Goodman Test Research Articles

Impact of Structural OD Interventions on Organizational Performance in Pakistan: A Mixed Methods Explanatory Sequential Research Approach

This mixed methods explanatory sequential research study investigated the impact of structural OD interventions on organizational performance. We used a stratified random probability technique for a quantitative analysis to select 800 firms from those listed with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). We employed SPSS to conduct the regression analysis and calculated values of regression coefficient β, t-statistic, and p-values, adjusted R2 and F-statistic. We conducted the mediation analysis and Sobel and Goodman tests to confirm the mediation among variables. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) is conducted to tests how the measured variables represent the number of constructs. We conducted a focus group of ten OD experts to collect the qualitative data, conduct thematic analysis, and extracted useful themes. We merged the quantitative and qualitative findings. The study concluded that structural OD interventions are strategically important for organizational performance and employee development. The findings encouraged the corporate planners to create OD interventions that are both effective and perform strongly.

THE ROLE OF BUSINESS RISK AS AN INTERVENING VARIABLE ON FACTORS AFFECTING COMPANY VALUE

This study heading to examine the effect of “dividend policy, investment decisions and funding decisions on firm value by applying business risk as an intervening variable. The population is companies in the consumer goods industry sector that are listed on the IDX in 2016-2022. Samples were selected by purposive sampling. Research data were obtained from the official website of the Indonesia Stock Exchange www.idx.co.id and the official website of the company under study. Data analysis was performed using multiple regression methods. The selection of the regression model was carried out through the Chow test, Hausman test, and Lagrange Multiplier test. The classic assumption test includes a multicollinearity test. Hypothesis testing includes the t-test and the coefficient of determination test. To analyze the effect of mediation is done through the Sobel test, Goodman test, and Aroian test. The results of the study show that dividend policy, investment decisions, funding decisions, and business risks affect firm values. The mediation test using the Sobel, Aroian and Goodman method shows that business risk is able to mediate dividend policy on firm value, business risk variables do not mediate funding decisions on firm value. Meanwhile for the mediation test between investment decisions and firm value, different results were obtained between the three test methods carried out, where Sobel and Aroian showed that investment decisions on firm value were not mediated by business risk, while the Goodman Test showed that there is a significant influence of business risk variables as mediating variables.”

The Impact of Technological Innovation on Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: The Mediating Role of Environmental Regulation in China

This study delves into the effects of agricultural technological innovation on agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) and the intermediating role of environmental regulation (ER) in 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2021. Employing mediation analysis methods such as the three-step approach, Sobel–Goodman test, and Bootstrap methods, the findings are robust: technological innovation significantly enhances AGTFP, as evidenced by a 1% level significant coefficient of 0.030. Additionally, ER acts as a potent mediator, where its inclusion as an independent variable alongside agricultural technological innovation (AST) boosts the coefficient to 0.031, further confirming its synergistic effect on AGTFP. These data points underline the importance of innovation in agricultural sustainability and the reinforcing role of environmental regulation. Consequently, this study advocates for intensified agricultural innovation support, tailored environmental regulation policies, augmented environmental education, and a meticulous evaluation system for environmental legislation to foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Rock mass classification in slope engineering with special emphasis on Slope mass rating: Current status and future projections

Rock mass classification (RMC) systems in the realm of rock slope engineering have gathered a lot of attention. The present review article delves into the major RMC systems, elucidating their fundamental principles, key parameters and practical applications. Among the various RMC systems for rock slope designing, Romana's Slope mass rating (SMR) was found to be the most comprehensive; therefore, the focus of the discussion centres around the SMR method. The article provides a crisp overview of the major advancements, evolution and potential challenges of SMR. The radical concept of wedge failure in SMR and the use of continuous functions are discussed in detail. A thorough discussion is provided on the efforts made by different researchers, encompassing the inclusion of novel factors such as slope height, heterogeneity in rock mass or lithology, weighted consideration of existing discontinuities, fuzzy sets and overburden thickness. Various automated calculation techniques and empirical correlations of SMR with other classification systems and rock engineering parameters are also outlined. Moreover, a critical examination of the variations among major extensions of SMR and their geotechnical relevance have also been discussed. Based on a meticulous assessment of the susceptibility to toppling failure in SMR, two sub‐factors to include block shape and interlayer slip between discontinuities have been suggested. These sub‐factors were validated by Goodman's tests for toppling failure. The scope of future projections or possible aspects for revisiting and refinement of the SMR method are suggested to enhance the applicability of the method under a diverse initial set of geotechnical conditions.

