Correlation Coefficient Analysis Research Articles

Delta shock index predicts injury severity, interventions, and outcomes in trauma patients: A 10-year retrospective observational study.

Most trauma occurs among young male subjects in Qatar. We examined the predictive values of the delta shock index (DSI), defined as the change in the shock index (SI) value from the scene to the initial reading in the emergency unit (i.e., subtracting the calculated SI at admission from SI at the scene), at a Level 1 trauma center. To explore whether high DSI is associated with severe injuries, more interventions, and worse outcomes [i.e., blood transfusion, exploratory laparotomy, ventilator-associated pneumonia, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and in-hospital mortality] in trauma patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted after data were extracted from the National Trauma Registry between 2011 and 2021. Patients were grouped based on DSI as low (≤ 0.1) or high (> 0.1). Data were analyzed and compared using χ 2 and Student's t-tests. Correlations between DSI and injury severity score (ISS), revised trauma score (RTS), abbreviated injury scale (AIS), Glasgow coma scale (GCS), trauma score-ISS (TRISS), HLOS, and number of transfused blood units (NTBU), were assessed using correlation coefficient analysis. The diagnostic testing accuracy for predicting mortality was determined using the validity measures of the DSI. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. This analysis included 13212 patients with a mean age of 33 ± 14 years, and 24% had a high DSI. Males accounted for 91% of the study population. The trauma activation level was higher in patients with a high DSI (38% vs 15%, P = 0.001). DSI correlated with RTS (r = -0.30), TRISS (r = -0.30), NTBU (r = 0.20), GCS (r = -0.24), ISS (r = 0.22), and HLOS (r = 0.14) (P = 0.001 for all). High DSI was associated with significantly higher rates of intubation, laparotomy, ventilator-associated pneumonia, massive transfusion activation, and mortality than low DSI. For mortality prediction, a high DSI had better specificity, negative predictive value, and negative likelihood ratio (77%, 99%, and 0.49%, respectively). After adjusting for age, emergency medical services time, GCS score, and ISS, multivariable regression analysis showed that DSI was an independent predictor of mortality (odds ratio = 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.35-2.76). In addition to sex-biased observations, almost one-quarter of the study cohort had a higher DSI and were mostly young. High DSI correlated significantly with the other injury severity scores, which require more time and imaging to be ready to use. Therefore, DSI is a practical, simple bedside tool for triaging and prognosis in young patients with trauma.

Evaluating microvascular invasion in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography radiomics and clinicoradiological factors.

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a significant indicator of the aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Expanding the surgical resection margin and performing anatomical liver resection may improve outcomes in patients with MVI. However, no reliable preoperative method currently exists to predict MVI status or to identify patients at high-risk group (M2). To develop and validate models based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomics and clinicoradiological factors to predict MVI and identify M2 among patients with hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-HCC). The ultimate goal of the study was to guide surgical decision-making. A total of 270 patients who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort was divided into a training dataset (189 patients) and a validation dataset (81) with a 7:3 ratio. Radiomics features were selected using intra-class correlation coefficient analysis, Pearson or Spearman's correlation analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, leading to the construction of radscores from CECT images. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified significant clinicoradiological factors and radscores associated with MVI and M2, which were subsequently incorporated into predictive models. The models' performance was evaluated using calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility analysis. Independent risk factors for MVI included non-smooth tumor margins, absence of a peritumoral hypointensity ring, and a high radscore based on delayed-phase CECT images. The MVI prediction model incorporating these factors achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.841 in the training dataset and 0.768 in the validation dataset. The M2 prediction model, which integrated the radscore from the 5 mm peritumoral area in the CECT arterial phase, α-fetoprotein level, enhancing capsule, and aspartate aminotransferase level achieved an AUC of 0.865 in the training dataset and 0.798 in the validation dataset. Calibration and decision curve analyses confirmed the models' good fit and clinical utility. Multivariable models were constructed by combining clinicoradiological risk factors and radscores to preoperatively predict MVI and identify M2 among patients with HBV-HCC. Further studies are needed to evaluate the practical application of these models in clinical settings.

