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Nevin Manimala Statistics

An Efficient Approach to Nowcasting the Time-varying Reproduction Number

Epidemiology. 2024 May 24. doi: 10.1097/EDE.0000000000001744. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Estimating the instantaneous reproduction number () in near real time is crucial for monitoring and responding to epidemic outbreaks on a daily basis. However, such estimates often suffer from bias due to reporting delays inherent in surveillance systems. We propose a fast and flexible Bayesian methodology to overcome this challenge by estimating while taking into account reporting delays. Furthermore, the method naturally takes into account the uncertainty associated with the nowcasting of cases to get a valid uncertainty estimation of the nowcasted reproduction number. We evaluate the proposed methodology through a simulation study and apply it to COVID-19 incidence data in Belgium.

PMID:38788149 | DOI:10.1097/EDE.0000000000001744

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Economic and Workforce Issues in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Their Effect on Eye Care

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024 May-Jun;61(3):157-159. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20240404-01. Epub 2024 May 1.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38788142 | DOI:10.3928/01913913-20240404-01

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Issues in Delivering Pediatric Eye Care to Financially Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Minority Groups

J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024 May-Jun;61(3):156. doi: 10.3928/01913913-20240418-01. Epub 2024 May 1.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:38788141 | DOI:10.3928/01913913-20240418-01

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Influence of Ti-base Supported Implant Restoration on Peri-implant Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2024 May 24;0(0):1-33. doi: 10.11607/jomi.10924. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the impact of titanium base supported single implant restorations on peri-implant conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comprising a total of 274 implants that met the inclusion criteria, were chosen for data analysis. A random effects model was employed for the metaanalysis.

RESULTS: Data from this study revealed that the Ti-base group exhibited a slightly but statistically significant increase in peri-implant marginal bone loss (difference in means = 0.088, 95% confidence interval = 0.003 to 0.17, p = 0.041) compared to the one-piece-abutment group. These effects were consistent in the subgroup analysis of regular-threaded implants comparing to the microthreaded subgroup. However, no significant differences were observed between the Ti-base group and the abutment group concerning probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and the risk of prosthetic-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of Ti-base in single-implant supported restoration is associated with a slight increase in peri-implant marginal bone loss, while other periimplant health parameters show no significant correlation. Therefore, to determine the impact of Tibase on peri-implant condition of single implant-supported restoration is insufficient based on the findings of this meta-analysis.

PMID:38788136 | DOI:10.11607/jomi.10924

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The Evaluation of Enamel Matrix Derivative on the Bone Regenerative Potential of the Dental Implant with Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation Approach: A Randomized, Parallel-designed CBCT Study

Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2024 May 24;0(0):1-27. doi: 10.11607/jomi.10506. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of simultaneous implant placements using transcrestal sinus floor elevation (TSFE) with and without enamel matrix derivative (EMD) application.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned into two groups: EMD+TSFE Group was defined as (n=13 patients, 20 implants) TSFE with EMD application, and TSFE Group was defined as (n=11 patients, 20 implants) TSFE without EMD application. The patients recalled at 3- (T3) and 12- (T12) months after surgery. The residual bone height (RBH), implant protrusion length (IPL), peri-implant sinus bone level (SBL), endo-sinus bone gain (ESBG), and implant stability (ISQ) were measured. Multivariable regressions were performed for the groups.

RESULTS: The ESBG was 3.72±0.85 mm in the EMD+TSFE group and, was 3.10±0.05 mm in the TSFE group at T3 and there were statistically significant differences. (p<0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in ESBG at T12 between the groups. (p>0.05) ISQ values did not show a statistical difference between the groups at T1 and T3, but in the TSFE+EMD group, it showed a statistical increase at T3 in the intra-group evaluation compared to the TSFE group.

CONCLUSION: In this study, it can be mentioned that the use of EMD in TSFE operations is effective in new bone formation in the apical part of the implant during the early healing period, but in the long term, no significant difference was shown between cases in which EMD was used or not in terms of new bone formation and primary and secondary stabilization. The study was submitted at ClinicalTrials.com; the clinical trial number is ###.