Myocardial proteome changes in aortic stenosis rats subjected to long-term aerobic exercise.

The effects of exercise training (ET) on the heart of aortic stenosis (AS) rats are controversial and the mechanisms involved in alterations induced by ET have been poorly clarified. In this study, we analyzed the myocardial proteome to identify proteins modulated by moderate-intensity aerobic ET in rats with chronic supravalvular AS. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary control (C-Sed), exercised control (C-Ex), sedentary aortic stenosis (AS-Sed), and exercised AS (AS-Ex). ET consisted of five treadmill running sessions per week for 16 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis and Goodman tests. Results were discussed at a significance level of 5%. At the end of the experiment, AS-Ex rats had higher functional capacity, lower blood lactate concentration, and better cardiac structural and left ventricular (LV) functional parameters than the AS-Sed. Myocardial proteome analysis showed that AS-Sed had higher relative protein abundance related to the glycolytic pathway, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and lower relative protein abundance related to beta-oxidation than C-Sed. AS-Ex had higher abundance of one protein related to mitochondrial biogenesis and lower relative protein abundance associated with oxidative stress and inflammation than AS-Sed. Proteomic data were validated for proteins related to lipid and glycolytic metabolism. Chronic pressure overload changes the abundance of myocardial proteins that are mainly involved in lipid and glycolytic energy metabolism in rats. Moderate-intensity aerobic training attenuates changes in proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation and increases the COX4I1 protein, related to mitochondrial biogenesis. Protein changes are combined with improved functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and LV function in AS rats.

The Interplay between School Preparedness and Student’s Individual Protective Actions: The Mediating Role of Disaster Education

Disaster preparedness serves as a pivotal strategy to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Empowering children and youth in disaster risk reduction through the education system not only enhances present resilience, but also augments future sustainability. This study investigates the mediating role of disaster education between school preparedness and student preparedness, using data from a survey conducted in China, encompassing a substantial sample size of 3675. Employing multiple linear regressions and the Sobel–Goodman tests, the study estimates correlations while controlling for essential confounding variables, such as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. The results reveal that both school preparedness and disaster education are positively correlated with higher levels of student preparedness. Notably, disaster education plays a mediating role between school preparedness and student preparedness. These findings underscore the paramount importance of seamlessly integrating effective school preparedness and disaster education initiatives, equipping students to confidently navigate potential disasters and emergencies.

Effects of early exercise on cardiac function and lipid metabolism pathway in heart failure.

We employed an early training exercise program, immediately after recovery from surgery, and before severe cardiac hypertrophy, to study the underlying mechanism involved with the amelioration of cardiac dysfunction in aortic stenosis (AS) rats. As ET induces angiogenesis and oxygen support, we aimed to verify the effect of exercise on myocardial lipid metabolism disturbance. Wistar rats were divided into Sham, trained Sham (ShamT), AS and trained AS (AST). The exercise consisted of 5-week sessions of treadmill running for 16 weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted by anova or Kruskal-Wallis test and Goodman test. A global correlation between variables was also performed using a two-tailed Pearson's correlation test. AST rats displayed a higher functional capacity and a lower cardiac remodelling and dysfunction when compared to AS, as well as the myocardial capillary rarefaction was prevented. Regarding metabolic properties, immunoblotting and enzymatic assay raised beneficial effects of exercise on fatty acid transport and oxidation pathways. The correlation assessment indicated a positive correlation between variables of angiogenesis and FA utilisation, as well as between metabolism and echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, early exercise improves exercise tolerance and attenuates cardiac structural and functional remodelling. In parallel, exercise attenuated myocardial capillary and lipid metabolism derangement in rats with aortic stenosis-induced heart failure.

Female Medical Tourists' Enplanement Intentions and Airline Cabin Design in Developing Economies

The future of medical tourism in Africa is tied to travel and aviation plays a key role in propelling tourism across borders. This study examined the influence of cabin design on the enplanement intentions of female medical tourists in Africa. Data were obtained using an online semi-structured bi-lingual questionnaire. The survey data were analysed with R software. The Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis and Sobel, Aroian, and Goodman tests for mediation showed that three elements of seat design (backrest, seat pitch and legroom) had both direct and indirect effects on enplanement intention. This calls for diligent attention and efforts by airlines to remodel aircraft and redefine their services as regards cabin comfort for female medical tourists. This would give the airline an edge over competitors. As a multidisciplinary study, it sets the path towards the revival of the future of travel and tourism in Africa, post-pandemic.

