Pearson Correlation Research Articles

SsVERDICT: Self-supervised VERDICT-MRI for enhanced prostate tumor characterization.

Demonstrating and assessing self-supervised machine-learning fitting of the VERDICT (vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumors) model for prostate cancer. We derive a self-supervised neural network for fitting VERDICT (ssVERDICT) that estimates parameter maps without training data. We compare the performance of ssVERDICT to two established baseline methods for fitting diffusion MRI models: conventional nonlinear least squares and supervised deep learning. We do this quantitatively on simulated data by comparing the Pearson's correlation coefficient, mean-squared error, bias, and variance with respect to the simulated ground truth. We also calculate in vivo parameter maps on a cohort of 20 prostate cancer patients and compare the methods' performance in discriminating benign from cancerous tissue via Wilcoxon's signed-rank test. In simulations, ssVERDICT outperforms the baseline methods (nonlinear least squares and supervised deep learning) in estimating all the parameters from the VERDICT prostate model in terms of Pearson's correlation coefficient, bias, and mean-squared error. In vivo, ssVERDICT shows stronger lesion conspicuity across all parameter maps, and improves discrimination between benign and cancerous tissue over the baseline methods. ssVERDICT significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods for VERDICT model fitting and shows, for the first time, fitting of a detailed multicompartment biophysical diffusion MRI model with machine learning without the requirement of explicit training labels.

Association of nurse–mother partnerships with parenting stress and family resilience among South Korean mothers of children with congenital heart disease

PurposeAdvances in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD) have significantly decreased mortality rates, indicating a need for continuous care as a chronic condition throughout the child's lifespan. This study examined the association of nurse–mother partnerships with parenting stress and family resilience among South Korean mothers of children with CHD. Design and methodsThis descriptive study involved 93 mothers of children aged six years or younger with CHD admitted to a hospital. Data were collected from September to November 2020 and analyzed using SPSS/WIN (version 29.0) for t-tests, analyses of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analyses. ResultsThe means and standard deviations of the nurse–mother partnership, parenting stress, and family resilience were 4.13 ± 0.47, 76.98 ± 16.6, and 56.54 ± 7.86 points, respectively. Parenting stress increased as the number of hospitalizations and surgeries increased and with complex types of CHD. Nurse–mother partnerships were stronger with longer hospital stays. Family resilience was higher with younger children, fewer rehospitalizations, and shorter hospital stays. A positive correlation was found between nurse–mother partnerships and family resilience, and a negative correlation between parenting stress and family resilience. Factors influencing parenting stress included family resilience, rehospitalizations, and complex types of CHD, and those affecting family resilience were nurse–mother partnerships, parenting stress, and the child's age. ConclusionNurse–mother partnerships significantly affect family resilience. Practical implicationsEnhancing nurse–mother partnerships can improve family resilience, which in turn can reduce parenting stress, thus offering guidance for future nursing interventions.

Ankle torque variance is a better indicator of balance control performance than plantar perceptual sensitivity threshold.

We explored whether ankle torque variability or plantar perceptual threshold explains human balance control more effectively. We hypothesized that ankle torque variance is a better indicator of center of pressure (COP) velocity variance than plantar perceptual sensitivity. Two conditions were tested: loaded (23-kg vest added) and unloaded, as loading should diminish plantar sensitivity and increase COP velocity variability. We created a linear feedback model to assess the noise change in the sensorimotor loop induced by loading. Plantar sensitivity was quantified using a psychophysical approach while participants stood barefoot. A linear motor applied a force impulse on the participant's heel. A "yes-no" method of limits was selected to identify plantar sole sensory thresholds in both conditions. We observed reduced plantar sensitivity in loaded compared with unloaded conditions. In the loaded condition, participants exhibited greater COP velocity variance, with significant positive Pearson's correlations confirming a substantial association between ankle torque and COP velocity variances for both loaded [variance accounted for (VAF): r2 = 44.56%, P = 0.018] and unloaded conditions (VAF: r2 = 58.83%, P = 0.004). No significant correlation existed between COP velocity variance and plantar sensitivity threshold for both loaded (VAF: r2 = 0.002%, P = 0.99) and unloaded conditions (VAF: r2 = 21.81%, P = 0.35). The model confirmed an ∼88% rise in sensorimotor loop noise in the loaded condition. Ankle torque variance assesses the precision of nonperceptual and perceptual detection mechanisms in evaluating whole body motions and the accuracy in converting sensory cues into ankle torque.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Plantar cutaneous information contributes to balance control by modulating motor commands, but plantar perceptual sensitivity is a suboptimal indicator of balance performance. Multiple sensory cues encode whole body dynamics, guiding sensorimotor mechanisms to minimize body sway variability. Ankle torque variance is proposed as a superior measure for explaining balance control performance and evaluating the sensorimotor loop's functioning in balance control.

