Including Pearson Correlation Research Articles

Exploration of chemical changes in bituminous mastics induced by aging: insights from FTIR spectroscopy, DSR measurements, and machine learning

ABSTRACT The aging phenomenon in bituminous mastics leads to distinct chemical changes that affect their mechanical and rheological properties. Experimental testing like Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) often require advanced post-processing to reveal underlying patterns. This research employs advanced pattern recognition algorithms and chemometric analyses to investigate aging-induced chemical changes in bituminous mastics. The study seeks to establish a rational relationship between their chemical and rheological properties. FTIR data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Regression-Linear Discriminant Analysis (PLSR-LDA) to derive normalised Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) scores. Post-processing of PLSR-LDA results, including Pearson correlation testing and classification through data mining algorithms, identified carbonyl groups, alcohols, and carboxylic acids as key indicators of aging. Significant mineral vibrations in the Si-O band and carbonate-related vibrations were also important for differentiating various mineral compositions in the mastics. The study demonstrated that combining PLSR with CatBoost regression analysis effectively predicts rheological behaviour based on chemical composition. These findings underscore the non-linear relationship between their chemical and rheological properties and provide a framework for predicting material performance based on chemical characteristics.

Evaluating Employability Skills Integration in a Citizenship Education Textbook

The International Labour Organization (ILO) generated a strategic plan for skills and lifelong learning from 2022 to 2030, aiming to improve students’ access to future jobs. One of the target goals of the ILO's plan was to ensure that educational programs meet the changing needs of labour markets. Therefore, there is a rising need to assess whether teaching programmes can prepare learners for the requirements of future jobs. In this study, we investigate how employability skills are integrated in teaching resources. For this purpose, 54 learning activities from a Grade 6 Citizenship Education textbook in Bahrain were analysed using 56 predefined codes elaborated by the Conference Board of Canada in a document that was developed by the Corporate Council on Education, a program of the National Business and Education Centre since 2000. This study employs quantitative analysis, including Pearson correlation coefficients and regression analysis to evaluate the integration of employability skills in the learning activities using three major factors: Fundamental Skills (FS), Personal Management Skills (PMS) and Teamwork Skills (TS). The results show that Fundamental Skills (Mean = 3.87, Standard Deviation = 1.26) are well integrated, whereas Personal Management Skills (Mean= 3.17, Standard Deviation = 1.54) demonstrate moderate integration with notable variations. In contrast, Teamwork Skills display a low level of integration (Mean = 1.02 Standard Deviation = 1.88). The correlation analysis confirms a relationship (r = 0.615, p < 0.01) between FS and PMS but shows insignificant correlations between TS and the other skill sets. These findings highlight a critical gap in teamwork skill integration and suggest a need for increased focus on teamwork in educational materials, while recommending further research to focus on expanding the sample size, incorporating more qualitative analyses, and exploring effective strategies for integrating employability skills into educational resources.

Accuracy of the HemoCue® to measure cell-free plasma hemoglobin and detect clinically significant hemolysis.

Monitoring cell-free plasma hemoglobin (PHb) during extracorporeal therapies allows early intervention of significant hemolysis, but timely measurements are often challenging. We thus present an analysis of a rapid benchtop device's ability to detect clinically significant hemolysis (PHb ≥50mg/dL). PHb was measured in 419 plasma samples from 88 pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass via both the benchtop device (HemoCue® Plasma/Low Hb system) and the clinical laboratory at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (reference standards). Values of PHb ≥50mg/dL as measured by the reference standard was defined as the binary outcome of clinically significant hemolysis. Analyses included Pearson correlations, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curves, and Bland-Altman. Because the manufacturer specifications identify the measurement range of the HemoCue® system as 30-3000mg/dL, a secondary analysis was completed using PHb ≥30mg/dL. Using reference measurements, 66/88 subjects had at least one PHb level that fell within the range of detection (≥30mg/dL) of the benchtop device and 46/88 had significant hemolysis as defined by PHb ≥50mg/dL. PHb levels ≥30mg/dL largely correlated with measurements made with the benchtop device (r = 0.82, p < .001). The device was able to predict PHb values ≥30mg/dL (AUROC 0.9582) and ≥50mg/dL (AUROC 0.9637). The Bland-Altman demonstrated a mean difference of 7.0mg/dL with <5% outside the 95% limits of agreement. The HemoCue® system is an effective surrogate for more robust laboratory testing to identify clinically significant hemolysis during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Heartbeat classification using various machine learning models: A comparative study

