Comparing carbon dioxide levels within urban transport microenvironments during rush hour and non-rush traffic

Introduction: Commuters spend countless hours within tightly confined spaces with limited ventilation that may be filled with many contaminants. By analyzing if there is a significant difference between levels of carbon dioxide between rush and non-rush hour conditions, it can be determined if some commuters are subjected to poorer levels of air quality during certain times of the day. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to understand whether there are significant ventilation deficiencies during rush compared to non-rush hour times in urban transport microenvironments. Methods: Analysis of urban transport microenvironments was done using the TSI brand QTrak Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Monitor to gather data on carbon dioxide at 1-minute intervals on the 99 B-line express bus that runs between Broadway and Commercial Skytrain Station and the Broadway and Cambie Street Skytrain Station. Results: A one tailed T-test was done on the NCSS 9 statistical software to compare if rush hour urban microenvironments had significantly higher concentrations of carbon dioxide than when compared to non-rush hour. Statistical analysis determined that since the P-value was well above the alpha level of 0.05 (i.e. P<0.05), it gives reason to accept the null hypothesis, which states that rush hour concentrations were not higher than non-rush hour. Conclusion: Statistical analysis determined that the overall concentrations of carbon dioxide during rush hour were not significantly higher than non-rush hour times. This result may have been attributed to conditions and factors during data collection that could not be controlled by the researcher. Due to the length of the route, exposure times were found to be within time-weighted averages as set out by the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), though it was still not within the recommended limit of 1000 ppm as set out by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (ASHRAE).

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Results of modern tuboperitoneal infertility treatment

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp0901057t ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 66 (1) ◽

pp. 57-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Drenka Turjacanin-Pantelic ◽

Dragana Bojovic-Jovic ◽

Biljana Arsic ◽

Eliana Garalejic

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Surgical Treatment ◽

Infertility Treatment ◽

P Value ◽

Modern Approach ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Group I ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group Ii

Background/Aim. A modern approach to surgical treatment of tuboperitoneal infertility is based on laporascopic techniques. The aim of this study was to compare results of tuboperitoneal infertility treatment by the use of laparoscopy and classical laparotomy. Methods. A retrospectiveprospective study on 66 women treated operatively form tuboperitoneal infertility was performed. Data from patient's anamnesis and those related to the surgical treatment results, obtained by the use of an inquiry, were used in retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. Chi-square test was used in statistical analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results. Classical laparotomy was used on 34 women in a period from 1996 to 1997, while 32 women were operated laparoscopically in a period from 1999 to 2000. The results were as follows: a total number of conceived women was 16 (24%), seven in the group I (20.6%) and nine in the group II (28.1%); 13 women were with one pregnancy, six in the group I (17.6%) and seven in the group II (22%). Twice pregnant were three women, one in the group I (2.9%) and two in the group II (6.2%). The resulting pregnancies were: five women with abortion spontaneous, two in the group I (5.9%) and three in the group II (9.4%); two women with extrauterine pregnancy in the group I (5.9%); three with pretemporal birth, one in the group I (2.9%) and two in the group II (6.2%), while six women were with the temporal birth, two in the group I (5.9%) and four in the group II (12.5%). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the results between these two groups. Conclusion. Surgical treatment of tubeperitoneal infertility, regardless of the used methods (classical laparotomy or laparoscopy) was successful in a great number of women. These methods have a great advantage over in vitro fertilization, and they should not be ignored.

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Waste Plastic as soil bearing Capacity Enhancer

UIC Research Journal ◽

10.17158/516 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Ruben M. Ruiz ◽

Renan P. Limjuco ◽

Ebony Joseph B. Dolino ◽

Michelle T. Llaban ◽

Jeric N. Maratas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bearing Capacity ◽

Primary Objective ◽

California Bearing Ratio ◽

Engineering Properties ◽

P Value ◽

Waste Plastic ◽

Soil P ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Engineering Soil ◽

Recycled Waste

The necessity of improving the engineering properties of soil has been recognized; therefore, it is very important to find ways to enhance the weak soil, and using plastic waste is one promising way of doing it. The primary objective of this study is to compare the bearing capacity of the two types of soil (Clay and Item-201) in different concentrations of plastics, namely, at 0%, 0.5%, and 1%. Primarily, this investigation aimed to compare the California bearing ratio (CBR) of the two types of soil each with three concentrations of plastic. This study made use of the experimental design, specifically posttest design only to determine the effectiveness of using recycled waste plastic as soil bearing capacity enhancer. Findings revealed that in terms of the type of soil, there is a significant difference in California bearing ratio between clay and Item 201 (p-value < 0.05). On the other hand, the California bearing ratio of the soil samples in various concentrations are not the same. As with the interaction between the type of soil and the waste plastic, a two-way ANOVA reveals that there is significant interaction between them that might have influenced California bearing ratio in the soil (p-value < 0.05). Keywords: Engineering, soil, waste plastic, soil bearing capacity enhancer, California bearing ratio, experimental, ANOVA, Davao City, Philippines.