The Effect of Organizational Innovation Through Self-Concept on the Performance of Senior High School Teachers in Kendari City

This study aims to analyze and describe the influence of: Organizational Innovation (IO) through Self-Concept (KD) on teacher performance (KG) at SMAN in Kendari City. Technique Probability Sampling using Proportional Stratified Random Sampling. Data retrieval was carried out using instruments developed by the researchers themselves based on theories built by experts by first being tested on 80 teachers empirically to determine validity and reliability, data analysis techniques were: 1) Analyst prerequisite test, namely normality test, evaluation of univariate outliers and multivariate outliers, evaluation of multicollinearity, evaluation of Goodness-of-fit criteria, reliability and variance extract, 2) Structural Equation Modeling was used to test hypotheses. The results of this study indicate that organizational innovation through self-concept on teacher performance has a positive and significant effect. This finding means that the involvement of organizational innovation through self-concept mediation will improve teacher performance. This is also shown by the results of the indirect effect test (indirect effect) that there is a direct influence of organizational innovation on self-concept of 0.255 and a direct effect of self-concept on teacher performance of 0.260., p-value testing both Sobel test (0.033), Aroian test (0.038), goodman test (0.028), all three are less than the value of = 5%. Based on the three tests, the results of the indirect effect test on organizational innovation through self-concept have a significant effect on teacher performance.

Beyond “good company”: The mediating role of innovation in the corporate social responsibility and corporate firm performance relationship

PurposeThe link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate firm performance (CFP) has been extensively studied, but a significant research gap remains when considering potential mediating factors that can provide a more comprehensive and complete picture of the CSR-CFP link. Among the possible mediators, innovation is one of the most noteworthy factors, but previous studies have found inconsistent results between CSR and innovation in the service industry context. Existing studies have reported an insignificant or negative relationship between CSR and innovation in the service industry, including the hospitality industry. To clarify this controversy, this study aims to propose the positive mediating role of innovation to explain the CSR-CFP link in the hotel and casino industry.Design/methodology/approachTo discover the relationship among CSR, innovation and CFP, a panel data analysis, the two-way fixed-effects model, is used with robust standard errors. Particularly, to examine the mediating role of innovation, this study conducts Sobel, Aroian and Goodman tests. The sample period is from 2000 to 2017, consisting of 342 firm-year observations.FindingsWith a sample of publicly traded US hotel and casino firms, this study confirms the mediating role of innovation and suggests a strategic direction of CSR, highlighting the importance of innovation in the hospitality industry.Practical implicationsThis study presents an important piece of evidence regarding non-technological innovation and proposes a strategic direction of CSR in the hotel and casino industry to achieve competitive advantages.Originality/valueAdopting a new measurement method of innovation using data envelopment analysis, this study serves as a reference for a better understanding of a role of innovation in the CSR-CFP link for hospitality scholars.

Depression Mediates the Association Between Childhood Emotional Abuse and the Onset of Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From German Multi-Cohort Prospective Studies.

BackgroundThe dysregulation of glucose homeostasis via mental health stress is increasingly acknowledged, whereby depression independently increases the risk of the onset of type 2 diabetes by up to 60%. Contributing mental health factors starting in early life have further been considered, indicating that exposure to childhood emotional abuse is associated with both depression and an increased onset of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. However, the potential role of depression within the emotional abuse and type 2 diabetes link remains unknown.MethodsData were derived from community-dwelling participants in southern and northeastern Germany who participated in the longitudinal KORA-F4 and SHIP-3 studies. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for lifestyle, somatic, and psychological risk factors were used to investigate the association between childhood emotional abuse, assessed retrospectively by the Childhood Trauma Screener, and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes cases, which were confirmed using a standard oral glucose tolerance test. The mediating role of depressive symptoms between childhood emotional abuse and type 2 diabetes was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and calculated by using the Sobel test for mediation.ResultsA total of 2,973 (53.2% women, 46.8% men) participants with a mean age of 49.7 were included in the analyses, of whom 5.9% (7.1% women, 4.5% men) reported emotional abuse in childhood. Participants exposed to childhood emotional abuse had a 1.70 (1.12–2.56; p = 0.02) times higher odds of depression in the fully adjusted model than unexposed participants. During the 6.5-year follow-up period, 104 (3.5%) participants developed type 2 diabetes. Participants who were exposed to childhood emotional abuse had a 2.56 (1.31–4.98, p = 0.005) times higher odds of developing type 2 diabetes than unexposed participants. This association was significantly mediated by the increased odds of depression in participants with childhood emotional abuse (Sobel Test, 1.84, p = 0.06; Goodman Test, 1.91, p = 0.05).ConclusionThe current results indicate that the increased likelihood of type 2 diabetes onset in participants who were exposed to childhood emotional abuse is significantly attributed to increased depression in adulthood.

