Wilcoxon Test Research Articles

An innovative approach in middle school science courses: effects of collaborative augmented reality activities on motivation, cognitive load, and satisfaction

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of collaborative augmented reality activities supported by the 5E teaching model on students’ motivation, cognitive load, and satisfaction levels in a science course. In this context, explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in this study. The research process was conducted with 18 sixth-grade (5 girls and 13 boys) students studying in a private school for four hours a week for four weeks in a science course. In the quantitative dimension of the study, the effects of collaborative augmented reality activities were examined using one group pretest-posttest design through questionnaires and scales, and student views were evaluated through semi-structured interviews as a result. The quantitative data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and descriptive statistics methods. Qualitative data were analyzed through the content analysis method. As a result of the study, it was observed that collaborative augmented reality activities positively affected students’ motivation and satisfaction levels in the science learning process. In addition, collaborative augmented reality activities contributed to balancing the cognitive load. In this regard, it can be asserted that students’ learning processes can be made more effective using collaborative augmented reality activities, especially in teaching complex science subjects.

Analysis of the structure of Basic Health Units in Brazil to conduct telehealth actions: a comparison of two cross-sectional studies

BackgroundTelehealth uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in distance health-related activities between professionals, managers, and patients of health services. This cross-sectional study compared the ICT infrastructure available in Brazilian Basic Health Units (BHU) for telehealth actions, along with evaluation cycles of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB).MethodsData from the second and third cycles of the PMAQ-AB were used. A total of 22,021 BHUs were evaluated concerning the availability of computers, cameras, stereo boxes, microphones, printers, television, and internet available. The presence of each ICT equipment assigned a score to each BHU. The sum of these scores assigned a final score to the BHU and was used for comparison among different Brazilian regions. The data were analyzed descriptively and by Wilcoxon test (p ≤ 0.05) using SPSS v. 25.ResultsThe increase in the median number of ICT equipment was statistically significant in the BHU in Brazil and the Brazilian regions (p < 0.001). The South, Southeast, and Midwest regions had the highest median scores in both cycles.ConclusionsThe availability of ICT equipment for telehealth actions in BHU improved over the PMAQ-AB cycles, with differences in the ICT structure between Brazilian regions.

Investigation of the Effectiveness of a Relation Based Early Intervention Program on Parent Outputs

ABSTRACT This investigation aims to adapt to Turkish and examine the Keyhole Early Intervention Program’s effectiveness with parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood. In the study, using parallel pattern approaching mixed research methods, Maternal Behavior Rating Scale- Turkish Version (MBRS-TV) Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), semi-structured interview questions and personal information form were used. The study in which the criterion sample is used in the selection of the study group is pre-experimental. In quantitative data analysis, Friedman’s Two-Way Analysis of Variance and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test showed that the Keyhole Early Intervention Program increased emotional expressiveness and decreased parental stress.

Integrating HRMAS-NMR Data and Machine Learning-Assisted Profiling of Metabolite Fluxes to Classify Low- and High-Grade Gliomas.

Diagnosing and classifying central nervous system tumors such as gliomas or glioblastomas pose a significant challenge due to their aggressive and infiltrative nature. However, recent advancements in metabolomics and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) offer promising avenues for differentiating tumor grades both in vivo and ex vivo. This study aimed to explore tissue-based metabolic signatures to classify/distinguish between low- and high-grade gliomas. Forty-six histologically confirmed, intact solid tumor samples from glioma patients were analyzed using high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (HRMAS-NMR) spectroscopy. By integrating machine learning (ML) algorithms, spectral regions with the most discriminative potential were identified. Validation was performed through univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, along with HRMAS-NMR analyses of 46 paired plasma samples. Amongst the various ML models applied, the logistics regression identified 46 spectral regions capable of sub-classifying gliomas with accuracy 87% (F1-measure 0.87, Precision 0.82, Recall 0.93), whereas the extra-tree classifier identified three spectral regions with predictive accuracy of 91% (F1-measure 0.91, Precision 0.85, Recall 0.97). Wilcoxon test presented 51 spectral regions significantly differentiating low- and high-grade glioma groups (p < 0.05). Based on sensitivity and area under the curve values, 40 spectral regions corresponding to 18 metabolites were considered as potential biomarkers for tissue-based glioma classification and amongst these N-acetyl aspartate, glutamate, and glutamine emerged as the most important markers. These markers were validated in paired plasma samples, and their absolute concentrations were computed. Our results demonstrate that the metabolic markers identified through the HRMAS-NMR-ML analysis framework, and their associated metabolic networks, hold promise for targeted treatment planning and clinical interventions in the future.

