Statistics anxiety, basic mathematics skills and academic performance among undergraduate psychology students

Statistics anxiety is a perennial problem among social science students who are faced with statistics as a programme requirement. At one Department of Psychology in Malaysia, the failure rates for a statistics course, across six semesters spanning 2010 to 2013, were the highest compared to other undergraduate courses. Thus, this study attempts to investigate the relationship between statistics anxiety, basic mathematics skills and academic performance among undergraduate psychology students. A survey that included an adapted Statistics Anxiety Scale (SAS) and basic mathematic skills were distributed to the students at the beginning of the semester. Academic performance was measured through mid-semester examination and three quizzes. Scores from 80 students was analysed by linear regression analysis. The adapted SAS had adequate reliability, Cronbach alpha = .946. It was found that both mathematics skills scores and statistics anxiety scores are significant predictors of the overall academic performance. The resulting regression equation was significant, F(2,77)=14.255, p<.001, R2=.270. The results of the study confirmed that academic performance was negatively correlated with statistics anxiety and positively correlated with basic mathematics scores. The SAS can be used for assessing students’ anxiety as part of class intervention, but its factor structure needs further investigation

Factor structure of Statistical Anxiety Scale (SAS) for a Malaysian sample

A negative relationship between statistics anxiety and performance in statistics course had been demonstrated among Malaysian students, but the factor structure of the anxiety measure had not been examined. This paper seeks to examine the factor structure of Statistical Anxiety Scale (SAS) in Malaysian samples. The scale was administered to 342 undergraduate students who took Introduction to Psychology course at a Malaysia university. Principal axis factor with Promax rotation revealed five factor solution and confirmatory factor analysis was performed in AMOS. The analysis produced a four factor model and an independent variable that fit the data. This divergence from the original three factor structure is worth exploring

Herdeteknologi – modellering av betongens temperatur- og fasthetsutvikling

For many years, Heidelberg Materials Cement Norway has offered the Norwegian concrete market the curing technology software HETT97. This software is a planning tool for simulating temperature and strength development in constructions. In addition, the program considers the concrete composition, heat and strength development and conditions such as construction type, formwork types and weather conditions etc. This is crucial for proper planning of casting work, such as preventing freezing of fresh concrete in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which specifies that concrete must not freeze at temperatures below 0 °C until the achieved compressive strength in the concrete surface reaches 5 MPa. Additionally, high temperatures should be avoided in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which sets a maximum concrete temperature of 70 °C. A new version of the program, called HETT22, was released on October 25, 2022. It features a completely new user interface, enhanced functions, and an updated database for various types of concrete. To fully utilize the program's benefits, it is important to obtain the necessary documentation for determining the property functions of a concrete composition, measuring temperature development in an insulated box, and analyzing strength development at different temperatures. The concrete database in HETT22 aims to expand with concretes that meet the various low-carbon classes defined in the Norwegian Concrete Association publication no. 37, as these concrete types are increasingly in demand for projects. The objective of this master's thesis is to investigate how different binders affect concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Extensive laboratory work has been conducted, consisting of 19 recipes with different cement types, resistance classes, and varying fly ash and silicafume content. These results were implemented into HETT22 software to expand the database. Furthermore, HETT22, with its new concrete compositions, will be used to simulate a chosen construction type. For each recipe, a 15-liter curing box was cast following NS 3657. To verify the results from the 15-liter curing boxes, two 1m3 curing boxes were also cast according to the Norwegian Road Administration's “Bruprosjektering” N400. The findings of this master's project revealed that several factors must be considered when examining concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Key factors include the amount of silicafume and fly ash content, durability classes, low-carbon classes, and cement types. Among the different categories, it was observed that an increasing dosage of fly ash leads to a reduction in concrete's temperature sensitivity, temperature and heat development, as well as a decrease in strength development up to 28 days at 5 and 20 °C. However, at 35 °C, the results show the opposite pattern