The Utility of the 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index to Predict Postoperative Risk in Microsurgical Reconstruction.

Microsurgical reconstruction is an integral part of plastic surgery. The 5-factor modified frailty index (5-mFI) is an effective tool to predict postoperative complications across multiple subspecialties. We aimed to determine if frailty scores using the 5-mFI can predict postoperative complications specifically in microvascular reconstruction. Frailty scores were retrospectively assessed in microsurgical reconstruction patients (2012-2016) using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program base. The 5 variables that comprise the 5-mFI are history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of congestive heart failure, functional status, hypertension requiring medication and diabetes. The data were analyzed using the Goodman test, χ2 test, and a logistic regression model. The congruence was also compared between the 5-mFI and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification in predicting complications. Of 5894 patients, the highest 5-mFI value was "3." Analyses show an increase in postoperative complications requiring ICU care. Further models indicate an association between readmission with hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P < 0.05). There was an increased risk of a failure to wean from ventilator with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes and an increased risk of readmission with a history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The 5-mFI and ASA were incongruent in predicting postoperative complications. The 5-mFI predicts postoperative complications in the microsurgical reconstruction population. Although the 5-mFI and ASA predict different complications, their use provides insight into the potential adjustable risks before surgery.

Business sustainability performance and corporate financial performance: the mediating role of optimal investment

PurposeEmploying a large sample consisting of 3,701 corporations domiciled in developed and emerging countries, this paper aims to analyze the mediating role of investment efficiency in the association between business sustainability performance and corporate financial performance.Design/methodology/approachFour different aspects of corporate sustainability offered by the ASSET4 database are used as proxies for business sustainability performance, including economic, corporate governance, social and environmental dimensions. In addition to these aspects, the aggregate measure of business sustainability performance is also employed. In order to test the association between business sustainability and corporate performance via investment efficiency, ordinary least squares, fixed-effect, random-effect and generalized method of moments statistical models were employed.FindingsThe results suggest that business sustainability performance is positively associated with corporate financial performance, indicating that sustainable corporations enjoy higher financial performance. Moreover, Sobel, Aroian and Goodman tests confirm that investment efficiency mediates the positive relationship between business sustainability performance and financial performance. Finally, further analyses show that the positive association between sustainability performance and investment efficiency is stronger for those firms headquartered in developed countries than in those located in emerging nations.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by investigating how growth opportunities advance the influence of business sustainability to corporate financial performance using a large sample from 43 countries.

Influence of resistance exercise on cardiac remodeling and soleus muscle of infarcted rats

Abstract Introduction Resistance exercise (RE) provides several benefits for healthy individuals. However, its effects during heart failure are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RE on functional capacity, cardiac remodeling, and soleus muscle molecular and biochemical features in rats with myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Three months after MI or simulated surgery (Sham), Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Sham (n=14), MI (n=13), and MI subjected to RE (RE-MI, n=14). Exercised rats trained 3 times a week performing four climbs with progressive loads on a ladder over 12 weeks. Functional capacity was assessed by maximum carrying capacity test in the ladder and exercise tolerance test in treadmill. Echocardiogram was performed at the end of the study. Energy metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed by spectrophotometry in the soleus muscle. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in soleus muscle (lipid hydroperoxide) or serum (malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation). Protein expression of insulin type-1 growth factor-like pathway, protein kinase B, and rapamycin target complex was analyzed by Western-blot. Statistical analysis: ANOVA and Bonferroni or Dunn, Student's t and Goodman tests; p&amp;lt;0.05. Results Mortality was higher in MI than Sham. Infarction size did not differ between groups. Resistance exercise increased maximum load carrying capacity, without changing functional capacity or cardiac remodeling. Catalase activity was lower in MI than Sham and glutathione peroxidase activity was lower in MI than Sham and RE-MI. Protein carbonylation was higher in RE-MI than MI. Energy metabolism did not differ between groups, except for lower phosphofructokinase activity in RE-MI than MI. Expression of p70s6K, p-FoxO3a, and p-FoxO3a-to-FoxO3a ratio was lower, and p-p70s6K-to-p70s6K ratio was higher in MI than Sham. Conclusion The practice of resistance exercise is safe, attenuates mortality, and improves maximum load carrying capacity regardless of changes in cardiac remodeling in infarcted rats. In soleus muscle, resistance exercise preserves phosphofructokinase and antioxidant enzyme activity and expression of the proteins involved in muscle trophism. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): CNPq UNESP