Tactile sensation in relation to roughness and reflection of active initial lesions in primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition in vitro

ObjectivesThis study evaluated whether a relationship exist between tactile sensation, roughness and reflection intensity in active enamel lesions of primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition. MethodsFreshly extracted teeth of the primary (n=29) and permanent (n=60) dentition of patients who underwent serial extractions under general anesthesia due to multiple deep caries lesions showing active lesions (International Caries Detection and Assessment System scores of 2) were selected. The mean linear (Ra), area-related (Sa), volume-related (Vmc) roughness and vertical reflection intensity (VRI) of sound (S) and carious (C) areas were determined by using a 3D-laser-scanning-microscope and a multi-sensor microscope with two different chromatic-confocal optics. Furthermore, two blinded examiners evaluated the roughness by tactile examination using three different explorers (S23H,405CP11, S3C). ResultsMean differences (95%CI) between S and C for teeth of the primary dentition were: Ra:-1.9(-2.3;-0.4)µm, Sa:-31.8(-1.8;0.0)µm, Vmc:-1.8(-1.6;-0.0)ml/m2, VRI:29(20;43) and for teeth of the permanent dentition: Ra:-4.0(-2.5;-1.0)µm, Sa:-4.8(-3.0;-1.1)µm, Vmc:-4.6(-3.4;-0.5)ml/m2, VRI:34(19;44) differing significantly between S and C (p<0.05,Wilcoxon test). No significant difference was observed between 1st and 2nd dentition (p>0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test) as well as commercial and experimental optic (p>0.05). The highest positive predictive value (PPV) was achieved by examiner 1 with explorer S3C (1st dentition 67%;2nd dentition 100%;pooled dentition 88%)), while examiner 2 revealed the highest PPV with explorer S23H (89%;86%;88%). ConclusionDifferences in roughness and reflectance between sound and caries-active enamel surfaces could be evaluated in both primary and permanent dentition. These differences could also be reliably detected using three different explorers with good validity. However, the most predictive explorer seems to differ between examiners. Clinical SignificanceIn both primary (deciduous) and permanent dentition active caries lesions exhibit significantly higher roughness and lower vertical reflection intensity compared with sound enamel. These differences are detectable by blind tactile examination and objective methods such as 3D-laser-scanning or multi-sensor microscopy, highlighting their utility in caries diagnosis in both dentitions.

Effects of Pilates Exercise Training on Static Balance and Lower Limbs Proprioception in Adult Females With and Without Flexible Flatfeet.

It is well known that flatfeet are associated with a higher incidence of lower limb injuries in different populations. Thus, we examine how Pilates exercise training affects static balance and ankle and knee proprioception in females with and without flexible flatfeet. Study Design. Case series; Level of evidence. This quasi-experimental study involves 91 healthy 18- to 25-year-old female university students. The Navicular Drop Test was used to diagnose flatfeet. Pilates included core strength, balance, and flexibility exercises for 16 weeks. Static balance was assessed using the sharpened Romberg test and ankle and knee joint proprioception were measured using joint position reproduction tests. The Wilcoxon test indicated within-group pre-post improvements in static balance, and ankle and knee joint proprioception in the Pilates and the healthy control group (P < .05). The between-group comparisons at post-test showed significant differences for joint position reproduction test of the dorsiflexion (P < .05, η2 = 0.10) and the plantarflexion (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.08) in favor of the healthy controls group. Joint proprioception of ankle and knee was positively correlated with increasing static balance in the healthy control group. The results showed that Pilates has the potential to improve static balance, and ankle and knee proprioception. However, it did not improve postural control and proprioception in individuals with flatfeet. Our findings advise combining Pilates with other interventions to develop flexible flatfeet in females. Level I.

