Correlation Effect Size Research Articles

Age-Related Differences and Reliability of a Field-Based Fitness Test Battery in Young Trained Footballers: The Role of Biological Age

Background: the purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability of a field-based fitness test battery in young trained football players, according to biological age. Methods: 197 young trained football players (12–19 years old) participated in the study. We measured anthropometric measurements (i.e., height, sitting height, length leg, and body mass), a bilateral vertical jumping test (CMJ), a progressive loading test of squats and hip thrust, acceleration and speed tests (10 m and 30 m sprint tests), a change-of-direction ability test (V–cut test), and a cardiorespiratory fitness test (30–15 intermittent fitness test). Statistical data are shown as the mean ± standard deviation by PHV group in tests and retests. Test reliability was assessed through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with an ICC above 0.9 being considered high. To evaluate accuracy and repeatability, standard error of measurement, coefficient of variation, and minimum detectable change at 90% were determined and Bland–Altman diagrams were used, establishing a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: All of the tests showed non-significant differences between the test and retest in the pooled sample (p > 0.05). Furthermore, all of them presented a trivial effect size (<0.2) and high intraclass correlation coefficients (>0.9), which indicates the high reproducibility of the tests, despite some of them presenting a significant difference between trials (i.e., the CMJ, 10 m sprint, V–cut, and squat tests). Low measurement errors were found for all tests (coefficient of variation [CV] = 4.39–9.39), except for the CMJ and the progressive loading test for squat and hip thrust exercises (CV = 12.2–21.11). Similar results were found irrespective of biological age group. Conclusions: All tests were reliable for the pooled sample as well as for the biological age groups.

The relationship between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors: A meta-analysis.

Health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors are both pivotal elements for public health improvement. This meta-analysis aims to scrutinize studies investigating the nexus between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors and to examine the correlation between health literacy and such behaviors. Studies conducted from 2013 to 2023 exploring the association between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors, as well as the impact of gender and chronic disease status on health literacy, were included. The selection criteria for the meta-analysis involved a literature search utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Academic, Web of Science, and the National Thesis Center. The keywords "health literacy" and "healthy lifestyle behaviors" were employed, identifying 206 studies. Subsequently, 53 studies meeting predetermined criteria were deemed suitable for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The analysis of the relationship between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors revealed no publication bias. Despite heterogeneity among the studies, the correlation effect size was determined to be 0.278 using the random effect model. In the meta-analysis examining the effect of gender on health literacy, no publication bias was detected. Since there was heterogeneity among the studies, the average effect size was calculated as 0.078 according to the random effect model. Regarding the meta-analysis on the effect of chronic disease status on health literacy, no publication bias was observed, and due to homogeneity between the studies, the average effect size was determined to be -0.098 using the fixed effect model. A positive yet weak relationship was identified between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Notably, gender was a significant sociodemographic factor affecting health literacy, with higher levels observed in women. Moreover, individuals without chronic diseases exhibited higher mean health literacy scores than those with chronic diseases.

Meta-analysis: Correlation between academic stress and sleep quality in urban living

Purpose: Sleep quality is essential because it is associated with quality of life. It plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout life. This study aims to see whether there is a correlation between academic stress and sleep quality among urban students. Method: This research uses a meta-analysis research method. This meta-analysis research uses 15 article of literature (2012-2024). Result: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, it can be seen that there was an effect size correlation between academic stress and sleep quality, which was classified into a medium effect size (r=0.454, p=<0.001, 95% CI=-0.288 – 0.619). Conclusion: So it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between academic stress and sleep quality. This research highlights the importance of managing time to minimize academic stress affecting sleep patterns.

