Nonparametric Regression Analysis Research Articles

Comparison of a customized glycemic pellets challenge with the oral sugar test to measure glycemic and insulinemic responses in horses.

Testing for insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses is commonly performed to guide management and therapeutic strategies. To evaluate a newly developed glycemic pellets challenge (GPC) and compare results to those obtained using the low-dose oral sugar test (OST). Twenty-four adult horses with unknown insulin status. A randomized crossover trial was performed. Horses underwent GPC (0.5 g glycemic carbohydrates/kg body weight) and OST (0.15 mL corn syrup/kg body weight) 7 days apart. Feed was withheld before testing and blood samples were collected at T0, T60, T120, and T180 minutes for GPC and at T0, T60, and T90 minutes for OST. Blood glucose concentration was measured using a point-of-care glucometer and insulin by radioimmunoassay. Comparisons were made using nonparametric tests, linear regression, and Bland-Altman agreement analysis. Eighteen horses consumed >85% of the GPC pellets within 10 minutes and had acceptable OST results. Maximum glucose (P = .02) and insulin (P = .007) concentrations were significantly higher for GPC compared with OST. Time to maximum insulin concentration (Tmax[ins]) varied within and between tests and neither Tmax[ins] (P = .28) nor maximum insulin concentration (P = .46) was correlated with the time horses took to consume pellets. The GPC is well tolerated and may offer another diagnostic testing modality for ID. Blood glucose and insulin concentrations increase during GPC and reach higher concentrations than observed with low-dose OST. The Tmax[ins] varied for GPC and OST, emphasizing the importance of identifying the optimal time range for the collection of samples to capture diagnostically relevant changes in insulin concentration.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO) Infections and Construction of a Risk Prediction Model in a Cancer Specialty Hospital.

Aims/Background Patients receiving treatment in specialized cancer hospitals are particularly susceptible to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) infections due to factors such as weakened immune systems caused by intensive treatments and prolonged hospital stays. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for MDRO infections in the cancer specialty hospital setting and to develop a corresponding risk prediction model. Methods Patients diagnosed with MDRO infections were selected for the MDRO infection group (n = 238), and those without for the non-MDRO infection group (n = 238). Non-parametric tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the primary risk factors for MDRO infections. With the aid of analysis utilizing R software 4.4.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), we developed a nomogram prediction model, which was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Age, antibiotic application time, and central venous catheterization were independent risk factors for MDRO infection (p < 0.05). The constructed nomogram prediction model for patients with MDRO infection has a C-index of 0.8640. The ROC curve results showed that the prediction model has a specificity of 0.7700, a sensitivity of 0.8800, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8800. Conclusion This study identifies significant risk factors for MDRO infections in a cancer specialty hospital setting and offers a clinically useful prediction model, which may aid in targeted preventive measures and optimization of antibiotics usage, thereby potentially reducing the incidence and impact of these infections.

Influence of Preoperative Motor Score and Patient Comorbidities on Transcranial Motor-Evoked Potential Acquisition in Intracranial Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring plays a pivotal role in modern neurosurgery, aiding in real-time assessment of eloquent neural structures to mitigate iatrogenic neural injury. This study represents the largest retrospective series to date in monitoring corticospinal tract integrity during intracranial surgery with transcranial motor-evoked potentials (TCMEPs), focusing on the influence of demographic factors, comorbidities, and preoperative motor deficits on the reliability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring. While the impact of patient-specific factors affecting TCMEP monitoring in spine surgery is well-documented, similar insights for intracranial surgery are lacking. A total of 420 craniotomy patients were retrospectively analyzed from electronic medical records from December 2017 to February 2023, excluding patients without preoperative Medical Research Council scores or medical histories. Using intrinsic hand muscles as a robust data set, 840 hand TCMEPs acquired during intracranial surgery were assessed. Demographic and clinical factors, including preoperative motor scores, were analyzed to identify associations with TCMEP acquisition and amplitude. Nonparametric statistics and multivariate regression analysis were employed. TCMEPs were successfully acquired in 734 (87.7%) patient hands, even in the presence of preoperative motor deficits in 13.9% of total patient hands. Preoperative motor scores did not predict the ability to acquire baseline TCMEPs ( P = .6). Notably, older age ( P < .001) and hypertension ( P = .01) were independent predictors of lower TCMEP acquisition rates. Preoperative motor scores significantly influenced TCMEP amplitudes, with higher scores correlating with higher amplitudes (1771 [SD = 1550] eve vs 882 [SD = 856] μV, P < .0001). Older age ( P < .001) and chronic kidney disease ( P = .04) were also associated with reduced TCMEP amplitudes. Our investigation into TCMEPs during intracranial surgery demonstrated a notably high acquisition rate in hand muscles, irrespective of preoperative motor deficits. Preoperative motor scores reliably correlated with TCMEP amplitudes in a linear fashion while advanced age and renal disease emerged as independent predictors of lower TCMEP amplitudes.

