Correlational Study Research Articles

Neural Networks and Chemical Messengers: Insights into Tobacco Addiction.

This study investigates changes in resting-state networks (RSNs) associated with tobacco addiction (TA) and whether these changes reflect alterations in neurotransmitter systems.A total of 90 patients with TA and 46 healthy controls (HCs) matched for age, education, and body mass index undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. Independent component analysis (ICA) is employed to extract RSNs based on a customized network template using the HCP ICA MATCHING toolbox. Additionally, a correlation study is conducted to examine the relationship between changes in functional connectivity (FC) within RSNs and positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography-derived maps, aiming to identify specific neurotransmitter system changes underlying abnormal FC in TA.Compared to HCs, the TA group exhibits decreased FC values in the left precentral gyrus of the sensorimotor network B and in the right calcarine of the visual network B. Furthermore, changes in FC within the visual network B are associated with the 5-hydroxytryptamine system (1a) and opioid receptor system (Kappa) maps. Post-hoc power analysis confirms the adequacy of the sample size, with effect sizes (d) all greater than 0.9, supporting the robustness of the findings.Patients with TA show reduced intranetwork connectivity in the sensorimotor network B and visual network B, which may reflect underlying molecular changes. These findings improve understanding of the neurobiological aspects of TA.

Fast-paced and violent media exposure are positively associated with ADHD and impulsivity in college students

IntroductionPrevious research reveals that screen media exposure is positively associated with attention problems and impulsivity.MethodsThree cross-sectional correlational studies examined the extent to which fast-paced versus violent media exposure are associated with attention-related problems in college students. Multiverse data analyses tested the robustness of results. Fast-paced and violent media effects were examined separately and uniquely using SEM.ResultsA Pilot study (N = 233) found weak but significant zero-order correlations of both fast-paced and violent media exposure on self-control. However, the main SEM results were not significant, although in the expected direction, perhaps because of single-item assessments of media pacing and violence. Main Studies 1 (N = 438) and 2 (N = 456) found that exposure to fast-paced media was positively associated with ADHD-symptoms; this effect was reduced when media violence was added to the model. Both studies also found that greater exposure to violent content was uniquely and positively associated with impulsivity.DiscussionOverall, findings suggest that fast-paced and violent media yield small but reliable effects that may play an important role in attention-related problems in young adults. Future research should continue to investigate the relationships between media use on attention-related problems, especially longitudinal studies to test direction of causality.

Correlation Studies on Sensorial and Textural Characteristics of Mohanthal During Optimization of Sugar Syrup Concentration

ABSTRACT Traditionally, Halwais used their experience to determine the concentration of sugar syrup, which plays a critical role in the body and texture of Indian sweets such as Mohanthal. However, variations in sugar syrup concentration can significantly alter the final product’s quality. This study aimed to optimize the sugar syrup concentration and ghee-besan mixture temperature and to establish correlations between the sensory, textural, and color attributes of Mohanthal. Preliminary trials determined the optimal roasting temperature and the use of freshly milled besan. Three sugar syrup concentrations (70, 75, and 80°Brix) and three mixture temperatures (75, 100, and 125°C) were evaluated. Significant effects (p < 0.05) of syrup strength, mixing temperature, and their interaction were observed on hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, gumminess, chewiness, color indices (browning and whiteness), and moisture content. The highest sensory acceptance was achieved using 75°Brix sugar syrup added at 100°C. Using powdered sugar instead of syrup resulted in a less desirable product with poor texture and sensory quality. The findings provide a scientific basis for standardizing Mohanthal production, enabling industrial-scale manufacturing with consistent quality. Future research is recommended to focus on shelf-life extension, packaging technologies, and adaptation of optimized processes for large-scale production.