Effectiveness of Deep Breathing Relaxation on Anxiety Due to Hospitalization in Preschool Age Children

Hospitalization in preschool children causes them to lose control over their environment, resulting in psychological and physical distress, characterized by panic, phobia, obsessive, compulsive, and generalized anxiety disorders. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of Deep Breathing Relaxation. on hospitalization anxiety. Method: This study is a quantitative study with a quasi-experimental design of two groups pre and posttest. The sample of this study was preschool children who underwent hospitalization as many as 32 children. This study used the Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) instrument which is of international standard with proven validity (r=0.68) and reliability (0.87). The bivariate data analysis used the Wilcoxon test for the intervention group, the Paired T Test for the control group, and Man Whitney test for comparison of intervention group with control, and N-Gain test to see the effectiveness of the intervention. Result: The results of the study showed that hospitalization anxiety in children before Deep Breathing Relaxation averaged 65.75 with the lowest score of 32 and the highest 79 (SD: 13.394). After the intervention, the children's anxiety score decreased, namely an average score of 53.69, the lowest score of 27 and the highest 66 (SD: 12.877). There was a significant difference between the intervention group and the control group with a p value of 0.038 (&lt;0.05), but the N-Gain results showed that the intervention was in the ineffective category (N-Gain: 20.46%).

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF USING VOCABULARY SELF-COLLECTION STRATEGY (VSS) ON STUDENTS’ VOCABULARY MASTERY AT THE EIGHTH GRADE OF SMPN 23 KABUPATEN TEBO

Vocabulary mastery is very important when learning English. Vocabulary mastery determines four language skills because it is impossible to use language skills fully when students have limited vocabulary in their minds. Students feel confused about the meaning of a word, have difficulty remembering some vocabulary and students are less interested in learning English subjects. This happens because students do not master English vocabulary well. So students' vocabulary mastery is still relatively low. To overcome this problem, researchers used VSS in English language learning. This research aims to find out whether there is effectiveness in using VSS on students' vocabulary mastery. This research data was collected in 2024 in the second semester. The sample for this research was 26 class VIII students. The method used in this research is a quantitative method with a pre-experimental design, one group pre-test post-test. The results of the post-test were an average of 78.65. These results were calculated using the SPSS application where the tests analyzed were normality and Wilcoxon tests. Based on the Wilcoxon test, the result obtained is 0.000, which is a value smaller than 0.05. Thus, the results of the research that has been carried out conclude that VSS is effective for mastering the vocabulary of students in class VIII SMPN 23 Tebo Regency.

Development of the UNOChem Game to Improve Students Critical Thinking Skills on Factors that Affect the Reaction Rate Topic

The UNOChem game is a development of the UNO Stacko game that has been modified and designed with chemistry materials. This research aims to develop UNOChem games to improve students' critical thinking skills on the material factors that affect the appropriate reaction rate. The feasibility of the UNOChem game is seen in its validity, practicality, and effectiveness. This research refers to 4D design with three stages: define, design, and development. The limited trial was carried out in class XI-2 of SMAN 1 Kedamean. The indicators used in this study are interpretation, analysis, and inference. The validity was obtained from the results of the game assessment by two chemistry lecturers and one chemistry teacher. Practicality was obtained from observation of student activities and a questionnaire of student responses after using the UNOChem game. Effectiveness was obtained from the student's critical thinking skills test results. The study results showed that the validity obtained in each aspect of the obtaining mode was ≥ 4. The practicality of the UNOChem game based on the results of observation of students' activities as a whole got a practicality percentage of 87.4%. Meanwhile, based on the student response questionnaire, in the aspect of describing the level of students' interest in the UNOChem game, the percentage of practicality was 100%; in the aspect of describing the level of ease of understanding the material and doing critical thinking problems in understanding the material, the percentage of practicality was 93.3%. In describing the ease of using the game in the game, the rate of practicality was 94.9%. The game's effectiveness was obtained through an n-gain test with a score of 0.72. The effectiveness of the media is supported by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (a non-parametric test), which shows a Sig. A value of 0.000 means there is a significant difference, and the UNOChem game can be declared effective. Based on the research results, the UNOChem game is suitable for learning material activities related to factors that affect the reaction rate of class XI high school.