Aggregatibacter is inversely associated with inflammatory mediators in sputa of patients with chronic airway diseases and reduces inflammation in vitro

BackgroundChronic airway disease (CAD) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation and colonization of the lungs by pro-inflammatory pathogens. However, while various other bacterial species are present in the lower airways, it is not fully understood how they influence inflammation. We aimed to identify novel anti-inflammatory species present in lower airway samples of patients with CAD.MethodsPaired sputum microbiome and inflammatory marker data of adults with CAD across three separate cohorts (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis, Scottish bronchiectasis) was analyzed using Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSE) and Spearman correlation analysis to identify species associated with a low inflammatory profile in patients.ResultsWe identified the genus Aggregatibacter as more abundant in patients with lower levels of airway inflammatory markers in two CAD cohorts (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis). In addition, the relative abundance of Aggregatibacter was inversely correlated with sputum IL-8 (Australian bronchiectasis) and IL-1β levels (Australian asthma and bronchiectasis). Subsequent in vitro testing, using a physiologically relevant three-dimensional lung epithelial cell model, revealed that Aggregatibacter spp. (i.e. A. actinomycetemcomitans, A. aphrophilus) and their cell-free supernatant exerted anti-inflammatory activity without influencing host cell viability.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that Aggregatibacter spp. might act to reduce airway inflammation in CAD patients.

Oral Microbiota Variations in Psoriasis Patients Without Comorbidity.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and its etiology is still unclear. There is increasing evidence suggesting that microorganisms may trigger psoriasis. However, the relationship between psoriasis and oral microbiota remains poorly understood. Our aim is to identify differences in the composition and diversity of the oral microbiota between patients with psoriasis and healthy controls, and to discover oral microbial markers for assessing the severity of psoriasis. This study recruited 20 psoriasis patients and 20healthy individuals, collecting their saliva to analyze the composition of the oral microbiota in psoriasis patients. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing technology and utilized various methods for oral microbiome analysis, including the Shannon Index, Gini-Simpson Index, Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA), non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), Wilcoxon test, and Spearman's rank correlation. The results showed that the alpha diversity of oral microbiota was higher in psoriasis patients. The relative abundances of certain bacterial taxa differed between psoriasis and healthy individuals, including Prevotella, Prevotella 7 and Porphyromonas gingivalis, which are increased in psoriasis. We also found a positive correlation between Alloprevotella, Porphyromonas, and Neisseria with the severity of psoriasis, while Veillonella showed a negative correlation. In summary, this study found significant changes in the composition of the oral microbiota in patients with psoriasis. Some oral bacteria are associated with psoriasis severity. It provides a new perspective on the relationship between the oral microbiota and psoriasis.

Microbial community dynamics and nitrogen transformation associated with turbid-turned culture stage of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei in small greenhouse farms

Small greenhouse farms have experienced rapid expansion of Litopenaeus vannamei culture in China in recent years. To investigate microbial community dynamics and nitrogen transformation during the early critical stage, known as the turbid-turned stage in small greenhouse farms, microbial samples from the water column of small greenhouses were analyzed by 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, along with the detection of ammonia nitrogen in water. The results of water quality analysis revealed that accumulated ammonia nitrogen was converted to nitrite as the water color transitioned from clear green to turbid brown. High-throughput sequencing data demonstrated a shift in dominant microorganisms from zooplankton to algae and bacteria during the turbid-turned stage, and the main functional microbial taxa, such Marivita and Chlorella, were enriched. The results of Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size and canonical correlation analyses indicated that the compositions of key microbial communities were correlated with environmental factors. Furthermore, analysis of functional genes indicated that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria were present in the early growth stage, while the abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was low during the early culture stage. Overall, the findings suggest that microorganisms during the turbid-turned stage in small greenhouses may play a crucial role in regulating water quality and promoting shrimp health within a stable small greenhouse environment.

Playfulness in middle- and older age: testing associations with life satisfaction, character strengths, and flourishing

Objectives Playfulness describes individual differences in (re)framing situations in a way that they are experienced as interesting, intellectually stimulating, or entertaining. We extended the study of playfulness to groups of middle- and higher age and examined the relations of four facets of playfulness (Other-directed, Lighthearted, Intellectual, and Whimsical) to indicators of positive psychological functioning. Method We collected self-report data from 210 participants aged between 50 and 98 years. Results The playfulness expressions in this age group were comparable to younger adults. We found that playfulness relates to life satisfaction, the PERMA domains of well-being, and character strengths with small-to-medium correlation effect sizes. The OLIW facets showed differential associations, with regression analyses revealing that particularly Other-directed is positively associated with positive psychological functioning. Conclusion Our findings highlight the importance of playful relationships across the lifespan. We discuss the findings regarding the role of playfulness for healthy aging.

High-dimensional causal mediation analysis by partial sum statistic and sample splitting strategy in imaging genetics application.

