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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Emotional intelligence and self-actualization as predictors of future time perspective in community-dwelling older adults

Aging Ment Health. 2026 May 24:1-8. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations among emotional intelligence (EI), self-actualization, and future time perspective (FTP) in community-dwelling older adults, and to determine whether EI and self-actualization predict FTP.

METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. A convenience sample of 265 adults aged ≥ 60 years was recruited from community older adults clubs. Validated measures of EI, self-actualization, and FTP were administered via structured interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS: Participants reported moderate EI and self-actualization and moderate-to-high FTP. FTP correlated positively with EI (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). In regression analyses, EI (β = 0.42, p < 0.001) and self-actualization (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) independently predicted FTP, explaining 37.9% of its variance.

CONCLUSION: EI and self-actualization are key psychological resources associated with a more expansive FTP in later life. Interventions that strengthen emotional and personal development may support motivation, resilience, and healthy aging. However, the cross-sectional design and convenience sampling approach limit causal inference and generalizability of the findings.

PMID:42177787 | DOI:10.1080/13607863.2026.2672087

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Evaluating Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training in a Real-World Setting: Pre- and Post-Training Findings from an Academic Medical Center Implementing the Zero Suicide Framework

Arch Suicide Res. 2026 May 24:1-13. doi: 10.1080/13811118.2026.2675592. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gatekeeper training is a widely endorsed strategy for suicide prevention education, yet its effectiveness in real-world healthcare settings remains underexplored. Within the Zero Suicide framework, training the healthcare workforce to recognize and respond to suicide risk is a key implementation component.

OBJECTIVE: This evaluation examined whether a suicide prevention gatekeeper training implemented at an academic medical center was associated with differences in self-perceived suicide prevention competencies among healthcare employees.

METHODS: Pre- and post-training questionnaires were administered to employees at University of Utah Health who participated in gatekeeper training between 2023 and mid-2025. A total of 1,658 completed questionnaires were analyzed, assessing self-reported competencies in suicide risk identification, referral knowledge, supportive listening, and comfort initiating conversations about suicide.

RESULTS: Results demonstrated statistically significant differences across all self-reported domains, with medium-to-large effect sizes for referral knowledge and warning sign recognition. Differences were consistent across years and among both patient-facing and non-patient-facing staff.

CONCLUSION: Findings suggest higher self-perceived suicide prevention competencies in post-training responses within a large real-world healthcare system setting. These results support the role of workforce training as a core component of the Zero Suicide framework. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and objective behavioral measures to assess sustained impact and inform best practices.

PMID:42177782 | DOI:10.1080/13811118.2026.2675592

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Development of a Machine Learning Model for Distant Metastasis Risk Stratification in Acral Melanoma

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2026 May;9(5):e70569. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.70569.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Acral melanoma (AM) is a distinct melanoma subtype associated with delayed diagnosis, aggressive progression, and poor prognosis once distant metastasis occurs. However, prediction models specifically designed for distant metastasis risk stratification in AM remain limited.

AIMS: This study aimed to develop and internally evaluate a machine learning-based model for individualized distant metastasis risk stratification in patients with AM.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical data of 1822 patients with AM diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 were extracted from the SEER database. Patients were divided into training and internal test sets at a ratio of 7:3 using stratified sampling. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with distant metastasis, and six machine learning algorithms were developed and compared. SMOTE was applied only to the training set to address class imbalance. Multivariate logistic regression identified sentinel lymph node biopsy as an independent protective factor, whereas higher N stage and lower median household income were independent risk factors. Among the evaluated models, LightGBM showed relatively balanced overall performance and was selected as the optimal model. SHAP analysis identified N stage, sentinel lymph node biopsy record, and median household income as the most important predictors.

CONCLUSION: The LightGBM model demonstrated moderate predictive performance for distant metastasis risk stratification in patients with AM. This model may serve as a research-oriented tool for individualized risk assessment, although external validation using independent real-world cohorts is required before clinical application.

PMID:42177779 | DOI:10.1002/cnr2.70569

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Efficacy and limitations of ultraviolet-C light for control of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) eggs and nymphs in strawberry

J Econ Entomol. 2026 May 24:toag142. doi: 10.1093/jee/toag142. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a major pest of California strawberries, where feeding injury from nymphs and adults leads to fruit deformation and economic losses. Management relies heavily on insecticides, with supplemental mechanical removal using bug vacuums. Insecticide resistance and inconsistent vacuum efficacy have prompted interest in non-chemical alternatives. Ultraviolet-C light is currently used for powdery mildew management in California strawberries but has not been evaluated for efficacy against L. hesperus. This study assessed the ovicidal effects of ultraviolet-C on L. hesperus and determined LD50 and LD90 values for 1st, 3rd, and 5th instars. In laboratory assays, ultraviolet-C exposure at 350 J/m2 significantly reduced egg hatch compared to the control, while higher doses (650 and 1,000 J/m2) did not differ statistically. In the field-applied ultraviolet-C treatments, the 2024 results did not show significant hatch reductions, whereas the 2025 results showed a significant reduction in egg hatch at 1,015 J/m2. Dose-response modeling showed high lethal thresholds, with LD50 values ranging from 19,527 to 25,591 J/m2 across instars. Occasional molting disruption and wing deformities were observed after 5th instars molted into adults. These findings suggest that ultraviolet-C is not a viable stand-alone strategy for controlling L. hesperus nymphs but may offer a slight ovicidal effect. Further research is needed to evaluate sublethal effects and to explore integration with mechanical control methods, particularly in organic production systems where effective chemical strategies are limited.