Bridging the divide: Understanding the psychological factors influencing feminist women's support to transgender related policies

AbstractThe demand for trans people's institutional rights and the approval of the Trans Law (Law 04/3023) has polarized the feminist movement in Spain. In this contentious context, our studies examined the relationship between feminist identity and support for, or opposition to, trans rights among the University community. Two correlational studies (Study 1a = 317; Study 1b = 323) conducted before the law's passage provided opposing results regarding the association between feminist identity and support for trans rights. Building upon these findings, two experimental studies (Study 2 N = 415; Study 3 N = 405) exposed ciswomen to cooperation or conflict narratives and examined their impact on reactive threat, zero‐sum beliefs, and support for pro‐trans or anti‐trans collective actions. Conflict narratives increased reactive threat and zero‐sum beliefs, leading to more anti‐trans and fewer pro‐trans actions. Additionally, a direct positive link was observed between feminist identification and support for pro‐trans actions, while a negative association was found with reactionary actions (opposite for ideological threat). Based on these findings, we propose a series of win‐win strategies to support trans rights and promote peacebuilding and inclusivity in Spanish universities without triggering threat or zero‐sum beliefs in ciswomen.

Estimation method of dynamic range parameters for cochlear implants based on neural response telemetry threshold.

There is a lack of correlation studies between subjective behavioral test threshold and neural response telemetry (NRT) thresholds in cochlear implant (CI) patients. At present, there is no predictive model that can predict the parameters of CI adjustment objectively and reliably. To explore the correlation between the subjective behavior test method threshold and the NRT thresholds in patients with CI with normal cochlear (NC) morphology and inner ear malformation (IEM). To explore the value of using deep learning technology to predict the parameters of machine adjustment and guide the postoperative machine adjustment. NRT and subjective behavior tests were conducted on 57 cases of CI patients with NC morphology and 20 cases of IEM using electrodes 1, 6, 11, 16, and 22, respectively. The correlation between the NRT thresholds and T and C values was analyzed. Using deep learning techniques, establish a prediction model based on convolutional neural networks to predict the parameters of machine adjustment of CI. The average NRT thresholds values of the NC group and the IEM group were both greater than the T values, close to and slightly smaller than the C values. The average values of T values, C values, and NRT thresholds in the IEM group were slightly higher than those in the NC group. The NRT thresholds of the both groups is significantly correlated with the C values and T values. The constructed prediction model has high accuracy between the predicted values and the actual values of each electrode. Moreover, the linear regression equation between the predicted and actual values is highly similar. The NRT thresholds is significantly related to the subjective behavior test threshold. The correlation between NRT thresholds and T or C values can be used to assist in CI tuning. Especially for patients with IEM, different machine adjustment strategies should be adopted compared to NC patients. Moreover, the constructed neural network prediction model can also guide the postoperative adjustment of patients with cochlear implants.

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA DISTRACTIONS ONSTUDENTS'ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Aim: This study's primary goal is to assess how social media distractions affect students' academic performance. The research gap for this study is determining the precise effectsofsocial media distractions on study habits, time management, and general academic performancein the contemporary digital era, even though numerous researchers have undertaken surveysonthis subject. Material and Methods: A self-made questionnaire created with Google Forms andan analysis of previous research articles on the subject served as the foundation for thisinvestigation. Students' answers to the questionnaire about their study habits, social mediause, and academic achievement were gathered. Excel and SPSS IBM Version 26 were usedtoevaluate the gathered data, and statistical methods such as the independent t-test, one-wayANOVA, and correlation analysis were used. Tables and figures are used to display the analysisand findings. Results and Discussion: Students' answers were used to assess howsocial mediadistractions affected their academic performance. Social media use and academic achievement were found to be significantly correlated by the SPSS tool analysis. Academic scores anddaily social media screen time were shown to be related, as indicated by the independent T-test'ssignificant value of 0.004. Students' desire to cut back on social media use in order to improvetheir academic performance was examined using the one-way ANOVA test, which producedasignificant p-value of 0.054. Additionally, the correlation study looked at the associationbetween social media usage and concentration levels; the results showed a weak but discernibleeffect, with a Pearson correlation value of 0.055

The mediating effect of mindfulness on demoralization syndrome and quality of life of thyroid cancer patients: A correlational study: Erratum.