English

Coffee breeding programs aim at developing superior genotypes, which entail exploring the genetic variability existing in conilon/robusta coffee. This study aimed at examining the variability and estimate genetic param of physical and physiological nature in Coffea canephora seeds in order to provide bases for the selection of genotypes for superior seeds quality. Forty-three C. canephora genotypes were evaluated for 11 physical and physiological seed traits. Estimates of genetic param, environmental variance, phenotypic variance, genotypic variance, broad-sense heritability, variation index and Pearson's correlation were obtained. The Dissimilarity between genotypes was obtained by generalized Mahalanobis distance. The dendrogram was constructed using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA). C. canephora genotypes presented high germination potential and exhibited genetic diversity for all seed traits, with estimates of genetic variance greater than environmental variance. Heritability reached values above 96.0% and all genetic variation indices found were higher than unity. The UPGMA hierarchical method grouped the genotypes in three groups. The physical traits (circumference, area and roundness) were those that contributed the most to explaining the dissimilarity between genotypes. Genotypes Alecrim, AP, Bamburral, Z39 and Tardio C were the most divergent. The results revealed the presence of genetic variability between C. canephora genotypes and greater genetic than environmental influence on the characters of seeds, indicating that selection for the studied traits showed favorable conditions in terms of immediate gain.

The position, orientation, and relative size of the fibularis longus tubercle in normal patients: A weightbearing CT assessment.

The fibularis longus attaches to the base of the first metatarsal at the fibularis/peroneus longus tubercle (FLT/PLT). Theoretically, differences in FLT morphology may reflect changes in the function of the fibularis longus. This study defines the normal limits of the FLT position, orientation, and size in patients with morphologically normal foot anatomy. A retrospective analysis of 131 feet without deformity in 72 patients undergoing weightbearing CT (WBCT) at a single center was conducted. The position and morphology of the FLT was assessed with novel measurements including tubercle-floor distance, tubercle-metatarsal angle, and the angle between the floor and a line bisecting the FLT (bisecting angle). Roundness of the FLT was compared to a triangle limiting its shape (triangular ratio), with lower values indicating increasing roundness. We also report relative size of the FLT to the first metatarsal (X/Y ratio), and relative size of the first metatarsal and FLT to the second metatarsal (XY/Z ratio). There were no significant side to side differences for any measurement (p > 0.05). Mean values were: tubercle-floor distance 28.02 ± 2.63 mm, tubercle-metatarsal angle 32.7 ± 6.32 degrees, bisecting angle 65.58 ± 6.27 degrees, triangular ratio 0.69 ± 0.04, X/Y ratio 1.13 ± 0.20, and XY/Z ratio 3.44 ± -0.72. Bisecting angle strongly correlated with tubercle-metatarsal angle (Pearson correlation 0.840, p < 0.001) suggesting FLT rotation occurred independent of foot position. ICC was >0.943 for all measurements. This study reports the morphology of the FLT in individuals with normal feet. This normative data may be used in future studies examining differences between groups of patients with foot pathology, helping us better understand the role of fibularis longus in the development and treatment of foot disorders.

Evaluation of Glymphatic System Development in Neonatal Brain via Diffusion Analysis along the Perivascular Space Index.

