Measures Of Parameters Research Articles

Consignment Inventory System and Entrepreneurial Success among Micro Warehousing Firms

This study investigated the consignment inventory system and entrepreneurial success among micro warehousing firms. The study adopted cross sectional design and correlation design. Warehousing entrepreneurs practicing consignment inventory system with systemization of passion on micro firms from five south-south states were selected on basis of convenience sampling techniques. A total population of 1000 and sample size of 286 was determined using Slovin's Formula at 0.05 level of significance. The 286 copies of questionnaire were administered, only 257 was deem fit after processing, retriever, coding and cleansing. Three research questions and three hypotheses were raised which was tested with parametric measurement using Pearson Product Moment Correlation because of its bivariate function via SPSS 25 version. From the findings, consignment inventory system strongly correlates with the entrepreneurial success of the micro firms. Hence, the maximum stock level, re-order stock level and minimum stock level has significant influence on the success of the micro firms. Hence, it was revealed that the alternate hypotheses were accepted. Based on the findings and conclusion, it could be recommended that entrepreneurs should design and construct credible validated stock level to ascertain long term success in the enterprise. Also entrepreneur should avoid danger stock level and stock out that would ruins the enterprise ability to achieve her success.

Consignment Inventory System and Entrepreneurial Survival in Lagos State

This study investigated consignment inventory system and entrepreneurial survival in Lagos State. The study adopted cross-sectional survey and quasi-experimental method. With the aid of accidental sampling technique andproportionate stratified random sampling technique, the total population of 98 and sample size of 83 was determined using Slovin's Formula at 0.05 level of significance. The 83 copies of questionnaire were administered, only 72 was deem fit after processing, retriever, coding and cleansing. The Split-half method of reliability accompany with Spearman Brown Prophesy formula. Two research questions and two hypotheses were raised which was tested with parametric measurement using Pearson Product Moment Correlation because of its monotonic function via SPSS 25 version. From the findings, consignment inventory system aligned corporate bond with innovation and adaptability. Hence, inventory control strongly correlates significantly entrepreneurial survival. Hence, it was revealed that the alternate hypotheses were accepted. It could be recommended that employee at all level should be train on innovative skills on how to control inventory in the long run and short run. The consciousness on the philosophy of survival should be the spirit of leadership in the enterprise.

The Effectiveness of a Low Glycemic Index/Load Diet on Cardiometabolic, Glucometabolic, and Anthropometric Indices in Children with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of a low glycemic index (LGI) and low glycemic load (LGL) diet on children with overweight and obesity, analyzing any changes in anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and glucometabolic parameters. (2) Methods: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL), as well as clinical trial registries and reference lists of the included studies, were searched for eligible randomized control trials (RCTs). Two independent reviewers performed the screening of the studies, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effects model were calculated for each outcome. (3) Results: Eleven RCTs (n = 634) examining the effect of LGI diet versus control were identified. The synthesized data provided from the RCTs indicate no difference between intervention and control groups regarding primary outcomes (body weight (MD: -0.14; 95% CI -1.93 to 1.64, 5 trials), body mass index (BMI) (MD: -0.31; 95% CI -0.85 to 0.23, 6 trials), BMI z-score (MD: -0.03; 95% CI -0.09 to 0.02, 5 trials), and waist circumference (MD: -0.52; 95% CI -2.35 to 1.31, 5 trials)) and other measures of cardiometabolic and glucometabolic parameters. The majority of trials were classified as "some concerns". (4) Conclusions: LGI and LGL diets do not seem to be associated with changes in adiposity, cardiometabolic or glucometabolic markers in children with overweight or obesity. Further research comparing the LGI diet to a high glycemic index diet, with proper methodological standards, is required to clarify the benefits of a LGI diet in this population.

The pregnancy research on inflammation, nutrition, & city environment: systematic analyses study (PRINCESA) cohort, 2009-2015.

