Search Results (53)

Background: After the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, abusive use of the internet and new information and communication technologies (ICT) among university students was detected. Our research questions were as follows: what has been the impact on the academic performance of university students, and how did the pandemic affect students’ relationship with ICTs? The aim of this research was to explore the use of cell phones and the internet in students from different cultures (Spanish and Japanese) after the pandemic. Methods: This descriptive and exploratory study analysed 206 university students from Spanish and Japanese cultures to understand their perceptions of academic performance after the pandemic, their general use of ICT, and their abusive use of the internet and mobile phones. Instruments included the Internet Overuse Scale (IOS) and the Cell-Phone Overuse Scale (COS), adapted for both Spanish and Japanese populations. Differences between quantitative variables were analyzed using the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test for independent samples (Spanish and Japanese students or by sex). Contingency tables were created to record and analyse relationships between qualitative variables using the chi-squared test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Approximately 29.6% of participants displayed excessive internet use, while 25.2% showed pathological mobile phone use. A strong association was found between high internet and mobile phone usage. Significant cultural and gender differences were observed, with higher problematic use among Japanese students and female participants. Conclusions: Excessive ICT use remains a concern in university settings, with gender and cultural factors playing key roles. These findings highlight the need for targeted digital well-being interventions. Full article

Agricultural machinery, particularly balers, plays a crucial role in forage management. These machines are prone to fire incidents caused by mechanical friction, heat buildup, and the accumulation of crop residues, among other contributing factors. Despite their operational importance, fire risks associated with balers remain largely understudied. This research aims to identify critical fire risk factors in large square balers through a combined analysis of survey data, temperature monitoring, and residue characterization. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 144 large square baler users to assess fire incidence and potential risk factors. Contingency table analysis and binary logistic regression were applied to identify variables significantly associated with the fire risk. Additionally, temperature data were recorded in six balers during two harvesting seasons, and residue samples were collected and analyzed to assess their ignition potential. Using a rake for windrowing was the only variable significantly associated with increased fire risk, making balers 3.4 times more likely to experience a fire (p = 0.034). Temperature analysis showed that the feeder fork brake (190.6 °C) and hydraulic pump (128.7 °C) were the hottest components, but none of the recorded temperatures exceeded the 250 °C ignition threshold of fine agricultural residues. Residue analysis showed that particles smaller than 250 µm accounted for 39% of the total material, underscoring their potential to contribute to fire propagation. This study highlights the critical influence of raking equipment on fire risk in balers and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures such as enhanced cleaning, real-time temperature monitoring, and improved mechanical design. These findings provide actionable insights for reducing fire hazards in agricultural operations and optimizing baler safety. Full article

The aims of this pilot study were to design a training protocol to improve the padel smash, based on the practice of medicine ball throws (shot put) and smashes (powerful smashes and smashes over the side fence), and to test the effectiveness of the designed training protocol. Four high-level male Finnish players completed two weekly sessions, each consisting of four sets of five medicine ball throws (2 kg), followed by five smashes. Sufficient rest between sets and repetitions was ensured to minimize fatigue and reduce injury risk while maximizing power output. Performance was assessed through pre- and post-tests. A paired t-test analyzed the powerful smash, while contingency tables and the Chi-square test (χ²) evaluated the smash over the side fence. Three of the four players showed a significant increase in powerful smash distance, while the success rate of smashes over the side fence improved but did not reach statistical significance. These findings suggest that the designed training protocol improves powerful smashes and smashes over the side fence, potentially optimizing performance. Future research with larger samples is needed to refine training guidelines and explore broader implications for performance, injury prevention, and long-term athlete development. Full article

The analysis of aggregate data has received increasing attention in the statistical discipline over the past 20 years, with the ongoing development of a suite of techniques that are classified as ecological inference. Much of its development has been focused solely on estimating the cell frequencies in a 2 × 2 contingency table where only the marginal totals are given; an approach that has been received with mixed reviews. More recently, the focus has shifted toward analyzing the overall association structure, rather than on the estimation of cell frequencies. This article provides some insight into how informative the aggregate data in a single 2 × 2 contingency table are for assessing the association between the variables. This is achieved through the development of a new index, the aggregate informative index. This new index quantifies how much information, on a [0, 100] scale, is needed in the marginal information in a 2 × 2 contingency table to conclude that a statistically significant association exists between the variables. It is established that, unlike Pearson’s (and other forms of the) chi-squared statistic, this new index is immune to changes in the sample size. It is also shown that the new index remains stable when the 2 × 2 contingency table consists of extreme marginal information. Full article