Herdeteknologi - modellering av betonges temperatur - og fasthetsutvikling

For many years, Heidelberg Materials Cement Norway has offered the Norwegian concrete market the curing technology software HETT97. This software is a planning tool for simulating temperature and strength development in constructions. In addition, the program considers the concrete composition, heat and strength development and conditions such as construction type, formwork types and weather conditions etc. This is crucial for proper planning of casting work, such as preventing freezing of fresh concrete in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which specifies that concrete must not freeze at temperatures below 0 °C until the achieved compressive strength in the concrete surface reaches 5 MPa. Additionally, high temperatures should be avoided in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which sets a maximum concrete temperature of 70 °C. A new version of the program, called HETT22, was released on October 25, 2022. It features a completely new user interface, enhanced functions, and an updated database for various types of concrete. To fully utilize the program's benefits, it is important to obtain the necessary documentation for determining the property functions of a concrete composition, measuring temperature development in an insulated box, and analyzing strength development at different temperatures. The concrete database in HETT22 aims to expand with concretes that meet the various low-carbon classes defined in the Norwegian Concrete Association publication no. 37, as these concrete types are increasingly in demand for projects. The objective of this master's thesis is to investigate how different binders affect concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Extensive laboratory work has been conducted, consisting of 19 recipes with different cement types, resistance classes, and varying fly ash and silicafume content. These results were implemented into HETT22 software to expand the database. Furthermore, HETT22, with its new concrete compositions, will be used to simulate a chosen construction type. For each recipe, a 15-liter curing box was cast following NS 3657. To verify the results from the 15-liter curing boxes, two 1m3 curing boxes were also cast according to the Norwegian Road Administration's “Bruprosjektering” N400. The findings of this master's project revealed that several factors must be considered when examining concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Key factors include the amount of silicafume and fly ash content, durability classes, low-carbon classes, and cement types. Among the different categories, it was observed that an increasing dosage of fly ash leads to a reduction in concrete's temperature sensitivity, temperature and heat development, as well as a decrease in strength development up to 28 days at 5 and 20 °C. However, at 35 °C, the results show the opposite pattern

Herdeteknologi – modellering av betongens temperatur- og fasthetsutvikling

For many years, Heidelberg Materials Cement Norway has offered the Norwegian concrete market the curing technology software HETT97. This software is a planning tool for simulating temperature and strength development in constructions. In addition, the program considers the concrete composition, heat and strength development and conditions such as construction type, formwork types and weather conditions etc. This is crucial for proper planning of casting work, such as preventing freezing of fresh concrete in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which specifies that concrete must not freeze at temperatures below 0 °C until the achieved compressive strength in the concrete surface reaches 5 MPa. Additionally, high temperatures should be avoided in accordance with NS-EN 13670 +NA, which sets a maximum concrete temperature of 70 °C. A new version of the program, called HETT22, was released on October 25, 2022. It features a completely new user interface, enhanced functions, and an updated database for various types of concrete. To fully utilize the program's benefits, it is important to obtain the necessary documentation for determining the property functions of a concrete composition, measuring temperature development in an insulated box, and analyzing strength development at different temperatures. The concrete database in HETT22 aims to expand with concretes that meet the various low-carbon classes defined in the Norwegian Concrete Association publication no. 37, as these concrete types are increasingly in demand for projects. The objective of this master's thesis is to investigate how different binders affect concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Extensive laboratory work has been conducted, consisting of 19 recipes with different cement types, resistance classes, and varying fly ash and silicafume content. These results were implemented into HETT22 software to expand the database. Furthermore, HETT22, with its new concrete compositions, will be used to simulate a chosen construction type. For each recipe, a 15-liter curing box was cast following NS 3657. To verify the results from the 15-liter curing boxes, two 1m3 curing boxes were also cast according to the Norwegian Road Administration's “Bruprosjektering” N400. The findings of this master's project revealed that several factors must be considered when examining concrete's temperature sensitivity, strength, and heat development. Key factors include the amount of silicafume and fly ash content, durability classes, low-carbon classes, and cement types. Among the different categories, it was observed that an increasing dosage of fly ash leads to a reduction in concrete's temperature sensitivity, temperature and heat development, as well as a decrease in strength development up to 28 days at 5 and 20 °C. However, at 35 °C, the results show the opposite pattern

