Multivariate Multiple Linear Regression Research Articles

Simultaneous monitoring of mean vector and covariance matrix of auto‐correlated multivariate multiple linear profiles

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to develop control charts for a simultaneous monitoring of the mean vector and covariance matrix of multivariate multiple linear regression profiles in phase II, when the independence assumption of the observations within each profile is violated, and there is multivariate autoregressive moving average (MARMA)(1,1) autocorrelation structure within each profile. A transformation method is applied to eliminate the autocorrelation, and six control charts for a simultaneous monitoring of the mean vector and covariance matrix of auto‐correlated multivariate multiple linear regression profiles are proposed. Then, through simulation runs, in terms of the average run length (ARL) criterion, it is shown that the proposed methods have better performance in comparison with the competing methods in detecting shifts in the parameters of regression profiles. Finally, the application of the proposed control charts is shown using real data in a machining process.

What facilitates hepatitis B and hepatitis C testing and the role of stigma among primary care patients in China?

Approximately 80% of primary healthcare facilities in China were ready to deliver hepatitis care services by 2021. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B and C test uptake, identify the factors associated with testing and determine the predictors of hepatitis stigma among primary care patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among patients seeking care in the family medicine and primary care unit of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China. Participants were 30 years or older and had not tested for HBV and HCV in the preceding 12 months. Test uptake was defined as self-reported previous HBV and HCV testing. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, forward multivariable logistic regression and stepwise multiple linear regression were conducted, and a p-value <.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 750 eligible patients completed the survey, and 54.5% (404 ± 0.9) were between 30 and 40 years old. Most participants were heterosexuals 98.0% (n=735), female 57.5% (n=431), married 78.3% (587) and earned ≤1500 USD per month 54.4% (n=408). A 66.1% (n=496) and 13.7% (n=103) self-reported previous HBV and HCV testing, respectively, and 62% (n=468) were vaccinated. HCV testing was associated with HBV testing (aOR=13.7, 95% CI:2.1-91.5); and HBV testing was associated with family history of HBV (aOR=2.4, 95%CI:1.1-5.5). Overall hepatitis stigma was about average and decreased with family history of HBV (p=.017). In conclusion, HCV testing uptake among primary care patients was low and needs to be further promoted. Integrating HBV and HCV testing interventions and fostering family-based support for disclosure could effectively improve testing uptake.

Monitoring profiles in multistage processes using the multivariate multiple regression model

AbstractMost recent production processes comprise multiple stages, where the final quality of products is determined by the upstream effects of output quality at each stage. Moreover, the quality of each stage is characterized by a functional relationship, referred to as a profile, between input variables and output quality variables. Therefore, the effective profile monitoring of the multiple stages is crucial in maintaining and improving the final output quality. A multistage process is separated into a series of single‐stage processes, and each single‐stage process is treated as a profile structure. In each stage, we implement the multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) model using the orthogonal design coding. The coefficient estimators of the MMLR are obtained as a matrix, whose column vectors indicate the coefficient vectors for given output quality variables and row vectors indicate the coefficients of output quality variables for given regression coefficients. Since the use of orthogonal design coding makes the regression coefficient estimator vectors for the intercept and the input variables mutually independent, it is possible to monitor the process using Hotelling's T2 charts separately. We explain the process of estimating and monitoring the regression coefficients from Phase I samples, and evaluate the performance of the proposed procedure in Phase II.

Organisational and staff-related effects on cultural competence in the hospital setting: a cross-sectional online survey of nursing and medical staff