The diagonals–parameter symmetry (DPS) model is a proposed method for analyzing square contingency tables with ordinal categories. Previously, it was stated that the generalized DPS (DPS[f]) model was equivalent to the DPS model for any function f, but the proof was not provided. This paper presents the derivation of the DPS[f] model and the proof of the relationship between the two models. The findings offer various interpretations of the DPS model. Additionally, a new model is considered, and it is shown that the proposed model and the DPS[f] model are separable. Full article

Accurate forecasting of fluctuations in groundwater table is crucial for the effective management of regional water resources. This study explores the potential of utilizing remotely sensed satellite data to predict and forecast water table variations. Specifically, two Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed to simulate water table fluctuations at two distinct well sites, namely BA Ea 18 and FR Df 35 in Maryland. One model leveraged the relationship between variations in brightness temperature and water table depth, while the other model was founded on the association between changes in soil moisture and water table depth. These models were trained and validated using recorded water table depths from the aforementioned wells, brightness temperature data acquired from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer—Earth Observing System (AMSR-E), and soil moisture information generated using the Land Data Assimilation System (LDAS). All models exhibited strong performance in predicting and forecasting water table fluctuations, with root mean square errors ranging from 0.043 m to 0.047 m for a 12-month forecasting horizon. Sensitivity tests revealed that the models displayed greater sensitivity to uncertainties in water table depth compared to uncertainties in both brightness temperature and soil moisture content. This underscores the feasibility of constructing an ANN-based water table prediction model, even in cases where high-resolution remotely sensed data is unavailable. In such situations, the model’s efficacy is contingent on the compatibility of the time series trends in data, such as brightness temperature or soil moisture, with those observed at the study site. Full article

The dehesas are one of the most emblematic landscapes of the Extremadura region (Spain). Along with its natural values, it preserves a wide repertoire of knowledge and trades rooted in the history and tradition of rural communities. However, the knowledge and practices that have characterized life in this environment are currently under serious threat. Faced with this problem, this study was based on the premise that, for individuals to commit themselves to the care and transmission of heritage, it is first necessary for them to know, understand and value it. For this reason, the main objective was to determine the knowledge and appreciation of university students with respect to the dehesa and the ancestral practice of grazing. It also aimed to analyze which are the most valued methodologies, activities, and future strategies for understanding and preserving these cultural landscapes and their ancestral practices. To this end, 400 university students were surveyed, and various quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out. Quantitative techniques include analyses based on weighted averages, contingency tables and the chi-square test, while qualitative techniques are based on word frequency analysis and inductive content analysis. Despite coming from an environment dominated by this landscape and being one of the few regions that still preserve the ancestral practice of pastoralism, the results corroborated the students’ lack of understanding of the dehesa and the variety of uses it offers. In addition, it was evident that they have hardly frequented this landscape and have not participated in on-site educational experiences. It also revealed the importance of experiential and sensory activities in the understanding and appreciation of the rural environment and its traditions. The results can be useful for improving the design of educational tourism products based on intangible heritage. It can also be useful for adapting teaching strategies and activities to the level of knowledge and experiences of students, helping to ensure the success of the educational experience. Full article

Background: In forensic pathology, asphyxia presents a problem as frequently as it is thorny and challenging. Some knowledge in forensic pathology is still considered to be traditionally acquired and is not critically assessed with modern statistical or technical tools. In this study, we seek to examine the injuries that are considered to be typical of cases of hanging (neck lesions, haemorrhages, and pleural and epicardial petechiae). Methods: We evaluated whether there was, indeed, a statistically significant association between these injuries and deaths from hanging as compared to non-hanging deaths. We collected 399 cases (32 deaths by hanging and 367 cases of non-hangings), built contingency tables and performed chi-square tests for each variable (lesion) examined; we also analysed this association in various subgroups of the sample (according to sex, age and weight ranges). Results: Our results did not deviate from the expected outcome based on traditional knowledge, although they do provide a more detailed demonstration and clarification of traditional knowledge regarding this topic. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights for future discussion, examination and deepening of knowledge that is traditionally accepted but often undersupported in the literature. Full article