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AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT USING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN CLASSROOMS

Journal of Green Building ◽

10.3992/jgb.16.2.201 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (2) ◽

pp. 201-216

Author(s):

Wannawit Taemthong

Keyword(s):

Carbon Dioxide ◽

Air Quality ◽

Indoor Air Quality ◽

Indoor Air ◽

Ornamental Plants ◽

Flux Chamber ◽

Epipremnum Aureum ◽

Air Quality Improvement ◽

Carbon Dioxide Levels ◽

Reduce Carbon Dioxide

ABSTRACT The purpose of this research is to investigate how indoor air quality might be improved by installing particular ornamental plants available in Thailand. Traditionally, ventilation fans have been used to encourage fresh air into living areas in order to reduce CO2 levels. This consumes more energy than using ornamental plants. Our research screens three types of ornamental plants and selects one to investigate its potential for enhancing indoor air quality by reducing carbon dioxide levels. The three plants are epipremnum aureum, spathiphyllum wallisei, and dieffenbachia sp. The propensity to reduce carbon dioxide levels of each plant was preliminary screened using a closed flux chamber method over a 24-hour period. It was found that epipremnum aureum had the ability to absorb carbon dioxide better than the others. The epipremnum aureum was then put in a classroom to investigate variables in two further experiments. The ability to improve air quality in terms of sensitivity to various light concentrations and the number of plants in the room are explored. It was found that epipremnum aureum should be placed within a distance of 1.5 meters from windows to achieve the appropriate light concentration to enhance indoor air quality. It was also found that 150 pots of epipremnum aureum had the propensity to reduce CO2 by 430 ppm in a classroom of 20 students for an 80-minute class. The use of sufficient amounts of epipremnum aureum can improve air quality in classrooms. A model to estimate numbers of such plants needed in classrooms is also presented.

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Hyponatremia With Intravenous Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim in Children

Annals of Pharmacotherapy ◽

10.1177/1060028019887919 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 54 (4) ◽

pp. 351-358 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Katy Stephens ◽

Jamie L. Miller ◽

Teresa V. Lewis ◽

Stephen Neely ◽

Peter N. Johnson

Keyword(s):

Cumulative Dose ◽

Serum Sodium ◽

A Priori ◽

Sodium Concentration ◽

Primary Objective ◽

P Value ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Dose Number

Background: Intravenous (IV) sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMX/TMP) has been associated with hyponatremia in adults. Objective: The primary objective was to identify the number of patients with a serum sodium <135 mEq/L. Secondary objectives between the hyponatremic versus nonhyponatremic groups included demographic comparisons, median serum sodium concentrations, SMX/TMP cumulative dose, number of diuretics, and other medications causing hyponatremia. Methods: This was a retrospective study of children <18 years receiving IV SMP/TMX. Comparisons were conducted via Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon and Mantel-Haenszel χ2 tests with an a priori P value <0.05. Results: Sixty-one patients received 66 total courses; 20 courses (30.3%) were associated with hyponatremia with a decrease in the median nadir serum sodium concentration of 133 and 138 mEq/L in the hyponatremic and nonhyponatremic groups, respectively ( P<0.001). The median age (interquartile range) was lower in the hyponatremic versus nonhyponatremic group, but this was not statistically significant: 0.6 (0.1-5.5) versus 3.9 (0.3-11.0) years; P=0.077. There was no significant difference in the median cumulative dose (mg/kg) between groups; P=0.104. In addition, there was a significant difference in the number of children in the hyponatremic versus nonhyponatremic groups receiving diuretics (16 [80.0%] vs 23 [50.0%], P=0.023) and other medications that cause hyponatremia (7 [35.0%] vs 5 [10.9%], P=0.034), respectively. Furosemide was noted to be the medication most associated with hyponatremia. Conclusion and Relevance: Approximately one-third administered IV SMX/TMP developed hyponatremia. Concomitant furosemide administration was one of the most common risk factors. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse event when initiating IV SMX/TMP in children.

