades regarding the after-surgery period and the patient age. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results were used to display differences in the Pfirrmann grades before and after surgery. Results: The comparison of mean values, regardless of the type of surgery, shows that this mean value is on average higher in the first segment adjacent to the fused spine segment. The assessment of the intervertebral disc structure in BIL TLIF is higher in both the first and the second segment. Early disc degeneration progression is subtle yet detectable (UNI TLIF 9.28% vs. BIL TLIF 16.74%). The assessment of the intervertebral disc structure is on average lower in patients aged less than 50 years at time of surgery compared with patients aged more than 50 years in UNI TLIF, and higher in the BIL TLIF group, for both the first and the second segment. Conclusion: Patients who had undergone unilateral TLIF fusion surgery have a lower rate of early disc degenerative changes. Considering a significantly higher rate of progressive disc degenerative changes in the elderly with bilateral fusion surgery, extra caution is required in the selection of appropriate surgical technique.