The Pregnancy Research on Inflammation, Nutrition, & City Environment: Systematic Analyses Study (PRINCESA) cohort was set up to evaluate associations between air pollution and birth outcomes among pregnant persons in Mexico City. Specifically, the study was designed to improve air pollution exposure assessment and elucidate biological mechanisms underlying associations between maternal exposures and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant persons (all women) (N = 935) between ages 18-45 who lived and/or worked in metropolitan Mexico City, Mexico, from 2009 to 2015 and liveborn singleton infants (N = 815) of participants who completed follow-up were enrolled in the cohort. We followed participants monthly from enrollment to delivery and the following categories of data were obtained: demographic, medical and obstetric history, geo-referenced data, repeated measures on daily activity patterns, reported food intake, anthropometric, clinical and obstetric data, 20 serum and 20 cervicovaginal cytokines, and lower reproductive tract infection. Repeated ultrasound measures of fetal parameters and infant birth data are also included in the study's database. In addition, PRINCESA investigators calculated air pollution exposure measures for six pollutants measured by the Mexico City Atmospheric Monitoring System (SIMAT). These estimates utilize participants' addresses to account for spatial variation in exposure (nearest monitor, inverse distance weighting, and kriging) and are available daily during pregnancy for participants. To date, associations between environmental and nutritional impacts on maternal and child health outcomes have been evaluated. PRINCESA has a comprehensive database of maternal and infant data and biological samples and offers collaboration opportunities to study associations between environmental and other factors, including nutrition and pregnancy outcomes.

A two-stage uncertainty quantification framework for reliability and sensitivity analysis of structures using the probability density evolution method integrated with the Fréchet-derivative-based method

In this work, a novel Fréchet-derivative-based global sensitivity analysis is incorporated into the probability density evolution method for the simultaneous reliability and sensitivity analysis of structures. The two methods are synthesized and realized under a two-stage uncertainty quantification framework. Fundamental and numerical algorithms of the method are described, which is validated by a benchmark problem with theoretical solutions. Then it is applied on studying stochastic seismic responses of a real-world reinforced concrete structure of 288 m high. Results demonstrate that the response characteristics of the structure will be greatly changed when both uncertainties from the ground motions and structural parameters are considered, e.g., the failure probability will be enlarged by 1∼2 orders of magnitude. Besides, contrary to the popular opinion that the uncertainty of structural parameters is trivial compared to that of parameters in the ground-motion model, the importance measures of the structural parameters can be greater than those of the parameters in the ground-motion model by a factor of 2. when the coupling effect of randomness and nonlinearity of structural materials becomes dramatic. Some issues to be further outlined are also discussed.

Nonlinear strict distance and similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets with applications to pattern classification and medical diagnosis

In this paper, we propose a new type of nonlinear strict distance and similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs). Our proposed methods not only have good properties, but also improve the drawbacks proposed by Mahanta and Panda (Int J Intell Syst 36(2):615–627, 2021) in which, for example, their distance value of d_{_{textrm{MP}}}(langle mu , nu rangle , langle 0, 0rangle ) is always equal to the maximum value 1 for any intuitionistic fuzzy number langle mu , nu rangle ne langle 0, 0rangle . To resolve these problems in Mahanta and Panda (Int J Intell Syst 36(2):615–627, 2021), we establish a nonlinear parametric distance measure for IFSs and prove that it satisfies the axiomatic definition of strict intuitionistic fuzzy distances and preserves all advantages of distance measures. In particular, our proposed distance measure can effectively distinguish different IFSs with high hesitancy. Meanwhile, we obtain that the dual similarity measure and the induced entropy of our proposed distance measure satisfy the axiomatic definitions of strict intuitionistic fuzzy similarity measure and intuitionistic fuzzy entropy. Finally, we apply our proposed distance and similarity measures to pattern classification, decision making on the choice of a proper antivirus face mask for COVID-19, and medical diagnosis problems, to illustrate the effectiveness of the new methods.

Psychosocial characteristics and quality of life among sexual and gender minority patients with cancer.

Underserved and minoritized patients with cancer often experience more psychosocial concerns and inferior quality of life (QOL) compared with majority populations. This study compared patient-reported psychosocial characteristics and QOL among self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer vs cisgender-heterosexual patients with cancer treated at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the United States. Self-report data from 51 503 patients were obtained from an institutional standard-of-care electronic patient questionnaire that was completed prior to, or on the day of, the patient's initial visit. The electronic patient questionnaire collects demographic information, including sexual orientation and gender identity, psychosocial variables, and QOL using the validated Short Form Health Survey-12. Sexual orientation and gender identity information was used to identify self-identified sexual and gender minority and cisgender-heterosexual persons (ie, non-self-identified sexual and gender minority). Using parametric analyses, psychosocial variables and QOL measures were compared for self-identified sexual and gender minority vs non-self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer. Compared with non-self-identified sexual and gender minority patients (n = 50 116), self-identified sexual and gender minority patients (n = 1387, 2.7%) reported statistically significantly greater concerns regarding getting help during treatment (2.6% vs 4.3%, respectively; P = .001) and concerns with ability to seek care (16.7% vs 21.6%, respectively, P < .001). Self-identified sexual and gender minority patients reported statistically significantly elevated mental health concerns and daily emotional and pain interference (all P < .001), whereas there was no statistically significant difference in daily interference due to physical functioning. These data reveal real-world disparities among self-identified sexual and gender minority patients with cancer, which can be used to develop psychosocial interventions tailored to address the unique psychosocial and QOL needs of this underserved and minoritized population and to ultimately improve cancer care.