The mediating effect of mindfulness on demoralization syndrome and quality of life of thyroid cancer patients: A correlational study: Erratum.

Thyroid hormone levels and echocardiographic changes in subclinical hypothyroidism: a correlation study

Thyroid hormone levels and echocardiographic changes in subclinical hypothyroidism: a correlation study

Correlation of Serum Creatinine, Urea, and Hemoglobin Level in Chronic Kidney Disease

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern characterized by progressive renal function decline and is commonly associated with anemia. Although creatinine and urea are established biomarkers of CKD, their correlation with hemoglobin levels remains underexplored in local populations, limiting early detection of anemia in clinical practice. Objective: This study aimed to assess the correlation between serum creatinine, urea, and hemoglobin levels in patients with CKD, and to determine the extent to which anemia is associated with disease severity. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted among 170 confirmed CKD patients aged ≥18 years at Chaudhry Muhammad Akram Teaching and Research Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from October 2024 to March 2025. Participants with acute renal failure, recent blood transfusion, or unrelated hematologic disorders were excluded. Blood samples were analyzed for serum creatinine, urea, hemoglobin, and eGFR using standardized protocols with Mindray analyzers. Ethical approval was obtained in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A moderate to strong inverse correlation was found between hemoglobin and both serum creatinine (r = -0.626, p &lt; 0.001) and urea (r = -0.499, p &lt; 0.001). A strong positive correlation existed between creatinine and urea (r = 0.719, p &lt; 0.001). Hemoglobin levels also declined with advancing CKD stage (R² = 0.528) and were positively associated with eGFR (r = 0.780, p &lt; 0.001), highlighting the clinical linkage between renal impairment and anemia severity. Conclusion: Anemia in CKD patients is significantly associated with elevated serum creatinine and urea, and declining eGFR. These correlations support routine monitoring of renal and hematologic parameters to enable early detection and management of anemia, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The Vicious Consequences of Chronic Kidney Disease on Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are two prevalent and debilitating conditions that frequently coexist, with CKD contributing to cognitive decline and potentially exacerbating AD pathology. In CKD, irreversible changes in the structure or function of the kidneys are observed, while AD is primarily marked by amyloid deposition and tau pathology. Both conditions involve complex and multifactorial pathophysiology affecting brain functioning, highlighting the need for comprehensive research to understand their potential crosstalk. This review articulates the possible molecular mechanisms underlying both diseases, focusing on key pathways, including oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, hypertension, and uremic toxin accumulation. These interconnected mechanisms suggest a potential bidirectional relationship where kidney dysfunction accelerates cognitive decline and vice versa. Additionally, we examine critical risk factors implicated in both CKD and AD, for instance, vitamin D deficiency, erythropoietin dysregulation, endothelin action, klotho gene expression, and the role of the extracellular vesicle, which may influence disease progression through their effects on the kidney and brain, influencing cognitive function. Further, we emphasized potential biomarkers that could aid in diagnosing and monitoring disease progression in these comorbid conditions, like amyloid beta, tau, homocysteine, cystatin C, creatinine, proteinuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Lastly, the review highlights treatment strategies for managing CKD and AD concurrently, focusing on therapeutic approaches that address common pathophysiological mechanisms. These strategies not only aim to address the underlying causes of both conditions but also offer the potential to slow or even prevent the progression of cognitive impairment. Moreover, we recommend further research to refine these approaches, execute correlational studies on disease progression, and design clinical trials that address both conditions, aiming to establish effective, tailored treatments for this dual burden of disease.

Ribociblib in Sequential Combination with Doxorubicin in Anthracycline-Naive Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Results of a Dose-Finding Phase 1B Study.