Exploring the Relationship Between Somatisation, Facial Pain and Psychological Distress in East Asian Temporomandibular Disorder Patients.

The relationship of somatisation with facial pain duration/intensity, pain-related interference/disability and psychological distress was investigated in East Asian temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. Correlations between somatisation, facial pain and psychological characteristics were also explored alongside the demographic/physical factors associated with moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety. Anonymised data were acquired from records of consecutive 'first-time' patients seeking TMD care at a tertiary oral medicine clinic. Axis I physical TMD diagnoses were established utilising the diagnostic criteria for TMDs (DC/TMD) protocol and patients with TMD pain were stratified into those with pain-related (PT) and combined (CT) conditions. Axis II measures administered encompassed the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7). Individuals with PT and CT were further categorised into those without (Pain - Som/Comb - Som) and with somatisation (Pain + Som/Comb + Som). Statistical evaluations were performed with nonparametric and logistic regression analyses (α = 0.05). The final sample comprised 473 patients (mean age 36.2 ± 14.8 years; 68.9% women), of which 52.0% had concomitant somatisation. Significant differences in pain duration (Comb + Som > Pain - Som), pain-related interference/disability (Comb + Som > Comb - Som) and depression/anxiety (Pain + Som, Comb + Som > Pain - Som, Comb - Som) were discerned. Depression/anxiety was moderately correlated with somatisation (rs = 0.64/0.52) but not facial pain characteristics. Multivariate modelling revealed that somatisation was significantly associated with the prospects of moderate-to-severe depression (OR 1.35) and anxiety (OR 1.24). Somatisation exhibited a strong association with psychological distress when contrasted with facial pain in East Asian TMD patients.

TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDER, BODY PAIN, AND OTOLOGIC AND PSYCHOLOGIC SYMPTOMS: THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS IN ASIAN YOUTHS.

To establish the interrelationships between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), pain, and otologic and psychologic comorbidities in Asian youths. Youths from a local polytechnic, aged 17 to 24 years old, were enrolled and an electronic survey encompassing demographic variables-the DC/TMD TMD pain screener (TPS), Short- form Fonseca Anamnestic Index (SFAI), modified Maciel's Otologic/Pain Symptom Inventory, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4-was administered. Par.cipants were subsequently categorized into groups: no TMD pain (NP), with TMD pain (WP), no TMDs (NT), and with any TMDs (WT). Data were evaluated with chi-square test, nonparametric, and logistic regression analyses (α &#61; .05). Among the 198 participants (mean age 18.8 ± 1.7 years), 11.1% had painful TMDs and 18.2% experienced TMD pain or dysfunction. Significant differences in total-otologic symptoms (total-OS), vertigo, and dizziness plus otalgia, tinnitus, and hearing loss scores were observed between the WP-NP and WT-NT groups correspondingly. While total-comorbid pain (total-CP) and psychologic distress (total-PD) scores varied substanally between the WT-NT group, only a significant difference in total-PD scores was discerned between the WP-NP group. Total-OS scores were moderately correlated to TPS/SFAI, total-CP, and total-PD scores, and psychologic distress was a risk factor for painful TMDs. Otologic and pain comorbidities were prevalent among Asian youths with TMDs and appear to be interrelated. The complex interaction of TMDs with pain, otologic, and psychologic comorbidities must be considered when caring for youths with multiple somatic complaints.