Causal mediation analysis provides a systematic approach to explore the causal role of one or more mediators in the association between exposure and outcome. In omics or imaging data analysis, mediators are often high-dimensional, which brings new statistical challenges. Existing methods either violate causal assumptions or fail in interpretable variable selection. Additionally, mediators are often highly correlated, presenting difficulties in selecting and prioritizing top mediators. To address these issues, we develop a framework using Partial Sum Statistic and Sample Splitting Strategy, namely PS5, for high-dimensional causal mediation analysis. The method provides a powerful global mediation test satisfying causal assumptions, followed by an algorithm to select and prioritize active mediators with quantification of individual mediation contributions. We demonstrate its accurate type I error control, superior statistical power, reduced bias in mediation effect estimation, and accurate mediator selection using extensive simulations of varying levels of effect size, signal sparsity, and mediator correlations. Finally, we apply PS5 to an imaging genetics dataset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients ( N =8,897) in the COPDGene study to examine the causal mediation role of lung images ( p =5,810) in the associations between polygenic risk score and lung function and between smoking exposure and lung function, respectively. Both causal mediation analyses successfully estimate the global indirect effect and detect mediating image regions. Collectively, we find a region in the lower lobe of the right lung with a strong and concordant mediation effect for both genetic and environmental exposures. This suggests that targeted treatment toward this region might mitigate the severity of COPD due to genetic and smoking effects.

Home-Court Advantage is Greater for Teams Competing at Higher Playing Levels: An Exploratory Analysis of Spanish Male Basketball Leagues.

This study aimed to (i) compare the extent of home-court advantage (HA) and home win percentage (HW) between Spanish basketball leagues across different playing levels (i.e., leagues) and (ii) analyze the influence of team ability on HA and HW within each playing level. We gathered data for game locations and results from open online sources for all games in the First Division (ACB), Second Division (LEB Gold), and Third Division (LEB Silver) Spanish male basketball leagues between 2010-2023. The dataset included 12 seasons, 635 teams (215 First Division, 203, Second Division, and 217 Third Division), and 19,539 games (7075 First Division, 6344 Second Division, and 5520 Third Division). We calculated HA [(total home wins/total wins) * 100] and HW [(total home wins/total home games) * 100] for each team across each season. We performed Kruskal Wallis tests, calculated partial eta squared (ηp2), and performed Mann-Whitney U tests with rank biserial correlation (rb) effect sizes and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner pairwise comparisons to compare HA and HW between leagues and between team abilities (low, medium, and/or high) within each league. There was a significant effect for HA between leagues (p = .01) with post hoc comparisons revealing a higher HA for the First Division than for the Third Division (p = .01), but HW was not significantly different between leagues. In turn, variations in HA and HW between team abilities were consistent across playing levels, with HW significantly increasing in a progressive manner with higher team abilities (p < .001) and with HA significantly lower among high-level teams compared to lower-ability team clusters (p < .01). These findings emphasize the importance of considering playing level and team ability and interpreting HA and HW together to contextualize an apparent home advantage in Spanish basketball.

The association between empathy and burnout in medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundBurnout levels in medical students are higher than in other student groups. Empathy is an increasingly desired outcome of medical schools. Empathy is negatively associated with burnout in physicians. Our objective was to quantitatively review the available literature on associations between empathy and burnout in medical students, and to explore associations between specific empathy aspects (cognitive and affective) and burnout sub-dimensions (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment).MethodsA comprehensive search of the literature published up until January 2024 was undertaken in the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO databases. Two independent reviewers screened 498 records and quality-rated and extracted data from eligible studies. The effect size correlations (ESr) were pooled using a random-effects model and between-study variation explored with meta-regression. The review was preregistered with PROSPERO (#CRD42023467670) and reported following the PRISMA guidelines.ResultsTwenty-one studies including a total of 27,129 medical students published between 2010 and 2023 were included. Overall, empathy and burnout were negatively and statistically significantly associated (ESr: -0.15, 95%CI [-0.21; -0.10], p < .001). When analyzing sub-dimensions, cognitive empathy was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion (ESr: -0.10, 95%CI [-0.17; -0.03], p = .006) and depersonalization (ESr: -0.15, 95%CI [-0.24; 0.05], p = .003), and positively associated with personal accomplishment (ESr: 0.21, 95%CI [0.12; 0.30], p < .001). Affective empathy was not statistically significantly associated with emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or personal accomplishment. Supplementary Bayesian analysis indicated the strongest evidence for the positive association between cognitive empathy and personal accomplishment. Response rate and gender moderated the relationship so that higher response rates and more male respondents strengthen the negative association between empathy and burnout.ConclusionGreater empathy, in particular cognitive empathy, is associated with lower burnout levels in medical students. This appears to be primarily driven by cognitive empathy's positive association with personal accomplishment.Protocol registration#CRD42023467670