BackgroundCultural competence is considered a core qualification for dealing with socio-cultural diversity and balancing disparities in health care.ObjectivesTo explore features supporting and inhibiting cultural competence in the hospital at both organisational and staff levels.DesignCross-sectional online survey in the form of a full census from May to November 2018.SettingTwo organisations that run a total of 22 hospitals in Germany.ParticipantsEight hundred nursing and medical professionals [nurses: n = 557; doctors: n = 243].MethodsUsing the Short Form Cultural Intelligence SCALE (SFCQ), cultural competence was measured and its relation to potential influencing factors at staff level and organisational level examined, using bivariate (t-Test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson and Spearman correlations) and multivariate (multiple linear regression) approaches. Model 1 examined features at organisational level, Model 2 at individual level and Model 3 included organisational and individual features.ResultsThe mean cultural competence measured was 3.49 [min.: 1.3; max.: 5.0]. In the bivariate and isolated multivariate models [Models 1 and 2], factors on both organisational and individual levels were significantly related to the hospital staff’s cultural competence. The multivariate overview [Model 3], however, revealed that individual features at staff level were the statistically relevant predictors. Positive influencing features included staff’s assessment of the importance of cultural competence in their professional context [B: 0.368, 95% confidence interval 0.307; 0.429], participation in competence training [B: 0.193; 95% confidence interval 0.112; 0.276] and having a migration background [B: 0.175; 95% confidence interval 0.074; 0.278], while negative features included length of medical service [B: -0.004; 95% confidence interval -0.007; -0.001].ConclusionsThe development and practice of cultural competence appear to be determined less by organisational features and more on the level of individual actors. In addition to staff development, adequate organisational structures and an economic incentive system are required to promote sociocultural diversity in hospitals.

MACROECONOMICS EFFECT ON CONVENTIONAL AND SHARIA STOCKS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study aims to analyze the effect of macroeconomics on conventional and sharia stocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collected for this study was obtained from monthly stock index data on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) as well as macroeconomic development reports from the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas. The population in this study are all conventional and sharia stocks listed on the IDX. The sampling technique was carried out using a purposive sampling method with the criteria of conventional and sharia stocks listed on the IDX for the period March 2020 to June 2021. The macro variables used in researching the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) and the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) consisted of four variables, which are exports, imports, inflation rate, and foreign exchange reserves. The data analysis technique used in this research is multivariate multiple linear regression analysis accompanied by simultaneous and partial testing to determine the predictor variables that affect JCI and JII. The results shows that exports and foreign exchange reserves had a significant positive effect on JCI and JII, while imports and the inflation rate did not have a significant effect. The goodness of the model is 93%.

Association Between Dietary Protein Intake and Sleep Quality in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Singapore.

Poor sleep has been associated with the increased risk of developing detrimental health conditions. Diet and certain nutrients, such as dietary protein (PRO) may improve sleep. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between PRO intake, their amino acid components, and sources with sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults residing in Singapore. A dataset of 104 healthy subjects between the age of 50 and 75 years old were used. Collected data included 3-day food record and sleep quality [sleep duration, global sleep score (GSS), sleep latency (SL), and sleep efficiency (SE)]. The collected 3-day food records were extracted for PRO, tryptophan (Trp), and large neutral amino acid (LNAA) intake. PRO intake was further categorized into plant and animal PRO. A multivariate multiple linear regression (MLR) was performed to assess the association between PRO intake and sleep quality. Dietary Trp:LNAA ratio was positively associated with sleep duration (βtotal: 108.234 h; p: 0.005) after multiple covariates adjustment. Similarly, plant Trp (βplant: 2.653 h/g; p: 0.020) and plant Trp:LNAA (βplant: 54.006 h; p: 0.008) was positively associated with sleep duration. No significant associations were observed for both SL and SE. Sleep duration in middle-aged and older Singaporean adults was positively associated with dietary Trp and Trp:LNAA, especially when obtained from plant sources.

Radiation dose to circumscribed brain regions and neurocognitive function in patients with meningioma.

Although radiation (RT) is standard treatment for many brain tumors, it may contribute to neurocognitive decline. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between RT dose to circumscribed brain regions and specific neurocognitive domains in patients with meningioma. We undertook a retrospective study of 40 patients with meningioma who received RT and underwent an in-depth clinical neurocognitive assessment. Radiation dosimetry characteristics were delineated based on treatment planning computerized tomography co-registered with contrast-enhanced 3D T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Principal components analysis was applied to organize neurocognitive test scores into factors, and multivariate multiple linear regression models were undertaken to examine if RT dose to circumscribed brain regions is associated with specific neurocognitive outcomes. Radiation dose to brain regions was associated with neurocognitive functions across a number of domains. High dose to the parietal-occipital region was associated with slower visuomotor processing speed (mean dose, β = -1.100, P = .017; dose to 50% of the region [D50], β = -0.697, P = .049). In contrast, high dose to the dorsal frontal region was associated with faster visuomotor processing speed (mean dose, β = 0.001, P = .036). These findings suggest that RT delivered to brain regions (ie, parietal-occipital areas) may contribute to poor neurocognitive outcomes. Given that modern radiotherapy techniques allow for precise targeting of dose delivered to brain regions, prospective trials examining relations between dose and neurocognitive functions are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Impact of mandatory social isolation measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the subjective well-being of Latin American and Caribbean dentists