Quality factors of an English as a Medium of Instruction program associated with students’ satisfaction

This study examines the association between key quality factors of an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) program delivered at a Spanish university with the students’ satisfaction. The significant growth of demand and offer of bilingual and plurilingual studies in Higher Education in the last decade in many non-Anglo-Saxon countries, recommends conducting more evaluation research studies aimed at measuring quality and impact of EMI programs on students’ performance and satisfaction. To respond to that need, this ex-post facto research study included a sample of 131 self-selected students. The dependent variable student satisfaction was measured with a questionnaire (α=0.82 and a ω= 0.85) delivered through a computer-assisted web interviewing technique. Nonparametric regression analysis results confirm partially two out of the four hypotheses tested with an average of the mean estimate of 3.7 (on a 5 points scale) and the (only) average marginal significant effect of teachers teaching practices estimated to be 0.7, p &lt; 0.01. The model (M6) with all predictions and controls explains 40.69% of the variation of the dependent variable. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are drawn to increase future students’ satisfaction about this type of Higher Education.

Care needs of people with dementia in Tanzania and associated impact on carers: A cross-sectional, observational study.

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the care needs, care arrangements and burden of care for people with dementia in Northern Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study. People with dementia and their carers (n = 53) were recruited from an outpatient clinic, and data on carer burden and independence in activities of daily living were collected. Associations with carer burden and characteristics were explored through non-parametric tests and regression analyses. Results: Thirty-six carers were female (68%). Levels of impairment in instrumental activities of daily living were high, with a median score of 38 out of 44 on the Identification and Intervention for Dementia in Elderly Africans - Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IDEA-IADL). Carer burden was moderate with a median Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) score of 46 out of 88. Being a female carer was associated with higher carer burden (odds ratio 3.68, 95% CI 1.04-12.99). Discussion: Carer burden was found to be higher than in previous studies based in low-and-middle income countries. Further research is needed to explore this difference, and to identify interventions to support care needs and reduce carer burden.

Characteristics of painful temporomandibular disorders and their influence on jaw functional limitation and oral health-related quality of life.

There is limited knowledge about the impact of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and pain characteristics on jaw functional limitation and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in TMD patients. The influence of painful TMDs and pain characteristics on jaw functional limitation and OHRQoL was investigated. Inter-relationships between limitation in jaw function and various OHRQoL domains, along with facial pain attributes predicting impaired jaw function and diminished OHRQoL were also examined. TMD patients were recruited from a university-based hospital. A comprehensive questionnaire comprising demographic variables, the DC/TMD Symptom Questionnaire, Graded Chronic Pain Scale, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-8 (JFLS-8) and Oral Health Impact Profile-TMD (OHIP-TMD) was administered. Participants underwent a protocolized physical examination, and TMD diagnoses were determined utilising the DC/TMD algorithms. Participants were subsequently stratified into intra-articular/pain-related/combined TMD groups, as well as no TMD pain, acute/chronic pain and low/high-intensity pain groups. Data were assessed using non-parametric and hierarchical linear regression analyses (α = .05). The final sample consisted of 280 participants (mean age 31.2 (SD 11.8) years; 79.3% women). Significant differences in pain characteristics, JFLS-8, and global OHIP scores were observed across the various TMD subtypes, pain chronicity and pain intensity categories. Pain intensity and pain-related interference exhibited moderate correlations with JFLS-8 and global OHIP scores (rs = 0.53-0.60). Moderate associations were also noted between JFLS-8 and global OHIP, as well as most OHIP domains (rs = 0.42-0.64). Both jaw functional limitation and OHRQoL were predicted by sex, pain intensity and pain-related interference. Sex, pain intensity and pain-related interference are key determinants for both impaired jaw function and diminished OHRQoL, with pain-related interference exerting a more pronounced effect.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its association with sustainable dietary behaviors, sociodemographic factors, and lifestyle: a cross-sectional study in US University students