Doxorubicin is first-line treatment for metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Ribociclib, a CDK 4/6 inhibitor, targets the retinoblastoma pathway to induce cell cycle arrest at the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint. We hypothesized that administering ribociclib prior to doxorubicin to synchronize cell cycle progression among tumor cells may enhance the efficacy of doxorubicin. Doxorubicin-naive patients with metastatic STS were enrolled in this phase 1b study. Every 21d, subjects received ribociclib daily for 7d followed by 3d of no treatment before administration of doxorubicin. The primary objective was to establish the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the sequenced drug combination. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival and objective response rate (ORR). Exploratory correlative studies assessed pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic measures. Of 38 screened patients, 16 were enrolled and 15 were evaluable for dose determination. The most common reason for exclusion was lack of normal retinoblastoma protein (pRb) expression. At dose level 0 (ribociclib 400 mg, doxorubicin 75 mg/m2), 4 of 7 patients experience febrile neutropenia as a dose limiting toxicity (DLT). Of the 8 patients treated at dose level -1 (ribociclib 400 mg, doxorubicin 60 mg/m2), 1 had a DLT of grade 4 anemia. Three patients achieved partial response (ORR 20.0%). Ribociclib PK levels were lower than predicted. Phospho-pRb levels in on-treatment tumor biopsy tissue were variable and did not correlate with ribociclib plasma levels. The RP2D is ribociclib 400 mg followed by doxorubicin 60 mg/m2, which demonstrated an acceptable toxicity profile.

The Influence of Teaching Effectiveness and Grading of Students’ Work on how Students Evaluate Their Lecturers

This article presents an experimental test of the effects of teaching effectiveness and grading on evaluation of lecturers by students. Although lecturers’ grading of students’ work presents a key confounding variable in studies that investigate the influence of teaching effectiveness on lecturer evaluations by students, most existing studies use correlational studies. This makes it difficult to separate the effects. In the present study, teaching competence and lecturer’s grading of students’ work were manipulated orthogonally, in a between-participants design, with a sample of Zimbabwean students, to test their effects on the students’ endorsement of the lecturer , and also on potential lecturer evaluation. Hence, there were four experimental conditions: low-teaching competence-low grading, low teaching competence-low grading, high teaching competence-high grading and high teaching competence-high grading. The study tested the following specific hypotheses: (1) The low teaching competence-low grading condition would receive the lowest ratings on dependent measures; (2) The high teaching competence-high grading condition would receive the highest ratings. Results were largely in line with the hypotheses. These results show the benefits that accrue to instructors through giving students high grades. In particular, lecturers with low teaching competence can ‘buy’ better student ratings by assigning higher grades to students' work, while those with high teaching competence can enhance their ratings even more by giving high grades. Importantly, competent lecturers who grade their students lowly seem to be at the greatest disadvantage, in that they receive rather low ratings. The results indicate the flaws inherent in student evaluations of lecturers when their (lecturers’) levels of competence are also taken into consideration. The results are further discussed in regards with the necessity to refining related research, and more rigorous evaluation methods of lecturers’ performance in the classroom.

Work-Life Balance, Scholastic Readiness, Self-Efficacy, and Students’ Engagement in Mathematics

This study presents the relationship between work-life balance, scholastic readiness, self-efficacy, and students’ engagement in mathematics. This study aimed to identify the level of students’ work-life balance in terms of self-management, time-management, and stress management; level of students’ self-efficacy in terms of academic, social, and emotional aspects; level of students’ engagement in Mathematics in terms of cognitive, social, and emotional; and explored their relationships with students’ engagement in Mathematics. This is a correlational quantitative study where three adopted research instruments were utilized. The research respondents where ninety (90) grade ten (10) students at an identified private school in Molave, Zamboanga del Sur using complete enumeration. Findings revealed that the students’ work-life balanced is in balanced level, students’ scholastic readiness and self-efficacy is high, students’ level of engagement in mathematics subject is high and a significant relationship existed among students’ work-life balance, scholastic readiness, self-efficacy, and engagement in Mathematics. This study signified that as students’ work-life balance, scholastic readiness, and self-efficacy increase, their engagement in mathematics also increases and vice versa. This study suggests that the schools are encouraged to create and implement programs that promote students’ work and personal life, prepare them academically, and boost their self-efficacy to enhance their engagement in Mathematics.