Cardiac arrhythmias, known as irregular heartbeats, pose a notable health threat that necessitates prompt diagnosis, as untreated arrhythmias can lead to severe heart complications. Among the various methods for arrhythmia detection, electrocardiography is the most prevalent due to its non-invasive monitoring of heart activity. However, manual electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis is inefficient and prone to errors, prompting the exploration of machine learning (ML) models for ECG feature recognition. Integrating ML models with ECG analysis can revolutionize cardiac diagnostics by improving healthcare efficiency and outcomes by enhancing the accuracy and consistency of existing approaches as well as their processing speed for large datasets. Unfortunately, current ML methods encounter two key limitations: prolonged training times and the need for manual feature selection. To address these issues, we propose using ML models enhanced with innovative techniques such as the Fourier transform (FT) and Gaussian noise injection for improved cardiac health assessment. To validate this approach, we utilized statistical tools, including Pearson correlation and p-values, to uncover relationships within the data. In addition, we employed the FT technique to extract and analyze frequency-domain features. Our comparative study of different ML models relied on metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and receiver operating characteristic area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, demonstrating XGBoost&amp;rsquo;s impressive average recall of 0.956 with 99.96% overall accuracy. An average precision of 0.956 further underscored the accuracy of XGBoost&amp;rsquo;s predictions, indicating its high level of reliability in distinguishing various cardiac conditions. These results highlight the considerable potential of ML techniques for precise ECG-based clinical diagnoses, helping healthcare professionals make more accurate and timely decisions in patient care.

BRAND IMAGE AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AT UNILEVER NIGERIA PLC IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

The extreme importance of customer satisfaction and customer loyalty cannot be overstated in today's highly competitive business contexts. Regardless of how much emphasis has been placed on it, research focused specifically on customer satisfaction has not been given adequate attention within the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in Nigeria. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the effect of brand image on consumer satisfaction in Unilever Nigeria Plc. in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study utilizes a descriptive research design on the strength of a cross-sectional survey of 400 respondents to a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation analysis. The findings reveal that a significant relationship exists between brand image and customer satisfaction in Nigeria. The study also shows that brand awareness and brand attachment have the highest level of relevance on customer satisfaction.

Using Doppler duplex ultrasound to determine hemodynamic alterations in renal vasculature: Crucial pathophysiological event preceding renal dysfunction in decompensated cirrhosis

BackgroundRenal dysfunction is a watershed event in cirrhosis, often preceded by renal vasoconstriction. However, our reliability on elevated serum creatinine often delays interventions. Measurement of Renal Resistive Index (RI) and Renal Venous Stasis Index (RVSI) by Doppler ultrasound offers insight into renal vasoconstriction. MethodsFifty participants with decompensated cirrhosis with ascites and normal serum creatinine underwent renal Doppler ultrasound for the measurement of RI and RVSI. All patients were compliant with a salt-restricted diet. Individuals aged <18 years, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-cirrhosis-related ascites, pre-existing renal disease, obstructive uropathy, or history of nephrotoxic medication use were excluded. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation, regression analysis, and Chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests, were performed to assess the statistical significance between RI, RVSI, and renal parameters. Additionally, the association of RI with the model for end-stage liver disease sodium (MELD-Na) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores was also assessed. ResultsMajority were males (88%), average CTP score was 11.7, mean MELD-Na score was 20.92, and mean serum creatinine was 1.05 mg/dL. Renal parameters had varying RI values among renal arteries, with the main right and left arteries at 0.615 [standard deviation (SD): 0.089] and 0.638 (SD: 0.083), respectively. RI and RVSI are significantly correlated with serum creatinine. Further, significant correlation between, RI, RVSI values noted with MELD-Na score even when serum creatinine values are normal. ConclusionStrong correlations between serum creatinine, RI, and MELD-Na scores hints at predictive clinical potential. Future research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is required to gauge clinical utility and its impact on outcomes.