The Sustainability Index and Other Stability Analyses for Evaluating Superior Fe-Tolerant Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important agricultural commodity in Indonesia. The combination of stability analysis on yields was considered accurate in selecting superior genotypes. The objectives of this study were as follows: identify the effects of genotypes, the environment, and their interactions (GEIs) on the yields of Fe-tolerant rice; select superior genotypes (stable and high yields) under diverse environment conditions in Indonesia; and determine the mega-environments (MEs) and representative environments for Fe-tolerant rice development. Fifteen genotypes of Fe-tolerant rice were used for this study. Field experiments were conducted at six experimental fields in Indonesia using a randomized block design with two replications. A combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of genotypes, the environment, and their interactions on Fe-tolerant rice yields. Parametric, non-parametric, AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction), GGE biplot, and SI (sustainability index) measurements were used to determine the superior genotypes. GGE biplot was also used to determine MEs and representative environments. The measurement results showed that genotypes, the environment, and their interactions significantly affected rice yields with contributions of 13.30%, 35.78%, and 50.92%, respectively. One superior Fe-tolerant rice genotype (stable and high yield) was selected based on all measurements, namely G4 (B14316E-KA-4). In this experiment, two MEs were generated. Lampung was identified as a representative environment for the development of superior genotypes. The results of this study can be used as a consideration in the release and development of new superior varieties of Fe-tolerant rice in Indonesia.

Validity and reliability of inertial measurement units for gait assessment within a post stroke population

ABSTRACT Background The ability to objectively measure spatiotemporal metrics within individuals post-stroke is integral to plan appropriate intervention, track recovery, and ultimately improve efficacy of rehabilitation programs. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) provide a means to systematically collect gait-specific metrics that could not otherwise be obtained from clinical outcomes. However, the use of IMUs to measure spatiotemporal parameters in stroke survivors has yet to be validated. The purpose of this study is to determine the validity and reliability of IMU-recorded spatiotemporal gait metrics as compared to a motion capture camera system (MCCS) in individuals post-stroke. Methods Participants (n = 23, M/F = 12/11, mean (SD) age = 50.2(11.1) spatiotemporal data were collected simultaneously from a MCCS and APDM Opal IMUs during a five-minute treadmill walking task at a self-selected speed. Criterion validity and test–retest reliability were assessed using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), respectively. Spatiotemporal values from MCCS and IMU were used to calculate gait asymmetry, and a t-test was used to assess the difference between asymmetry values. Results There were fair-to-excellent agreement between IMU and MCCS of temporal parameters (CCC 0.56–0.98), excellent agreement of spatial parameters (CCC >0.90), and excellent test–retest reliability for all parameters (ICC >0.90). Conclusions Compared to motion capture, the APDM Opal IMUs produced accurate and reliable measures of spatiotemporal parameters. Findings support the use of IMUs to assess spatiotemporal parameters in individual’s post-stroke.

Correlating Metal Redox Potentials to Co(III)K(I) Catalyst Performances in Carbon Dioxide and Propene Oxide Ring Opening Copolymerization.

Carbon dioxide copolymerization is a front-runner CO2 utilization strategy but its viability depends on improving the catalysis. So far, catalyst structure-performance correlations have not been straightforward, limiting the ability to predict how to improve both catalytic activity and selectivity. Here, a simple measure of a catalyst ground-state parameter, metal reduction potential, directly correlates with both polymerization activity and selectivity. It is applied to compare performances of 6 new heterodinuclear Co(III)K(I) catalysts for propene oxide (PO)/CO2 ring opening copolymerization (ROCOP) producing poly(propene carbonate) (PPC). The best catalyst shows an excellent turnover frequency of 389 h-1 and high PPC selectivity of >99 % (50 °C, 20 bar, 0.025 mol% catalyst). As demonstration of its utility, neither DFT calculations nor ligand Hammett parameter analyses are viable predictors. It is proposed that the cobalt redox potential informs upon the active site electron density with a more electron rich cobalt centre showing better performances. The method may be widely applicable and is recommended to guide future catalyst discovery for other (co)polymerizations and carbon dioxide utilizations.

