Significant Direct Relationship Research Articles

Information and communication technology-mediated citizens’ participation in smart city development: Qatar case study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the impact of citizen perception (CP) on smart cities (SC) using information and communication technologies (ICTs) as a mediator. In addition, it assesses how age, gender, and education control the relationship between CP and SC development. 408 questionnaires were collected using Typeform software and adopting a cross-sectional time frame. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used in data analysis, and Smartpls-4 was used for calculation purposes. The study shows a statistically significant direct relationship between CP and SC development in Qatar. However, the indirect relationship was stronger when ICTs acted as a mediator between the two variables. Policymakers may use this study to develop citizen engagement strategies that enhance CP from ICTs, ensure SC initiatives meet demand, and promote ICT infrastructure and services. Researchers will benefit from this study’s combination of three reliable scales to evaluate CP, SCs, ICT, and their relationship.

Connecting the dots: investigating the relationships between customer preferences, innovation and last-mile delivery adoption: a mediated model

ABSTRACT This study investigates the relationship between customer preferences, innovation, and last-mile delivery (LMD). Particularly, it examines the significant roles and relationships among delivery pricing, flexible delivery preferences, delivery tracking, visibility, and innovative delivery options. The mediating role of innovative delivery options between customer preferences and LMD adoption is also studied. Thus, the authors carried out a survey of 1,100 customers in the Middle East. Data was analysed using partial least squares structural equations modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated a significant direct relationship between flexible delivery preferences, delivery tracking, visibility, and innovative delivery options. Furthermore, LMD is directly influenced by innovative delivery options. The role of innovative delivery options between flexible delivery preferences, delivery tracking, visibility, and LMD is also proven. The combined effects of customer preferences and innovation on LMD adoption are investigated in this study, which contributes to further development in this field. This highlights the sometimes-overlooked mediating role of creative delivery techniques, arguing that LMD adoption is accelerated by customer-driven innovation. Significantly, this research suggests that direct input from consumers is instrumental in shaping and honing delivery service innovations, markedly improving the efficiency and adoption of LMD.

Understanding the Relationship Between Care Quality Perception and Patient Safety Culture

Background Assessing the perceived quality of care and safety culture by nurses is an important part of nursing practice and is vital for improving the quality of nursing care. Aim This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified and convenience sampling techniques from March 2023 to January 2024 among 412 nurses working in hospitals at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The data collection tools were standard care behavior questionnaires (CBI-42) and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results The perceived quality of care among nurses was high, with a score of 4.79 (1-6). The highest score was in “knowledge and professional skill” (5.03), while “communication and positive attitude” scored the lowest (4.59). Patient safety culture averaged 3.35 (1-5), with “overall perception of patient safety” at 4.82 and “non-punitive response to error” at 2.40. A significant direct relationship was found between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture (r=0.226, p<0.001), indicating that improvements in one may enhance the other. Conclusion Due to the existence of a direct relationship between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture, appropriate training and using the experiences of others, improving the relationship between nurses and patients, creating a sense of security in nurses, and solving the problems of nurses can enhance the quality of health care services.

The influence of academic motivation on the academic performance of senior secondary grade students (A study based on Tamil medium schools in the Colombo south education zone, in Sri Lanka)

Higher learning outcomes can be achieved by developing a cooperative mindset in the classroom. Academic motivation refers to a student’s intrinsic motivation to engage in learning activities and work hard for academic success. The concept of motivation is generally considered to be a dynamic force that drives human behavior. Students with high motivation have better learning habits and tend to demonstrate interest and perseverance in learning. It is against this background that this study on the influence of academic motivation on the academic performance of senior secondary school students was conducted based on Tamil medium schools in the Colombo South Educational Zone. Major research questions of the study are (1) what is the relationship between intrinsic motivation and academic performance of academic students? (2) What is the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and academic performance? This study was conducted as a quantitative method study following a descriptive survey design based on the research questions such as, what are the school-level motivational factors that have a direct impact on student learning?. What is the relationship between mothers’ educational level and academic performance? What is the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and gender? The study population was students studying in the Senior Secondary Levels (10, 11) in Tamil-medium schools within the Colombo south Educational Zone. 200 students and 50 teachers who taught in the senior secondary grades were selected through stratified random sampling technique, Data was obtained from the teachers and students through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS 20. Data was analyzed descriptive statistically. The main findings of the study are that there is a significant relationship between students’ self-motivation and learning performance; there is a significant direct relationship between controlled motivation and learning performance; there is a significant direct relationship between academic performance and extrinsic motivation; there are gender differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and academic performance; women are more motivated in education than men; and the level of education of mothers acts as a high educational external motivator in students’ academic performance.