Comparative evaluation of point of care assay with ELISA techniques for quantifying serum concentrations of ustekinumab in inflammatory bowel disease patients

ObjectivesTo evaluate the analytical performance and clinical utility of the POC-AFIAS assay in comparison with two ELISA established assays for quantifying serum concentrations of ustekinumab. MethodsA prospective study was conducted. Consecutive serum samples from adult patients undergoing treatment with ustekinumab were collected. Three analytical techniques were compared for the quantification of ustekinumab serum concentrations: the AFIAS-10® POC assay (POC-AFIAS), the Promonitor® ELISA assay (ELISA-PRO), and the ELISA Ridascreen® assay (ELISA-RDSC). Ustekinumab concentrations were evaluated within three therapeutic ranges: <1μg/mL, 1–4.5μg/mL, and >4.5μg/mL. Statistical analysis included Pearson correlation, intra-class correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman analysis. ResultsA total of 104 patients were included in the study. The median ustekinumab concentrations measured were 5.22μg/mL (POC-AFIAS), 3.99μg/mL (ELISA-PRO), and 4.50μg/mL (ELISA-RDSC). Strong correlations were observed between techniques (POC-AFIAS and ELISA-PRO: r=0.921, POC-AFIAS and ELISA-RDSC: r=0.940, ELISA-PRO and ELISA-RDSC: r=0.976). The Bland–Altman analysis revealed a bias difference of 1.81μg/mL between POC-AFIAS and ELISA-PRO, and 1.27μg/mL between POC-AFIAS and ELISA-RDSC. Agreement rates varied by therapeutic range, with the highest agreement observed within the therapeutic range (97.3%) and lower agreement for supra-therapeutic concentrations (74.6%). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the POC-AFIAS assay provides comparable results to established ELISA techniques for quantifying serum concentrations of ustekinumab, particularly within the therapeutic range. The findings suggest that the POC-AFIAS assay offers a rapid and effective tool for managing ustekinumab therapy in clinical practice.

Combining multiple feature selection methods and structural equation modelling for exploring factors affecting stand biomass of natural coniferous-broad leaved mixed forests

Recognition of biotic and abiotic factors affecting biomass of natural mixed forests is of great importance for forest carbon estimation and management. When estimating stand biomass using models, different variable selection methods often yield inconsistent results, and there is lack of systematic analysis. This study aimed to combine multiple feature selection methods with structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify a set of variables affecting stand biomass more reasonably. Eight methods were applied for feature selection based on data from 286 permanent sample plots in natural coniferous-broad leaved mixed forests in northeast China. These methods included Pearson correlation analysis, two methods derived from principal component analysis (PCA), stepwise regression, redundancy analysis (RDA), generalized additive model (GAM), random forest (RF), and boosted regression tree (BRT). A total of 56 candidate variables were considered, covering stand, biodiversity, climate and soil features. Significant variability was observed in the variables selected, however, there were 6 variables consistently identified across all methods, including tree species diversity (N_Sp_Div), stand structural diversity (N_ Size_ Div), nearest taxon index (NRI), community weighted mean based on dry matter mass of leaves (CWM.LDMC), soil pH, and degree-days above 18 °C (DD18). Then, these variables were included in the SEM with stand average age and additive stand density index (aSDI) to explore the direction and magnitude of their impacts on stand biomass. The SEM results showed that aSDI and average age had the greatest positive effects on stand biomass, and structural diversity also had a significant positive effect. DD18 affected stand biomass both directly and indirectly, with the total negative effect. Soil pH indirectly affected stand biomass via aSDI. Our findings demonstrated that combining multiple feature selection methods with SEM was an effective approach for understanding multiple factors affecting stand biomass, and provided valuable insights for forest biomass estimation and carbon management.

