Pearson Correlation Ratio Research Articles

Impairments of neurovascular coupling after stroke lower glymphatic system function and lead to depressive symptom: A longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundRespective changes in neurovascular coupling (NVC) and glymphatic function have been reported in post-stroke depression (PSD). Recent studies have found a link between NVC and waste clearance by the glymphatic system, which has not been illustrated in PSD. MethodWe prospectively recruited ninety-six stroke patients and forty-four healthy controls (HC), with fifty-nine patients undergoing a second MRI scan. NVC metrics were investigated by exploring Pearson correlation coefficients and ratios between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and BOLD-derived quantitative maps (ALFF, fALFF, REHO maps). Diffusion tensor imaging along the perivascular (DTI-ALPS) index was used to reflect glymphatic function. We first analyzed the altered NVC metrics in stroke patients relative to the HC group. Then, we explored the relationship between NVC metrics, ALPS index and depressive symptoms at baseline and during the follow-up period through correlation and mediation analyses. ResultsStroke patients exhibited significantly lower global CBF-fALFF coupling and ALPS index. At the regional level, abnormal NVC alterations in brain regions involved in cognition, emotion, and sensorimotor function in PSD. Baseline analyses showed that ALPS index exhibited positive associations with both global and local NVC and abnormal regional NVC may contribute to generation of PSD by reducing glymphatic function (β = −0.075, p < 0.05, CI = [−0.169 to −0.012]). Longitudinal analyses similarly showed that ALPS index changes were positively associated with changes in NVC and mediated improvements in depressive symptoms. ConclusionOur findings suggest that NVC abnormalities leading to impaired glymphatic system function may be a potential neurobiological mechanism of PSD.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of LTBI at Madura Boarding School as a High-Risk Congregate Setting

Highlights: Boarding school is a high-risk location for TB transmission. Therefore, stricter early prevention measures are required. Gender and knowledge level were significantly related to LTBI, but there was no significant relationship between age and nutritional status. Low level of knowledge was the highest risk factor compared to other factors, with a five times greater risk of contracting LTBI. Abstract Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), is a highly contagious airborne disease. High-risk environments with frequent close interactions contribute to the spread of TB. This study examined latent TB infection (LTBI) epidemiology in such settings to inform public health interventions and strategies to curb TB transmission in similar environments. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study, conducted from January to August 2022 at two boarding schools in Bangkalan, involved 100 adolescents aged 10-18 years old tested for LTBI using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) release assay (IGRA). Data were collected via questionnaires. Bivariate analysis was used to determine the correlation between LTBI prevalence and each research variable using Pearson correlation and odds ratio (OR). A p-value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study found that 30% of 100 adolescents in boarding schools had LTBI. Risk analysis showed a significant association between gender and LTBI, with males having a 1.02 times higher risk (p-value 0.000). Additionally, lower education levels were significantly associated with a 5.2 times higher risk of LTBI (p-value 0.021). Conclusion: Boarding schools pose a TB transmission risk. Early LTBI screening is essential for TB eradication in Indonesia, and these findings emphasize the need to improve LTBI detection and prophylaxis therapy as a preventive measure against TB outbreaks.

Abstract P200: Mediterranean Diet and Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents: An Analysis From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2020

Background: The Mediterranean Diet (MD) is an evidence-based dietary approach emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood, and olive oil. While it’s demonstrated efficacy in enhancing cardiometabolic health in adults, it’s received minimal evaluation in adolescents with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher consumption of MD foods was associated with better metabolic health in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adolescents. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2015-2020 (pre-COVID) in adolescents (12-19 years) with ≥ 2 valid 24-hour dietary recalls, complete fasting data for all components of the International Diabetes Foundations definition of MetS risk factors, and no known diabetes. Consumption of MD foods was evaluated using the validated, literature-based MD intake score (Medi-Lite, 0-16 score, excluding alcohol). MetS was evaluated using a continuous MetS score (cMetS) and separated into quartiles [Q1, metabolically unhealthy (cMetS score 1.83 ± 1.64) vs. Q4, metabolically healthy (cMetS score -4.16 ± 0.89)]. Correlation of Medi-Lite scores with cMetS scores and quartile groups controlled for energy intake, age, sex, and BMI were assessed via Pearson correlation and odds ratios, respectively. Results: The primary analyses included 886 adolescents (~15 years, 49% female, 70% non-Hispanic, body mass index ~25 kg/m 2 ) with a mean cMetS score of -1.40 ± 2.39. In the total sample, overall consumption of the MD was low (mean score 6.95 ± 1.83) and cMetS scores were not associated with Medi-Lite scores (r = -0.05, p = 0.21). There was a significant between-group difference for Medi-Lite scores between quartiles (F = 1.69, p = 0.05). In the metabolically healthy group, there was a positive trend towards between cMetS score and Medi-Lite score (r = 0.15, p = 0.06). No correlation was found between cMetS and Medi-Lite scores in the metabolically unhealthy group (r = -0.04, p = 0.59). Metabolically healthy adolescents had higher odds of consuming the MD compared to metabolically unhealthy adolescents (OR 2.012, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.81, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, U.S. adolescents had an overall low consumption of MD foods. Metabolically healthy adolescents consumed more MD foods compared to metabolically unhealthy adolescents. Future research should evaluate a MD lifestyle intervention as a treatment option for adolescents with MetS.