A study on impact of tinnitus masking on psychophysical and tinnitus tuning curve in participants with hearing impairment suffering from severe tinnitus

Background: Tinnitus can be treated by using different pedagogies of management approaches in which tinnitus masking has been acclaimed most evidence-based approach. Psychophysical tuning curve and tinnitus tuning curve explored as least interested procedures in tinnitus research. This noteworthy but nonspecific psychophysical domain may throw a light on need of the present research. Aim of the study was to find out the effect of tinnitus masking on Psychophysical tuning curve and tinnitus tuning curve. Method: A total of 30 native Bengali speaking participants were included in this study, having mean age of 45.9 years and SD was 6.46. All the participants had unilateral subjective tinnitus with Mild to Moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Quasi-experimental research design was used. Dual channel audiometer (MAICO MA 53) with supra-aural TDH 39 headphone was used for psychoacoustic measurements of tinnitus (including pitch matching, loudness matching, minimum masking level etc.) and to provide tinnitus masking therapy. MATLAB version 9.5 was used to develop noise to assess PTC and TTC using Sennheiser HD 201 headphone routed through MAICO MA 53 audiometer via stereo jack and cable. Tinnitus masking therapy was carried out for 30 sessions by using regimen of MML +20 dB of masking level for 30 minutes duration for each session with matched pitch. PTC and TTC were measured before and 30 sessions-after tinnitus masking therapy. PTC was measured using 1000 Hz pure tone at 10 dBSLl as reference followed by four narrow band noise with centre frequency of 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz pertaining to 312 Hz band width as developed by MATLAB software. TTC was measured using the same noise with reference to matched tinnitus pitch. All the above-mentioned conditions forced choice procedure was carried out in dBHL frame work. Results: Wilcoxon sign rank test was used at 95% confidence level to check the influence of tinnitus masking therapy on PTC and TTC measures. Significant changes were portrayed at 1000 Hz and 4000 Hz respectively in PTC measure and at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz respectively in TTC measures. Conclusion: This study preliminarily provides information regarding influence on tinnitus pitch domains which has been psychoacoustically systematically measured as PTC and TTC. These two psychoacoustic signatures may be treated as prognostic biomarker of tinnitus management in future using replicable research using different methodology or using statistical basis of data mining. At that point conclusive remarks may not throw a clear indication based on the results found in this study.

A Pilot Longitudinal Clinical Reasoning Curriculum for Pediatric Residents.

Clinical reasoning (CR) is required for physicians. Pediatric residents often gain CR skills through experiential learning. Currently, deliberate education on CR targeted toward pediatric residents is inconsistent. Our objective was to implement a pilot CR curriculum, including five hour-long sessions, and evaluate its impact on self-identified CR Milestones and comfort with CR skills. We used Kern's six steps for curriculum development to develop our curriculum. Five morning report sessions included didactics and small-group activities. Pre/post surveys assessed resident self-identified level on ACGME Milestones related to CR skills (Patient Care 4 [PC4] and Medical Knowledge 2 [MK2]) and comfort with CR skills. The postsurvey assessed resident attitudes toward the sessions. Paired samples for Milestone and comfort-based questions were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Attitude questions were reported with descriptive statistics. Each of the five curricular sessions was attended by 40-50 pediatric residents. Seventy-one trainees (58% of residency) and 51 trainees (42% of residency) completed the pre- and postsurveys, respectively, with 20 paired samples. Self-assessment of PC4 (p = .006) and resident comfort with all measured CR skills increased significantly. Of trainees who attended at least one session (n = 44), most reported finding the sessions helpful (97%), relevant to their clinical work (97%), and impactful on their clinical practice (73%). Following exposure to this CR curriculum, pediatric residents reported increased self-identified competency levels on the evaluated Milestones and improved comfort with CR skills. Dedicated CR education may advance pediatric resident understanding of and comfort with CR.

A realistic benchmark for differential abundance testing and confounder adjustment in human microbiome studies