Effect of Capital Deductions on the Financial Performance of Listed Companies at the Nairobi Securities Exchange in Kenya

Purpose: Shareholders’ wealth maximization is a priority objective of every corporate entity. The issue of corporate tax planning and firm value is gaining relevance following the recent financial crises which resulted in the increasing collapse of global and local companies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of capital deductions on the financial performance of companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) in Kenya. The study was anchored on signaling theory. Methodology: The study adopted both explanatory and longitudinal research. Secondary data for the study for the period between 2013-2022 was extracted from annual financial statements of 57 listed firms targeted for analysis. The data for the study was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics using statistical techniques including Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analysis. All the analyses were done using the STATA version 13.0 Pearson correlation results revealed a significant association between study variables and financial performance. Multiple Linear regression model was used to analyze relationships and the effect of the study variables. Results: The study findings established that capital deductions (β = 0.844, p-value = 0.000, &lt;0.05) have a positive and significant effect on financial performance. The study contributes to knowledge by revealing new insights that tax planning has a significant effect on financial performance of listed firms in Kenya. Specifically, it was established that capital deductions have a significant effect on financial performance of listed firms. Conclusion: The study concludes that a holistic approach to tax planning and an optimal mix of tax planning strategies are important determinants and have a positive contributory effect on firm performance. The study recommends that companies’ management should strive to have an in-depth understanding of tax laws to take advantage of every opportunity that will reduce their tax liability thereby increasing their returns and value. The future researchers should explore the effect of Indirect tax incentives on financial performance.

Nursing perception towards the impact of JCI accreditation on the quality of care in a university hospital in Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study investigates nursing staff perceptions regarding the impact of Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation on the quality of care within a university hospital in Palestine. The research specifically examines how the accreditation process influences nursing practices, patient results, and overall healthcare quality in a challenging environment marked by unique operational and external pressures.MethodsThe study was conducted at An-Najah National University Hospital (NNUH), a university hospital in Palestine, using a cross-sectional survey design. The structured questionnaire employed in the study was based on the Donabedian model, which evaluates the process and outcome dimensions of healthcare quality influenced by JCI accreditation. The questionnaire consisted of 47 items, divided into ten main subsections. These subsections included participants’ demographical information (6 items), quality measurement and analysis (4 items), leadership, commitment and support (4 items), use of data (4 items), strategic quality planning (4 items), human resources education and training (4 items), quality management (4 items), quality results (4 items), staff involvement (5 items), and benefits of accreditation (8 items). The questionnaire was rigorously designed to assess both the quality processes and quality results. The eight subscales evaluated various aspects, such as leadership commitment, strategic planning, and staff involvement. To ensure reliability, the internal consistency of the survey was confirmed with a high Cronbach’s alpha score, demonstrating the tool’s robustness and reliability in capturing the intended data.ResultsThe study of 180 nurses overwhelmingly supported the positive impact of JCI accreditation on hospital quality improvement processes. More than 90% of respondents acknowledged the role of accreditation in improving resource utilization, meeting population needs, and promoting professional standards and values ​​among staff. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and stepwise regression, highlighted strong positive associations between quality process variables and quality results. In particular, leadership commitment, strategic planning, and staff engagement were found to be significant predictors of improved quality results.ConclusionsThis study’s findings demonstrate that JCI accreditation significantly positively impacts nurses’ perceptions of care quality at NNUH. The study underscores the importance of international accreditation in driving quality improvements in healthcare, particularly in settings with unique challenges such as those faced in Palestine. These insights are crucial for policymakers and healthcare administrators aiming to enhance care standards through accreditation in similar environments.

Investigating the correlation between health-promoting lifestyle and health hardiness with quality of life

IntroductionQuality of life (QOL) is a key concept in the field of health and future human life depends on understanding the factors affecting the QOL. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health hardiness and health-promoting lifestyle with QOL among residents of Bastak city.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study was conducted on the adult population above the age of 18 years living in Bastak city in Hormozgan province. A total number of 400 subjects were selected using a convenient sampling method. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data, which consisted of four sections: demographic information, health hardiness questionnaire, health-promoting lifestyle questionnaire and world health organization quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were analyzed using statistical tests including Pearson correlation analysis, path analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) with SPSS 24 and AMOS 21 statistical software.ResultsA total of 400 subjects with the mean age of 34.81 ± 8.94 years participated in this study. There were significant positive relationships between health hardiness (r = .499, p = .000), health value (r = .491, p = .000), internal health locus of control (r = .468, p = .000), external health locus of control (r = .19, p = .000), perceived health competence (r = .415, p = .000), health responsibility (r = .473, p = .000), physical activity (r = .356, p = .000), nutrition (r = .392, p = .000), interpersonal relations (r = .458, p = .000), spiritual growth (r = .619, p = .000), stress management (r = .514, p = .000) and health promoting life-style (r = .593, p = .000) With QOL.ConclusionAccording to our findings, health-promoting lifestyle has a positive relationship with QOL. Therefore, the policy makers and executive managers of the health sector can improve people’s QOL by designing and implementing educational interventions that are focused on improvement the level of individual’s physical activity, spiritual growth, interpersonal interactions, stress management, nutrition and individual responsibility.