Structure of mycoses of the skin and its appendices in HIV-infected patients

The spread of HIV infection is one of the most pressing problems of modern health care. The purpose of the work is to analyze the structure of the disease on the surface of the skin and its appendages by the nosological forms in HIV-infected persons and to establish a possible correlation between the presence of fungal lesions. The data obtained from 801 patients who sought medical help at the «Chernivtsi Regional Medical Center for Socially Significant Diseases» for the period from 2018 to 2023 were analyzed. The diagnosis of HIV infection was established according to the International Classification of Diseases of the 10th revision (ICD-10) and verified by the detection of specific serological and molecular biological markers of HIV. Mycological examination included micro­scopy of pathological material and cultural diagnosis. Analysing the structure of the disease it was found that skin mycoses and its appendages were detected in 334 (41,7%) HIV-infected patients. The main part of such patients – 237 (71%) – did not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Accordingly, dermatomycosis was detected in only 97 people (29%) who were adherent to ART. The relative risk method confirms the assessment of the effect of ART on the frequency of combined forms of mycosis – RR=0.608, which indicates the obvious rarity of the event (mycosis of the skin and its appendages), compared to the group that did not receive ART. A statistically significant direct relationship was established between the presence of a fungal skin lesion and its applications and indicators of HIV load in the blood – r=0.421...0.460 at p<0.001, as well as the duration of HIV infection – r=0.573...0.611 at p<0.01 . In addition, there is a clear positive correlation of medium strength between the duration of HIV infection and the level of viremia – r=0.388...0.427 at p<0.01, as well as an inverse weak relationship with the number of CD4+-lymphocytes – r=-0.105. ..-0.204 at p<0.05. The number of CD4+-lymphocytes was expected to be in an inverse correlation of medium strength with the HIV load (r=-0.618...-0.682, p<0.01). The relative risk of the development of mycoses of the skin and its applications in HIV-infected patients under the condition of antiretroviral therapy is only 0.262 (0.225-0.298), which indicates an obvious rarity of the event, compared to the group that did not receive antiretroviral therapy. The majority of HIV-infected patients (62.3%) have a combination of several nosological forms of mycosis of the skin and its applications. A strong inverse relationship between the probability of developing combined forms of mycoses and receiving antiretroviral therapy was revealed – r=-0.719...-0.806 at p<0.001. In the absence of antiretroviral therapy, a statistically significant direct relationship was established between the presence of fungal lesions of the skin and its appendages and indicators of HIV load in the blood, as well as the duration of HIV infection.

Factors Affecting Consumer Green Buying Behavior of Renewable Energy Generation Products for Agricultural Use

This study inspected the influence of contextual (government regulations, green product, green price, green place, and green promotion) and attitudinal (attitude towards green purchase) factors on green purchase behavior. The research framework has been developed based on the attitude-behavior-context (ABC) theory. This study is quantitative, using random sampling and the survey method for data collection. The data has been collected from the farmers who bought renewable energy production products (like solar panels) for agricultural use in Pakistan. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed of which 387 were used. This study used SPSS for data screening and demographics analyses, whereas it used the ADANCO software package for PLS-SEM to analyze the hypothesized paths. The analysis results revealed that government regulations, green product, and green price have a direct significant relationship green purchase behavior. In line with this, these factors have indirect significant relationship with green purchase behavior through the mediation od attitude towards green purchase. Whereas the green promotion has not directly affected green purchase behavior but indirectly through the mediation path. On the other hand, the green place has no direct and indirect effect on green purchase behavior. The study assists governments, organizations, and practitioners to understand the underlying factors shaping green purchase behavior.