BackgroundPromoting healthy and sustainable diets is increasingly important and the Mediterranean Diet (MD) has been recognized as an appropriate example that can be adapted to different countries. Considering that the college years are the time when US young adults are most likely to adopt unhealthy eating habits, the present study assessed adherence to the MD and the sustainability of dietary behaviors in a nationally representative sample of US university students, aiming to identify crucial levers for improving their eating behaviors.MethodsMD adherence and the adoption of healthy and sustainable dietary patterns were assessed through the KIDMED and the Sustainable-HEalthy-Diet (SHED Index questionnaires, respectively, administered through an online survey that also included sociodemographic and behavioral questions. Non-parametric and logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsA sample of 1485 participants (median (IQR) age 21.0 (19.0–22.0); 59% women) correctly completed the survey. A medium adherence to the MD was the most prevalent (47%). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, the likelihood of being more compliant with the MD increased when meeting physical activity recommendations, having a high SHED Index score, having the willingness to purchase and eat healthy and sustainable dishes, eating ultra-processed plant-based meat alternatives foods daily, and regularly attending the university canteen.ConclusionsEncouraging dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods and with a moderate intake of animal products is crucial to increasing the adoption of healthy and sustainable diets, and university dining services represent a suitable setting to build a supportive environment that educates students on human and planetary health.

Navigating ESG complexity: An in-depth analysis of sustainability criteria, frameworks, and impact assessment

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria serve to gauge a company's sustainability and societal impact. The evaluation of a firm's performance on these ESG criteria involves a thorough examination of its practices and policies across various domains, encompassing environmental responsibility, labor standards, human rights, corporate governance, and community engagement. Despite the considerable body of research in this domain, the absence of a universally accepted ESG framework and the lack of consensus on the practical utilization of diverse ESG indicators remain noteworthy challenges. With this backdrop, our study has two primary objectives. Firstly, we present a comprehensive framework that encompasses an extensive range of ESG criteria and associated indicators. Additionally, we gauge the relevance of these indicators by examining their correlation with ESG scores obtained from a prominent rating agency. To accomplish this, we employ a non-parametric regression analysis approach rooted in the multicriteria decision-making preference disaggregation paradigm. We present empirical findings based on an international dataset spanning the years 2006 to 2020.

Winter Durum Wheat Disease Severity Detection with Field Spectroscopy in Phenotyping Experiment at Leaf and Canopy Level

Accurate disease severity assessment is critical for plant breeders, as it directly impacts crop yield. While hyperspectral remote sensing has shown promise for disease severity assessment in breeding experiments, most studies have focused on either leaf or canopy levels, neglecting the valuable insights gained from a combined approach. Moreover, many studies have centered on experiments involving a single disease and a few genotypes. However, this approach needs to accurately represent the challenges encountered in field conditions, where multiple diseases could occur simultaneously. To address these gaps, our current study analyses a combination of diseases, yellow rust, brown rust, and yellow leaf spots, collectively evaluated as the percentage of the diseased leaf area relative to the total leaf area (DA) at both leaf and canopy levels, using hyperspectral data from an ASD field spectrometer. We quantitatively estimate overall disease severity across fifty-two winter durum wheat genotypes categorized into early (medium milk) and late (late milk) groups based on the phenophase. Chlorophyll content (CC) within each group is studied concerning infection response, and a correlation analysis is conducted for each group with nine vegetation indices (VI) known for their sensitivity to rust and leaf spot infection in wheat. Subsequent parametric (linear and polynomial) and nonparametric (partial least squares and kernel ridge) regression analyses were performed using all available spectral bands. We found a significant reduction in Leaf CC (&gt;30%) in the late group and Canopy CC (&lt;10%) for both groups. YROI and LRDSI_1 are the VIs that exhibited notable and strong negative correlations with Leaf CC in the late group, with a Pearson coefficient of −0.73 and −0.72, respectively. Interestingly, spectral signatures between the early and late disease groups at both leaf and canopy levels exhibit opposite trends. The regression analysis showed we could retrieve leaf CC only for the late group, with R2 of 0.63 and 0.42 for the cross-validation and test datasets, respectively. Canopy CC retrieval required separate models for each group: the late group achieved R2 of 0.61 and 0.37 (cross-validation and test), while the early group achieved R2 of 0.48 and 0.50. Similar trends were observed for canopy DA, with separate models for early and late groups achieving comparable R2 values of 0.53 and 0.51 (cross-validation) and 0.35 and 0.36 (test), respectively. All of our models had medium accuracy and tended to overfit. In this study, we analyzed the spectral response mechanism associated with durum wheat diseases, offering a novel crop disease severity assessment approach. Additionally, our findings serve as a foundation for detecting resistant wheat varieties, which is the most economical and environmentally friendly management strategy for wheat leaf diseases on a large scale in the future.