Glymphatic system is a recently discovered macroscopic waste clearance system associated with numerous neurological diseases. However, little is known about glymphatic system development in neonates. We sought to evaluate diffusion along the perivascular space (ALPS) index, a proxy for glymphatic system function, in neonates and investigate its potential associations with maturation, sex, and preterm birth. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data in 418 neonates, including 92 preterm neonates (57 males) and 326 term neonates (175 males), from the Developing Human Connectome Project were used for evaluating ALPS index. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess group differences in the ALPS index according to preterm birth and sex. Pearson's and partial correlation analysis were performed to assess the association between the ALPS index and gestational age (GA) as well as postmenstrual age (PMA) at MRI. Moderation analysis was performed to assess the moderation effect of preterm birth on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. Compared to term neonates, preterm neonates exhibited lower ALPS indices (p < 0.001). The ALPS index positively correlated with PMA (p = 0.004) and GA (p < 0.001). Preterm birth (p = 0.013) had a significant moderation effect on the relationship between the ALPS index and PMA. Sex had no significant direct effect (p = 0.639) or moderation effect (p = 0.333) on ALPS index. Glymphatic system development is a dynamic process in neonates, which can be moderated by preterm birth, the ALPS index could serve as a sensitive biomarker for monitoring this process. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:970-980.

Relationships Between Functional Movement Quality and Sports Performance in Elite Figure Skating Athletes of China.

Zhitao, L, Junlong, D, Rui, Y, Leijiao, Y, Cheng, G, and Jun, Y. Relationships between functional movement quality and sports performance in elite figure skating athletes of China. J Strength Cond Res 38(11): e678-e685, 2024-This study aimed to determine the optimal functional movement screen (FMS) cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries and to explore the correlations between functional movement quality and sports performance among elite figure skaters. A total of 22 elite figure pairs skaters in China underwent FMS, sports performance, and clinical examinations for sports injuries. The FMS cut score was determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Pearson's rank correlation analysis was used to quantify associations between the variables. (a) The optimal FMS cut score for assessing the risk of sports injuries was 13 (p = 0.008), with an area under curve of 0.838. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.889 and 0.692, respectively. (b) The trunk stability push-up (TSPU), an individual FMS test, predicted injuries in figure skaters (p = 0.015). (c) Moderate correlations were found between shoulder mobility and bench strength (r = -0.453, p = 0.034), counter movement jump (r = -0.582, p = 0.007), and 30-m sprint (r = 0.567, p = 0.009). A strong correlation was observed with squat jump (r = -0.774, p = 0.001). In addition, TSPU scores moderately correlated with 30-m sprint times (r = -0.511, p = 0.021) and 30-s average anaerobic power (r = 0.503, p = 0.024). These findings indicate that both the FMS total score ≤13 and the FMS individual score serve as indicators of injury risk in figure skaters. However, only the FMS individual score reflected the sports performance. This likely results from the similarity in kinetic chain systems and movement patterns involved in both the FMS individual test and sports performance, suggesting a promising assessment strategy for sports performance.

Clinical skills examination as part of the Swedish proficiency test of dentists educated outside of the EU/EEA.

The increase in the migration of dentists educated outside the EU/EEA calls for the sharing of information and evaluation of recognition processes within countries in the EU. In 2017, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare implemented the Proficiency test, a recognition process for dentists who have completed an education programme outside the EU/EEA. The Proficiency test consists of a theoretical and an integrated clinical skills examination, followed by a 6-month clinical practice. The clinical skills examination is a two-part examination that includes an OSCE and an operative test on a dental manikin. This paper presents data from proficiency tests between 2018 and 2022, and explores factors related to grade fail, that is, demographics, theoretical exam scores and language comprehension. In a cohort study, demographics and factors associated with grade fail were explored using test results from theoretical and clinical skills examinations (n = 181) from 2018 to 2022. Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis were used for studying correlations and associations between exam results. Univariable linear and logistic regression models were used for background variable associations with clinical skills exam outcomes. Higher age was a significant risk factor for failing the clinical skills examination and the OSCE. Higher scores in the theoretical exam reduced the odds of failing the OSCE but were not associated with results in the operative test or the overall results of the clinical skills examination. Regarding the OSCE there was a statistically significant difference within all professional qualifications explored between participants who passed and participants who failed the OSCE. Four years of data collection reveal that age and previous theoretical exam results influence the odds of failing the clinical examination. The study results also highlight the necessity of multiple assessment formats to assess clinical and communication skills of foreign-trained dentists.