Short-term exposure to some heavy metals carried with PM10 and cardiovascular system biomarkers during dust storm

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term exposure to heavy metals (HM) extracted from PM10 on CB in workers’ population in an outdoor space located in southern Iran during a dust storm. At first, 44 healthy and non-smoking workers were selected. Then PM10 and Blood samples were collected before and after the dust storm. Finally, HMs associated with PM10 measured by ICP-MS and its effect on the CB, including fibrinogen, CRP, TNF-α, and BP were estimated by ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and Odd Ratio (OR) in SPSS23. Based on the results, the concentration of PM10 and extracted HM such as Cr, As, and Cd was higher than the WHO/EPA standards in dust storms they increased the CB and BP remarkably. Moreover, the level of fibrinogen, blood pressure (BP) and TNF-α in dust storms were higher than in normal conditions (p < 0.05, OR > 3). In addition, As and Cd decreased fibrinogen concentration and systolic BP, respectively. Whereas, TNF-α was associated with concentration of Pb (R = − 0.85) on normal days. Consequently, the HM on PM10 such as As, interferes with the level of investigated CB. These results considered a potential risk for the residents in the southern regions of Iran.

Prevalence of obesity and hypertension and its associated risk factors among chiru females of Manipur.

Obesity and hypertension are two well-known public health issues associated with a very high risk of cardiovascular diseases worldwide. It has become increasingly prevalent with the advancing chronological age and developing of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases. The paper aims to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension and their associated risk factors among the Chiru females of Manipur. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 Chiru females of Manipur, whose ages ranged from 20 to 79 years. Anthropometric and blood pressure were measured using standard procedures. Statistical methods such as Chi-square, Pearson correlation, and odds ratio (OR) were employed. The nutritional status of the overweight and the obese are 33.3% and 11.6%. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure was 22.2%. This study observed a significant Pearson correlation between blood pressure and body mass index (BMI), age, physical activity, salt intake, smoking, and alcohol. The binary logistic regression, in terms of OR and coefficient of correlation, shows enough shreds of evidence that BMI and lifestyle factors are strongly associated and correlated with hypertension. The present study found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among Chiru females, which might have contributed to the overall moderate prevalence of hypertension. Smoking, physical inactivity, and salt intake involve a significant risk of hypertension. Therefore, lifestyle has dramatically influenced the Chiru females of Manipur in terms of hypertension and obesity.

Evaluation of patellar dimension and Bristol Index in Asian population: An MRI study

BackgroundRestoration of patellar thickness is pivotal during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several studies showed there are differences in the knee measurements between Asian and Western population. PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the patellar dimension and Bristol Index of patellar width to thickness (BIPWiT) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Asian population. Study designThis is a descriptive epidemiology study. Methods101 MRI scans of young adult patients with normal patellofemoral joint (PFJ) age 17–40 were evaluated from January 2019 to December 2020. Exclusion criteria included patella-femoral pathology and degenerative joint disease. Data of gender, body height and weight were obtained from physical examination, while patella height, width and thickness were obtained using MRI measurement. Descriptive analysis was used to get the mean and standard deviation of patella dimension, whereas correlation between patella thickness with patella width and length were analyzed using Pearson correlation and BIPWiT ratio was obtained by dividing the patellar width and patellar thickness. ResultsMean patellar length was 30.06 ± 2.94 (29.48–30.64); patellar width was 44.13 ± 4.44 (43.26–45.01); and patellar thickness was 23.89 ± 2.33 (23.43–24.35). Patellar dimension in male were significantly larger compared to female (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in cartilage thickness between male and female (P = 0.305). There was strong correlation between patellar width and patellar thickness (r = 0.66; P < 0.001) with BIPWiT ratio of 1.85 ± 0.15. ConclusionBIPWiT of 1.8:1 between patellar width and patellar thickness was recommended as a guide for patellar thickness restoration during TKA. There is no difference of patellar dimension between Asian and Western population in a healthy knee. Clinical relevanceThe result of BIPWiT ratio found in this study may aid upon pre-operative planning prior TKA for surgeons in order to achieve optimal patellar thickness and avoid patellofemoral problem. What is known about the subjectCurrently there are raising concerns about the different sizes of knee measurements between Asian and Western population which will affect techniques during TKA to achieve optimum result. What this study adds to the existing knowledgeThis study not only prove that there is no difference between patellar dimension of Asian and Caucasian but also found a similar BIPWiT ratio for patellar resection during TKA with previous literature. Level of evidenceLevel III.