National and state models for relationships between social vulnerability and mammography rates.

1573 Background: Health disparities arise from the confluence of medical and non-medical factors that affect measures of prevention, treatment, and outcomes. One crucial preventative measure is mammography rate. Neighborhood-level analysis using tools such as the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) may identify correlates of disparity in mammography access and utilization. Such investigation may reveal drivers of disparity in communities with lower screening. Methods: Self-reported mammography rates among women aged 50-74 were obtained from the CDC’s 2018 PLACES dataset at the Census Tract level and merged with the CDC’s 2018 SVI release. Data were available for 72,075 Census Tracts across all states and Washington, D.C. National univariate and multivariate regressions were performed between mammography rates and percentiles for SVI percentiles. State-specific multivariate regressions were performed for each state's Census Tracts. Results: In the national analysis, significant correlations with non-negligible effect size (correlation coefficient &gt; 0.20 or &lt; -0.20) were found between mammography rate and the following: Theme 2 - Household Composition &amp; Disability (R = -0.22, p &lt; 0.0001), Mobile Homes (R = -0.36, p &lt; 0.0001), Civilians with a Disability (R = -0.24, p &lt; 0.0001), and Minority Status (R = 0.25, p &lt; 0.0001). The national multivariate model achieved Multiple R of 0.54 and Significance F &lt; 0.001. The variables with the most negative associations (lower mammography rates with increased vulnerability) were Income (coefficient = -4.05, p &lt; 0.001) and Speaks English Less than Well (coefficient = -2.33, p &lt; 0.001). Across the state multivariate models, mean Multiple R was 0.70 (95% CI 0.67-0.73), with Significance F &lt; 0.05 in all states (Table). The variables with the most negative mean coefficients across models were Income (-3.20) and No High School Diploma (-2.98); the most positive was Minority status (6.11). Conclusions: Neighborhood-level social determinants correlate meaningfully with mammography rates. Although lower income, limited English proficiency, and lower educational attainment are most strongly associated with lower mammography, the effect sizes vary across geographies, and additional factors have meaningful influence in certain states. The stronger performance of most state-specific models than the national model reinforces this finding. It demonstrates the need for further analysis at the level of state and within narrower geographies. Ultimately, targeted interventions should address those disparities that are most relevant to specific neighborhoods. [Table: see text]

Neuroticism and relationship quality: A meta-analytic review.

Regardless of participant age, length of relationship, country of origin, and numerous other factors, prior research has established a robust negative association between neuroticism and relationship quality. As so much has already been studied on the topic of neuroticism and relationship quality, this study explored the association between neuroticism and relationship quality using meta-analytic methodology, examined moderators, and outlined future studies for the field. After searching through databases and the references of included studies, 148 published studies were identified that reported an effect size between neuroticism and relationship quality. Reported effect sizes resulted in an overall aggregate correlation of r = -.238 and differentiated effect sizes for male actor and partner correlations, and female actor and partner correlations were similar. Results indicated that participant race, participant sexual orientation, and whether the effect sizes were taken from cross-sectional or longitudinal data did not moderate the relationship. However, the region of the world that the participants were from, the type of measurement tool used, participant age, and the length of time spent in a relationship were all significant moderators of our variables. We outline a model for how neuroticism operates through emotions, interpretations, and behaviors, which offers information for ways couples' practitioners could work to mitigate the association between neuroticism and relationship quality. Future directions for the field are delineated. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Factors Related to Emotional Leadership in Nurses Manager: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to identify research trends related to emotional leadership among nurse managers by conducting a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. This study sought to derive insights that could contribute to improving emotional leadership in nursing practice. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Databases including PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Web of Science, Research Information Sharing Service, Koreanstudies Information Service System, Korean Medical Database, KoreaMed, ScienceON, and DBpia were searched to obtain papers published in English and Korean. Literature searches and screenings were conducted for the period December 1, 2023 to December 17, 2023. The effect size correlation (ESr) was calculated for each variable and the meta-analysis was performed using the statistical software SPSS 29.0, R 4.3.1. Twenty-five (four personal, six job, and fifteen organizational) relevant variables were identified through the systematic review. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the total overall effect size was ESr = .33. Job satisfaction (ESr = .40) and leader-member exchange (ESr = .75) had the largest effect size among the job and organizational-related factors. Emotional leadership helps promote positive changes within organizations, improves organizational effectiveness, and increases member engagement and satisfaction. Therefore, it is considered an important strategic factor in improving organizational performance.