A pilot phase Ib/II study of whole-lung low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) for the treatment of severe COVID-19 pneumonia: First experience from Africa

Background: Low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has been used for non-malignant conditions since early 1900s based on the ability of single fractions between 50–150 cGy to inhibit cellular proliferation. Given scarcity of resources, poor access to vaccines and medical therapies within low and middle income countries, there is an urgent need to identify other cost-effective alternatives in management of COVID-19 pneumonia. We conducted a pilot phase Ib/II investigator-initiated clinical trial to assess the safety, feasibility, and toxicity of LDRT in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Additionally, we also assessed clinical benefit in terms of improvement in oxygenation at day 3 following LDRT and the ability to avoid mechanical ventilation at day 7 post LDRT. Methods: Patients with both polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high-resolution computer tomogram (HRCT) confirmed severe COVID-19 pneumonia, not improving on conventional therapy including Dexamethasone and with increasing oxygen requirement were enrolled in the study. Patients on mechanical ventilation were excluded. Eligible patients received a single 100cGy fraction to the whole lung. In the absence of any dose limiting toxicity the study proposed to treat a total of 10 patients. The primary endpoints were to assess the safety/feasibility, and toxicity within the first 24 hours post LDRT. The secondary endpoints were to assess efficacy of LDRT at Day 3, 7, 14 and 28 post LDRT. Results: Ten patients were treated with LDRT. All (100%) of patients were able to complete LDRT without treatment related SAE within the first 24 hours post treatment. None of the patients treated with LDRT experienced any acute toxicity as defined by change in clinical and respiratory status at 24hr following LDRT. Majority (90%) of patients avoided mechanical ventilation within 7 days of LDRT. Four patients (40%) demonstrated at least 25% improvement in oxygen requirements within 3 days. Six patients (60%) were discharged and remained off oxygen, whereas four progressed and died (1 due to sepsis and 3 in cytokine storm). Median time to discharge (n = 6) was 16.5 days and median time to death (n = 4) was 11.0 days. Patients who ultimately died showed elevated inflammatory markers including Ferritin, CRP and D-dimers as compared to those who were discharged alive. Conclusion: LDRT was feasible, safe and shows promise in the management of severe COVID-19 pneumonia including in patients progressing on conventional systemic treatment. Additional phase II trials are warranted to identify patients most likely to benefit from LDRT

Identification of heavy metal ions from aqueous environment through gold, Silver and Copper Nanoparticles: An excellent colorimetric approach

Heavy metal pollution has become a severe threat to human health and the environment for many years. Their extensive release can severely damage the environment and promote the generation of many harmful diseases of public health concerns. These toxic heavy metals can cause many health problems such as brain damage, kidney failure, immune system disorder, muscle weakness, paralysis of the limbs, cardio complaint, nervous system. For many years, researchers focus on developing specific reliable analytical methods for the determination of heavy metal ions and preventing their acute toxicity to a significant extent. The modern researchers intended to utilize efficient and discerning materials, e.g. nanomaterials, especially the metal nanoparticles to detect heavy metal ions from different real sources rapidly. The metal nanoparticles have been broadly utilized as a sensing material for the colorimetric detection of toxic metal ions. The metal nanoparticles such as Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), and Copper (Cu) exhibited localized plasmon surface resonance (LPSR) properties which adds an outstanding contribution to the colorimetric sensing field. Though, the stability of metal nanoparticles was major issue to be exploited colorimetric sensing of heavy emtal ions, but from last decade different capping and stabilizing agents such as amino acids, vitmains, acids and ploymers were used to functionalize the metal surface of metal nanoparticles. These capping agents prevent the agglomeration of nanoparticles and make them more active for prolong period of time. This review covers a comprehensive work carried out for colorimetric detection of heavy metals based on metal nanoparticles from the year 2014 to onwards. © 202

Expression of the SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1 (SERK1) gene is associated with developmental change in the life cycle of the model legume Medicago truncatula