Functional responses of Mediterranean flora to fire: A community‐scale perspective

Abstract Fire regime is predicted to change, particularly in Mediterranean climate regions, towards more severe and frequent fire events. From a predictive perspective, trait‐based ecology offers a comprehensive framework to characterize vegetation responses to fire. Since fires induce erosion and decrease soil nutrients, species' functional traits and their distribution at community level should reflect these changes. Despite a vast literature focused on plant traits involved in resistance to fire, quantification of community trait responses to fire is lacking, particularly for traits that are linked to resource strategies. Here, we emphasis on plant traits related to morphology (height, specific leaf area, stem and wood density) and resource acquisition strategies (leaf nitrogen, leaf dry mass, seed dry mass). We compiled three different databases compiling vegetation, fire and functional traits for the flora of Southern France. We analysed the relationships between these three components at both species and community levels. Fire numbers and area burnt did not impact species trait distributions. At community level, a clear pattern emerged between the number of fires and the distribution of different traits considered, with two main axes: on the positive PC2 axis vegetative height and seed mass; and on negative PC1 axis leaf carbon and positive PC1 axis nitrogen content and leaf area. We also showed that vegetative height is positively correlated to the aridity index distribution in the region studied. Synthesis: We analysed the relationships among fire, vegetation and functional traits, at both species and community levels. Altogether, there are highly significant direct relationships between the number of fires and leaf area (negatively) as well as seed mass (positively). For woody communities, wood density is also highly positively significant related to the number of fires. Overall, these findings suggest that fire may have an important impact on the functional response of plant communities, while not apparent when looking at individual species. Further, this research paves new ground to better understand the mechanisms behind trait convergence and the way plant communities respond to different environmental pressures.

RUSS-AGE study: Markers of carbohydrate metabolism and their time course in different age groups of a healthy population of the Russian Federation

Background. One of the important tasks of modern science is to search for key biomarkers of aging of various body systems. Parameters of carbohydrate metabolism play an essential role in maintaining vital activity. The prevalence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders increases with age, but the time course of changes in individual markers remains poorly understood. Therefore, it is important to investigate the patterns of changes in carbohydrate metabolism markers in different age groups among healthy participants, which is the objective of the RUSS-AGE study. Aim. To evaluate changes in carbohydrate status markers (adiponectin, leptin, glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and carboxymethyllysine – CML) in different age groups of a healthy Russian population. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University in collaboration with the Moscow City Outpatient Clinic No. 220. The study group included subjects 18 years of age and older who signed an informed consent form; the exclusion criteria were current acute disease, exacerbation of a chronic disease, surgical intervention within the last month, and moderate to severe chronic age-associated diseases. Blood samples were taken to measure aging markers: glucose (enzymatic ultraviolet method), insulin (chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay), glycated hemoglobin (calorimetric method), CML, adiponectin, and leptin (enzyme immunoassay). The study was approved by the local ethics committee (Minutes No. 59 dated 13.09.2022). Statistical analysis was carried out using the R programming language version 4.4.0. The significance threshold for the p-value values given in the article is 0.05. Results. The study included 711 participants, which were divided into eight age groups. According to the intergroup comparison, a statistically significant direct relationship of age with adiponectin (p0.001), glucose (p0.001), and glycated hemoglobin (p0.001) was found. No significant correlation with age was found for leptin (p=0.116), insulin (p=0.078), and CML (p=0.506). After conducting a statistical analysis using linear regression to assess the dependence of variables on age, it was found that only adiponectin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin significantly increase with age (p0.001). Conclusion. The study showed a significant increase in adiponectin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, while leptin, insulin and CML had no significant correlation with age.

Relation between Serum Uric Acid and Anthropometric Measures in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a major challenge of diabetes mellitus, leading to significant morbidityand mortality. Raised serum uric acid (SUA) tier is a potential cause of deterioration of kidney disease, such asdiabetic nephropathy.Anthropometric measuresfor instance Body MassIndex (BMI) and waist circumference(WC) are crucial markers of adiposity, which is intimately linked to both progression of diabetic nephropathyand hyperuricemia. Objective: To evaluate the relation between SUAand anthropometric measures in diabetic nephropathy.Methods: Across-sectional study was executed involving 150 patients by convenience sampling diagnosedwith diabetic nephropathy at the Diabetic Clinic of Tertiary care Hospital in Lahore. SUAlevels were measuredusing enzymatic methods, while anthropometric measures, including BMI and waist circumference, wererecorded. The relation between SUA and these anthropometric measures was analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The median (IQR) SUA in diabetic nephropathy patients was 6.9 (5.4-8.6) mg/dl and in healthygroup was 5.2 (4.6-6.2) mg/dl. In diabetic nephropathy group, a significant direct relation of SUAwas foundwith BMI (rho = 0.296, p < 0.001) and also with waist circumference (rho = 0.435, p < 0.001). In healthy group,significant directrelationwasfoundwithwaist circumference only (rho=0.212, p=0.001).SUA,Waist circumference and BMI were higher considerably in diabetic nephropathy when measured against the control. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a significant relationship between elevated SUA levels and adverseanthropometric measures in diabetic nephropathy patients. These findings suggest that managing obesitythrough lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy could play a critical role in controlling SUA andpotentially slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Positive mental health and quality of life among students with disabilities and diabetes. Unraveling the role of physical fitness