PMID:42177777 | DOI:10.1093/jee/toag142

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Healthcare professionals’ experiences and perspectives of personal technology for self-management following mild traumatic brain injuries: an exploratory online survey of UK practice

Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2026 May 24:1-22. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2026.2671839. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Personal technology might offer effective and efficient options for supporting successful self-management following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Its use in UK rehabilitation remains unclear. This study explores healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) experience and attitudes towards using personal technology for self-management following mTBI.

METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of UK HCPs working in mTBI services was conducted, recruiting via social media, professional networks and snowball sampling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequencies. Free text responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Ninety-two HCPs responded representing a range of professions and mTBI services; not all services were mTBI specific. A variety of self-management interventions and outcome measures were reported. Among HCPs who offered self-management interventions (n = 55), 75% reported developing their own materials instead of using evidence-based resources. Fewer than half (n = 43, 47%) reported using personal technology to support self-management. Of those who did, most emailed resources or signposted patients to websites. Most (95%) participants agreed personal technology should be used in rehabilitation. Barriers included cost to patients and services, HCP/patient confidence with technology and concerns about losing face-to-face interactions.

CONCULSIONS: Despite HCPs receptiveness to digital self-management interventions, findings suggest personal technology is not routinely used in UK mTBI services. Personal and organisational implementation barriers need to be addressed to ensure people with mTBI benefit from personal technology for self-management. Further work should identify and test adoption strategies.

PMID:42177775 | DOI:10.1080/17483107.2026.2671839

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Risk Factors for Paediatric Intensive Care Unit Admission and In-hospital Mortality among Paediatric Emergencies in Nigeria: A Single Centre Study

West Afr J Med. 2026 Apr 30;43(1):22-28.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In Nigeria, the burden of critical illness and risk factors for mortality remains poorly described. This study describes the epidemiology of patients admitted at the children’s emergency ward (EW) and risk factors for Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission and in-hospital mortality (IHM).

METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients admitted to the Children’s EW of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1st December 2022 to 30th November 2023. Patient’s demographics, presenting clinical features and diagnosis at admission were extracted. The primary outcome was PICU admission. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospital stay and IHM.

RESULTS: There were 649 patients; 421(64.9%) were <5 years old. Median age was 2.3 (interquartile range 0.8-7.0) years. Most common presenting features were dyspnoea [269 (41.4%)], vomiting [182 (28%)] and hypoxaemia [188 (29%)]. At presentation, 51 (7.9%) and 63 (10.3%) had altered mental status and seizures, respectively, while the most common diagnoses were sepsis [250 (39%)], malaria [192 (30%)], and pneumonia [165(26%)]. At presentation, 217 (33.5%), 110 (16.9%), 48 (7.4%), and 32 (4.9%) required oxygen, blood transfusion, fluid bolus, and inotropes, respectively. Twenty (3.1%) patients required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and 101 (15.6%) required PICU admission. Median duration of hospital stay was 5 (interquartile range 3-9) days, while IHM was 74 (6.6%) patients. On bivariate analysis, gender, dehydration, breathlessness, dyspnoea, cyanosis, cold extremities, thready pulses and altered mental state were associated with mortality, while breathlessness, hypoxaemia, dyspnoea, dehydration, cyanosis, thready pulses, cold extremities, convulsion and altered mental status were associated with PICU admission.

CONCLUSION: Shock state and hypoxaemia were associated with poor outcomes in paediatric emergencies. The introduction of basic critical care services will reduce the burden of adverse outcomes.

PMID:42177770

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Availability of Caregiver-Friendly Workplace Policies: A Follow-Up International Scoping Review Study

J Aging Soc Policy. 2026 May 24:1-25. doi: 10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Caregiver-employees provide unpaid adult care while simultaneously managing employment. The negative health and employment impacts incurred by caregiver-employees have drawn attention to caregiver-friendly workplace policies internationally, which is the focus of this research. Aging populations and changing workforce demographics present challenges for work-life balance. Using PRISMAs methodological guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy to explore the availability of carer-friendly workplace policies was implemented using 17 databases, as developed in consultation with a health science (SS) and a commerce (IP) librarian. Articles included in the review were published between May 1, 2019, and May 31, 2023, written or translated to English, and specifically discussed the provision of unpaid adult care. A total of 45 articles were included in the review, with 53 unique workplaces identified. Using descriptive statistics and content analysis, this study specifically names organizations, their location, and the carer-inclusive policies currently being offered. Workplaces in the finance, technology and healthcare industry/sectors offered the most caregiver-friendly accommodations. Web/App based supports are emerging rapidly among workplaces. Organizational culture change was found to be the most prominent transformative support. The results of this study can inform international policy in response to adapting labor markets to increasing demands of unpaid care.