Examining how time from sport-related concussion to initial assessment predicts return-to-play clearance

ABSTRACT Objective (i) To analyze data of adolescents who have sustained a sport-related concussion (SRC) through the use of Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI) concussion database system; and (ii) to determine an optimal time to assess and manage an athlete with an SRC by prospectively analyzing data from CCMI concussion database system. Method A cohort of patients, ages 8–18 years, who sustained an SRC, assessed 30 days or less from injury and were treated at partnered CCMI clinics across Canada were prospectively followed. The primary outcome measure was recovery, defined as CCMI discharge, which includes an athlete having completed all return-to-school and return-to-play steps and passed the Gapski–Goodman test without symptom exacerbation. Results 1213 athletes (482 female) were included for analysis. Days between injury and initial assessment (p = 0.00), male sex (p = 0.00), and previous concussion history (p = 0.00) were significant predictors of time to discharge. A log-rank test revealed a significant difference (p = 0.00) in time to discharge with athletes assessed <10 days of injury discharged at a mean of 23.5 days (95% CI, 22.5, 24.5) and those assessed at day 10 to 30 were discharged at a mean of 37.1 days (95% CI, 33.7, 40.5). Athletes who were assessed at 0 to 9 days from injury were two times more likely to be discharged sooner compared to those athletes assessed 10 to 30 days from injury (HR 2.03, p = 0.00). Conclusion Time from SRC to initial assessment significantly predicted time to discharge, with those being evaluated earlier experiencing a faster discharge. The results aid in establishing recommended timelines for evaluation following an SRC in order to prevent or mitigate athletes experiencing a prolonged recovery and encourage timely access to care and a quicker return to life post-concussive injury.

Explorando a formação médica em hanseníase pela aplicação da taxonomia de Bloom

Visto que o Brasil é o país com o segundo maior número de casos de hanseníase no mundo e o ensino deficiente na matéria é considerado um dos fatores mais relevantes de tal realidade, pretendeu-se explorar as causas dessa deficiência junto a estudantes de Medicina, utilizando um instrumento construído segundo a Taxonomia de Bloom, classificação temática e grau de dificuldade. Metodologia: Em ensaio observacional transversal descritivo de retroanálise, aplicou-se uma bateria de 25 testes de múltipla escolha a 78 internos de sexto ano de um curso de Medicina. Os dados foram informatizados através do programa de computador SPSS, e foram obtidos resultados descritivos sob forma tabular; como abordagem analítica utilizou-se o teste de Goodman. Resultados: Houve média de acertos de 68% e 100% em quatro das seis categorias da referida escala. Discussão e Conclusão: Analisando-se respectivos aspectos positivos e negativos, contemplam-se fatores mais amplos envolvidos.

Associations of urinary dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetic acid exposure with platelet indices: Exploring the mediating role of blood pressure in the general population

Human exposure to drinking water disinfection by-products (DBPs) is potentially linked to high blood pressure (BP), which may be associated with abnormal platelet activation. This study investigated whether the relationship between DBP exposure with platelet change was mediated by BP. DBP biomarkers, such as urinary dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA), BP and platelet indices from 505 adults from a hospital in Shijiazhuang, China were measured. The cross-sectional associations among DCAA and TCAA exposure, BP and platelet indices were explored through multivariable linear regressions, and the mediation effect of BP was evaluated using the Sobel–Goodman test. We observed that DCAA and TCAA were positively associated with systolic BP (all p for trends < 0.01), which was positively associated with platelet count (PLC) (p for trend < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that systolic BP fully mediated the associations of DCAA and TCAA with PLC. When BP was controlled, a previously inverse significant relation between DCAA and platelet distribution width (PDW) remained significant (p < 0.05). Obtained results suggested that exposure to DCAA may contribute to decreased PDW in humans. Systolic BP is a possible mediator of the association between DCAA exposure and PLC. TCAA may indirectly positively affect PLC by increasing systolic BP.