BackgroundWith the spread of the COVID-19 virus, containment measures such as home confinement were implemented, generating stress, anxiety, depression and aggravation of pre-existing diseases in the population, including dentists, who have also been affected due to the risk involved in practicing their profession. Objective: To determine the impact of mandatory social isolation measures on the subjective well-being of Latin American and Caribbean dentists during the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Material and MethodsA Cross-sectional study in a sample of 1195 dentists from 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The main outcome was Subjective Well-Being, evaluated through the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). In addition, sociodemographic characteristics, variables related to the community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic and health variables were considered. A descriptive, bivariate and multivariate (multiple linear regression) analysis was performed to observe the behavior of the variables. ResultsA multiple linear regression analysis was performed, where all the variables included within dimensions, were distributed in a single model, observing an R2% of 9.000 (p<0.001), where the R2% change was significant (p<0.001) and a constant of 44.190; likewise, within this model, the variable follow-up of preventive measures against COVID-19 reported an unstandardized regression coefficient (b) of 2. 316 (95%CI:1.133-3.499;p<0.001), the self-perceived level of concern against COVID-19 obtained a (b) of -5.470 (95%CI:-7.509--3.430; p<0.001), the biological sex variable manifested a (b) of -5.417 (95%CI: - 1.157-1.910; p<0.001); finally, the level of economic income during compulsory social isolation presented a (b)=5.354 (CI95%:3.461- 7.247; p<0.001). ConclusionsAn association was found between subjective well-being and variables related to the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as following preventive measures, concern about the pandemic and economic factors (decrease in income level), in addition to biologic sex. Follow-up strategies are required for these dental professionals, considering that social isolation measures have continued in many of the countries. Key words:Quarantine, Coronavirus infections, WHO-5, Cross-sectional studies, Latin America, Caribbean Region.

PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SEVERITY OF CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN ADULTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: determining the multidimensional factors associated with the severity of chronic back pain is essential to design appropriate interventions. The objective of this study was to assess the physical and emotional factors associated with the severity of chronic back pain in adults. Method: a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study, carried out between November 2017 and December 2018 in Family Health Strategies, with 198 adults with chronic back pain. Pain severity, assessed by the Brief Pain Inventory, was considered the outcome variable; and the pain interference in daily activities (Brief Pain Inventory), physical disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief) and pain threshold (digital algometer) variables were considered explanatory. A Multivariate Multiple Linear Regression analysis, using the stepwise method with 5% significance, was preformed to establish an explanatory model of pain severity. Results: the mean age was 48.03 years old (standard deviation: 12.41). Most of the participants were women, married and worked. The variables that had a significant and joint impact on pain severity were pain interference in daily activities (parameter: 0.196; p-value&lt;0.001) and in mood (parameter: 0.054; p-value=0.039) and physical domain of quality of life (parameter: -0.032; p-value&lt;0.001). Conclusion: physical factors (pain interference in daily activities and physical domain of quality of life) and emotional factors (pain interference in mood) play an important role in the severity of chronic back pain, which reinforces its multidimensional character.