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE (SERK) genes have been demonstrated to play a role in somatic embryogenesis in several plant species. As more is learnt about these genes, the view of their role in plant development has broadened. The Medicago truncatula MtSERK1 gene has been associated with somatic embryogenesis and in vitro root formation. In order to study the role of MtSERK1 in development further, the MtSERK1 promoter sequence has been isolated and cloned into a promoter–GUS analysis vector. SERK1 promoter-driven GUS expression was studied in A. tumefaciens-transformed cultures and regenerated plants, in A. rhizogenes-transformed root clones, and in nodulation. In embryogenic cultures, GUS staining is detected after 2 d of culture at the edge of the explant and around vascular tissue. Expression at the explant edge intensifies over subsequent days and then is lost from the edge as callus formation moves inward. MtSERK1 expression appears to be associated with new callus formation. When somatic embryos form, GUS staining occurs throughout embryo development. Zygotic embryos show expression until the heart stage. The in planta studies reveal a number of interesting expression patterns. There appear to be three types. (i) Expression associated with the primary meristems of the root and shoot and the newly formed meristems of the lateral roots and nodule. (ii) Expression at the junction between one type of tissue or organ and another. (iii) Expression associated with the vascular tissue procambial cells. The data led us to conclude that MtSERK1 expression is associated with developmental change, possibly reflecting cellular reprogramming

Design and rationale of a multi-center, pragmatic, open-label randomized trial of antimicrobial therapy - the study of clinical efficacy of antimicrobial therapy strategy using pragmatic design in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (CleanUP-IPF) clinical trial

Compelling data have linked disease progression in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with lung dysbiosis and the resulting dysregulated local and systemic immune response. Moreover, prior therapeutic trials have suggested improved outcomes in these patients treated with either sulfamethoxazole/ trimethoprim or doxycycline. These trials have been limited by methodological concerns. This trial addresses the primary hypothesis that long-term treatment with antimicrobial therapy increases the time-to-event endpoint of respiratory hospitalization or all-cause mortality compared to usual care treatment in patients with IPF. We invoke numerous innovative features to achieve this goal, including: 1) utilizing a pragmatic randomized trial design; 2) collecting targeted biological samples to allow future exploration of 'personalized' therapy; and 3) developing a strong partnership between the NHLBI, a broad range of investigators, industry, and philanthropic organizations. The trial will randomize approximately 500 individuals in a 1:1 ratio to either antimicrobial therapy or usual care. The site principal investigator will declare their preferred initial antimicrobial treatment strategy (trimethoprim 160 mg/ sulfamethoxazole 800 mg twice a day plus folic acid 5 mg daily or doxycycline 100 mg once daily if body weight is < 50 kg or 100 mg twice daily if ≥50 kg) for the participant prior to randomization. Participants randomized to antimicrobial therapy will receive a voucher to help cover the additional prescription drug costs. Additionally, those participants will have 4-5 scheduled blood draws over the initial 24 months of therapy for safety monitoring. Blood sampling for DNA sequencing and genome wide transcriptomics will be collected before therapy. Blood sampling for transcriptomics and oral and fecal swabs for determination of the microbiome communities will be collected before and after study completion. As a pragmatic study, participants in both treatment arms will have limited in-person visits with the enrolling clinical center. Visits are limited to assessments of lung function and other clinical parameters at time points prior to randomization and at months 12, 24, and 36. All participants will be followed until the study completion for the assessment of clinical endpoints related to hospitalization and mortality events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02759120

Role of three dimensional (3D) printing in endourology: An update from EAU young academic urologists (YAU) urolithiasis and endourology working group

The management of nephrolithiasis has been complemented well by modern technological advancements like virtual reality, three-dimensional (3D) printing etc. In this review, we discuss the applications of 3D printing in treating stone disease using percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). PCNL surgeries, when preceded by a training phase using a 3D printed model, aid surgeons to choose the proper course of action, which results in better procedural outcomes. The 3D printed models have also been extensively used to train junior residents and novice surgeons to improve their proficiency in the procedure. Such novel measures include different approaches employed to 3D print a model, from 3D printing the entire pelvicalyceal system with the surrounding tissues to 3D printing simple surgical guides.publishedVersio