In Spain, inequities exist in implementing colorectal cancer (CRC) tests with the target population—adults aged 50 to 69—as part of population-based CRC screening programs. This research aims to further our understanding of the target population’s awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of these test-based screening programs. A survey was carried out using an online panel representative of the target population, with a sample collected from 5313 individuals. Data collection took place in June 2022. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out using contingency tables, the Chi-square test, and Cramer’s V statistics. The sample was also segmented based on key variables. Finally, the results were analyzed using logistic regression. In the sample population, 62.5% had taken the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), 72.5% reported receiving the invitation letter to participate in the screening program, and 86.8% had prior knowledge of the FOBT. Noncompliance was mainly due to lack of symptoms (40%), non-receipt of invitation letters (39.7%), and forgetfulness or neglect (28.5%). On the contrary, receipt of the letter of invitation (OR 7.35, p < 0.01) and prior knowledge of FOBT (OR 6.32, p < 0.01) were the main variables that increased the probability of test uptake. Other significant variables included frequency of primary care visits (OR 1.71, p < 0.01) and being older (65–69 years old) (OR 1.52, p < 0.01) There is still a pressing need for greater awareness of both CRC risk factors and the benefits of early detection, as well as for overcoming the common misconception that detection should only be sought when symptoms are present. Full article

The paper aims at the question of using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities as a marketing tool from the customers’ perspective in the Slovak food market. Five research questions and hypotheses were set to reach the given aim. The research was based on a questionnaire survey with 1254 respondents. The frequency and contingency tables were used to evaluate the obtained data, one sample proportion Z test, Pearson Chi-square test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Based on the results, although the customers are familiar with CSR, many respondents need to learn more about these activities. CSR activities must be more actively applied and communicated by the food companies. In most cases, Slovak customers perceive the sustainability of food companies and their CSR activities as a marketing communication tool that can build a positive image of the company. At the threshold of the 3rd millennium, CSR is also connected with rationality and irrationality in creating preferences in consumer shopping behavior. While the way that food is produced can be changed through regulation, the communication of CSR and sustainability activities are major drivers for the development of food companies. Trustworthiness is one of the key factors, and customers play a key role in this direction. The solved issue has a huge impact on the success of the food companies in the market, and, therefore, it would be suitable to pay attention to this issue and conduct similar research in other E.U. countries and on their food companies. Full article

This manuscript introduces an exploratory case study of the SIMFAC’s (Sistema de Información Meteorológica de la Fuerza Aérea Colombiana) operational implementation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a 3DVAR (three-dimensional variational) data assimilation scheme that provides meteorological information for military, public, and private aviation. In particular, it investigates whether the assimilation scheme in SIMFAC’s implementation improves the prediction of the variables of interest compared to the implementation without data assimilation (CTRL). Consequently, this study compares SIMFAC’S 3DVAR-WRF operational implementation in Colombia with a CTRL with the same parameterization (without 3DVAR assimilation) against the ground and satellite observations in two operational forecast windows. The simulations are as long as an operational run, and the evaluation is performed using the root mean square error, the mean fractional bias, the percent bias, the correlation factor, and metrics based on contingency tables. It also evaluates the model’s results according to the regions of Colombia, accounting for the country’s topographical differences. The findings reveal that, in general, the operational forecast (3DVAR) is similar to the CTRL without data assimilation, indicating the need for further improvement of the 3DVAR-WRF implementation. Full article

The aim of innovations in road safety is to contribute to the better protection of road users and to minimize damage to their property. The main objective of this article is to identify disparities in perceptions of a front braking light by examining the road safety of road users based on their type of employment and the number of kilometers driven per year. The research will evaluate the attitudes of selected groups of road users based on the number of kilometers driven in a calendar year and whether driving a motor vehicle is their main duty as part of their job. The analysis involved 239 respondents using a paper questionnaire. Disparities in perceptions of innovations, with regard to road safety, were evaluated using contingency tables, chi-square tests, non-parametric tests, and Cramer’s V. Road users feel much safer with a front braking light when crossing traffic comprising vehicles and pedestrians (71%), at pedestrian crossings (74%), when turning left (63.4%), as well as when crossing traffic comprising multiple vehicles (62.5%). Disparities between respondents based on the type of employment of the road user were not confirmed. Road users with a higher number of driven kilometers have a more positive perception of the front braking light at pedestrian crossings. Full article