Price Volatility Mitigation and the Securities Market Financial Performance of Listed Insurance Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The performance of securities market globally plays an important role in both local and international markets. The high rise of such markets has given an increase in the number or risks associated with firms registered at the stock market. This study therefore sought to examine the effect of price volatility mitigation on the securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. The target population was 548 staff working in finance, investment, risk, actuarial and operations departments in the six insurance firms listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange. The sample size was determined using Yamane's Formula and stratified random sampling was used in the selection of the sample size. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. The study used a data extraction tool to collect secondary data from the annual reports and financial statements of the insurance companies. The study made use of structured questionnaires to collect primary data. The questionnaires generated quantitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used in analyzing quantitative data with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24) statistical software. Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Inferential data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The study found that price volatility mitigation has a positive and significant effect on securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya. The study recommends that insurance firms should focus on implementing strategies to effectively manage supply and demand dynamics within the securities market. This includes closely monitoring market trends, analyzing supply-demand imbalances, and adjusting pricing and stock clearance strategies accordingly. By actively managing supply-demand dynamics, firms can mitigate price volatility risks and enhance securities market financial performance

Bio-filtration of Organic Pollutants: Simulation and Mathematical Modelling of Toluene and n-propanol

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemical substances that evaporate quickly, releasing harmful fumes into the atmosphere. Among the various VOCs, toluene and n-propanol are particularly interesting due to their widespread occurrence and considerable industrial impact. This study uses a bio-reactor with microbial biofilm formation to present the bio-degradation of a composition of toluene (methylbenzol) and n-propanol (1-propanol). It predicts the coupled inhibition effect of n-propanol on the toluene removal efficiency. The bio-filtration process is modelled as a dynamical system using a set of deterministic nonlinear partial differential equations. The differential equation with its appropriate conditions describes the bio-filtration processes occurring in two distinct phases: the biofilm phase and the gaseous phase. The differential equation is solved using the Chebyshev pseudospectral method and the local linearization method to understand the physical dynamics of the mathematical model. The effectiveness of the spectral-based method was evaluated by comparing its accuracy to known results in the limiting cases of the current dynamical model. A parametric and partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) analysis of the dimensionless parameters is conducted. It was found that toluene removal is enhanced by the additional desorption rate constant, ζ2. Increasing the air-biofilm coefficient for n-propanol supports the removal of n-propanol but not that of toluene. The findings of this study contribute to improvements in bio-degradation modelling and enhance our understanding of volatile organic compounds.

Analisis Hubungan Antar Manusia dan Lingkungan Kerja Fisik Terhadap Etos Kerja

The purpose of this study is to describe human relations, physical work environment, and work ethic. Then to analyze the effect of human relations, physical work environment on employee work ethic at Perumda Air Minum Tirta Jaya Mandiri Sukabumi Regency. This study uses associative research methods with a quantitative approach. The population is all employees of Perumda Air Minum Tirta Jaya Mandiri totaling 58 people using saturated sampling. The type of data used is primary and secondary data, the measurement of this study using a semantic differential scale. In this research analysis technique, namely using validity test, reliability test, correlation coefficient analysis, coefficient of determination analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, research model testing (F test), and hypothesis testing (T test). Based on the results of the study, it is obtained that the relationship between the variables of Human Relations and the Physical Work Environment on Work Ethic is 0.874, including the criteria for a very strong relationship, the magnitude of the influence of Human Relations on Work Ethic is 0.667, and the magnitude of the influence of the Physical Work Environment on Work Ethic is 0.615 or 76.4% while the remaining 23.6% is influenced by other factors not included in this study.

Cadence-based energy expenditure in able-bodied male people comparing cadence-based energy expenditure and oxygen cost indices in able-bodied male people.

Walking is a fundamental aspect of daily life and exercise, with clinical benefits for cardiovascular health and muscle strength. However, accurately measuring energy efficiency during walking poses challenges due to equipment and spatial constraints. In this study, we proposed the cadence-based energy expenditure index (cEEI) and analyzed its correlation with the previously proposed index for measuring energy expenditure under various gait conditions. We enrolled 15 healthy participants and conducted an experimental protocol on a treadmill to measure the following energy expenditure-related indices: oxygen cost index (OCI), energy expenditure index (EEI), and cEEI. The participants underwent stages of walking at different speeds and inclinations that comply with the modified Bruce protocol, whereas their heart rate, oxygen uptake, and cadence were recorded. Participants showed significant increases in heart rate, oxygen uptake, and cadence with higher walking speeds and inclinations. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations between cEEI and OCI, especially during walking conditions. Bland-Altman plots and interclass correlation coefficient analysis demonstrated a favorable agreement between cEEI and OCI, outperforming EEI. In conclusion, this study proposes cEEI as a reliable metric for estimating energy expenditure during walking by proving a strong correlation and agreement with OCI across various gait conditions. This suggests the potential for cEEI to provide real-time, individualized feedback on energy expenditure during walking, facilitating more personalized exercise prescriptions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We proposed cEEI as a reliable metric for estimating energy expenditure under various walking conditions. Its demonstrated accuracy and potential for real-time individualized feedback could revolutionize personalized exercise prescriptions for diverse sexes and age groups, as well as individuals with disabilities requiring real-time physical monitoring and home care.