PMID:38788135 | DOI:10.11607/jomi.10506

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Trends in the Management of Miscarriages with the Implementation of the Volunteer Obstetrician Scheme in Selected Primary Health Care Centres in Maiduguri, Northeastern Nigeria

West Afr J Med. 2024 Mar 29;41(3):293-300.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-abortion care (PAC) is a crucial component of emergency obstetric care, and many of the primary health care centres (PHC) in the internally displaced person (IDP) camps and host communities in Maiduguri lack it. Improved access to high-quality PACs is essential for meeting the reproductive health needs of the IDPs and reducing the maternal morbidity and mortality that can result from miscarriages. OBJECTIVE: To determine the trend in managing miscarriages in the IDP camps and host communities in Maiduguri and the impact of the volunteer obstetrician scheme (VOS) on PAC.

METHODOLOGY: We conducted a longitudinal study in selected PHCs serving IDP camps and host communities in Maiduguri. The study spanned five (5) years, and we compared the management of miscarriages and PAC services one year before the VOS project, two years during the project and two years after the project. During the two-year VOS project, staff manning the PHCs had supportive supervision with hands-on training on PAC. Chi-square for trend and odd ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used as appropriate to compare the trend in PAC services provided during the study period.

RESULTS: One thousand eight hundred and eight (1808) women presented with miscarriages, and 1562 (86.4%) required uterine evacuation. Medical evacuation with oral misoprostol was offered to 974 (62.4%), and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) was used in 422 (27.0%) of the women who needed uterine evacuation. There was a statistically significant rise in the use of medical evacuation throughout the study period (52.2% before VOS, and 71.4% by the second year of VOS) with ꭓ2=41.64 and P<0.001. In comparison, the use of MVA fell from 38.6% in 2015 to 27.7% in 2019 (ꭓ2=34.74 and P<0.001). Similar rising trends were also observed in postabortion family planning acceptance (ꭓ2=22.27, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION: The Volunteer Obstetrician Scheme project appears to have improved PAC services, especially medical evacuation and family planning uptake in the PHCs in IDP camps and host communities in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. We recommend task shifting of PAC services and periodic supportive supervision to ensure the quality of care.

PMID:38788122

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Investigating the relationship between body structure status, work activity type, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among detergent industry workers

Work. 2024 May 22. doi: 10.3233/WOR-240118. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The physical condition of workers’ body structure and assigned duties, can contribute to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body structure status, type of work activity, and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in the detergent industry.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 148 industrial workers selected based on inclusion criteria and their medical checkup records. Data collection for the study included a demographic information questionnaire, a body map questionnaire, and an assessment of the workers’ musculoskeletal system conducted by three physiotherapists simultaneously.

RESULTS: 54.1% of the participants had a total body structure score classified as poor or fair. The neck region showed the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (51.4%), followed by the lower back region (35.1%). Significant associations were found between abnormalities in the upper and middle limbs of the body and the prevalence of pain in the right shoulder region (Fisher/F = 9.29, P≤0.05) as well as the intermediate back region (F = 10.28, P≤0.01). Office workers experienced a higher prevalence of neck pain than workers in the product line and technical roles, with a statistically significant Odds Ratio (OR) ranging between 2.7 and 6.6 times. Conversely, industrial workers who operate powered machinery showed a higher prevalence of pain in the left shoulder (OR = 3.93) and left foot (OR = 4.07). Meanwhile, workers involved in loading and unloading tasks had a higher prevalence of pain in the middle back (OR = 3.61) and right foot (OR = 4.5) compared to office workers.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of pain in the right shoulder and middle back may be due to abnormalities in the upper and intermediate body structure. Production line workers reported a higher prevalence of pain in the left shoulder, middle back, and foot compared to office workers.

PMID:38788113 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-240118

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

The usability analysis of software loading tools in a commercial airline

Work. 2024 May 18. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230653. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Aircraft software loading tools evolved as enhanced floppy disks and different types of portable data loaders emerged into the modern world. However, there was a lack of academic research centered on the usability of those tools.

OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the usability of three aircraft software loading tools: floppy disks, Teledyne PMAT, and MBS mini PDL.

METHODS: A total of 20 avionics technicians answered 10 System Usability Scale (SUS) indicators and performed the software loading task. These professionals completed three sets of SUS questionnaires, one set for each software tool.