BackgroundIn microbiome disease association studies, it is a fundamental task to test which microbes differ in their abundance between groups. Yet, consensus on suitable or optimal statistical methods for differential abundance testing is lacking, and it remains unexplored how these cope with confounding. Previous differential abundance benchmarks relying on simulated datasets did not quantitatively evaluate the similarity to real data, which undermines their recommendations.ResultsOur simulation framework implants calibrated signals into real taxonomic profiles, including signals mimicking confounders. Using several whole meta-genome and 16S rRNA gene amplicon datasets, we validate that our simulated data resembles real data from disease association studies much more than in previous benchmarks. With extensively parametrized simulations, we benchmark the performance of nineteen differential abundance methods and further evaluate the best ones on confounded simulations. Only classic statistical methods (linear models, the Wilcoxon test, t-test), limma, and fastANCOM properly control false discoveries at relatively high sensitivity. When additionally considering confounders, these issues are exacerbated, but we find that adjusted differential abundance testing can effectively mitigate them. In a large cardiometabolic disease dataset, we showcase that failure to account for covariates such as medication causes spurious association in real-world applications.ConclusionsTight error control is critical for microbiome association studies. The unsatisfactory performance of many differential abundance methods and the persistent danger of unchecked confounding suggest these contribute to a lack of reproducibility among such studies. We have open-sourced our simulation and benchmarking software to foster a much-needed consolidation of statistical methodology for microbiome research.

Gen Z' Critical Thinking Skills Empowering Using E-Worksheet with Problem-Based Learning Model on Mutation Material Assisted by Bioinformatics Database

Life in the 21st century demands graduates who can think critically, innovate, collaborate, communicate, and face the changes that occur in the global world. The demands of 21st-century learning have implications for complex learning processes, requiring students' critical thinking skills. This research aims to determine the effect of electronic worksheets (e-worksheets) assisted by bioinformatics integrated with the problem-based learning (PBL) learning model to improve students' critical thinking skills at SMA Muhammadiyah Palembang. The type of research that will be used is Research &amp; Development research. This research is the final stage of the 4D development model. The population of this research was Muhammadiyah High Schools 1, 5, and 6 in the city of Palembang (accreditation A), and the research sample included XII students and biology teachers. Research data analysis used the SPPSS program to carry out the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, homogeneity, and Wilcoxon tests. The pretest and posttest scores were calculated using the N-Gain test. The research results showed that the overall analysis data increased students' critical thinking skills in experimental and control classes. The results of the normality test of pretest and posttest critical thinking data from the three schools showed that the data was normally distributed. Differences in data on students' critical thinking skills are also known from the sig value. 0.000 &lt; α 0.05, which can be concluded that students' critical thinking skills are higher before and after being taught compared to classes with conventional learning.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is a safe and effective procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease

ObjectivesThis study aimed to validate the efficacy and safety of contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (CEUS-PTCD) as a biliary drainage procedure in patients with malignant biliary obstruction and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD3). Materials and methodsBetween January 2019 and December 2023, 634 patients who underwent CEUS-PTCD were retrospectively enrolled in this study. During the procedure, imaging parameters such as the maximum diameter of the dilated bile duct, presence of ascites, detailed findings from CEUS, and clinical outcomes were meticulously recorded. Laboratory results, including serum bilirubin levels, liver function tests, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were evaluated in one day before and three days after procedure. The aforementioned parameters were compared using the paired-sample t test and the Wilcoxon test. ResultsA total of 66 (10.41 %) patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3 were included in the final analysis (median age: 66, range: 30–89 years, 46 males and 20 females). Procedure records indicated that 23 patients (34.8 %) had a maximum biliary duct dilation diameter of ≤ 4 mm, while 5 patients (7.6 %) exhibited mild ascites. Additionally, 24 patients (36.4 %) had ultrasound contrast agent entry into both the biliary duct and bloodstream. All patients successfully achieved external bile drainage following CEUS-PTCD, with no significant complications observed during or after the intervention. Post-procedure, there was a statistically significant reduction in all previously elevated serum bilirubin and liver enzyme levels (P-values were less than 0.05). Furthermore, no statistically significant alterations in eGFR were observed prior to or following CEUS-PTCD across all patients (P = 0.295), including comparisons between groups with and without the ultrasound contrast agent into the bloodstream (P = 0.254). ConclusionCEUS-PTCD is a safe and effective biliary drainage procedure for patients with malignant biliary obstruction and CKD3.