The mediating effect of patient safety culture on the relationship between professionalism, self-leadership, and compliance with infection prevention activity against emerging respiratory infectious disease among nurses working in geriatric long-term care hospitals: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: This study investigates the mediating effect of patient safety culture on the relationship between professionalism, self-leadership, and compliance with infection prevention activity against emerging respiratory infectious diseases among nurses working in geriatric long-term care hospitals. Methods: In total, 136 nurses from eight geriatric long-term care hospitals were invited to participate. For the statistical analyses, descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analyses were employed. The mediating effect was analyzed using the three-step mediation procedure of Baron and Kenny in hierarchical regression, and the significance of the mediating effect was tested using the Sobel test. Results: Patient safety culture had a full mediating effect on the relationship between professionalism and compliance with infection prevention activity (Z=3.14, p=.001) and a full mediating effect on the relationship between self-leadership and compliance with infection prevention activity (Z=3.37, p<.001). Conclusion: The study findings indicate that a higher patient safety culture within the organization further enhances compliance with infection prevention activity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to enhance nurses’ professionalism and self-leadership, as well as to improve organizational patient safety culture for the infection control in geriatric long-term care hospitals.

Economic Risk Mitigation and the Securities Market Financial Performance of Listed Insurance Firms at Nairobi Securities Exchange.

The performance of the global securities market plays a crucial role in both local and international economies. The rise of these markets has increased the risks associated with firms listed on the stock market. This study aimed to examine the effect of economic risk mitigation on the financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya's securities market. A descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach were adopted. The target population consisted of 548 staff members working in finance, investment, risk, actuarial, and operations departments across the six insurance firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The sample size was determined using Yamane's Formula, and stratified random sampling was employed to select the sample. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in this study. Secondary data were collected using a data extraction tool from the annual reports and financial statements of the insurance companies, while structured questionnaires were used to gather primary data. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS (version 24). Descriptive statistics included frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while inferential data analysis was conducted using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. The study found that economic risk mitigation has a positive and significant effect on securities market financial performance of listed insurance firms in Kenya.

Investment and Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nepal

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of investment on profitability of selected Nepalese commercial banks. This research employs a descriptive and causal comparative research design. Given the impracticality of including all banks, the study focuses on a selected sample of twenty banks, specifically NABIL bank limited and Standard Chartered bank limited, chosen through judgment sampling. Secondary data, including annual reports and various published sources has used for analysis. The research employs statistical tools such as arithmetic mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, correlation coefficient, and regression analysis to evaluate and interpret the data. The results indicate that higher NRB Balance and Investment on Security are positively associated with both return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE), suggesting that banks with larger reserves and substantial investments in securities tend to achieve better profitability. Conversely, Loan and Advance to Customers show a strong positive correlation with ROA but a negative correlation with ROE, indicating that while increased lending boosts asset returns, it may reduce returns on equity and investment in securities. Regression analyses further illuminate these relationships. For ROA, Bank Size emerges as the most significant factor, with a strong positive impact, followed by NRB Balance and Loan and Advance to Customers, which also positively influence ROA. Investment on Security, although positively related, has a less pronounced effect.