Association between Circulating Adiponectin and Heart Rate Recovery in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

ABSTRACT Context Adiponectin (APN) is reported to be correlated closely with autonomic nervous function in different clinical settings. Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a noninvasive and readily obtainable indicator, which reflects the coordinated interplay between parasympathetic reactivation and sympathetic withdrawal. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum APN and HRR in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women. Design Eighty-nine PCOS women were enrolled and divided into two groups. Women with HRR values slower than 12 beats were defined as Blunted HRR Group. APN levels were compared between Blunted HRR Group and Normal HRR Group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine which clinical variables were independently associated with HRR and APN levels, respectively. Results Twenty-three women were categorized into Blunted HRR Group, in which APN level was significantly lower than Normal HRR Group. Age, body mass index, hypertension, and APN were independent factors of attenuated HRR in PCOS women. Meanwhile, multiple linear regression analysis showed age, dyslipidemia, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were closely associated with APN levels in PCOS women. Conclusions Our findings suggested that decreased APN concentration was closely associated with HRR blunt in PCOS women. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying interactions between APN and autonomic nervous function.

HCNM: Heterogeneous Correlation Network Model for Multi-level Integrative Study of Multi-omics Data for Cancer Subtype Prediction.

Integrative analysis of multi-omics data is important for biomedical applications, as it is required for a comprehensive understanding of biological function. Integrating multi-omics data serves multiple purposes, such as, an integrated data model, dimensionality reduction of omic features, patient clustering, etc. For oncological data, patient clustering is synonymous to cancer subtype prediction. However, there is a gap in combining some of the widely used integrative analyses to build more powerful tools. To bridge the gap, we propose a multi-level integration algorithm to identify representative integrative subspace and use it for cancer subtype prediction. The three integrative approaches we implement on multi-omics features are, (1) multivariate multiple (linear) regression of the features from a cohort of patients/samples, (2) network construction using different omics features, and (3) fusion of sample similarity networks across the features. We use a type of multilayer network, called heterogeneous network, as a data model to transition between a network-free (NF) regression model and a network-based (NB) model, which uses correlation networks. The heterogeneous networks consist of intra- and inter-layer graphs. Our proposed heterogeneous correlation network model, HCNM, is central to our algorithm for gene-ranking, integrative subspace identification, and tumor-specific subtypes prediction. The genes of our representative integrative subspace have been enriched with gene-ontology and found to exhibit significant gene-disease association (GDA) scores. The subspace in genes which is less than 5% of the total gene-set of each genomic feature is used with NB fusion integrative model to predict sample subtypes. As the identified integrative subspace data of multi-omics is less prone to noise, bias, and outliers, our experiments show that the subtypes in our results agree with previous benchmark studies and exhibit better classification between poor and good survival of patient cohorts.Clinical relevance: Finding significant cancer-specific genes and subtypes of cancer is vital for early prognosis, and personalized treatment; therefore, improves survival probability of a patient.

Changes in land use typology of global airports: An empirical investigation with implications for the aerotropolis concept