Determination of speed and assessment of conditioning in horses submitted to a lactate minimum test-alternative approaches.

The maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) is a well-known gold standard method for determining the aerobic capacity of athletic horses. Owing to its high cost and complex execution, there is a search for standardized exercise tests that can predict this value in a single session. One of the methods described for this purpose is the lactate minimum test (LMT), which could be more accurate despite being adequate to predict MLSS. This study aimed to examine the impact of training on the speed corresponding to lactate minimum speed (LMS) and to apply new mathematical methods to evaluate the fitness level of horses based on the curve obtained by the LMT. Ten Arabian horses underwent a 6-week training program based on LMS calculated by second-degree polynomial regression (LMSP). In addition, the LMS was also determined by visual inspection (LMSV), bi-segmented linear regression (LMSBI) and spline regression (LMSS). From the curve obtained during the LMT, it was possible to calculate angles α, β and ω, as well as the total area under the curve (AUCTOTAL) before (AUCPRELMS) and after (AUCPOSLMS) the LMS. The methods for determining the LMS were evaluated by ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and effect size (ES) by Cohen's d test. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between the proposed LMS determination methods and other mathematical methods was also calculated. Despite showing a good correlation (ICC >0.7), the LMS determination methods differed from each other (p < 0.05), albeit without a significant difference resulting from conditioning. There were reductions in α:β ratio, angle α, and AUCPOSTLMS, with the latter indicating lower lactate accumulation in the incremental phase of LMT after conditioning, in addition to an improvement in the animals' aerobic capacity. Considering that the most common methods for determining the LMS are applicable yet with low sensitivity for conditioning assessment, the approaches proposed herein can aid in analyzing the aerobic capacity of horses subjected to LMT. The mathematical models presented in this paper have the potential to be applied in human lactate-guided training program trials with a comparable study basis.

Meta-analysis of differential gene expression in lower motor neurons isolated by laser capture microdissection from post-mortem ALS spinal cords.

ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease for which underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. The motor neuron is a central player in ALS pathogenesis but different transcriptome signatures have been derived from bulk analysis of post-mortem tissue and iPSC-derived motor neurons (iPSC-MNs). This study performed a meta-analysis of six gene expression studies (microarray and RNA-seq) in which laser capture microdissection (LCM) was used to isolate lower motor neurons from post-mortem spinal cords of ALS and control (CTL) subjects. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with consistent ALS versus CTL expression differences across studies were identified. The analysis identified 222 ALS-increased DEGs (FDR <0.10, SMD >0.80) and 278 ALS-decreased DEGs (FDR <0.10, SMD < -0.80). ALS-increased DEGs were linked to PI3K-AKT signaling, innate immunity, inflammation, motor neuron differentiation and extracellular matrix. ALS-decreased DEGs were associated with the ubiquitin-proteosome system, microtubules, axon growth, RNA-binding proteins and synaptic membrane. ALS-decreased DEG mRNAs frequently interacted with RNA-binding proteins (e.g., FUS, HuR). The complete set of DEGs (increased and decreased) overlapped significantly with genes near ALS-associated SNP loci (p < 0.01). Transcription factor target motifs with increased proximity to ALS-increased DEGs were identified, most notably DNA elements predicted to interact with forkhead transcription factors (e.g., FOXP1) and motor neuron and pancreas homeobox 1 (MNX1). Some of these DNA elements overlie ALS-associated SNPs within known enhancers and are predicted to have genotype-dependent MNX1 interactions. DEGs were compared to those identified from SOD1-G93A mice and bulk spinal cord segments or iPSC-MNs from ALS patients. There was good correspondence with transcriptome changes from SOD1-G93A mice (r ≤ 0.408) but most DEGs were not differentially expressed in bulk spinal cords or iPSC-MNs and transcriptome-wide effect size correlations were weak (bulk tissue: r ≤ 0.207, iPSC-MN: r ≤ 0.037). This study defines a robust transcriptome signature from LCM-based motor neuron studies of post-mortem tissue from ALS and CTL subjects. This signature differs from those obtained from analysis of bulk spinal cord segments and iPSC-MNs. Results provide insight into mechanisms underlying gene dysregulation in ALS and highlight connections between these mechanisms, ALS genetics, and motor neuron biology.