Prediction of acute pancreatitis severity based on early CT radiomics

BackgroundThis study aims to develop and validate an integrated predictive model combining CT radiomics and clinical parameters for early assessment of acute pancreatitis severity.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 246 patients with acute pancreatitis was analyzed, with a 70%-30% split for training and validation groups. CT image segmentation was performed using ITK-SNAP, followed by the extraction of radiomics features. The stability of the radiomics features was assessed through inter-observer Intraclass Correlation Coefficient analysis. Feature selection was carried out using univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression with 10-fold cross-validation. A radiomics model was constructed through logistic regression to compute the radiomics score. Concurrently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were employed to identify independent clinical risk factors for the clinical model. The radiomics score and clinical variables were integrated into a combined model, which was visualized with a nomogram. Model performance and net clinical benefit were evaluated through the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the DeLong test, and decision curve analysis.ResultsA total of 913 radiomics features demonstrated satisfactory consistency. Eight features were selected for the radiomics model. Serum calcium, C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count were identified as independent clinical predictors. The AUC of the radiomics model was 0.871 (95% CI, 0.793–0.949) in the training cohort and 0.859 (95% CI, 0.751–0.967) in the validation cohort. The clinical model achieved AUCs of 0.833 (95% CI, 0.756–0.910) and 0.810 (95% CI, 0.692–0.929) for the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The combined model outperformed both the radiomics and clinical models, with an AUC of 0.905 (95% CI, 0.837–0.973) in the training cohort and 0.908 (95% CI, 0.824–0.992) in the validation cohort. The DeLong test confirmed superior predictive performance of the combined model over both the radiomics and clinical models in the training cohort, and over the clinical model in the validation cohort. Decision curve analysis further demonstrated that the combined model provided greater net clinical benefit than the radiomics or clinical models alone.ConclusionThe clinical-radiomics model offers a novel tool for the early prediction of acute pancreatitis severity, providing valuable support for clinical decision-making.

Coronary Artery Disease Management in Ho Chi Minh City: The Role of Self-Care and Disease Knowledge in Reducing Health Risks

In order to avoid cardiac complications, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) should the effect of self-care agency on health risk behaviors. Coronary artery engage in heart-healthy behaviors. Therefore, it is presumed that individuals have acquired self-care agency and a thorough understanding of their disease. Therefore, we investigated the associations between healthy affect, Self-Care, Disease Knowledge to improve their Health Risks status of patient. A descriptive-correlational design involving patients with having coronary artery disease (CAD) and being treated in Ho Chi Minh City. The participants (N =191) who living in Binh Chanh, Nha Be, Can Gio and answer questionnaires which included Exercise in Self-care Agency scale (ECSA), Health Behavior Scale (HBS) and the Baecke questionnaire. The Linear regression correlation coefficient analysis, and computed r was applied this study. Result showed significant predictive relationships between self-care agency, disease-related knowledge, and health risk behaviors. Higher levels of self-care agency and disease-related knowledge were associated with lower health risk behaviors. Gender, marital status, and specific health conditions like hypertension and stroke also played significant roles in influencing health risk behaviors. Mediation analysis further revealed that disease-related knowledge partially mediates disease, self-care, health knowledge, health behavior.

Seasonal dynamics of trace metal concentrations and hydrological parameters in the Balu River, Bangladesh

<p>This study investigates the seasonal dynamics of trace metal concentrations and hydrological parameters in the Balu River, Bangladesh, to inform sustainable water management practices and support efforts to meet environmental standards. Water level, discharge, rainfall, and groundwater data were collected from February to August 2019, alongside sediment samples analyzed for Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd concentrations. Statistical analyses, including correlation studies, time series modeling, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, revealed significant seasonal variations. Water levels and discharge rates increased dramatically during the wet season, with upstream levels rising by 862.68% and downstream by 752.92%. Trace metal concentrations showed diverse responses: Cd increased by 554.52%, Zn by 11.86%, while Pb, Cu, and Cr decreased by 44.15%, 5.16%, and 32.72% respectively. Strong correlations were observed between certain metals, particularly in wet periods, with notable relationships between Cr-Cu (<em>r</em> = 0.870) and Zn-Cr (<em>r</em> = 0.742). The integrated analysis of hydrological parameters and metal concentrations, using Gower coefficient and partial correlation analyses, suggests complex interactions between seasonal changes and pollutant dynamics. These findings highlight the need for season-specific water management strategies and more frequent monitoring to better understand and mitigate the environmental impacts of trace metal pollution in the Balu River system. The study contributes valuable insights into the interplay between hydrological conditions and trace metal behavior, essential for developing effective pollution control measures and achieving sustainable river management in Bangladesh.<strong></strong></p>

Application of Curriculum Mapping in Relation to Classroom Learning Outcomes of Public Elementary Schools