Aerotropolis is an urban development concept characterised by the concentration of land uses fostering economic activities around airports. However, limited empirical evidence exists about the formation of aerotropolises and their effects on the productivity of airports. This study addresses the gaps by examining changes in land use patterns around 75 major airports globally, using data extracted from Google Earth for two time periods: 2004 and 2014. A Two-Step cluster analysis technique was applied to identify natural groupings of the airports in terms of their land use patterns for both periods. Changes in cluster membership were observed between the periods to examine the process of aerotropolis formation. A multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) model is estimated to identify factors contributing to aerotropolis formation process. Finally, the effects of the aerotropolis formation process on airport productivity is estimated in a two-stage least square (2SLS) regression model. Cluster analysis results show that airport land side development can be classified into three groups: Island airports (surrounded by largely vacant land), Waterfront airports (adjacent to a large body of water), and Built form airports (well-developed residential, commercial and industrial land uses). Overall, built-up areas increased by 2.1% between 2004 and 2014, and only three airports transitioned from Island to Built form – suggesting a weak evidence of the aerotropolis formation process. Developable land surrounding the airports and city population growth rate contributed significantly to this process, which consequently contributed to the productivity of airports. In conclusion, aerotropolises are a promising concept, yet unreal. It needs to be integrated with city plans to direct development, and thereby, to make it a reality.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 and contributing factors of students' preventive behavior based on HBM in Gondar, Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe Ethiopian Federal government has locked down schools as one measure to contain Covid-19 pandemic. Psychological effect of COVID-19 on students is increased due to the reopening of schools. The psychological effect of the pandemic is increasing along with physical aspect of health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the psychological impact of Covid-19 and its contributing factors of students’ behavior in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross sectional design was conducted from November to December 2020. Data were collected using pre tested self- administered questionnaire from secondary school students in Gondar city North West Ethiopia. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 403 secondary school students. Data were entered and cleaned with Epidata version 4.62 and exported for analysis STATA version 14. Multivariable logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to show the association of dependent and independent variables. Independent variables in relation to dependent variable measured using odd ratios and B coefficient with 95% confidence interval for Covid-19 anxiety and preventive behavior of Covid-19 respectively were used.ResultsA total of 370 students were participated giving response rate of 92%. The prevalence of Covid-19 anxiety and obsession among secondary school students were 38.1% and 40.27% respectively. Being 11thgrade 54% (AOR = 0.46; 95%CI:0.22, 0.95) and increased knowledge16% (AOR = 0.84;95%CI: 0.77, 0.89) score associated with decreased COVID-19 anxiety while Covid-19 obsession, 14.51 times (AOR = 14.51;95%CI: 8.05, 26.17), and being female 1.6 times (AOR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.01, 2.51) increased Covid-19 Anxiety. Furthermore, increased self-efficacy 0.5 times (B = 0.5; 95%CI: 0.28, 0.62), and increased cues to action 0.4 times (B = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.69) increased preventive behavior of Covid-19 while perceived barrier 0.1 times (B = -0.1; 95%CI:-0.22, 0.01) decrease preventive behavior of Covid-19.ConclusionAlmost two individuals of five participants developed COVID-19 anxiety and COVID-19 obsession. Being grade 11th and knowledge were negatively associated with anxiety while being female and being obsessed with COVID-19 were positively associated with anxiety. No variable was associated with obsession of Covid-19. Intervention is needed to reduce anxiety among females. Furthermore, perceived barrier, self-efficacy and cues to action were significant factors of preventive behaviour of Covid-19. Therefore, to increase preventive behaviour of Covid-19, information, education and communication and behavioural change communication should be targeted on reducing barriers and increasing motivations and confidences.

Problematic Internet Use among University Students and Its Relationship with Social Skills.

Internet use has been steadily and unstoppably gaining ground in all areas of life, from recreational activities to the establishment of social relations. However, addictive use of the Internet is a problem that seriously affects some people. Factors that may influence the occurrence of inappropriate internet use include age and social skills. For this reason, the aim of this study is to analyze the influence of social skills and age on the development of problematic internet use in university students. The study involved 514 students enrolled at a university in Spain, who filled in two questionnaires, one on problematic internet use and the other on social skills. Multivariate multiple linear regression models revealed that some social skills variables (conversation and social ease, empathic and positive feeling skills, risk coping) predicted problematic internet use. In addition, age played a role in preference for online social interaction and deficient self-regulation. Younger students were more at risk of having obsessive thoughts related to internet use and of engaging in compulsive internet use compared to older students.

The association between smoking behaviour, social cognition and social functioning in patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder: A prospective follow-up study

IntroductionIn patients with psychotic disorders, both tobacco smoking and deficits in social cognition and social functioning are highly prevalent. However, little is known about their relationship in psychosis. The authors sought to evaluate the multi-cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between tobacco smoking, social cognition and social functioning in a large prospective study. MethodsThis study was performed within the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) Study, a cohort study conducted in patients with non-affective psychosis (N = 1074), their unaffected siblings (N = 1047) and healthy controls (N = 549). At baseline, three years and six years of follow-up, data on tobacco smoking (using the Composite International Diagnostic Review), social cognition (emotion processing and theory of mind) and social functioning were collected. To assess associations between tobacco smoking and social cognition or social functioning, multivariate linear mixed-effects models and multiple linear regression models were used. Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was applied. ResultsA significant positive association was found between smoking and emotion processing (as part of social cognition) in the patient group (estimate = 1.96, SE = 0.6, p = 0.003). However, smoking was significantly negatively associated with participating in pro-social activities compared with non-smoking (estimate = −2.55, SE = 0.9, p = 0.004). Change in smoking behaviour was not associated with social cognition or social functioning in the longitudinal analyses. ConclusionFindings indicate that smoking patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder slightly outperformed their non-smoking peers on a task on social cognition, but participated less in pro-social activities. Commencement or cessation of smoking was not related to social cognition or functioning.