The impact of social participation on the quality of life among older adults in China: a chain mediation analysis of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

This cross-sectional study investigates the impact of social participation on the quality of life (QOL) among older adults in China. Using convenience sampling, data were collected from 508 individuals aged 60 and above (M_age = 70.53 ± 7.90 years; 56.5% women). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSSAU software, including Pearson correlation analysis to assess relationships between social participation, psychological health indicators (loneliness, depression, and anxiety), and QOL. Multiple regression analysis and chain mediation analysis were subsequently performed to explore the mediating effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL. The results indicated significant correlations between social participation and loneliness (r = -0.313, p < 0.001), depression (r = -0.487, p < 0.001), anxiety (r = -0.305, p < 0.001), and QOL (r = 0.476, p < 0.001). The mediation analysis revealed significant chain mediation effects of loneliness, depression, and anxiety on the relationship between social participation and QOL (β = 0.006, p < 0.001, 95% CI [0.001, 0.007]). Higher levels of social participation were associated with lower levels of loneliness, which in turn reduced depression and anxiety, thereby enhancing QOL. These findings highlight the importance of promoting social participation to improve psychological wellbeing and QOL among older adults in China. The study advocates for active social engagement and the provision of relevant services, as well as psychological support and emotional counseling for those facing mental health challenges due to insufficient social participation.

The Development of a Yolov8-Based Model for the Measurement of Critical Shoulder Angle (CSA), Lateral Acromion Angle (LAA), and Acromion Index (AI) from Shoulder X-ray Images.

Background: The accurate and effective evaluation of parameters such as critical shoulder angle, lateral acromion angle, and acromion index from shoulder X-ray images is crucial for identifying pathological changes and assessing disease risk in the shoulder joint. Methods: In this study, a YOLOv8-based model was developed to automatically measure these three parameters together, contributing to the existing literature. Initially, YOLOv8 was used to segment the acromion, glenoid, and humerus regions, after which the CSA, LAA angles, and AI between these regions were calculated. The MURA dataset was employed in this study. Results: Segmentation performance was evaluated with the Dice and Jaccard similarity indices, both exceeding 0.9. Statistical analyses of the measurement performance, including Pearson correlation coefficient, RMSE, and ICC values demonstrated that the proposed model exhibits high consistency and similarity with manual measurements. Conclusions: The results indicate that automatic measurement methods align with manual measurements with high accuracy and offer an effective alternative for clinical applications. This study provides valuable insights for the early diagnosis and management of shoulder diseases and makes a significant contribution to existing measurement methods.

Exploring the Relationship between Music Learning and Student Educational Performance

Music education has long been linked to various cognitive and developmental benefits for students and enhances cognitive abilities, including concentration and academic achievement. The aim of this study examines the impact of music education on academic achievement, cognitive development, and overall classroom engagement. Specifically, it explores how music learning correlates with student educational performance. The study looks into a number of factors, including enhanced cognitive abilities, social-and emotional benefits, development of critical thinking skills, economic barriers, and time constraints.The study involved 150 students’ data through an online survey, the framework includes hypothesis the development and statistical analysis employing through SPSS to perform statistical tests, including Pearson correlation and T-test. The result indicates a positive correlation between student educational performances in Group 1, with extensive music education, demonstrating higher proficiency and improved academics performance compared to Group 2. The study concludes that music education is a positive consequence on students' performance in academics that underscores the significant role of music education to enhance the integration into educational curriculum can lead to improved cognitive development.