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between the application of curriculum mapping and classroom learning outcomes of public elementary schools in South District of Governor Generoso, Division of Davao Oriental. This utilized the non-experimental quantitative research design employing correlational method. The respondents were composed of teachers using universal sampling. The statistical tools used were Mean, Pearson Product Moment Coefficient Correlation (Pearson r) and Regression Analysis. The application of curriculum mapping and classroom learning outcomes in public elementary schools is oftentimes manifested by the teachers. There is a significant relationship between application of curriculum mapping and classroom learning outcomes in public elementary schools. The domains of analysis on the application of curriculum mapping indicators significantly influence classroom learning outcomes indicators. Thus, the application of curriculum mapping in relation to learning outcomes should be strengthened in school to help the teachers recognize the school vision, arm them with the motivation and tools to achieve it and compensate them appropriately for their efforts by being aware of teachers need and treating everyone fairly, to find that employees will be more motivated to do their work.

Spatial Variation and Stock Estimation of Soil Organic Carbon in Cropland in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in cropland is not only instrumental in combating climate change, but it also significantly enhances soil fertility. It is imperative to precisely and accurately quantify the SOC sequestration potential and assess the relative significance of various multiple explanatory factors in a timely manner. We studied 555 soil samples from the cropland topsoil (0–15 cm) across the black soil region in Northeast China between the years 2021 and 2022, and we identified 16 significant impact factors using one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. In addition, the Random Forest (RF) model outperformed the Cubist model in predicting the spatial distribution of SOC contents. The predicted ranges of SOC contents span from 5.24 to 43.93 g/kg, with the average SOC content using the RF model standing at 17.24 g/kg in Northeast China. Stepwise regression and structural equation modeling revealed climate and topography as key factors affecting SOC distribution. The SOC density in the study area varied from 0.51 to 9.11 kg/m2, averaging 3.30 kg/m2, with a total SOC stock of 1226.64 Tg. The SOC sequestration potential in the study area was estimated at 3057.65 Tg by the categorical maximum method, with a remaining sequestration capacity of 1831.01 Tg. The study area has great potential for SOC sequestration. We hope to transform the theoretical value of SOC sequestration potential into actual SOC sequestration capacity by promoting sustainable agriculture and additional strategies. Our findings provide insights into the global soil conditions, SOC storage capacities, and effective SOC management strategies.

Influence of Sowing Media and Variety on Physiological Performance and Yield of Early Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) and Correlation Study with Yield

An experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat and at Farmer’s field to assess the physiological performance of early cauliflower varieties in different sowing media and to evaluate their performance in the field as well as to study the correlation of different physiological parameters with curd yield. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments comprising of four sowing media [M1-cocopeat (60): vermiculite (20): perlite (20), M2-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50),M3-cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 and M4-Conventional nursery]and two varieties [V1 (White Diamond) and V2 (CFL1522)] replicated thrice. The results revealed that growing medium had significant influence on different physiological parameters of early cauliflower seedling. Maximum chlorophyll content was recorded in M3 (0.98 mg g-1fw), maximum number of stomata in upper and lower surface (83.47and 150.97), relative water content (90.06 %) and dry matter accumulation (11.41 %) were recorded in M2. Between the two varieties, V1 recorded higher stomata number (145.06) in the lower surface. In the main field, the plants grown from M3 showcased superior performance with highest relative water content (93.62%), chlorophyll content at 30 days after transplanting (1.40 mg g-1fw) and at harvest (2.16 mg g-1fw), membrane stability index (65.32%), minimum lipid peroxidation (0.85 n mol g-1fw) at harvest and maximum curd yield (200.22 q/ha). Between the two varieties White Diamond(V1) recorded the higher relative water content (89.48 %) while V2 (CFL 1522) recorded the maximum membrane stability index (55.10%) and non-significant influence of variety was noticed on yield. Correlation coefficient analysis indicated chlorophyll content at seedling stage, crop growth and at harvest stage, relative leaf water content and membrane stability index at harvest have positive and significant correlation with curd yield of cauliflower. The study indicates sowing media had significant influence on physiological parameters of seedlings of early cauliflower which is again reflected in the field condition influencing yield as well and can be concluded that sowing media cocopeat (50): vermicompost (50): microbial consortium @1:100 can be used for nursery raising of early cauliflower seedling in Assam condition.