Financial leverage, debt maturity, future financing constraints and future investment

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the impact of debt maturity on the relationship between financial leverage and future financing constraints. Moreover, it attempts to analyze the moderating role of short-term debt and the mediating role of future financing constraints in the relationship between financial leverage and future investment.Design/methodology/approachTo test the moderating role of debt maturity, all the observations are divided into two groups based on short-term debt to total debt ratio. Moreover, Sobel, Aroian and Goodman tests are used to analyze the mediating role of future financing constraints. The sample used in this research includes firms listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange from 2006 to 2018.FindingsIt is shown that financial leverage is inversely (positively) related to future financing constraints for firms with higher (lower) use of short-term debt and, short-term debt moderates the relation between financial leverage and future investment. The findings also indicate that future financing constraints carry the influence of financial leverage to future investment.Originality/valueIn an imperfect market where financing is not independent of investment, it is highly required to carry out some studies on the role of different financing scenarios in firms and their impacts on future financing and investment; therefore, this paper is conducted to address one of the most important issues in the capital market, which is almost the pioneer study in this field.

Adherence to dietary recommendations in diabetes mellitus: disease acceptance as a potential mediator

BackgroundAdherence by diabetic patients to dietary recommendations is important for effective therapy. Considering patients’ expectations in case of diet is significant in this regard. The aim of this paper was to analyze the relationship between selected independent variables (eg, regular blood glucose testing) and patients’ adherence to dietary recommendations, bearing in mind that the degree of disease acceptance might play a mediation role.Subjects and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 91 patients treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus in a public medical facility. Paper-and-pencil interviewing was administered ahead of the planned visit with a diabetes specialist. Two measures were applied in the study: the Acceptance and Action Diabetes Questionnaire and the Patient Diet Adherence in Diabetes Scale. Additionally, data related to sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle-related factors, and the course of the disease (management, incidence of complications, and dietician’s supervision) were also collected. The regression method was used in the analysis, and Cohen’s methodology was used to estimate partial mediation. Significance of the mediation effect was assessed by the Goodman test. P-values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsPatients’ non-adherence to dietary recommendations was related to a low level of disease acceptance (standardized regression coefficient =−0.266; P=0.010). Moreover, failure to perform regular blood glucose testing was associated with a lack of disease acceptance (standardized regression coefficient =−0.455; P=0.000). However, the lack of regular blood glucose testing and low level of acceptance had only partially negative impacts on adherence to dietary recommendations (Goodman mediation test, Z=1.939; P=0.054). This dependence was not seen in patients treated with diet and concomitant oral medicines and/or insulin therapy.ConclusionEffective dietary education should include activities promoting a more positive attitude toward the disease. This may be obtained by individual counseling, respecting the patient’s needs, and focus on regular blood glucose testing.

A longitudinal analysis of early language difficulty and peer problems on later emotional difficulties in adolescence: Evidence from the Millennium Cohort Study

Background and aim Individuals with developmental language disorder have been found to exhibit increased emotional difficulties compared to their typically developed peers. However, the underlying pathways involved in this relationship are unclear. It may be that poor language leads to social exclusion, resulting in feelings of frustration and isolation. Additionally, previous research has focused on clinical samples or early childhood in population cohorts. Therefore, the current paper examines the mediating effect of childhood peer problems on poor emotional outcomes in adolescence using a population cohort. Methods Data from the Millennium Cohort Study were analysed at ages 5, 7 and 14. The risk of developmental language disorder group (children considered at risk of developing developmental language disorder based on parental report of difficulties or a score −1.5 standard deviation on Naming Vocabulary subtest at age 5) was compared to a general population group. A Sobel–Goodman test was used to examine the mediating effect of teacher-reported peer problems at age 7 on the association between language difficulties at age 5 and parent-reported emotional problems at age 7 and 14. Results Peer problems at age 7 accounted for approximately 14% of the effect of language difficulties at age 5 on emotional problems at age 7, and approximately 17% of the effect of language difficulties at age 5 on emotional problems at age 14. Conclusions This paper supports previous findings that children and adolescents with language difficulties are at increased risk for social and emotional problems as reported by their parents and teachers. Furthermore, the findings show that peer problems partially mediate the relationship between language difficulties and emotional problems, suggesting that better relationships with peers may offer some protection against poor mental health outcomes in adolescents at risk of developmental language disorder. Implications This paper adds to the literature that investigates the mechanisms involved in the relationship between developmental language disorder and increased emotional problems. Practitioners wishing to reduce risk of emotional difficulties in children with developmental language disorder may wish to reflect on what they can do to support a child to develop positive peer relationships.