Effectiveness of Giving Dragon Fruit on Increasing Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women with Mild Anemia at Jakarta Harbor Hospital in 2024

Research conducted at Jakarta Harbor Hospital in 2024 aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of dragon fruit in increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with mild anemia. Anemia is a common condition at the hospital, affecting around 30% of pregnant women in 2022. The study involved 36 third-trimester pregnant women with anemia. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a digital Hb meter (Quick Check), blood lancet, and strip. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. The paired sample t-test was applied if the data followed a normal distribution, while the Wilcoxon test was used for non-normal distributions. After 14 days of administering dragon fruit, the study found an average increase in hemoglobin levels of 0.538 g/dL. This indicates that dragon fruit is effective in raising hemoglobin levels in pregnant women with mild anemia.

DCE-MRI of the liver with sub-second temporal resolution using GRASP-Pro with navi-stack-of-stars sampling.

Respiratory motion-induced image blurring and artifacts can compromise image quality in dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) of the liver. Despite remarkable advances in respiratory motion detection and compensation in past years, these techniques have not yet seen widespread clinical adoption. The accuracy of image-based motion detection can be especially compromised in the presence of contrast enhancement and/or in situations involving deep and/or irregular breathing patterns. This work proposes a framework that combines GRASP-Pro (Golden-angle RAdial Sparse Parallel MRI with imProved performance) MRI with a new radial sampling scheme called navi-stack-of-stars for free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver without the need for explicit respiratory motion compensation. A prototype 3D golden-angle radial sequence with a navi-stack-of-stars sampling scheme that intermittently acquires a 2D navigator was implemented. Free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver was conducted in 24 subjects at 3T including 17 volunteers and 7 patients. GRASP-Pro reconstruction was performed with a temporal resolution of 0.34-0.45 s per volume, whereas standard GRASP reconstruction was performed with a temporal resolution of 15 s per volume. Motion compensation was not performed in all image reconstruction tasks. Liver images in different contrast phases from both GRASP and GRASP-Pro reconstructions were visually scored by two experienced abdominal radiologists for comparison. The nonparametric paired two-tailed Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare image quality scores, and the Cohen's kappa coefficient was calculated to evaluate the inter-reader agreement. GRASP-Pro MRI with sub-second temporal resolution consistently received significantly higher image quality scores (P < 0.05) than standard GRASP MRI throughout all contrast enhancement phases and across all assessment categories. There was a substantial inter-reader agreement for all assessment categories (ranging from 0.67 to 0.89). The proposed technique using GRASP-Pro reconstruction with navi-stack-of-stars sampling holds great promise for free-breathing DCE-MRI of the liver without respiratory motion compensation.

Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Special Emergency Response Team Anaerobic-Based Tasks and Training

The Law enforcement profession is known to impart high stress. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are allocated particularly demanding law enforcement operations and may therefore attain high fitness levels but may accumulate excessive stress. Heart rate variability (HRV), an assessment of time differences between heartbeats, likely indicates holistic load in field settings. To date, though, little research measuring HRV has been conducted involving SWAT units. The purpose of this study was to explore HRV measurements following (1) annual firearms qualification and (2) potential stress exposure with respect to completion time on an anaerobically taxing obstacle course. Officers with greater obstacle course performance were hypothesized to also exhibit greater HRV. HRV was also expected to stratify personnel more effectively than heart rate. Prospective 3-lead ECGs were obtained from a cohort of male SWAT operators (n = 15) with 5.2 ± 4.3 years of experience at three time points throughout one training day. HRV was assessed by time, frequency, and non-linear domains. Differences between baseline and post-training values were significant as assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for heart rate, SDRR, LF, HF, and SD2. An enter-method linear regression model predicted post-training HF HRV by obstacle course time; r2 = 0.617, F (1,6) = 9.652, p = 0.021. Anaerobic performance may be highly valuable in SWAT units. HRV analysis may also be beneficial in measuring the psychophysiological impact of SWAT activities.