Sikap masyarakat terhadap penyandang disabilitas: faktor jenis kelamin, usia, dan tingkat pendidikan

The presence of people with disability in society is part of the society itself, so the involvement of them in community life needs attention from those around them. This study analyze the attitudes of society towards people with disability. A total of 69 respondents completed a sentiment scale questionnaire, with the highest score indicating a negative attitude towards people with disability. The questionnaire consisted of 14 questions with a Likert scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics (Spearman correlation coefficient) and multiple regression analysis. The results show that the general attitude of society towards people with disability is positive (M = 2.50). Age and level of education variables show an inverse correlation, indicating that as age and education level of the society increase, the attitude towards disability people also increases. Females have a more positive attitude towards people with disability compared to males.

Evaluating Hearing Status and Word Recognition Ability in the Hmong Population Using Four Validated Monosyllabic White Hmong Dialect Word Recognition Tests.

The study's aims were (a) to evaluate hearing status and (b) word recognition ability of Hmong speakers using four validated monosyllabic word recognition tests in the White Hmong dialect and (c) to assess the relationship between the participant's language and the average word recognition percent correct scores, adjusting for age, gender, and degree of hearing loss. Participants listened to two randomly assigned validated Hmong word lists (male/female talker) for each ear. Pure-tone air- and bone-conduction thresholds as well as word recognition ability were measured. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the percent correct of word lists and classify hearing status. A nonparametric regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the participant's language and the average word recognition percent correct scores, adjusting for age, gender, and degree of hearing loss. Forty-eight Hmong (25 females, 23 males; Mage = 44.4) participated in this study. Thirty-three participants had hearing loss in at least one ear, and 15 had hearing within normal limits bilaterally. Participants with normal, mild, or steeply sloping hearing loss reached an average word recognition score of > 94% on Hmong lists by both male and female talkers. Participants with moderate-to-severe hearing loss scored 68% on average for the male talker Hmong lists and 60% on average for the female talker Hmong lists. Gender was significantly positively associated with average word recognition percent correct on the female word lists (b = -0.224, p = .047) but not statistically significant for the male word lists (b = 7.579, p = .141). Findings provide support for the use of the four Hmong word lists in clinical settings.

The effects of lodging infrastructure development in the environmental quality and natural resource management in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Philippines