A pooled analysis of nine studies in one institution to assess effects of whole heart irradiation in rat models

Purpose Over the years, animal models of local heart irradiation have provided insight into mechanisms of and treatments for radiation-induced heart disease in human populations. However, it is not completely clear which manifestations of radiation injury are most commonly seen after whole heart irradiation, and whether certain biological factors impact experimental results. Combining 9 homogeneous studies in rat models of whole heart irradiation from one laboratory, we sought to identify experimental and/or biological factors that impact heart outcomes. We evaluated the usefulness of including (1) heart rate and (2) bodyweight as covariates when analyzing biological parameters, and (3) we determined which echocardiography, histological, and immunohistochemistry parameters are most susceptible to radiation effects. Finally, (4) as an educational example, we illustrate a hypothetical sample size calculation for a study design commonly used in evaluating radiation modifiers, using the pooled estimates from the 9 rat studies only for context. The results may assist investigators in the design and analyses of pre-clinical studies of whole heart irradiation. Materials and Methods We made use of data from 9 rat studies from our labs, 8 published elsewhere in 2008–2017, and one unpublished study. Echocardiography, histological, and immunohistochemical parameters were collected from these studies. Using mixed effects analysis of covariance models, we estimated slopes for heart rate and bodyweight and estimated the radiation effect on each of the parameters. Results Bodyweight was related to most echocardiography parameters, and heart rate had an effect on echocardiography parameters related to the diameter of the left ventricle. For some parameters, there was evidence that heart rate and bodyweight relationships with the parameter depended on whether the rats were irradiated. Radiation effects were found in systolic measures of echocardiography parameters related to the diameter of the left ventricle, with ejection fraction and fractional shortening, with atrial wall thickness, and with histological measures of capillary density, collagen deposition, and mast cells infiltration in the heart. Conclusion Accounting for bodyweight, as well as heart rate, in analyses of echocardiography parameters should reduce variability in estimated radiation effects. Several echocardiography and histological parameters were particularly susceptible to whole heart irradiation, showing robust effects compared to sham-irradiation. Lastly, we provide an example approach for a sample size calculation that will contribute to a rigorous study design and reproducibility in experiments studying radiation modifiers.

Analisa Clustering untuk Mengelompokan Data Penayangan Film Bioskop Menggunakan Algoritma K-Means

The purpose of this study is one of the analyzes to obtain film screening data, the approach used in this study is the K-means algorithm using the parameter measure type Numerical Measure with Numerical Measure Euclidean Distance to get the best Davies Bouldin Index (DBI), with the intention of getting helps grouping datasets of film screenings at the Ramayana Cirebon XXI Cinema. Results from the evaluation of the Davies Bouldin Index (DBI) obtained is (K-2) with a Davies Bouldin Index (DBI) value of 0.864, because the value obtained is the smaller the Davies Bouldin Index (DBI) value, it shows the optimum performance of the resulting cluster.

Blending an internet-based emotion regulation intervention with face-to-face psychotherapy: Findings from a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTransdiagnostic interventions targeting shared mechanisms may improve treatment of mental health disorders. One way of providing such interventions is through blended treatment. This study examined the addition of an internet-based emotion regulation intervention to face-to-face psychotherapy in an outpatient setting. MethodsIn a pilot randomized controlled trial, 70 patients with a range of diagnoses were assigned to an internet-based program targeting emotion regulation + treatment as usual (face-to-face psychotherapy; TAU) (n = 35) or TAU (n = 35). Assessments occurred at baseline, after six, and after 12 weeks and included measures of symptom severity, emotion regulation, and various intervention feasibility parameters. ResultsITT-analyses revealed no significant group-by-time interaction for the primary and almost all secondary outcomes. Descriptively, between-group effect sizes were in favor of the intervention group for almost all outcomes. Sensitivity analysis with patients who completed a minimum of three modules of the internet-based program showed a significant group-by-time interaction for the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale in favor of the intervention group. The internet-based intervention showed good satisfaction ratings, user experience and usability. Findings from therapist measures complemented patient measures. ConclusionPreliminary results show that an internet-based emotion regulation intervention added to psychotherapy may not reduce symptom severity compared to psychotherapy alone. The intervention was rated positively by patients and therapists regarding several parameters, but certain features still need to be improved. An RCT powered to detect small between-group effect-sizes is necessary to consolidate findings.