The role of immune factors in the development of preterm birth

Preterm birth (PB) carries a high risk of developing neuropsychological development disorders, cognitive and somatic problems in the child. The maternal immune system plays a critical role in maintaining a physiological pregnancy. However, specific mechanisms and disorders of pregnancy development have been little studied. There is a lack of research on the role of immune competent cell (ICC) activation in preterm labor leading to uterine contractility. Understanding the importance of immune system factors in the formation of preterm birth may allow the development of strategies to prolong pregnancy and, thus, lead to improved perinatal outcomes. The purpose of the work is to study the role of immune factors in the development of preterm birth. Seventy pregnant women in the third trimester with recurrent miscarriage (RPL) and 25 healthy pregnant women (control group) were examined. Observed pregnant women with RPL were divided into two groups: Group I – patients who gave birth prematurely (n = 30); and Group II – patients who gave birth at term (n = 40). The population and subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes was studied by cytofluorimetry using monoclonal antibodies to: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD16, CD19 (JSC "Sorbent", Russia) (FITC), CD11b (Beckman Coulter, USA); CD14, CD25, CD69, CD71, CD28, CD107a, HLA-DR (Beckman Coulter, USA) (PE). To create a database and conduct statistical research, the capabilities of an Excel spreadsheet and application packages (Megastat and Statistica 6.0) were used. When determining statistical significance between the study groups, the Mann-Whitney test was used for independent groups and the Wilcoxon test for dependent groups. Modulation of the number and functional activity of ICC in patients with RPL had a significant correlation with pregnancy outcome. Inadequate activation of the immune system is a factor that can lead to miscarriage. Termination of pregnancy before term is associated with subpopulation shifts, increased activation potencies of immunocompetent cells compared to full-term birth, which is an important feature of the inflammatory response. The identified immune changes will allow the development of early prevention methods and new approaches to the treatment of this pregnancy complication.

Intelligent cross-entropy optimizer: A novel machine learning-based meta-heuristic for global optimization

Machine Learning (ML) features are extensively applied in various domains, notably in the context of Metaheuristic (MH) optimization methods. While MHs are known for their exploitation and exploration capabilities in navigating large and complex search spaces, they are not without their inherent weaknesses. These weaknesses include slow convergence rates and a struggle to strike an optimal balance between exploration and exploitation, as well as the challenge of effective knowledge extraction from complex data. To address these shortcomings, an AI-based global optimization technique is introduced, known as the Intelligent Cross-Entropy Optimizer (ICEO). This method draws inspiration from the concept of Cross Entropy (CE), a strategy that uses Kullback–Leibler or cross-entropy divergence as a measure of closeness between two sampling distributions, and it uses the potential of Machine Learning (ML) to facilitate the extraction of knowledge from the search data to learn and guide dynamically within complex search spaces. ICEO employs the Self-Organizing Map (SOM), to train and map the intricate, high-dimensional relationships within the search space onto a reduced lattice structure. This combination empowers ICEO to effectively address the weaknesses of traditional MH algorithms. To validate the effectiveness of ICEO, a rigorous evaluation involving well-established benchmark functions, including the CEC 2017 test suite, as well as real-world engineering problems have been conducted. A comprehensive statistical analysis, employing the Wilcoxon test, ranks ICEO against other prominent optimization approaches. The results demonstrate the superiority of ICEO in achieving the optimal balance between computational efficiency, precision, and reliability. In particular, it excels in enhancing convergence rates and exploration-exploitation balance.

Analyzing the effects of competitive fatigue on body composition and functional capacities of youth elite handball players

Handball demands intense movements like rapid direction changes and physical contact. Consecutive competitions expose player fatigue and weaknesses due to the sport’s exhaustive nature. Therefore, the aims of this study are twofold: (i) to investigate the impact of competitive fatigue on the body composition of youth elite handball players, and (ii) to analyze the impact of concentrated competition on their functional capacity performance. Seventeen young male handball players (age: 16.2 years, height; 177.8 cm, body mass: 73.0 kg) were assessed twenty-four hours before (TM1) and after the competitive period (TM2) in body composition, static strength, lower- and upper-body explosive strength, speed, agility, balance, and flexibility indicators. A Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test was conducted to assess differences in body composition and functional capacities assessment between TM1 and TM2. Regarding results, body mass significantly increased in TM2 (p &lt; 0.01), while increases in waist circumference and body fat percentage were not statistically significant. Functional capacity assessments revealed a significant decline in jumping performance (CMJ and SJ; p ≤ 0.01). Speed and agility assessments showed worse performance in TM2, significantly increasing 30 m sprint time (p ≤ 0.01). Balance indicators showed no significant differences, with mixed results in performance across different conditions. In sum, evaluating vertical jumps and long-distance maximum speed (i.e., 30 meters) could be valid tests for measuring and controlling fatigue in young elite handball players. Future research should regularly monitor young handballers after the competition to analyze the entire fatigue recovery process.