PurposeThis study aims to determine the effects of lodging infrastructure development (LID) on Cordillera Administrative Region’s (CAR) environmental quality and natural resource management and its implication to globally responsible leadership. Specifically, this study sought to determine the contribution of LID to environmental deterioration and natural resource degradation in the CAR. As a result, a mathematical model is developed, which supports sustainability practices to maintain the environmental quality and natural resource management in CAR, Philippines.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a descriptive research design using a mixed-methods approach. Self-structured interview and survey were used to gather the data. The population of this study involved three groups. There were 6.28% (34) experts in the field for the qualitative data, 70.24% (380) respondents for the quantitative data and 23.47% (127) from the lodging establishments. 120 respondents from the Department of Tourism – CAR (DOT-CAR) accredited hotels. Nonparametric and nonlinear regression analysis was used to process the data.FindingsThe effects of LID on the environmental quality and natural resource management in CAR as measured through carbon emission from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electricity and water consumption in the occupied guest rooms revealed a direct correlation between the LID. Findings conclude that the increase in tourist arrival is a trigger factor in the increase in LID in the CAR. The increase in LID implies a rise in carbon emission in the lodging infrastructure. Any increase in tourist arrivals increases lodging room occupancy; the increased lodging room occupancy contributes to carbon emissions. Thus, tourism trends contribute to the deterioration of the environmental quality and degradation of the natural resources in the CAR. A log-log model shows the percentage change in the average growth of tourist arrival and the percentage increase in carbon emissions. Establishments should observe standard room capacity to maintain the carbon emission of occupied lodging rooms at a minimum. Responsible leadership is a factor in the implementation of policy on standard room capacity.Practical implicationsThe result of the study has some implications for the lodging businesses, the local government unit (LGU), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the CAR. The study highlights the contribution of the lodging establishments to CO2 emission, which can degrade the quality of the environment, and the implication of responsible leadership in managing natural resources in the CAR. The direct inverse relationship between energy use and CO2 emission in hotels indicates that increased energy consumption leads to environmental degradation (Ahmad et al., 2018). Therefore, responsible leadership among policymakers in the lodging and government sectors – LGU, DOT and DENR – should abound in the CAR. Benchmarking on the model embarked from this study can help in designing and/or enhancing the policy on room capacity standardization, considering the total area with its maximum capacity to keep the carbon emission at a lower rate. Furthermore, as a responsible leader in the community, one should create programs that regulate the number of tourists visiting the place to decrease the number of overnight stays. Besides, having the political will to implement reduced room occupancy throughout the lodging establishments in CAR can help reduce the carbon emissions from the lodging businesses. After all, one of the aims of the International Environment Protection Organization is to reduce CO2 emissions in the tourism industry. Hence, responsible leadership in environmental quality preservation and sustainable natural resource management must help prevent and avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.Originality/valueMost studies about carbon emission in the environment tackle about carbon dioxide emitted by transportation and factories. This study adds to the insights on the existing information about the carbon emission in the environment from the lodging establishments through the use of LPG, electricity and water consumption in the occupied guest rooms. The findings of the study open an avenue for globally responsible leadership in sustaining environmental quality and preservation of natural resources by revisiting and amending the policies on the number of room occupancy, guidelines and standardization, considering the total lodging area with its maximum capacity to keep the carbon emission at a minimum, thus contributing to the lowering of GHG emissions from the lodging industry.

Nonparametric Smoothing Spline Approach in Examining Investor Interest Factors

The nonparametric approach is an appropriate approach for patterns of relationships between predictor variables and response variables that are not or have not been known in form. In other words, there is no complete information about the pattern of relationships between variables. Curve estimation is determined based on relationship patterns in existing data. The nonparametric approach has great flexibility for estimating regression curves. This study aims to form a model on investor interest factors in improving tourism investment decisions with a nonparametric approach. The nonparametric method used is the smoothing spline regression method. The smoothing spline method is used because the modeling results from the smoothing spline approach can follow the relationship model between variables contained in the data. Thus, this method really helps researchers to model relationships between variables that are not linear and whose linear form is unknown. The results of the analysis showed that the nonparametric smoothing spline regression analysis method could model data by 94.63%, indicates that data variance can be explained by 94.63% with models, while other variance outside the study explain the remaining 5.37%. That is, investment motivation is one of the most important factors to improve investment decisions.