This study aims at exploring the direct impact of positive mental health through 6 factors on quality of life among students with disabilities and diabetes at Saudi universities, as well as the moderating impact of physical fitness on all direct relationships among all variables of the study. Employing a quantitative research methodology, using self-administered surveys distributed to a sample of students with disabilities and diabetes at numerous Saudi Arabian universities. 468 completed surveys were received and subjected to statistical analysis, using PLS-SEM, and the study uncovered significant positive direct relationships between all positive mental health sub factors and quality of life among students. Additionally, the study revealed that physical fitness acts as a moderator in all direct relationships These findings offer valuable insights for universities, in order to develop and implement psychological support and academic adjustments policies ensuring students have access to health and wellness programs, and engage local communities in the creation of policies that can help students with disabilities.

Educational transmedia narratives and the INAEP method: innovation and learning in the Colombian Context. Pilot study

This pilot study examined how higher education students in Colombia perceived innovation while interacting with a transmedia product. The study aimed to determine the perceived innovation in students as prosumers of a transmedia product called “El Bogotazo” and to evaluate the impact of the INAEP method on their learning. A quantitative correlational methodology was employed, involving 57 students from fields such as Advertising, Marketing, Business Administration, Accounting, and Law. A 20-question Likert-type survey assessed dimensions like innovation perception, learning, prosumer behavior, and ICC. Preliminary results showed significant direct relationships among all dimensions. Notably, students’ perceived innovation strongly correlated with their learning and prosumer roles in educational transmedia narratives. The study highlighted the importance of CCIs in education, positioning students as active prosumers and revealing the relationship between CCIs, innovation, and learning. The discussion confirmed the INAEP method’s potential to measure 21st-century competencies, emphasizing innovation, educational transmedia narratives, and students’ active roles in learning.

Enhancing organizational citizenship behavior using transformational leadership: Role of quality of work life

In today's dynamic landscape, organizations increasingly view organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as a pivotal element in achieving their corporate objectives seamlessly. Effective leadership plays a critical role in shaping an organization's capacity as a learning entity, fostering enhanced adaptability to change and elevating OCB levels. This study aims to explore the direct and indirect impacts of transformational leadership (TL) on OCB, with a specific focus on the mediating role of quality of work life (QWL). The research involved a sample of 200 respondents from diverse industries across Central Java, Indonesia. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, and the results were analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings reveal a significant and positive direct relationship between TL, QWL, and OCB. Additionally, the study's unique contribution lies in demonstrating that QWL serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between TL and OCB. The analysis underscores the importance of adopting transformational leadership approaches and introducing initiatives that enhance work-life balance to effectively boost OCB within organizations.

Types of Insomnia Mediate the Bidirectional Relation Between Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms Longitudinally in Older Adults.

The current study examined onset and maintenance insomnia as mediators of the bidirectional relation between anxiety and depressive symptoms over a three-year period. The sample included 3,415 US community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 66-103. Participants completed measures of types of insomnia, anxiety symptoms, and depressive symptoms at four time points. Analyses included two double mediation models adjusted for baseline depressive or anxiety symptoms, chronic health problem burden, use of sleep medications, age, and sex. Both covariate-adjusted models showed significant direct relations between anxiety and depressive symptoms, and these relations were modestly partially mediated by onset and maintenance insomnia. In older adults, onset and maintenance insomnia are distinct outcomes of both anxiety and depressive symptoms and also predictors of each symptom cluster. Further research testing these models is warranted and, if supported, may support prevention and treatment studies focused on primary and secondary prevention of these problems in older adults.