IDO activity forecasts obesity in males and premenopausal females in a 10-year follow-up study:The Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study

Background and aimsIndoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an intracellular enzyme associated with artery wall inflammation. Previous studies have verified correlation between IDO activity and early signs of atherosclerosis especially in females. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between an estimate of IDO activity and atherosclerotic risk factors related to non-alchohol-fatty liver (NAFLD) in a 6- and 10-year follow-up. MethodsEstimates of IDO activity along with complete risk factor data were measured from females (n = 506; age 24–39) and males (n = 421; age 24–39) in 2001. Risk factor measurements were conducted again in 2007 and 2011. Statistical examinations were carried out by Pearson correlation and risk ratio analysis. ResultsIn females, age-adjusted IDO correlated with body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.0008), waist (p = 0.0009), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.0014) and logarithmically modified triglycerides (p = 0.0488) in 2007. Correlation remained significant with BMI (p = 0.0007) and waist (p = 0.0063) in 2011. In males, age-adjusted IDO correlated with waist (p = 0.0367) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.0489) in 2007. Correlation remained significant with HDL-C (p = 0.0348) in 2011. In risk ratio analysis, relationship between IDO and obesity was confirmed in females after 10 years (RR = 1.026, p = 0.0147, 95% CI) and in males after 6 and 10 years (RR = 1.019, p = 0.0091, 95% CI and RR = 1.015, p = 0.0404, 95% CI, respectively) when the data was adjusted for age and BMI. ConclusionsIDO activity correlated with obesity and factors related to NAFLD, namely obesity of visceral type, hypertriglyceridemia and CRP (in females), well-characterized risk factors for diabetes and atherosclerosis in 6- and 10-year follow-up in males and premenopausal females.

Applying data driven decision making to rank vocational and educational training programs with TOPSIS

In this paper we present a multi-criteria classification of Vocational and Educational Programs in Extremadura (Spain) during the period 2009–2016. This ranking has been carried out through the integration into a complete database of the detailed information of individuals finishing such studies together with their labor data. The multicriteria method used is TOPSIS together with a new decision support method for assessing the influence of each criterion and its dependence on the weights assigned to them. This new method is based on a worst-best case scenario analysis and it is compared to a well known global sensitivity analysis technique based on the Pearson's correlation ratio.

Tourist attractions and the location of campsites in Western Australia

ABSTRACT This article analyses the conditions for the development of caravan tourism in Western Australia. It describes caravan tourism within tourism in general, presents its development in Australia, and investigates the relationship between the distribution of tourism assets and the location of campsites. The article analyses the data on the distribution of natural and anthropogenic values and campsite bases. The point bonitation method was used, the most and least attractive areas of the state were indicated and, using the Pearson correlation ratio, it was shown that there is a significant relationship between the attractiveness of tourist areas and the distribution of camping fields in Western Australia.

Comparisons of Trauma Outcomes and Injury Severity Score

Trauma is a global health problem and a leading cause of mortality. One of the major predictors of trauma mortality is the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Theoretically, as the ISS increases, the probability of survival decreases; ISS = 75 is considered to be not survivable. Studies have shown that some deaths are preventable and some potentially preventable. Hemorrhagic shock is a potentially preventable cause of trauma mortality. A retrospective database review was conducted of the Mississippi Trauma Registry and point-by-serial correlational analyses were conducted to determine the direction of any significant relations between blood product usage, traditional vital signs, and shock index. Pearson correlation, logistic regressions, and odds ratio calculation results revealed that shock index can signal impending hemorrhagic compromise better than traditional vital signs; thus, facilitating early intervention, specifically, as heart rate and shock index increase, the use of blood products increases, and as blood pressure increases, the use of blood products decreases. Independent t tests for shock index and ISS revealed significant differences in the means with relationship to the subgroups "Dead" and "Alive." Higher ISS were found to correlate with higher shock indices. Evaluation of ISS and survivability demonstrates that ISS = 75 is survivable and should not lead one to reflexively assume otherwise. A total mortality finding of only 1.58% (n = 2,010) was unexpected but very encouraging.