Humoral and Cellular Responses to mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines Administered to Hemodialysis Patients

Rationale & ObjectivePatients with kidney failure who are receiving maintenance dialysis have a higher risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and worse clinical outcomes after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population. Therefore, immunization against SARS-CoV-2 with effective vaccines is an important component of health-maintenance strategies for these patients. This study evaluated the humoral and cellular responses to messenger RNA (mRNA) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in this population.Study DesignObservational prospective multicenter cohort study.Setting & Participants205 patients treated at 3 dialysis units at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (Spain) were vaccinated from February 3 to April 4, 2021, and followed until April 23, 2021.ExposureImmunization with either the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.OutcomeSeroconversion, defined as the detection of IgG antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the S1 spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 (anti–S1-RBD IgG), and the identification of activated CD4+ T cells 3 weeks after completing vaccination. Anti-S1-RBD IgG levels were also analyzed as a secondary outcome.Analytical ApproachUnivariate and multivariable logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between vaccination and study outcomes.ResultsWe found that 97.7% of 175 vaccinated patients who were seronegative at baseline developed a response (humoral, cellular, or both); 95.4% of these patients seroconverted, while 62% of those tested for cellular immunity had a positive response. Greater age and immunosuppressive treatment were associated with lower antibody levels.LimitationsMandatory vaccine administration by health authorities. Anti–S1-RBD IgG levels were reported up to 150 U/mL and cellular immune responses were characterized qualitatively. Antibody assay and cellular response assessment may not be comparable with previously published laboratory approaches.ConclusionsImmunization with mRNA vaccines generated a humoral and cellular immune response in a high proportion of patients with kidney failure receiving maintenance dialysis. These findings as well as the high risk of infection and poor clinical outcomes among these patients make their vaccination a health priority.

Leisure satisfaction and quality of life of residents in Ningbo, China

Quality of life (QOL) is enhanced by the satisfaction derived from leisure time. Much of the evidence for this relationship comes from research in Western nations. In contrast, this study explores the links between leisure satisfaction and QOL in China using the Leisure Satisfaction Scale (LSS) and the short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale (WHOQOL-BREF). Data were collected from 940 urban Chinese in the City of Ningbo. We used multivariate multiple linear regression to determine whether leisure satisfaction and demographic variables are predictors of QOL. Results indicate that the LSS predicts all the QOL domains. Nonetheless, when the LSS dimensions are analyzed separately, only Psychological Satisfaction and Aesthetic Satisfaction predict each of the four WHOQOL-BREF domains. Among the demographic variables, only income predicts all WHOQOL-BREF domains, whereas other demographic variables predict some of the domains. This study adds new insights to understand relationships between leisure satisfaction, QOL, and demographic variables in the non-Western world.

A community-based, cross-sectional study to assess interactions between income, nutritional status and enteric parasitism in two Brazilian cities: are we moving positively towards 2030?