Estilos de Crianza y Bienestar Psicológico en estudiantes universitarios de Extremadura

Introduction. The aim of this study is to identify which types of parenting styles are associated with optimal results in the psychological well-being of university students in Extremadura. The participants were 400 students from Extremadura, aged between 18 and 30 years, 80% of them women and 20% men. Parenting styles were classified into three types according to Darling and Steinberg: commitment, psychological autonomy, and behavioral control. For the dimensions of psychological well-being, six were used according to Ryff: positive relationships, self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, mastery of the environment, and autonomy. Method. Regression analysis and discriminant analysis were performed to test the associations between students' parenting styles and psychological well-being. Results. The results show direct significant relationships between parenting styles and psychological well-being. Discussion or Conclusion. The commitment dimension of parenting styles interacted with a higher level of psychological well-being in young people. On the other hand, no significant relationships were found between behavioral control and psychological well-being.

Proactive personality, burnout, and teaching enjoyment: exploring relationships in Chinese English teachers

IntroductionThis study examines the relationships between proactive personality, burnout, and teaching enjoyment among Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. The research aims to clarify how proactive personality traits relate to teaching enjoyment and burnout and to explore their interactions in the context of EFL instruction.MethodsThe study included a sample of 420 Chinese EFL teachers, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to assess the relationships among proactive personality, burnout, and teaching enjoyment. Data underwent detailed statistical analysis to identify both direct and mediating effects within the proposed model.ResultsThe findings from the SEM analysis revealed significant direct relationships between proactive personality, burnout, and teaching enjoyment among Chinese EFL educators. Proactive personality was associated with a decrease in burnout (β = −0.366, SE = 0.159, p < 0.001). For every unit increase in proactive personality, teachers reported experiencing higher levels of teaching enjoyment (β = 0.487, SE = 0.176, p < 0.001). Teaching enjoyment, in turn, was a significant mediator in the relationship between proactive personality and burnout (β = −0.249, SE = 0.102, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that proactive personality is positively associated with teaching enjoyment, which, in turn, may relate to lower levels of burnout among EFL teachers.DiscussionThis study highlights the importance of proactive personality traits in enhancing teaching enjoyment and reducing burnout among Chinese EFL teachers. The findings emphasize how proactive tendencies contribute to teachers’ well-being, professional satisfaction, and, ultimately, the quality of EFL instruction. These results suggest practical applications, such as developing interventions that encourage proactive traits and increase teaching enjoyment among EFL educators, which may improve the educational experience for EFL students.

Digital entrepreneurship! Nexus among industry 4.0 enablers, environmental dynamism and SMEs environmental performance: a mediated-moderated perspectives

PurposeThere is currently a lack of comprehensive examination in the research field exploring the relationship between digitalization and environmental performance (EP) in manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study investigates the relationship between digital technologies, digital organizational culture (DOC), environmental dynamism and EP through the mediation of innovation capacity (IC) and moderation of perceived environmental volatility and green strategic intent (GSI).Design/methodology/approachThe data were gathered from 473 managers of manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to examine the mediation and moderation effects. Multiple regression analysis was used to see the influence of digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism, innovation capacity, perceived environmental volatility and GSI on SMEs environmental performance.FindingsResults indicate a statistically significant direct relationship between digital technologies, environmental dynamism and EP. While there is an insignificant direct relationship between DOC and EP. Furthermore, the results reported a significant result between digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism and IC. Similarly, IC significantly mediated the relationship between digital technologies, DOC, environmental dynamism and EP. Moreover, results reported that perceived environmental volatility does not moderate the relationship between IC and EP, while GSI significantly moderates between IC and EP.Practical implicationsPolicymakers must emphasize advancing digital integration to enhance manufacturing SMEs’ efficiency and environmental effectiveness.Originality/valueThis is the first research that incorporates digital technologies, environmental factors and innovation capacity to measure environmental performance in line of natural resource orchestration theory (natural ROT). All the variables significantly measure environmental performance instead of digital organizational culture. Perceived environmental volatility also does not moderate.

Assessing the efficacy of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) in managing stormwater runoff under climate change and land use scenarios

The study examines Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP) systems in urban and suburban areas facing intensified stormwater challenges due to climate change and evolving land use patterns. It investigates various factors affecting PICP performance, including soil, topography, vegetation, and rainfall intensity, using advanced modeling techniques. The study’s methodology integrates Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) model and Python scripting, utilizing historical and projected data to guide resilient PICP designs. Climate projections from 2030 to 2080 show a significant increase in stormwater runoff due to urbanization, emphasizing flood risk concerns. The findings indicated a substantial 43 % increase in runoff for the City of Renton-Cedar watershed in Washington from 2030 to 2069. Without PICP implementation, a notable 20.3 % surge in total runoff volume is anticipated. This highlights the crucial role of PICP and sustainable urban planning in mitigating urbanization’s impact on hydrology. With PICP implementation, the results show that the total runoff may reduce to a range within 24 %–75 % for the three land use scenarios (15 %, 25 % and 35 %). The results also exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) and strong (R2 > 0.8) direct relationship between clogging and PICP systems. Overall, the research underscores PICP systems’ effectiveness in managing stormwater, emphasizing their importance in diverse urban settings, and advocating for green infrastructure adoption to enhance urban resilience amidst changing environmental dynamics.