Principal Component Regression Modeling and Analysis of PM10 and Meteorological Parameters in Sarajevo with and without Temperature Inversion

The specific geographic location of Sarajevo, which is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, provides the opportunity to analyze the relation between the concentration of PM10 and meteorological parameters with and without temperature inversion. The main aim of this paper was to develop forecasting models of the hourly average of PM10 values in the Sarajevo urban area based on meteorological parameters measured in Sarajevo and on the Bjelasnica mountain with and without temperature inversion by using principal component regression (PCR). Also, this research explored and analyzed the differences in the values of the meteorological parameters and PM10 in Sarajevo with and without temperature inversion, and the difference in temperatures between Sarajevo and Bjelasnica with temperature inversion using statistical hypothesis testing with a total of 240 hypothesis tests performed. The measurements of meteorological parameters were taken from 2020 to 2022 for both Sarajevo (630 m) and the Bjelasnica mountain (2067 m), which allowed for the identification of time periods with and without temperature inversion, while measurements of PM10 were taken only in Sarajevo. Data were collected during the heating season (November, December, January, February and March). Since analyses have shown that only January and November had time periods with and without temperature inversion during each hour of the day, a total of seven cases were identified: two cases with and five cases without temperature inversion. For each case, three PCR models were developed using all principal components, backward elimination and eigenvalue principal component elimination criteria (λ&lt;1). A total of 21 models were developed. The performance of the models were evaluated based on the coefficient of determination R2 and the standard error SE. The backward elimination models were shown to have high performances with the highest value of R2= 97.19 and the lowest value of SE=1.32. The study showed that some principal components with eigenvalues λ&lt;1 were significantly related to the independent variable PM10 and thus were retained in the PCR models. In the study, it was shown that backward elimination PCR was an adequate tool to develop PM10 forecasting models with high performances and that it could be useful for authorities for early warnings or other action to protect citizens from very harmful pollution. Hypothesis tests showed different relations of meteorological parameters and PM10 with and without temperature inversion.

Using facial emotion recognition to research emotional phases in an inquiry-based science activity

ABSTRACT Background Observational and declarative approaches applied by human observers have dominated the study of emotions, engagement, and attention. However, these approaches are susceptible to biases such as social desirability. Additionally, declarative approach cannot measure these parameters in real-time. Purpose This study aims to apply Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) technology in an inquiry-based activity to address the limitations of traditional observational and declarative approaches. We measured students’ emotions, engagement, and attention through the parametric measurement of facial expressions frame by frame. Method and procedure We recruited a convenience sample of 12 secondary education pre-service teachers. Students participated in a 20-minute inquiry-based activity where they were tasked with identifying the contents of a sealed black box. We recorded their facial expressions and actions with a video camera, and the collected data was subsequently analysed by both a FER automatic software and a human observer. Results During the activity, Attention had a mean presence of 81.24% ±5.93, Engagement had a presence of 31.86% ±9.10, Joy of 7.62% ±7.11, and Surprise of 6.57% ±4.61. The presence of the other discrete emotions was low. Our analysis further revealed an evolution of these parameters and students’ actions, progressing through three distinct phases: accommodation to the problem (Phase 1), exploration of problem-solving strategies (Phase 2), and implementation of problem-solving strategies (Phase 3). Based on these observations, we grouped students into three patterns based on the phases they underwent throughout the activity. Conclusion This study shows the application of FER technology for identifying and analysing the progression of students’ emotions, engagement, and attention during an inquiry-based activity. FER technology allows real-time and systematic measurement of emotions, engagement, and attention. However, this technology has inherent limitations, and further research is needed to optimise its application in the educational setting.

Evolution of the Radial Size and Expansion of Coronal Mass Ejections Investigated by Combining Remote and In Situ Observations

A fundamental property of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) is their radial expansion, which determines the increase in the CME radial size and the decrease in the CME magnetic field strength as the CME propagates. CME radial expansion can be investigated either by using remote observations or by in situ measurements based on multiple spacecraft in radial conjunction. However, there have been only few case studies combining both remote and in situ observations. It is therefore unknown if the radial expansion in the corona estimated remotely is consistent with that estimated locally in the heliosphere. To address this question, we first select 22 CME events between the years 2010 and 2013, which were well observed by coronagraphs and by two or three spacecraft in radial conjunction. We use the graduated cylindrical shell model to estimate the radial size, radial expansion speed, and a measure of the dimensionless expansion parameter of CMEs in the corona. The same parameters and two additional measures of the radial-size increase and magnetic-field-strength decrease with heliocentric distance of CMEs based on in situ measurements are also calculated. For most of the events, the CME radial size estimated by remote observations is inconsistent with the in situ estimates. We further statistically analyze the correlations of these expansion parameters estimated using remote and in situ observations, and discuss the potential reasons for the inconsistencies and their implications for the CME space weather forecasting.