Correlation Between Gaze Behaviors and Social Communication Skills of Young Autistic Children: A Meta-Analysis of Eye-Tracking Studies.

This meta-analysis examined correlations between eye-tracking measures of gaze behaviors manifested during dynamic salient social stimuli and behavioral assessment measures of social communication skills of young autistic children. We employed a multilevel model with random effects to perform three separate meta-analyses for correlation between social communication skills and (a) all gaze behaviors, (b) gaze duration, and (c) gaze transition. Subsequently, we performed meta-regression to assess the role of four moderators, including age, continuum of naturalness of stimuli, gaze metric, and area of interest, on correlation effect sizes that were heterogeneous at the population level. A total of 111 correlation coefficients from 17 studies for 1132 young autistic children or children with high-likelihood for autism (Mage range = 6-95months) were included in this meta-analysis. The correlation effect sizes for all three meta-analyses were significant, supporting the relation between improved gaze behaviors and better social communication skills. In addition, age, gaze metric, and area of interest were significant moderators. This suggests the importance of identifying meaningful gaze behaviors related to social communication skills and the increasingly influential role of gaze behaviors in shaping social communication skills as young autistic children progress through the early childhood stage. The continuum of naturalness of stimuli, however, was revealed to trend towards having a significant moderating effect. Lastly, it is important to note the evidence of potential publication bias. Our findings are discussed in the context of early identification and intervention and unraveling the complex nature of autism.

VALIDATION OF A NEURO-FITNESS DEVICE TO ASSESS COGNITIVE MEASURES: A PILOT STUDY

https://youtu.be/KcNofia2bqw BACKGROUND A new portable neurocognitive training tool that administers central and peripheral visual and cognitive drills using a 7-foot-wide touchscreen light-board technology is being introduced into the sport and therapy fields. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity of the Reflexion Edge cognitive assessments compared to the FDA-cleared, ImPACT Computer-based test and Sway Medical App assessment. METHODS 22 healthy adults, 19-66 yrs, M = 23.54 + SD = 9.81, 54% male, have participated, however the target enrollment is 100 participants. Participants completed one each of Reflexion Edge assessment using a 7-ft by 3-ft touchscreen light-board, ImPACT test using a laptop, and Sway assessment using an iPhone. RESULTS Spearman’s Rho correlational analyses were administered to determine the relationship between the Reflexion Edge scales and the ImPACT computer-based and Sway Medical app scales. Findings showed Reflexion Edge scales demonstrated significant correlations with multiple ImPACT and Sway Choice Reaction Time &amp; Speed Processing scales, r = + 0.448 to 0.660, p’s &amp;lt; 0.05; ImPACT Attention &amp; Memory scales, r = + 0.425 to 0.813, p’s &amp;lt; 0.05; and Sway Executive Function scales, r = + 0.424 to 0.776, p’s &amp;lt; 0.05. All analysis were conducted at an α of 0.05. CONCLUSIONS Despite a lack of statistical power, the Reflexion Edge cognitive measures demonstrated significant associations with several of the ImPACT computer-based and the Sway Medical app cognitive assessment measures. In addition, the correlational effect size (+ 0.362 to + 0.421) of several of the other Reflexion Edge scales suggested promising associations with the ImPACT and Sway app scales. The continuation of this study to increase the N and determine significant relevance is supported. In conclusion, Reflexion Edge may serve as a viable cognitive assessment tool based on its comparable association with established ImPACT Computer-based and SWAY Medical app assessments.