RESULTS: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there were statistical differences in SUS score and completion time. The comparable SUS score and completion time pertained to the following tools: floppy disks & MBS mini PDL and Teledyne PMAT & MBS mini PDL. Pearson correlation analysis noted a significant positive relationship between SUS score & software tool. Moreover, there was a significant negative relationship between SUS score & completion time and software tool & completion time. However, avionics technicians’ years of experience lacked a significant impact on SUS score and completion time. Ultimately, it was recommended to utilize MBS mini PDL. This aircraft loading tool had the most significant impact, highest SUS score, and fastest completion time.

CONCLUSIONS: The researchers presented managerial implications if MBS mini PDL was utilized, including sales increase and overhead cost savings. Finally, this research was the first study that analyzed the usability of the commonly used aircraft software loading tools.

PMID:38788110 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-230653

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Designing an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk and its evaluating by RULA and NERPA methods

Work. 2024 May 21. doi: 10.3233/WOR-230528. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Using a computer may lead to pain in wrists, neck, and back. In addition, adopting various body postures like sitting cross-legged, semi-fowler’s position, and putting the laptop on the leg may lead to the development of persistent and irreversible discomfort.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to design and build an adjustable ergonomic laptop desk based on the anthropometric characteristics of students in the age range of 20 to 30 years and to evaluate its efficiency using RULA and NERPA methods.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted on 108 students, in which an adjustable and portable ergonomic desk designed and built based on 10 anthropometric dimensions of students and the length and width of 10 different laptop models. Two assessment methods, RULA and NERPA, were used. Wilcoxon statistic test and SPSS version 26 software used for data analysis.

RESULTS: The dimensions of the desk were calculated in three positions, and the desk was made with the ability to adjust height, width and tilt, each with two degrees of freedom. The statistical analysis comparing score of RULA and NERPA in two situations without using a desk and using an ergonomic laptop desk had a significant difference (P-value < 0.001). Comparison of RULA and NERPA scores showed that NERPA evaluated the low ergonomic risk level better than RULA method.

CONCLUSIONS: Due to the ability to adjust the designed desk, the changes in RULA and NERPA score in all three modes, it indicates the effectiveness of the table in improving the body posture of users when using a laptop.

PMID:38788108 | DOI:10.3233/WOR-230528

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Nevin Manimala Statistics

Undergraduates’ comparative assessment, utilizing a structured rubric, of hands-on versus video-supported presentation in class II cavity preparation

Technol Health Care. 2024 Apr 27. doi: 10.3233/THC-231757. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dental education is considered as a complex, challenging and often stressful educational procedure. Acquisition of psychomotor skills by undergraduate students is an important step in many health professions to become a successful professional. During under graduation, class II cavity preparation exercise is of utmost important in dentistry.

OBJECTIVE: To compare class II cavities prepared by students after hands-on live demonstration and pre-recorded video demonstration using well-organised evaluation rubrics.

METHOD: Preclinical dental students (n= 50) were divided into two groups. The students in group I (n= 25) attended a hands-on live demonstration performed by one faculty while students in group II (n= 25) watched a 15-minute pre-recorded procedural video on the projector. Both groups were appealed to prepare class II cavity for amalgam involving disto-occlusal surface of mandibular second molar articulated on jaw model (TRU LON study model, Jayna industries, Ghaziabad U.P., India). Following completion of the preparations, all teeth were collected, and labelled grades of prepared cavities were given according to prespecified rubrics. The data of scores were presented as means and standard deviation. Statistical analysis of data was executed using SPSS software. A paired t-test was used to compare scores between groups.

RESULTS: The study shows that the video-supported demonstration of a cavity preparation was better than the live hands-on demonstration. A higher mean response for the procedural video group was found compared to the live demonstration group (p= 0.000133).

CONCLUSION: Pre-recorded video-supported demonstration along with guidance by a tutor may be a viable alternative to hands-on live demonstration in cavity preparation procedures during undergraduate dental training. Moreover, rubric methods can be implemented in the teaching of various preclinical exercises for conservative dentistry and endodontics.

PMID:38788102 | DOI:10.3233/THC-231757