Perubahan Fıtokımıa Kecambah Kembang Kol (Brassica oleraceae L., var. botrytis) sebagai Respons terhadap Cahaya Biru

The aim of this study was to observe the use of blue light on phytochemical changes during cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L., var. botrytis) germination and the correlation between the parameters measured. The treatment was in the form of giving blue light and dark conditions as a control. Measurement of phytochemical compounds including ascorbic acid, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and myrosinase enzymes was carried out every day for 5 days of germination. This research method is experimental research. Data obtained from measurements for all parameters are presented in the form of mean ± standard error. Furthermore, all data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). To determine differences between groups, Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) was used at the 95% confidence level. All data analysis used SPSS software version 24.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA). In addition, the measurement of the correlation between parameters is carried out using the Pearson rank correlation coefficient. The results showed that blue light treatment significantly increased all measured phytochemical parameters. A significant positive correlation occurred between myrosinase activity and isothiocyanate formation. The glucosinolate content of cauliflower sprouts remained high during observations in the blue light treatment compared to the dark conditions. Blue light induces isothiocyanate formation and higher myrosinase activity when compared to dark conditions. The conclusion from this study is that blue light significantly increases the phytochemical changes of cauliflower sprouts.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Ascorbic Acid, Glucosinolate, Isothiocyanate, Correlation, Myrosinase

Parametric and Non Parametric measures to compare fixed and random effects of malt barley genotypes

Parametric and Non Parametric measures to compare fixed and random effects of malt barley genotypes

Sex-specific associations in multiparametric3 T MRI measurements in adult livers.

MRI relaxometry mapping and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) have been proposed for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis. However, sex-specific relationships of age and body fat with these MRI parameters have not been studied in detail among adults without clinically manifest hepatic disease. We aimed to determine the sex-specific correlation of multiparametric MRI parameters with age and body fat and to evaluate their interplay associations. 147 study participants (84 women, mean age 48±14 years, range 19-85 years) were prospectively enrolled. 3 T MRI including T1, T2 and T1ρ mapping and PDFF and R2* map were acquired. Visceral and subcutaneous fat were measured on the fat images from Dixon water-fat separation sequence. All MRI parameters demonstrated sex difference except for T1ρ. PDFF was more related to visceral than subcutaneous fat. Per 100 ml gain of visceral or subcutaneous fat is associated with 1 or 0.4% accretion of liver fat, respectively. PDFF and R2* were higher in men (both P = 0.01) while T1 and T2 were higher in women (both P < 0.01). R2* was positively but T1 and T2 were negatively associated with age in women (all P < 0.01), while T1ρ was positively related to age in men (P < 0.05). In all studies, R2* was positively and T1ρ was negatively associated with PDFF (both P <0.0001). Visceral fat plays an essential role in the elevated liver fat. When using MRI parametric measures for liver disease evaluation, the interplay between these parameters should be considered.

Relationships of Body Mass Index, Relative Fat Mass Index, and Waist Circumference with Serum Concentrations of Parameters of Chronic Inflammation.

(1) Background: Obesity in the perimenopausal period is associated with hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environment. In obesity, elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduced levels of adiponectin are observed, and the associated chronic inflammation favors the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Therefore, the aim of our study was to assess the relationship between selected measures of obesity (BMI, WC, RFM, VAI, WHtR) and parameters of chronic inflammation (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) in perimenopausal women. (2) Methods: The study involved 172 perimenopausal women. The methods used in this study were diagnostic surveys, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and venous blood sampling. (3) Results: Preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis showed that CRP moderately positively correlated with IL-6 (β = 0.25; p = 0.001) and weakly negatively correlated with adiponectin (β = -0.23; p = 0.002). Similar associations were noted in preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for age, menopausal status, and smoking status. Preliminary multivariate linear regression analysis also showed that BMI positively correlated with IL-6 (β = 0.16; p = 0.033). VAI weakly positively correlated with CRP (β = 0.25; p = 0.001) and negatively correlated with adiponectin (β = -0.43; p = 0.000). (4) BMI, WC, RFM, VAI, and WHtR are clearly related to selected parameters of chronic inflammation. Our study suggests that each of the anthropometric variables provides distinct information on metabolic processes associated with inflammatory parameters.