Modeling Pedestrian Crossing Behavior and Safety at Signalized Intersections

Pedestrian noncompliance behavior is one of the most critical causes of pedestrian involved traffic crashes at intersections in India. Thus, the objectives of this study are to examine how various factors affect pedestrian crossing behavior and to propose models for pedestrian crossing behavior and level of safety at signalized intersections which will be useful to regulate pedestrian flow. The data were collected with video and a user perceptions survey at six selected signalized intersections in Mumbai, India. The differences between pedestrian crossing behavior with respect to personal characteristics, socioeconomic attributes, and existing crossing facilities were identified using Pearson correlation and odd ratio tests. Furthermore, the major reasons for noncompliance behavior were obtained by analysis of field data to prevent noncompliance behavior and enhance pedestrian safety. The results showed that a significant number of the pedestrians violated the traffic signal to save time and for convenience (46%). A binary logit model was developed to evaluate the impacts of contributing factors on pedestrian crossing behavior. Further, an ordered probability model was established to evaluate and estimate the pedestrian level of safety at signalized intersections. Two models were validated, and their statistical results show that the models predict the pedestrian crossing behavior and safety level more precisely. Developed models and study outcomes can help transport planners and designers understand pedestrian crossing behavior on crosswalks at signalized intersections and thus create a safer crossing environment for all pedestrians.

Investment policy and economic performance of Italian listed companies: a multivariate analysis

This study focuses on the investment policy of companies listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in the period between 2007 and 2014. In particular, this research concentrates on the industrial and technological sectors, which have deep differences in terms of internal structure and business strategy. As a consequence, there emerged the curiosity to investigate whether the specific type of investments have an impact on the economic performance, in terms of operating margin (EBIT). This study starts with the analysis of trends and relationships between tangibles, intangibles and operating income. Using the Pearson correlation ratio, the authors aimed at finding evidence of a hypothetical correlation in 2014 between tangible and intangible investments and EBIT. In addition, in order to verify if the trend of the economic performance is affected, a MANOVA multivariate analysis is used, by starting from the production function and its development.

Weights and importance in composite indicators: Closing the gap

Composite indicators are very popular tools for assessing and ranking countries and institutions in terms of environmental performance, sustainability, and other complex concepts that are not directly measurable. Because of the stakes that come with the media attention of these tools, a word of caution is warranted. One common misconception relates to the effect of the weights assigned to indicators during the aggregation process. This work presents a novel series of tools that allow developers and users of composite indicators to explore effects of these weights. First, the importance of each indicator to the composite is measured by the nonlinear Pearson correlation ratio, estimated by Bayesian Gaussian processes. Second, the effect of each indicator is isolated from that of other indicators using regression analysis, and examined in detail. Finally, an optimisation procedure is proposed which allows weights to be fitted to agree with pre-specified values of importance. These three tools together give developers considerable insight into the effects of weights and suggest possibilities for refining and simplifying the aggregation. The added value of these tools are shown on three case studies: the Resource Governance Index, the Good Country Index, and the Water Retention Index.

Analysys of Gross Loans and Reserves for Impaired Loans of Italian Listed Banks

This study aims at monitoring the role of Net loans for banks in terms of impact on total assets and, consequently, the trend of gross loans and the reserves for impaired loans in the period between 2005 and 2013. We also investigate the correlation between loans and their related Reserves for impaired loans, by using the Pearson correlation ratio. Data were extracted from Bankscope, a database containing comprehensive information on financial companies in Italy. Our findings raise important issues on the administrative supervision of banks and the financial system in general. A strong concern regarding the steady increase of impaired loans emerged and consequently the possibility of mergers has become one of the solutions for pursuing a more efficient risk policy. Classification-JEL: Keywords: Gross loans; Assets; Reserves; Impairment; Banks; Italian Stock Exchange; Correlation.

Invariant methods for an ensemble-based sensitivity analysis of a passive containment cooling system of an AP1000 nuclear power plant

Sensitivity Analysis (SA) is performed to gain fundamental insights on a system behavior that is usually reproduced by a model and to identify the most relevant input variables whose variations affect the system model functional response. For the reliability analysis of passive safety systems of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs), models are Best Estimate (BE) Thermal Hydraulic (TH) codes, that predict the system functional response in normal and accidental conditions and, in this paper, an ensemble of three alternative invariant SA methods is innovatively set up for a SA on the TH code input variables. The ensemble aggregates the input variables raking orders provided by Pearson correlation ratio, Delta method and Beta method. The capability of the ensemble is shown on a BE–TH code of the Passive Containment Cooling System (PCCS) of an Advanced Pressurized water reactor AP1000, during a Loss Of Coolant Accident (LOCA), whose output probability density function (pdf) is approximated by a Finite Mixture Model (FMM), on the basis of a limited number of simulations.