LMO2 confers value as a potential immunotherapy marker in pan-cancer analysis and inhibits progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

LMO2 confers value as a potential immunotherapy marker in pan-cancer analysis and inhibits progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

A correlational study of plasma galectin-3 as a potential predictive marker of postoperative delirium in patients with acute aortic dissection

This study aimed to demonstrate whether plasma galectin-3 could predict the development of postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). Prospective, observational study. Cardiac surgery intensive care unit. Consecutive patients who were diagnosed with AAD and operated at the Cardiac Medical Center of Fujian Province between December 2020 and December 2022. Patients were classiffed into two groups according to the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit: POD group and NON-POD group. Each patient’s plasma was tested before emergency surgery. Baseline demographic data and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were collected. The short-term clinical outcomes were followed up daily. The rate of POD was calculated. The risk factors for POD were analyzed through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the ability of plasma galectin-3 to predict POD. A total of 309 study subjects were included in this study, and the rate of POD was 38.8%. Patients with AAD were categorized into the POD and NON-POD cohorts postoperatively based on their CAM-ICU scores. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, patients in the POD group had significantly elevated plasma galectin-3 levels (P < 0.001). The ROC curves showed that plasma galectin-3 had a sensitivity of 72.5% and a specificity of 70.9% as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of POD. The critical value of plasma galectin-3 for diagnosing POD was 9.18 ng/mL. Plasma galectin-3 levels remained an independent predictor of POD after controlling for different variables (P < 0.001). Elevated plasma galectin-3 levels are associated with an increased risk of POD. Plasma galectin-3 may be a prospective biomarker for predicting POD.

Examination of Long-Term Diseases, Conditions, Self-Control, and Self-Management in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Objective: This study aims to examine long-term diseases, conditions, self-control, and self-management in kidney transplant recipients. Method: This is a descriptive correlational study, including a total of n = 130 kidney transplant recipients. The data were collected using a demographic information form, the Post-Kidney Transplant Diseases and Conditions Assessment Form, and the Self-Control and Self-Management Scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical methods and one-way ANOVA, and paired sample t-tests. Results: Of the kidney transplant recipients, 40% were aged between 31 and 45 years, and 54.6% were male. The long-term diseases and conditions they developed after kidney transplantation were hypertension (46.2%), heart failure (26.2%), diabetes mellitus (10.8%), heartburn (35.4%), acute kidney failure (26.2%), urinary tract infection (39.2%), sleep disorders (23.1%), and chronic pain (50%). In addition, 31.5% of the kidney transplant recipients had poor self-control and self-management. Conclusions: Long-term postoperative mortality in kidney transplant recipients is mostly caused by diseases developing in vital organs. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize these diseases and conditions for their diagnosis. This study found various diseases and conditions in almost all body systems of kidney transplant recipients. Additionally, there were patients with poor self-control and self-management. We consider that the results of our study will increase awareness among clinicians.

Factor analysis of the Spanish version of the Q-Set Attachment Questionnaire

Introduction: The Attachment Q-set Version 3.0 (AQS) is an instrument that allows for the evaluation of individual differences in attachment security during the preschool stage. Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Attachment Q-Set (AQS) 3.0 adapted to Ecuador, through the analysis of its factorial structure, validity, and reliability in Ecuadorian children aged 1 to 5 years. Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, and correlational study with a quantitative approach. It was conducted at a single site using non-probability sampling. Data were collected from 71 families through institutional records from public and private Comprehensive Diagnostic Centers (CDIs), as well as UDIPSAI. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted, and internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Results: The model showed poor fit (SRMR = 0.123; RMSEA = 0.101, 95% CI [0.093–0.109]; CFI = 0.486; TLI = 0.445). Significant loadings were found for key items such as I77 (0.73) and I18 (0.85; p &lt; .001). Internal consistency was excellent for the total scale (α = 0.87; ω = 0.88), though subscale reliability varied (e.g., Z: α = 0.80; V: α = 0.30). Conclusions: Despite limitations in model fit and subscale consistency, the Spanish version of AQS 3.0 adapted to the Ecuadorian context demonstrated high overall reliability, supporting its future use in attachment assessment in children under 5 years of age.