PMID:42177768 | DOI:10.1080/08959420.2026.2673813

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Construction of confidence intervals for risk difference with paired correlated data using saddlepoint approximation

J Biopharm Stat. 2026 May 24:1-17. doi: 10.1080/10543406.2026.2676019. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In clinical studies involving paired organs (e.g. eyes or ears), correlated binary outcomes necessitate specialized statistical methods to account for intra-subject dependencies. This paper proposes a saddlepoint approximation (SA) method for constructing confidence intervals (CI) for risk differences in paired binary data under Donner’s correlation model. Compared to conventional approaches – Wald, likelihood ratio, score, and MOVER methods – the SA method explicitly incorporates higher-order moment information, offering improved accuracy in small-sample or rare-event settings. Simulation studies evaluate empirical coverage probability (ECP) and mean interval width (MIW) across varying correlation levels. Results demonstrate that SA consistently maintains ECPs near the nominal 95% level while achieving narrower intervals than competing methods, particularly under high correlation. In contrast, likelihood and score tests exhibit undercoverage, and Wald/MOVER intervals are overly conservative. An application to otitis media trial data further validates SA’s utility, yielding interpretable inferences for correlated bilateral outcomes. The proposed method bridges a critical gap in small-sample inference for risk differences, ensuring robustness without reliance on large-sample approximations.

PMID:42177767 | DOI:10.1080/10543406.2026.2676019

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Perspectives of Oral Health Practitioners Working in Rural New South Wales: Culture, Wellbeing and Workforce Sustainability

Aust Dent J. 2026 May 24. doi: 10.1111/adj.70054. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: While limited research has explored the experiences of this workforce, oral health practitioners in rural areas face distinct cultural and personal challenges that influence workforce sustainability and delivery of care. This study aims to understand the cultural and personal experiences of oral health practitioners working in rural New South Wales and identify factors influencing their cultural capabilities, personal wellbeing and workforce sustainability.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among oral health practitioners across three rural Local Health Districts in New South Wales. The survey included items on sociodemographic characteristics, cultural capabilities and awareness, and personal experiences. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and subgroup comparisons made based on profession (dentists vs. other oral health practitioners) and years of experience (less or more than 10 years).

RESULTS: Nineteen participants completed the survey, primarily dentists and oral health therapists, with few dental therapists. Most reported initial cultural awareness training; however, less than half reported ongoing training. Most participants reported personal growth associated with their role. Dentists reported greater access to support systems and training opportunities than other oral health practitioners.

CONCLUSION: There is need for continuous cultural capability training and equitable support systems to strengthen rural oral health workforce sustainability. Despite small participant numbers, this study provides valuable insight into practitioner experiences and identifies opportunities for a culturally safe and wellbeing-focused workforce in rural NSW.

PMID:42177765 | DOI:10.1111/adj.70054

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Development and validation of a questionnaire assessing physiotherapists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding falls among older adults

Orv Hetil. 2026 May 24;167(21):811-823. doi: 10.1556/650.2026.33545. Print 2026 May 24.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Falls and subsequent long lies lead to significant declines in quality of life and increased mortality among older adults. Physiotherapists play a key role in prevention; however, no validated tool has been available to assess their specific knowledge, attitudes, and practices in this field.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire based on the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model regarding fall prevention.

METHODS: During questionnaire, items were generated through literature review and an expert panel, followed by the assessment of psychometric properties. To evaluate construct validity, a two-parameter logistic item response theory model was applied to the Knowledge domain, while exploratory factor analysis was conducted for the Attitude and Practice domains. Internal consistency was assessed using the Kuder-Richardson-20 (KR-20) coefficient for the Knowledge domain and Cronbach’s alpha for the Attitude and Practice domains. To assess reproducibility, 55 physiotherapists completed the questionnaire twice within a ten-day interval; kappa coefficients were calculated for the Knowledge domain, while intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used for the Attitude and Practice domains, followed by Bland-Altman analysis.

RESULTS: The psychometric properties of the final questionnaire were evaluated based on 209 responses. Adequate internal consistency was demonstrated for the Knowledge domain (KR-20 = 0.702), and Attitude and Practice domains (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.778 and 0.864, respectively). The Attitude and Practice domains demonstrated a three-factor structure each, explaining 47.2% and 61.32% of the total variance, respectively. Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC: 0.869-1.00), and Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal mean differences between test and retest scores.

DISCUSSION: The developed and validated instrument demonstrates sound psychometric properties; thus, it is suitable for assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and daily practices of physiotherapists and other geriatric care specialist regarding fall prevention.

CONCLUSION: This questionnaire may contribute to identifying potential areas for improvement in fall prevention, thereby facilitating the more effective clinical implementation of evidence-based fall prevention strategies. Orv Hetil. 2026; 167(21): 811-823.

PMID:42177757 | DOI:10.1556/650.2026.33545