Impact of announcements on capital market performance in emerging markets: a parametric and non-parametric analysis

PurposeThis research investigates Airbnb’s financial implications in emerging economies and their potential to influence stock market profitability.Design/methodology/approachEmploying a multifaceted approach, the study combines parametric and nonparametric tests, robustness checks, and regression analysis to assess the impact of Airbnb’s announcements on emerging economy stock markets.FindingsAirbnb’s announcements affect emerging economies' stock markets with a distinct pattern of cumulative abnormal returns (CAR): negative before the announcement and positive afterward. Informed investors strategically leverage this opportunity through short selling before the announcement and acquiring positions following it. Regression analysis validates these trends, revealing that stock index returns and inbound tourism affect CAR before announcements, while GDP growth influences CAR afterward. Announcements pertaining to emerging economies exert a more pronounced impact on stock indices compared to city-specific announcements, with COVID-19 period announcements demonstrating greater significance in abnormal returns than non-COVID-19 period announcements.Originality/valueThis study advances existing literature through a comprehensive range of statistical tests, differentiation between emerging countries and cities, introduction of five macroeconomic variables, and reliance on credible primary Airbnb data. It highlights the potential for investors to leverage Airbnb announcements in emerging markets for stock market profits, emphasizing the need for adaptive investment strategies considering broader macroeconomic factors.

Retinal oximetry and microvascular assessment after hypertensive pregnancy complications.

Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The mechanisms behind this are not fully understood, but microvascular alterations have been documented in retinal arterioles and venules. The aim of this study was to use non-invasive retinal imaging to investigate the structural and functional properties of arterioles, venules and capillaries in this patient group. We examined 27 women with previous HDP and 23 controls at 3 years postpartum. The retinal microvasculature was assessed by vessel calibre measurements, retinal oximetry and optical coherence tomography angiography. Differences were analysed using non-parametric tests and multiple regression analyses, adjusted for age and body mass index. Median arteriolar oxygen saturation (SaO2; 94.2% vs. 93.0%), venular oxygen saturation (SvO2; 60.1% vs. 62.4%) and arteriovenous saturation difference (AV-difference; 32.8% vs. 32.3%) were similar across groups. Capillary vessel density (VD; 46.2% vs. 46.3%), skeletonised VD (VSD; 21.3 vs. 21.1 mm/mm2) and vessel diameter index (21.65 vs. 21.86) were also comparable. In the HDP group, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was positively correlated with AV-difference (R2 = 0.209) and negatively correlated with arteriolar diameter (CRAE; r2 = 0.382). Structural microvascular alterations appear not to be key biomarkers for CVD risk after HDP as early as 3 years postpartum in otherwise healthy women. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether such changes occur later in life. MAP was associated with AV-difference only in the HDP group, suggesting specific mechanisms affecting functional microvascular properties in these women.

Impact of scientific contributions by Italian researchers in the subfield of 'Sport Sciences' using some topic-specific keywords

Purpose: This study aims to assess the impact of Italian researchers in the field of Exercise and Sports Sciences (ESS) within the 'Sport Sciences' subfield from 2017 to 2022, utilizing a comprehensive analysis of the top 200 researchers through the Scopus Researcher Discovery function. Methods: The researchers were categorized by roles (Full Professors, Associate Professors, and Researchers) and by academic scientific discipline: Physical Training and Methodology (code M-EDF/01) and Sport Sciences and Methodology (code M-EDF/02).Trends of total and relative metrics (citations and h-index) over the period 2017-2022 were assessed using Spearman correlation. Non-parametric linear regression analysis was used for the predictive analysis of these trends. Results: Less than half of these researchers were directly framed with ESS. Among the 83 identified ESS researchers, a detailed breakdown revealed that 29% were Full Professors, 41% were Associate Professors, and 30% were Researchers. However, despite this minority representation, there was a positive and significant correlation between the total impact and the impact specifically within the 'Sport Sciences' subfield. The analysis of bibliometric parameters aggregated by ASD shows positive correlations between total and relative citations, as well as total and relative h-index. These findings suggest a proportional relationship between production and impact. Additionally, disaggregated analysis by ASD confirms these results. Regression analysis further indicates that the independent variables (total and relative citations, total and relative h-index) influence the dependent variable (year). Conclusions: This analysis suggests that despite the relative youth of the subfield compared to other related areas, Italian researchers in ESS contribute proportionally to the impact within the 'Sport Sciences' domain. The results demonstrate the congruent development of Sports science and highlight the need for further studies that can measure progress in the impact of scientific production.