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A Measure to Detect Sleep Onset Using Statistical Analysis of Spike Rhythmicity

International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Engineering ◽

10.4018/ijbce.2014010103 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 27-41 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

B.R. Purnima ◽

N. Sriraam ◽

U. Krishnaswamy ◽

K. Radhika

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Sleep Onset ◽

Rank Test ◽

P Value ◽

Sleep State ◽

Statistical Measures ◽

Plot Analysis ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Signed Rank Test ◽

The Impact

Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals derived from polysomnography recordings play an important role in assessing the physiological and behavioral changes during onset of sleep. This paper suggests a spike rhythmicity based feature for discriminating the wake and sleep state. The polysomnography recordings are segmented into 1 second EEG patterns to ensure stationarity of the signal and four windowing scheme overlaps (0%, 50%, 60% and 75%)of EEG pattern are introduced to study the influence of the pre-processing procedure. The application of spike rhythmicity feature helps to estimate the number of spikes from the given pattern with a threshold of 25%.Then non parametric statistical analysis using Wilcoxon signed rank test is introduced to evaluate the impact of statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, p-value and box-plot analysis under various conditions .The statistical test shows significant difference between wake and sleep with p<0.005 for the applied feature, thus demonstrating the efficiency of simple thresholding in distinguishing sleep and wake stage .

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The utility of HCC screening among cirrhotics

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.15108 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 15108-15108

Author(s):

P. Niravath ◽

T. Hayes ◽

S. Hilsenbeck

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Medical Center ◽

Treatment Options ◽

Hepatocellular Cancer ◽

Veterans Affairs ◽

P Value ◽

Cancer Stage ◽

Stage At Diagnosis ◽

American Population ◽

Significant Difference

15108 Background: Screening known cirrhotics for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has long been a contentious topic. Studies to date have failed to conclusively prove or disprove the validity of AFP and hepatic ultrasound as screening mechanisms for HCC among cirrhotics, particularly in the American population. It is not clear whether these screening mechanisms provide any benefit in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality. Methods: The study examined all cirrhotics who developed HCC at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 1999 and 2005. Those who were screened with AFP and/or imaging (either ultrasound, triphasic liver protocol CT, or MRI) were compared to those patients who were not screened at all. The screened and unscreened patients were compared in terms of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage (BCLC) at the time of diagnosis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the screened and unscreened groups in terms of BCLC stage at diagnosis, with the unscreened group being diagnosed at later stages than the screened group. Of the 155 patients observed, 26 were appropriately screened, and 129 were not. The BCLC stages at diagnosis for the two groups are shown in the table . The different trend in the two groups was found to be statistically significant with a p-value of 0.004. Furthermore, among the screened group, no particular method of screening (AFP vs. imaging vs. combination) was shown to be superior to another. Conclusions: Screening for HCC among cirrhotics using AFP and/or imaging every 6 months does correlate with HCC diagnosis at an earlier BCLC stage, thus portending better treatment options and improved prognosis. Therefore, screening all known cirrhotics for HCC may lead to decreased mortality. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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Clinical outcome for continuous versus intermittent chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer: Comparative analysis after first-line therapy.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2018.36.4_suppl.825 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 36 (4_suppl) ◽

pp. 825-825

Author(s):

Nadine Abdallah ◽

AMR Mohamed ◽

Hibah Ismail ◽

Wei Chen ◽

Alaa Akhras ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Colorectal Cancer ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Random Effect ◽

Random Effect Model ◽

Primary Objective ◽

Induction Treatment ◽

P Value ◽

First Line ◽

Free Interval ◽

Significant Difference

825 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common and second most lethal cancer in the U.S, with almost 50% of patients developing metastatic disease. Although survival of metastatic CRC (mCRC) has improved significantly, current treatment strategies are associated with many adverse effects. With no prospect of cure, goals of treatment should consider both quantity and quality of life. Interruption of chemotherapy after induction can represent a means to achieve this balance. Methods: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to assess the effect of continuation vs interruption of systemic therapy in terms of survival in patients with unresectable mCRC after first line treatment. Among 15 prospective studies published from 2009-2017, 9 qualified for inclusion. Random-effect model was used for pooled effects within two main categories: continuous chemotherapy vs chemotherapy-free interval after first line induction. Studies with maintenance fluoropyrimidine and/or bevacizumab were excluded. Primary endpoint was median progression free survival (PFS) and secondary endpoint was median overall survival (OS). z statistics were used for comparing subgroups. All statistical tests were two-sided. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 1366 patients (55% males) were included in the final analysis. Induction treatment was 5-FU or capecitabine-based chemotherapy with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan with or without bevacizumab. After stratifying for induction status, there was no statistically significant difference in median PFS between continuous vs chemotherapy free interval [Median PFS 4.74-month (95% CI 3.87-5.61) vs 3.52 month (95% CI 2.97-4.07), z-test adjusted p value 0.1383]. No significant difference in median OS between both groups [Median OS 16.95-month (95% CI 15.40-18.50) vs 18.35 month (95% CI 15.17-21.54)]. Conclusions: In mCRC patients, the superiority of continuous chemotherapy was not demonstrated. Further studies should shed light on patient and tumor characteristics most likely to benefit from continuous chemotherapy to limit delivery of cytotoxic therapy to this subset of patients.