This research sought to determine the effect of selected milk protein polymorphisms on the reproduction parameters of 598 black and white Polish Holstein–Friesian cattle. The analyzed genes were kappa-casein (CSN3) and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG). The following reproductive indexes were selected: the age at first calving, the interpregnancy period, the calving interval, and the insemination index. The influence of the identified genotypes on the course of parturition in cows was also analyzed. Source data were collected for each cow from the beginning of the herd life and reproduction to its culling from the herd or the end of its third lactation. Data on the age at first calving, the amount of semen portions for artificial insemination (insemination index), the interpregnancy period, and the calving interval for each cow were also collected. A contingency analysis was performed through contingency tables using a Pearson’s chi-squared test for each CSN3 and BLG genotype. The results show that the BB genotype of the kappa-casein gene was associated with the most favorable values of reproductive indicators. In the case of the calving interval, the values were significantly more favorable than those of other genotypes (p ≤ 0.05). No effect of beta-lactoglobulin polymorphism on the analyzed reproductive indices was observed. On the other hand, in the case of the interpregnancy period, significant statistical differences were obtained between the AA and BB genotypes. The analyzed kappa-casein and beta-lactoglobulin genotypes did not significantly influence the course of parturition in cows. To conclude, the genotype polymorphism BB CSN3 is the most favorable for the performance of the cows in the examined herd. Full article

(1) Background: The complete picture of the disease is not fully recognized and extends far beyond the pelvis. The disease’s impacts lead to systemic inflammation, in turn resulting in sensitization to pain. The aim of this study was to check whether statistical correlations exist in women with endometriosis with regard to their experience of pain: headache, pelvic pain, temporomandibular joint pain, along with teeth clenching and the treatment of the disease. We constructed contingency tables, followed by Pearson’s chi-square test and Cramer’s V coefficient values. (2) Methods: A survey was conducted among 128 women aged 33.43 ± 5.79 with a diagnosis of endometriosis (disease duration 6.40 ± 5.88 years). (3) Results: There was a correlation between the occurrence of pain on the right and left sides of the pelvis and pain on the right and left sides of the temporomandibular joint, p-value = 0.0397, V = 0.2350, and between the presence of pelvic pain and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0104, V = 0.3709, and between the presence of pain outside the pelvis and the treatment of endometriosis, p-value = 0.0311, V = 0.4549. There was a highly significant correlation between teeth clenching and temporomandibular joint pain, p-value = 0.0005, V = 0.3695. (4) Conclusions: The study revealed a correlation between pelvic endometriosis symptoms and symptoms in the temporomandibular joint. Full article

Background: The passage through university is a complex experience that can heighten personal susceptibility to eating disorders. The objective of this research is to determine how gender, age, course, educational faculty, and body mass index (BMI) can influence the risk of eating disorders among university students. Method: A transversal and descriptive study is conducted with a sample of 516 Spanish students (57.2% female, 42.8% male; M_age = 21.7, SD_age = 4.1) following 26 university degrees. The Inventory Eating Disorder-Reference criterion (EDI-3-RF) was administered to the students. Contingency tables were used between categorical variables with the chi-squared statistic, at a significance level of p < 0.05. The Student t-test was used for two independent samples and a one-way ANOVA test with the post hoc Bonferroni test for more than two groups. Pearson’s correlation and a simple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the relationship between the variables in its quantitative version. Results: It was found that the female students enrolled in the second year presented a greater obsession with thinness and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.029; d = 0.338); the male students practiced more physical exercise to control their weight (p = 0.003); and that students under the age of twenty (p < 0.010; d = 0.584) and students from both the Health (p = 0.0.13) and Law (p = 0.021) educational faculties showed greater bulimic behavior (d = 0.070). More females are underweight (z = 2.8), and more men are overweight (z = 2.4). Normal-weight students scored significantly higher in thinness obsession (p = 0.033). Overweight students scored significantly higher on thinness obsession (p < 0.001) and body dissatisfaction (p < 0.001). Obese students scored significantly higher on body dissatisfaction (p = 0.04). Conclusions: The data obtained in this study, reinforce the hypothesis that the female gender, at an age within the limits of early adolescence, in the first year of the degree courses, with specific university qualifications, and a high BMI constituted factors that could provoke an eating disorder. Consequently, it is necessary to implement preventive measures adapted to the circumstances of each university student. Full article