Higher dietary insulin index is directly associated with the odd of kidney stones.

Kidney stones or Nephrolithiasis are the most common health condition associated with the urinary system. Dietary factors stand as important factors in the occurrence and development of kidney stones. This study aimed to examine the potential link between dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) with prevalence of kidney stones. This cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 30 to 75 years in the Shahedieh district of Yazd, Iran, over the period of 2015-2016. DII and DIL were calculated using a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire and mathematical formula. Diagnosis of kidney stones is made on the basis of information obtained from self-reported questionnaire (Yes/ No). To explore the association between DII and DIL with the odds of kidney stones, logistic regression was employed in crude and adjusted models. A total of 4,829 participants were included in this study. Individuals in the last quartile of DIL had 214% higher odds of kidney stones in the crude model (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.62-2.83; P-trend < 0.001); this association was remained significant after adjustments for confounding variables (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04-1.97; P-trend: 0.019). There was a direct significant relationship between DII and odds of kidney stones among third and forth quartiles of DII (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.16-1.98, P-trend = 0.002); but this association disappeared for adjusted models. Higher DII and DIL were associated with an increased odd of renal stones. Large longitudinal study is required to clarify these associations.

Modeling Group Exercise Members Continuation

This research presents a conceptual model that investigates group exercise program continuation, influenced by membership price, service quality, and group cohesion. A random sample of members from recreation fitness centers completed a group exercise questionnaire (three locations, n= 200). The study measured members’ perceptions of class social cohesion, group exercise service quality, price satisfaction, and continuation. Results show that Price Satisfaction, Group Exercise Service Quality (GXSQ) and Group Integration Task (GI-T) have a direct significant relationship with Intent to Repurchase. GXSQ and Price mediate the relationship of GI-T and Continuation. Price mediating the relationship of GXSQ and intent to repurchase. GI-S does not contribute to the model. The results emphasize the importance of the quality of the program (instructor and operations) and the price point when deciding to repurchase classes. The collective task and how participants perceived satisfaction are influenced by these factors, and a positive experience leads to program continuation.

Comparative assessment of the most important markers of equine myopathy in connection with creatine kinase activity

Purpose: to assess the activity of AST, LDH and HBDH enzymes in relation to different levels of total creatine phosphokinase activity to understand the degree of their diagnostic value in determining the severity of myopathy in horses.Materials and methods. For the study, statistical processing of a data array of the results of a biochemical study of blood serum from 247 horses was carried out. Taking into account the reference intervals of CPK activity, all results were ranked by increasing creatine phosphokinase activity and divided into four groups. In each group, the average values for AST, LDH and HBDH were calculated, and the degree of significance of intergroup differences was calculated using the Student's t test. The correlation between the activity of the enzymes AST, LDH and HBDH with the activity of CPK in each group was also assessed.Results. An increase in the activity of creatine phosphokinase in horses by 59,4—409,6 % is accompanied by an increase in the activity of the enzymes AST by 14,5—77,2 %, LDH by 17,8—33,0 % and HBDH by 17,1—27,1 %. When comparing Pearson's correlation coefficients across the entire study sample, a significant direct relationship is determined between CPK and AST and a moderate direct relationship when comparing CPK with LDH and HBDH. Calculation of the Pearson coefficient in each of the studied groups showed different degrees of correlation between the creatine phosphokinase indicator and other enzymes, but in all cases positive. A study of the percentage contribution of HBDH to the total lactate dehydrogenase activity showed an inversely proportional relationship with respect to the activity of creatine phosphokinase, which indicates massive muscle damage with switching energy metabolism in them.Conclusion. The conducted studies made it possible to more deeply understand the cause-and-effect relationships of changes in the activity of enzymes that are specific to muscle tissue in connection with the severity of myopathy. The data obtained can assist veterinary specialists in analyzing the results of biochemical blood tests in horses.