BackgroundThis study assessed the interactions between income, nutritional status and intestinal parasitism in children in Brazil.MethodsA cross-sectional study (n = 421 children aged 1 to 14 years living in the states of Piauí (rural communities in the city of Teresina) and Rio de Janeiro (rural and periurban communities in the city of Cachoeiras de Macacu) was performed in order to obtain income and anthropometric data, as well as fecal samples for parasitological analyses through the Ritchie technique.ResultsChildren infected with Ascaris lumbricoides had significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.36 ± 0.75 vs. − 0.11 ± 1.02; p < 0.001), weight-for-age z scores (− 1.23 ± 0.74 vs. 0.09 ± 1.15; p = 0.001), and weight-for-height z scores (− 0.68 ± 0.44 vs. 0.23 ± 1.25; p = 0.006) when compared with uninfected children. Infection with hookworm was also associated with lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 1.08 ± 1.17 vs. − 0.12 ± 1.02; p = 0.015) and weight-for-age z scores (− 1.03 ± 1.13 vs. 0.08 ± 1.15; p = 0.012). Children infected with Entamoeba coli presented significantly lower means of height-for-age z scores (− 0.54 ± 1.02 vs. − 0.09 ± 1.02; p = 0.005) and weight-for-age z scores (− 0.44 ± 1.15 vs. 0.12 ± 1.15; p = 0.002). The multivariate multiple linear regression analysis showed that height-for-age z scores are independently influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.145; p = 0.003), female gender (β = 0.117; p = 0.015), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.141; p = 0.006) and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.100; p = 0.043). Weight-for-age z scores are influenced by monthly per capita family income (β = 0.175; p < 0.001), female gender (β = 0.123; p = 0.010), and infections with A. lumbricoides (β = − 0.127; p = 0.012), and Entamoeba coli (β = − 0.101; p = 0.039). Monthly per capita family income (β = 0.102; p = 0.039) and female gender (β = 0.134; p = 0.007) positively influences mid upper arm circumpherence.ConclusionsIntestinal parasitism and low family income negatively influence the physical development of children in low-income communities in different Brazilian regions.

Predictors and outcomes of acute recoil after ultrathin bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents implantation: an intravascular ultrasound in native coronary arteries.

Ultrathin bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SESs) may easily lead to acute recoil. This study investigated acute recoil after BP-SES implantation on the basis of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). We enrolled 40 consecutive stents. Absolute acute recoil by quantitative coronary angiography was defined as the difference between the mean diameter of the last inflated balloon (X) and mean lumen diameter of the BP-SES immediately after balloon deflation (Y). Percent (%) acute recoil was defined as (X-Y)×100/X. IVUS was performed within the culprit lesion. Plaque eccentricity, % plaque burden and calcification grade score were assessed using IVUS. Calcification grade was scored on the basis of quadrants. On the basis of the median acute recoil value of 5.0%, the stents were divided into two groups: low (LAR, n = 20) and high % acute recoil (HAR, n = 20). Mean % acute recoil was 5.8 ± 5.3%. Plaque eccentricity, % plaque burden and stent/artery ratio were significantly higher in the HAR group than in the LAR group. Significant differences in % acute recoil were not observed regarding the types of stent diameter. In multivariate logistic regression and multiple linear regression analysis, plaque eccentricity and % plaque burden in the culprit plaque were significant positive predictors for the occurrence of % acute recoil. No significant differences, including clinical outcomes, were found between both groups at follow-up. Acute recoil of BP-SESs may be influenced by an eccentric plaque with a large burden, which did not affect long-term outcomes. However, the present study might suggest the proper strategy (e.g. a more exhaustive plaque preparation) before BP-SES implantation in a case with these IVUS characteristics.

Performance Evaluation of Al-Karkh Water Treatment Plant Using Model-driven and Data-Driven Models

There is a great operational risk to control the day-to-day management in water treatment plants, so water companies are looking for solutions to predict how the treatment processes may be improved due to the increased pressure to remain competitive. This study focused on the mathematical modeling of water treatment processes with the primary motivation to provide tools that can be used to predict the performance of the treatment to enable better control of uncertainty and risk. This research included choosing the most important variables affecting quality standards using the correlation test. According to this test, it was found that the important parameters of raw water: Total Hardness, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Solids, Nitrite, Nitrates, Ammonia, and Silica are to be used to construct the specific model, while pH, Fluoride, Aluminium, Nitrite, Nitrate, Ammonia, Silica, and Orthophosphate of the treated water were eliminated from the analysis. For modeling the coagulation and flocculation process temperature, Alkalinity and pH of raw water were the depended variables of the model. As for the modeling process turbidity of the treated water was used as the output variable. In general, the linear models including model-driven type, (Multivariate multiple regression, MMR and Multiple linear regression, MLR) have slightly higher prediction efficiencies than the, data-driven type (artificial neural network, ANNM). The coefficients of determination (R2) reached 66 to 85% for the MMR and MLR models and 65 to 81% for the ANN models.