In pursuit of precısion: assessing the impact of physical attributes on change of direction speed ın women's cricket

Cricket demands a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and precision, with physical fitness crucial in achieving sports excellence. While previous research has highlighted the importance of physical attributes such as speed, explosive power, and agility, the complex interactions between these factors about change of direction speed (CODS) still need to be better understood. This study investigated the relationship between CODS and key physical measures among female cricket players, providing insights into the factors influencing athletic performance in cricket. Thirty female cricketers (aged 16-26 years) participated in the study, undergoing assessments of CODS, speed, vertical jump, and broad jump. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to examine the relationships between these physical measures and CODS. Reliability was deemed to be poor (&lt;0.3), moderate (0.4&lt;0.6), and strong (0.7≤) based on prior research. Significant positive correlations were observed between agility and acceleration and maximal speed tests, underscoring the importance of speed in cricket performance. Furthermore, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between CODS and explosive lower body power tests, highlighting the significance of lower body explosiveness for rapid directional shifts in cricket. Regression analysis revealed that speed, broad jump, and vertical jump collectively contributed to a strong predictive model for agility. Enhancing speed, explosive power, and agility through targeted training interventions could improve cricket players' on-field performance and competitive edge. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between physical attributes and cricket performance, offering practical insights for player development and strategic improvement. Key Words: Change of Direction Speed; Physical Attributes; Explosive Power; Agility

Relationship between physical exercise, bullying, and being bullied among junior high school students: the multiple mediating effects of emotional management and interpersonal relationship distress

ObjectiveThis paper investigates the relationships between physical activity (PA), school bullying, emotion regulation self-efficacy (ERS), and interpersonal relationship distress (IRD) among junior high school students. It also examines the underlying mechanisms of school bullying to provide insights into reducing adolescent bullying and to lay the groundwork for preventing and controlling aggressive behaviors.MethodsA survey was conducted on 484 students (240 males, 12.18 ± 0.8 years) from 4 secondary schools using the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS), Emotional Management Self-Efficacy Scale (EMSS), Interpersonal Relationship Distress Scale (IRDS), and Campus Bullying Scale (CBS) to examine the effects among the variables. A stratified random sampling method was used to select the sample, and data were collected with a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical software. The analysis included Pearson correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and bias-corrected percentile Bootstrap methods.Results(1) PA negatively predicts IRD, which in turn has an indirect effect on bullying (PA → IRD → Bullying), ES = -0.063. Additionally, EM and IRD act as mediators between PA and school bullying (PA → EM → IRD → Bullying), ES = 0.025. (2) PA negatively predicts IRD, which has an indirect effect on being bullied (PA → IRD → Being bullied), ES = -0.044. EM and IRD serve as chain mediators between PA and being bullied (PA → EM → IRD → Being bullied), ES = -0.071.ConclusionPA can positively predict bullying, but it can be mitigated through EM to reduce IRD, thereby decreasing the occurrence of campus bullying and being bullied.

Determinants of the morbidity of the rural population in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a regional aspect

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the Federal State Statistics Service, as well as statistical materials from the digest “Rural Healthcare in Russia in 2021”, provided by the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Russian Research Institute of Health” of the Russian Ministry of Health were the main sources of information for this study. Analytical procedures included Pearson correlation analysis, factor analysis (principal component method), hierarchical cluster analysis, multiple linear regression with backward elimination method for selecting variables. RESULTS: Six typological groups of regions of the Russian Federation were identified based on the variations in the morbidity rates of the rural population across certain classes of diseases including infectious and parasitic diseases, neoplasms, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system, and external causes. It has been established that there was a differentiation in the regions of Russia in terms of factors influencing the morbidity rate of the rural population by the main classes of diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Healthcare system, medical and social factors had the greatest impact on the overall morbidity in the regions of the fourth and fifth classification groups, on the detection of some infectious and parasitic diseases in the regions of the second, fifth and sixth groups, and respiratory and digestive diseases in the third classification group. The housing quality in the regions of almost all groups was one of the most significant social factors. Economic conditions had a significant impact on the incidence of infectious and parasitic diseases in the regions of the third and sixth groups, as well as on the level of injuries and some consequences of external causes in the regions of the first and third groups. Environmental factors were significant determinants of morbidity in the regions of the fifth group. At the same time, regression analysis showed associations between selected factors for all classification groups of regions for some infectious and parasitic diseases. The smallest number of models has been defined for the incidence of neoplasms and circulatory organs. CONCLUSION: Contribution of socioeconomic, demographic, environmental and natural factors to rural public health should guide the development of policies aimed at development of rural healthcare taking into account regional characteristics.