Influence of ChatGPT and generative AI on continuous learning and skill enhancement in Education 4.0: contextual insights from the higher education of Pakistan

PurposeA gripping keyword emerged in the dynamic world of 2022: Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), or the advent of Generative Artificial Intelligence at its forefront, embodied by the mysterious ChatGPT. This technological marvel had been silently lurking in the background for just over five years, but all of a sudden it emerged onto the scene, capturing the public’s attention and quickly becoming one of the most widely adopted inventions in history. Therefore, this study is conducted in order to explore the influence of generative AI and ChatGPT on the continuous learning and upskilling of students in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis study has been conducted using a quantitative methodological orientation. In this correlational study, a survey questionnaire has been used to collect data from 475 students of different universities at Sindh. The random sampling technique has been used to select the sample from the targeted population, whereas descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used to analyze data through SPSS version 27.0.FindingsThe findings of this study reveal that there is a moderate positive relationship between the two variables: generative AI and continuous learning. The value of the correlation coefficient is 0.453, which indicates that the null hypothesis is rejected and the alternative hypothesis is accepted and that generative AI has a positive influence on continuous learning and skill enhancement among students of higher education institutions in Pakistan.Practical implicationsThis study will be helpful and facilitate the educators and policymakers to design the curriculum and policies that encourage students to use generative AI ethically while taking academic integrity into account and also develop their skills.Originality/valueThis study is a unique study as it explores the influence of generative AI on continuous learning. This is new discourse, which has been examined in the context of higher education institutions in Pakistan.

Persepsi Guru Tentang Sekolah Penggerak Terhadap Minat Menjadi Guru Penggerak

This research is motivated by the high interest in becoming a teacher leader in Indonesia. This study aims to obtain a clearer picture of how much influence Teachers' Perceptions About School Leaders have on Interest in Becoming Teacher Leaders. By knowing these things, it is expected to provide solutions and strategies in increasing the interest of prospective teachers to become leaders who are able to make changes in education in Indonesia. This research is a quantitative correlational study. The subjects in this study included the principal and teachers of SMP Mumtaza Islamic School Tangerang Selatan. Data collection techniques used include interviews, questionnaires and documentation. While the object in this study is the perception of teachers about school leaders on the interest in becoming teacher leaders. The data analysis technique in this study is the "F" test. H0 is accepted if Fcount &lt;Ftable or sig&gt; 5%. Meanwhile, Ha is accepted if Fcount&gt; Ftable and sig &lt;5%. Based on the results of the data analysis obtained, there is a contribution value of F = 12.208 with a sig value = 0.003 &lt;0.005. Thus, it is concluded that there is a positive and significant influence between the perceptions of teachers of SMP Mumtaza Islamic School about the driving school on the interest of teachers to act as driving teachers.

Statistical assessment of agricultural fertilizer impacts on water quality and environmental sustainability

Agriculture is vital for global food production, but excessive fertilizer use poses serious risks to water quality and environmental health. Fertilizers, especially those high in nitrogen and phosphorus, can run off into nearby water bodies, causing nutrient pollution, algal blooms, and ecosystem damage. This study investigates how fertilizer use affects water quality by analyzing field data, including application rates and various water quality indicators. Water samples were collected from multiple sources over several months to account for seasonal changes and rainfall impacts. Key parameters measured included pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, organic matter, and trace metals like iron and zinc. Statistical tools—such as regression analysis, correlation studies, and multivariate techniques—were used to assess the relationship between fertilizer use and water quality. Results highlight the significant environmental impact of fertilizer runoff and emphasize the need for more sustainable management practices. These findings offer guidance for farmers, policymakers, and environmental advocates aiming to protect water resources while maintaining agricultural productivity.