Does the Position of the Ankle Matter During the Single Gluteal Bridge in Futsal Players? An Electromyographic Analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the muscle activity of the hamstring muscles and the lateral gastrocnemius during different variants of the single-leg bridge (SLB) in futsal players. Cross-sectional study. Twenty-two futsal players (age = 24.8 [3.9]y) volunteered to participate in this study. The participants performed 3 variations of the SLB with the knee flexed at 45°. The first position was performed with the ankle in plantar position with flat support, the second with the ankle in dorsiflexion (DF) with heel support, and the third with the ankle in DF and external rotation (ER) with heel support. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test assessed the difference between variables for samples with the rank-biserial correlation effect size. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to examine the associations of the percentage maximal voluntary isometric contraction for each muscle with peak force and rate of force development with 3 different variances of the SLB. The variation of ankle DF and ER with heel support generated higher muscle activity in BF in concentric (P < .01, effect size [ES] = -0.613); isometric (P < .042, ES = -0.494); and eccentric (P < .005, ES = -0.668) contraction than ankle DF with heel support. In contrast, the variation of ankle DF and ER with heel support generated fewer muscle activity in lateral gastrocnemius in concentric (P < .001, ES = 0.779); isometric (P < .003, ES = 0.708); and eccentric (P < .014, ES = 0.589) contraction than ankle DF with heel support. The position of DF and ER was the best position in SLB to train the BF. It could be convenient to start rehabilitation of the BF with flat foot postition or ankle in DF with heel support and progress with the position of the ankle in DF and ER with heel support.

Ex ante required rates of return and related factors in Indonesian PPP infrastructure projects

PurposeThis paper delves into the ex ante rates of return demanded by the private sector in Indonesian public–private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects and the manifold factors emanating from project attributes that can influence these rates.Design/methodology/approachThis paper analyzes feasibility studies of 37 PPP projects across different sectors. The studies were carefully selected based on relevance, completeness and validity of data. The analysis uses statistical techniques, including Levene’s tests, t-tests, ANOVA tests, Cohen’s effect size and Pearson correlations, to explore differences in cost of capital and excess returns across various attributes.FindingsBased on the statistical analysis, no significant difference exists between the excess return of 200 basis points (bps) and the equity excess return of 0 bps. This suggests that the eligibility criteria for PPP projects require an internal rate of return (IRR) equal to the weighted average cost of capital plus 200 bps or an equity IRR equal to the cost of equity. The variations in the tested variables among diverse project attributes do not exhibit statistically significant disparities, even though specific attributes display moderate to high effect sizes.Originality/valueThis paper represents one of the first attempts to examine the rates of return demanded by the private sector in the context of Indonesian PPP projects. It comprehensively explores the factors that influence these rates, drawing on insights derived from feasibility studies.

교사의 중재충실도와 학습자의 읽기성취와의 상관관계에 대한 메타분석

Objectives This study aimed to synthesize the average correlations that were found between teachers’ fidelity and reading outcomes in students in the literature on reading intervention in kindergarten to elementary school. It also aimed to examine how potential moderators might affect the degree of correlations between fidelity and reading outcomes.&#x0D; Methods A literature search were performed on electronic databases (i.e., Academic Search Premier, Education Source, ERIC, and psycINFO) for dissertations or peer-reviewed articles that examine the relationship between student academic achievement and teacher fidelity score from 2000 to April, 2023. The effect size and overall meta-analysis were analyzed using the ‘meta’ and ‘rmeta’ packages in the R Studio program. To facilitate the interpretation of the analysis results, Fisher's z were converted back to Pearson's r before presenting and interpreting the results.&#x0D; Results The results revealed that small positive correlation between teachers’ fidelity and kindergarten to elementary students’ reading outcomes. The correlation effect size was 0.12(r) among 15 experimental studies and 0.24(r) among 10 non-experimental studies. Moderator effects were only statistically significant by types of fidelity components.&#x0D; Conclusions I discussed the possible reasons for low correlation between teachers’ fidelity and students’ reading outcomes based on aspects of fidelity measurement used in the studies so far.&#x0D;