High Protein Intake and Likely Association with Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM)

2 Abstract: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an association between Diabetes and macronutrients. An increase in the incidence of Diabetes prompted this investigation into the relationship between the dietary energy and of macro-nutrien ts intake and diabetes. A cross sectional, nested case-control study was conducted to examine the association of risk for NIDDM with energy and macro-nutrients consumption. One hundred subjects aged 40-82 years, stratified into diabetic cases and controls using fasting and 2 h post prandial Plasma Glucose levels constituted the sample size. The risk for Diabetes was measured using Pearson Correlation (r) and Odds Ratio (OR) with Epi info version 5. A 24-hour dietary recall generated quantitative estimates of their energy and macronutrients consumption. The results showed that percent protein (PP) energy significantly correlated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (r = 0.20, p 15.5% gave an OR = 1.19 (CI = 0.27-4.76) and was a risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus. A PP of 15.5% was a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

A study on different factors influencing customer satisfaction on industrial market

Article history: Received Feb 25, 2013 Received in revised format 19 September 2013 Accepted 23 October 2013 Available online November 18 2013 Customer satisfaction plays essential role on the success of industrial products such as milk in todays’ marketing planning. In this paper, we present a conceptual model to measure the relative impact of various factors on customer satisfaction. The proposed study of this paper designs a questionnaire and distributes it among managers of a dairy producer named Pegah in city of Esfahan, Iran. Using Pearson correlation ratio as well as stepwise regression technique, the study has found positive and meaningful relationship between customer satisfaction and price, quality of product, distribution and compatibility with customer expectation. In addition, the study detects a negative and meaningful relationship between conflict and customer satisfaction. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

An investigation on the relationship between TQM and ICT in revenue agency organizations

Article history: Received July 28, 2013 Accepted 14 January 2014 Available online April 28 2014 This paper presents an empirical investigation to study the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) on total quality management (TQM). The study is applied for a case study of revenue agency in city of Damghan, Iran. The proposed study consists of 33 questions in five categories including leadership and commitment of top management team, customer satisfaction, empowering employees and their partnership, organizational design perspective and quality of information system. Cronbach alpha has been calculated as 0.95, which validates the overall questionnaire. Using Pearson correlation ratio as well as t-student test, the study has determined that there was a positive and meaningful relationship between ICT and TQM components. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identifying and prioritizing different factors influencing the success of advertisement during the economic depression

Article history: Received July 28, 2013 Received in revised format 20 November 2013 Accepted 4 January 2014 Available online February 11 2014 During the financial crisis of 2007, many businesses and banks faced unexpected circumstances and declared bankruptcy. Market mortgage crisis and the collapse of the economic system in United States created a substantial amount of damage in world economy. Within a few years, the economic downturn was transferred to developing countries such as Iran. The recession has created conditions for Iranian companies that have led them to focus more on the subject of advertising since this is the primary tool of communication and business customers business. Success and failure of many organizations and companies depend on their advertisement planning. In this study, the factors contributing to the success and effectiveness of advertising during the recession time are identified. This survey has been accomplished on investigating an Iranian dairy firm named “Kalle”. Using a questionnaire in Likert scale, the study determines the effects of various factors of advertisement on sales improvement in this firm using Pearson correlation ratio and rank them based on Freedman test. Cronbach alpha has been calculated as 0.93. According to the results, factors that contribute to the success of advertising during a recession include: Responsiveness to customers’ needs, advertising tools, content factors, the amount of money spent and availability.

A study on how open innovation influences on supply chain behavior

Article history: Received December 10, 2013 Received in revised format 25 June 2014 Accepted June 26 2014 Available online July 2 2014 This paper presents a study to investigate the effects of open innovation factors on supply chain behavior in Iranian gas industry. The study uses two questionnaires, one to measure the effects of open innovation factors developed by Chesbrough (2003) [Chesbrough, H. W. (2003). Open innovation: The new imperative for creating and profiting from technology. Harvard Business Press.] and the other to measure the effects of supply chain behavior. Using Pearson correlation ratio as well as Stepwise regression model, the study has determined a positive and meaningful relationship between open innovation and supply chain behavior. In our survey, while intellectual property management and networking had no impact on supply chain behavior, three variables of research and development, cooperation and entrepreneurship influence positively on supply chain behavior. © 2014 Growing Science Ltd. All rights reserved.