Single vs. multi-slice assessments of in vivo placental T2∗ measurements

IntroductionPlacental health is vital for maternal and fetal well-being, and placental T2∗ has been suggested to identify in vivo placental dysfunction prior to delivery. However, ideal regions of interest to best inform functional assessments of the placenta remain unknown. The aim of this study is to compare global and slice-wise measures of in-vivo placental T2∗ assessments. MethodsThis prospective study recruited pregnant people with singleton pregnancies between December 2017 and February 2022.3D multi-echo RF-spoiled gradient echo sequences were acquired, and placental T2∗ values were derived from global and slice-wise approaches. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients, concordance correlation coefficients (CCC), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman analyses. ResultsOf 115 participants (mean gestational age, 29.25 ± 5.05 weeks), 68 were healthy controls, and 47 were high-risk pregnancies. Global and slice-wise placental T2∗ assessments for the entire cohort showed no significant difference nor for individual subgroups (healthy controls or high-risk). Pearson correlation values ranged between 0.88 and 0.99 for mean global and slice-wise placental T2∗. CCC analyses ranged from 0.88 to 0.99 for mean T2∗, and ICC analyses ranged between 0.88 and 0.99 for mean T2∗, showing a strong agreement between measurements. Bland-Altman analyses depicted T2∗ differences across coverage methods, and groups resided within the 95 % limits of agreement. DiscussionSingle-slice placental assessments offer robust, comparable T2∗ values to global assessments, with the added benefit of reducing post-processing time and SAR exposure. This supports slice-wise approaches as valid alternatives for assessing placental health in various pregnancies.

Motivation and anxiety in Chinese EFL students’ listening process: An idiodynamic approach

This study pioneers the use of the idiodynamic approach to investigate the dynamic interplay between motivation and anxiety in Chinese learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) during listening tasks. Despite the acknowledged importance of understanding moment-to-moment fluctuations in language learning motivations and emotions, research has yet to explore these dynamics within listening comprehension contexts using this approach. To address this gap, the authors enlisted five Chinese EFL learners to examine how motivation and anxiety fluctuate and interact during two distinct listening activities: a multiple-choice English listening test and a listening practice task. Utilizing the Anion Variable Tester V2 software, we captured real-time changes in participants’ motivation and anxiety levels, offering a novel lens through which to view these psychological dynamics. Quantitative analysis, including Pearson correlation per task, Pearson correlation in segment, and moving correlation analysis, revealed significant variations in the relationship between motivation and anxiety across individuals and tasks and patterns of positive, negative, and non-significant correlations emerging within tasks. Qualitatively, the study identified that the factors interactively influence the fluctuations of motivation and anxiety. These findings contribute to our understanding of motivation and anxiety’s nuanced roles in language learning and underscore the value of the idiodynamic method in capturing these complex psychological processes. The implications of this research extend to developing more responsive and emotionally attuned language teaching practices.

Impact of Obesity on Dysmenorrhea and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Adenomyosis Patients

Obesity poses a substantial health challenge globally, affecting various aspects of reproductive health, including adenomyosis. Adenomyosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue within the myometrium, commonly affects women during their reproductive years, leading to symptoms such as dysmenorrhea and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study aimed to investigate the influence of obesity on dysmenorrhea and LUTS severity in adenomyosis patients, considering demographic factors such as age and educational levels as potential moderators. Forty-four adenomyosis patients participated in a cross-sectional study at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital in Surakarta City of Indonesia, between April and September 2023. Diagnosis was confirmed using 2D Transvaginal Ultrasound (2D-TVUS). Obesity was defined using Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, and dysmenorrhea and LUTS were assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and modified International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, respectively. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation. Results indicated a significant positive correlation between obesity and dysmenorrhea (rho = 0.256, P = 0.049) and LUTS (rho = 0.292, P = 0.029). Age and educational level did not significantly moderate these relationships, emphasizing the independent influence of obesity on symptom severity. In conclusion, obesity significantly impacts the severity of dysmenorrhea and LUTS in adenomyosis patients, highlighting the need for tailored management strategies that address both hormonal and inflammatory pathways.