The Effect of Cognitive and Motor Dual Tasks on the Synergy of Lower Limb Muscles During Walking.

Walking is one of the most complex human movements that can be affected by various sources of attention. Dual tasks reduce attention, increase information processing, and may alter control mechanisms such as synergy. However, the effect of dual tasks on muscle synergy remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive and motor dual tasks on the synergy of lower limb muscles during walking. Twenty-four participants were selected voluntarily. The activity of the eight lower limb muscles was recorded under three different conditions: normal walking without a dual task, walking with a cognitive dual task, and walking with a motor dual task. A nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm and the variance accounted for were used to extract muscle synergy. The repeated-measures analysis of variance test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were performed to analyze the data. In this study, five muscle synergies were extracted from electromyography data using the variance accounted for method under three different conditions. The pattern of muscle synergies showed moderate to strong correlations. Peaks of synergies changed, and a time shift in synergy peaks during walking was observed. However, the number of extracted synergies did not change. The number of recruited muscle synergies remained consistent across different conditions. Dual tasks affect the higher levels of the motor control system, causing interference in information processing that leads to a shift in the tendency of synergy and weight coefficients of the muscles, ultimately resulting in a change in walking mechanics.

Investigating the Relationship between Knowledge Management and Patient Relationship Management and the Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing

Background: Individuals and their skills in learning and sharing knowledge are regarded as fundamental factors in the competitive success of organizations. Hence, this study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management and patient relationship management and the mediating role of knowledge sharing among the staff of Shahid Ayatollah Dastgheib Hospital in Shiraz. Methods: This study employs a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The statistical population included all the staff of Shahid Dastgheib Hospital in Shiraz in 2023, totaling 250 individuals. The sample size was determined to be 155 individuals using Morgan table and was selected through stratified random sampling as the final sample, based on quotas. 1-Knowledge Management Questionnaire and Dixon’s Standardized Knowledge Sharing Questionnaire . Data were analyzed via Pearson correlation coefficient and univariate regression analysis using SPSS-25 software. Results: The findings indicated a significant relationship between the mean score of knowledge management and the mean score of patient relationship management (P = 0.001). Knowledge management can positively and significantly predict communication with the patient (P=0.001, β=0.276) and knowledge sharing can positively and significantly predict communication with the patient )P= 0/001, β = 0.255). Conclusion: It appears that enhancing knowledge management, knowledge sharing, and relationships among hospital staff are concepts closely linked to productivity, effectiveness, and performance of personnel and organizations.

Highly Calibrated Relationship Between Bleomycin Concentrations and Facets of the Active Phase Fibrosis in Classical Mouse Bleomycin Model.

The mouse bleomycin model is useful in pre-clinical IPF research to understand pathophysiological mechanisms and pharmacological interventions. In the present study, we systematically investigated the effects of bleomycin at a 60-fold dose range on experimental features of lung fibrosis in the mouse bleomycin model. We analyzed the effect of intratracheal (i.t.) dosing of 0.05-3 U/kg bleomycin on disease phenotypes, including weight loss, morbidity and mortality, pulmonary inflammation, lung collagen content, various BALF biomarkers, and histology in a 14-day mouse model when the animals are in the active phase of fibrosis. In mice, challenge with 1-2 U/kg bleomycin doses induced significant and saturated responses on fibrotic endpoints, confirmed by collagen content, BALF biomarker levels, and marked weight loss compared to the normal control (NC). We observed 100% mortality in 3 U/kg of bleomycin-treated mice. In contrast, 0.05-0.5 U/kg bleomycin doses induced a dose-dependent fibrotic phenotype. The mice challenged with doses of 0.25-0.5 U/kg bleomycin showed optimum body weight loss, a significant increase in pulmonary inflammation, and the fibrotic phenotype compared to NC. Furthermore, we showed 0.25-0.5 U/kg bleomycin increases expression levels of (pro-) fibrotic cytokines, which are the mediators involved in the activation of myofibroblast during fibrogenesis (TGF-β1, IL-13, IL-6, WISP-1, VEGF), angiogenesis (VEGF), matrix remodeling (TIMP-1), and non-invasive lung function biomarker (CRP) compared to NC. A modified Ashcroft scale quantified that the fibrotic changes in the lungs were significantly higher in the lung of mice dosed at 0.25-0.5 U/kg > 0.1 U/kg bleomycin and non-significant in mice lung dosed at 0.05 U/kg bleomycin compared to NC. We demonstrated that the changes due to 0.25-0.5 U/kg i.t. bleomycin on protein biomarkers are enough to drive robust and detectable fibrotic pathology without mortality. The 0.1 U/kg has a moderate phenotype, and 0.05 U/kg had no detectable phenotype. The Goodness of Fit (r2) and Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analyses revealed a positive linear association between change evaluated in all experimental features of fibrosis and bleomycin concentrations (0.05-0.5 U/kg). Here, we provide an examination of a highly calibrated relationship between 60-fold bleomycin concentrations and a set of in vivo readouts that covers various facets of experimental fibrosis. Our study shows that there is a dose-dependent effect of bleomycin on the features of experimental fibrosis at <1 U/kg, whereas saturated responses are achieved at >1 U/kg. Our careful experimental observations, accuracy, and comprehensive data set provided meaningful insights into the effect of bleomycin dose(s) on the fibrotic phenotype, which is valuable in preclinical drug development and lung fibrosis research. In addition, we have presented a set of reproducible frameworks of endpoints that can be used for reliable assessment of the fibrotic phenotype, and in vivo therapeutic intervention(s) with improved accuracy.