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Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic and Aqueous Extract of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Journal of Pure and Applied Microbiology ◽

10.22207/jpam.15.1.13 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 186-193

Author(s):

Sarah Sukeri ◽

Azizah Ab Karem ◽

Evana Kamarudin ◽

Mazura Bahari

Keyword(s):

Staphylococcus Aureus ◽

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Aqueous Extract ◽

Food Preparation ◽

P Value ◽

Sensitivity Testing ◽

Minimum Concentration ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa

Food poisoning is one of the riskiest illnesses caused by an organism like bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can contaminate food at any stage of food production. Most reports are associated with bacterial contamination through the food preparation process. Researcher nowadays attempts to discover a safer agent to use in food preparation as a food preservative agent. Thus, the potential of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves as an antimicrobial agent was explored in this study. It was tested against two bacteria which are Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Eschericia coli (gram-negative). Antimicrobial activity of methanol and aqueous R. tomentosa leaves extract was compared using gram staining, bacterial identification, antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and statistical analysis. The disc diffusion technique was used for AST where the mean area of inhibition methanol and aqueous extract against S. aureus was 18 mm and 16 mm respectively, whereas there was no area of inhibition for E. coli. MIC was done to determine the minimum concentration of the extract needed to inhibit the bacteria. After that, MBC was performed to confirm the previous MIC result. Statistical analysis was done by conduct it through SPSS software program. Then, the result for S. aureus is obtained from finding its p-value. Statistically, a significant difference between the two bacteria was analyzed by using independent t-test. A result of p-value less than 0.05 was considered significantly different as one another. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between methanol and aqueous extract on antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, both aqueous and methanol leaves R. tomentosa yielded similar antibacterial activity which susceptible to S. aureus and can be used safely toward foodborne pathogen.

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Effect of dietary combinations on plaque pH recovery after the intake of pediatric liquid analgesics

European Journal of Dentistry ◽

10.4103/1305-7456.163220 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 09 (03) ◽

pp. 340-345 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shaam Saeed ◽

Nada Bshara ◽

Juliana Trak ◽

Ghiath Mahmoud

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trial ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Randomized Clinical Trial ◽

Sampling Method ◽

Chewing Gum ◽

P Value ◽

Plaque Ph ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Difference Test

ABSTRACT Objectives: To study the effect of water, halloumi cheese and sugar-free (SF) chewing gum on plaque pH recovery after the intake of sweetened PLAs. Settings and Design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 17 children (10 females, 7 males) aged 11–12 years with DFT/dft of more than 3. Materials and Methods: Each volunteer tested paracetamol and ibuprofen suspension alone or followed with water, halloumi cheese or SF gum, as well as 10% sucrose and 10% sorbitol as controls. Plaque pH was measured using the sampling method before and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 min of ingestion. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance followed by least significant difference test to assess minimum pH (min pH), maximum pH drop (ΔpH), and the area under baseline pH, and P value was set as 0.05. Results: Both ibuprofen and paracetamol were not significantly different from 10% sucrose in terms of min pH, ΔpH, and area under baseline pH except for min pH of ibuprofen (P = 0.034). Water and halloumi cheese did not have a significant effect on plaque pH recovery after the intake of both analgesics as min pH, ΔpH, and area under baseline pH were similar to 10% sucrose except for min pH of ibuprofen + water (P = 0.048). However, plaque pH variables after chewing SF gum for 20 min were similar to 10% sorbitol. Conclusion: Chewing SF gum immediately after the intake of sweetened PLAs for 20 min restores plaque pH and could be recommended as a complementary aid in caries prevention.

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Gender Comparison of Medical Student Microsurgical Skills in a Laboratory Model

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1626694 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 34 (05) ◽

pp. 359-362 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Rowena Sudario-Lumague ◽

Yuan-Cheng Chiang ◽

Tsan-Shiun Lin

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Medical Students ◽

Laboratory Model ◽

P Value ◽

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital ◽

Male And Female ◽

Gender Comparison ◽

Standard Scale ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Numeric Scale

Background Perceived gender-related differences in surgical skills could limit opportunities available for any aspiring surgeon. There should be more available literature and logical analysis of these observations. The objective of this study is to evaluate the microsurgical skills of male and female medical students using a standard scale in the laboratory. Methods This study included medical students enrolled in the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2002 to 2015 who were evaluated by a senior consultant for their microsurgical skills. A standard numeric scale was used to evaluate their suturing technique after basic microsurgical training. Differences in the scores between male and female medical students were evaluated using statistical analysis. Results A total of 578 medical students were included in the study. There were 393 males (68%) and 185 females (32%). Using statistical analysis, there is no significant difference in the distribution of scores (p-Value = 0.78) and mean scores (p-Value = 0.75) between the two groups. Conclusions This study shows that microsurgical skills of male and female medical students are similar. Equal opportunities in the eventual pursuit of the surgical specialties should be available regardless of gender.

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