Insomnia Severity and Daytime Sleepiness in Caregivers of Advanced Age.

Aging-related changes and caregiver burden may increase the risk for sleep disturbances among older caregivers, yet few studies have examined the prevalence of insomnia and daytime sleepiness in this group. We examined the relationship of caregiver status with insomnia and daytime sleepiness among persons of advanced age (>75 years of age). Cross-sectional. Community. Yale Precipitating Events Project participants (n=383, mean age 84.4 years, 67% female, 12% African American, 25% caregivers). Caregivers were persons who reported caring for another person in the past week or caring for/helping a friend or relative >4 times in the past month. We examined the correlates of caregiver status, including demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status), psychosocial (living alone, Medicaid eligibility, depressive symptoms, social support, hours volunteered), and physical (obesity, chronic conditions, medication use, self-rated health status, physical activity, functional disability, cognitive impairment) factors. We used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to establish insomnia severity (ISI score 0-28) or clinically significant insomnia symptoms (ISI ≥8). We used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to establish daytime sleepiness (ESS score 0-24) or hypersomnia (ESS ≥10). In nonparametric multivariable regression analyses, we examined the relationship of caregiver status with insomnia or daytime sleepiness. Compared to non-caregivers, caregivers were younger, more educated, less likely to be Medicaid eligible and had lower rates of depression, obesity, poor self-rated health, low physical activity, functional disability, and cognitive impairment. Mean ISI and ESS scores were in the normal range and similar among non-caregivers and caregivers (ISI scores of 6.9±5.6 and 6.9±5.4, and ESS scores of 6.4±4.7 and 6.1±4.3, in non-caregivers and caregivers, respectively). Multivariable-adjusted models demonstrated no significant differences in ISI and ESS scores between non-caregivers and caregivers (regression coefficients for ISI and ESS scores of -0.01 [95% CI= -1.58, 1.21] and -0.10 [-1.05, 1.21], respectively). When compared to older non-caregivers, older caregivers had more advantageous demographic, psychosocial, and physical profiles and had similar levels of insomnia and daytime sleepiness on standardized questionnaires. Future research is needed to elucidate contextual factors (e.g., caregiving intensity and care partner disease) that may increase the risk of sleep disturbances among caregivers of advanced age.

Impact of scientific production of Italian scientists in exercises and sport sciences by measuring the author-weighted h-index.

This study aimed to measure the consistency of the impact of scientific production, weighted by authorship, of Italian scientists in two academic disciplines (AD) of Exercise and Sports Sciences (ESS) from 2017 to 2022, with a specific focus on the subfield "Sport Sciences", using topic-specific keywords. Through the Scopus database, the scientific products of Italian ESS scientists associated with each keyword were identified. Subsequently, total and relative metric parameters from 2017 to 2022 were collected, including the total and relative number of citations. To evaluate the impact of the publications, the total and relative h-index were calculated, and weighted by considering different categories of authorship. Specific weights were attributed to each category: single author, first author, last author and co-author, following the classifications already in use on Scopus for each author. The trends of total and relative metrics, including citations and h-index, from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed using Spearman's correlation. Non-parametric linear regression analysis was used for the predictive analysis of these trends. Among the 83 identified ESS scientists, a detailed analysis revealed that 31.3% were full professors, 42.1% associate professors, and 26.6% researchers. Less than half of these scientists were directly affiliated with ESS. Despite minority representation, significant positive correlations emerge between total and relative citations from 2017 to 2022 (r = 0.687) and between the weighted total h-index and the weighted relative h-index (r = 0.965). Significant trends emerge in the metric parameters of the same scientists when analyzed separately by AD. The regression results indicate that variations in total citations and the weighted total and relative h-index can predict or explain the observed changes in 2017-2022 (p < 0.05). This result suggests that the production and impact of research in the field of ESS follow the same general trend as production and impact in the specific subfield.