Contribution of agromorphological and qualitative traits to the study of the diversity of the caprifig (Ficus carica L.) in traditional agroecosystems in northern Morocco

Morocco is founded to be as one of the substantial leading fig tree producers. Caprification plays a crucial role in fig production regions as the primary factor that significantly influences both the yield and quality of fig production. Our study focuses on characterizing caprifig varieties in the Bni Ahmed region (northern Morocco) and emphasizing their phenotypic potential in the context of climate change. Using 34 agromorphological and qualitative traits (IPGRI), the study examined 40 caprifig trees belonging to four local varieties of caprifig. The varietal characterization was completed by the collecting and analyzing fruit and leaf samples in the laboratory. Qualitative traits indicated morphological variability among the varieties investigated. All quantitative parameters, except fruit skin thickness, showed significant differences. Analysis of simple correlation coefficients indicated strong relationships between the measured variables. The analysis of the simple correlation coefficients revealed strong correlations between the measured variables. A remarkable phenotypic variety was identified among the caprifig accessions studied. The principal component analysis showed that the first two components explain 60% of the total variability. Weight, fruit dimensions, neck diameter, fruit pulp thickness, number of Blastophaga, length, width, leaf area, and central lobe length contribute significantly to the total variation. Analysis of the Hierarchical Ascending Classification revealed the existence of three varieties: L’morr, l’louizi, and l’hlou. The variety L’morr has shown a very high potential in terms of fruit characters and pollinating insects. Thus, a genetic analysis can confirm the agromorphological results and breeding programs should consider these unknown genetic resources, such as the L’morr variety, to provide better quality caprifigs.

Statistical Analysis of Levelized Round Trip Cost of Grid Scale Electrical Energy Storage in Batteries with Different Chemistries

Electrical energy storage is a crucial component of the clean energy transition for integrating high share of renewable electricity generators into the supply mix. In this study, the round-trip costs of grid scale electrochemical energy storage from 2 up to 24 hours for peak power ratings of 1 MW and 10 MW in lithium-ion LFP, lithium-ion NMC, Pb-acid and vanadium redox flow batteries are compared using their currently projected techno-economic characteristics for year 2030. A statistical approach is used for estimating mean costs and quantifying the uncertainties in these estimates, since many of the techno-commercial features are still evolving and are uncertain. Using Monte Carlo simulations to derive the input parameters, the levelized round trip cost of energy storage is found to vary from Rs 10.73±0.77/kWh(e) to Rs 15.96±1.12/kWh(e) for Li-LFP batteries, Rs 14±1/kWh(e) to Rs 20.3±1.46/kWh(e) for Li-NMC batteries, Rs 19.1±1.39/kWh(e) to Rs 58.3±4.28/kWh(e) for Pb-acid batteries and Rs 18.7±1.37/kWh(e) to Rs 44.2±3.19/kWh(e) for Vanadium redox flow batteries, for the range of input values considered in this study. Through sensitivity analysis and calculation of correlation coefficients, the battery installed capital cost and useful lifetime are found to be the two most influential parameters affecting life cycle electrical energy storage cost.