Pemeriksaan Dampak Mengkonsumsi Minuman Beralkohol Terhadap Kadar Enzim Aspartat Aminotransferase (AST) dan Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Aspartat aminotransferase (ast) and alanine aminotransferase (Alt) or which is the enzyme transaminase used liver function tests. When alcohol enters the body, a metabolism in the liver is carried out with an end result of acetydehid when an excessive dose causes liver damage. The purpose of research to determine whether or not there is a correlation between the consumption of alcohol and its blast of bank. this study is a non-experiment of quantitative experimentation with a sampling technique. The respondents in this study are 24 alcohol drinkers of NTT students in the unfortunate city. And sample analysis methods of the kinetic ifcc and the chemical analyzer clinic - the mindray analyzer. On 24 of the respondents of all sexs-men will be analyzed based on long consumption, high consumption of alcohol, and heavy drink-alcohol consumption. The research data obtained will be done in a statistical test using the Pearson correlation test. Studies conducted on alcohol drinkers for a normal ast result are 18 respondents and abnormal results of 6. Studies on alcohol drinkers for normal test levels included 19 individuals and abnormal results for 5. The Pearson correlation test between the amount of consumption between the ast consumption is 0,184 and p-value 0.05, and the high consumption of alcohol is 0.508 and the value of p-value 0.05, and the amount of drinking is an e-0.405 and p-value 0.05. Studies between consumption length and Alt levels have found a very weak link of 0,033 and p-value 0.05, the high consumption of alcohol is 0,426 and the value of p-value 0.05, and the high drinking relationship of weak value are = 0.315 and p-value 0.05. The study has had a negative impact on excessive consumption of alcohol, raising levels of ast and Alt especially on high-alcohol drinkers and excessive drinking frequency.

Relationship Between The Incidence Of Hypertension And Triglyceride Levels In Bus Drivers At Arjosari Terminal, Malang City

Hypertension is a health problem that is widely encountered in the community and correlates with other diseases. There are many factors that cause hypertension, one of which is abnormal triglyceride levels or hypertriglycerides. Higher levels of triglycerides will inhibit the occurrence of lipogenesis. Lipogenesis is a factor that causes hypertension from food intake, this is because food has a significant role in increasing blood pressure, especially protein and fat. This study aims to determine the relationship between triglyceride levels and hypertension. This type of research is an analytical research with the crosssectional method, statistical data analysis using correlation regression, the number of population as many as 50 respondents and the sample used as many as 21 respondents. Data collection using questionnaires, blood pressure measurements and triglyceride level checks. Blood pressure measurement is done manually and then for the examination of triglyceride levels using the GPO-PAP method is carried out in the laboratory of the Bareng Health Center using a spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis used is the correlation Pearson test. The results of the study on bus drivers with high blood pressure showed that some respondents had high triglyceride levels because they often ate fatty foods. Based on the examination that has been carried out on 21 bus driver respondents at the Arjosari Terminal, Malang City, it shows that triglyceride levels and high blood pressure have no relationship, with the test results using the Pearson correlation statistical test obtained a result of P=0.0766 0.05 with a Pearson value of P=-0.069 correlation meaning that it does not have a relationship with the degree of very weak relationship.

An experimental and numerical study on chloride transport in concrete under single bending load and coastal soft soil environment

This paper presents an experimental and numerical simulation study on the corrosion of chloride ions in concrete components, using a single pre-applied bending load to represent an additional bending moment caused by an external one-off disturbance. Besides, a novel correlation testing method, the Pearson-Mutual Information (PMI) method, is proposed based on Pearson correlation coefficients and mutual information theory. The findings indicate that a significant effect on chloride ion transport is only observed when the ratio of the applied bending load to the ultimate bending load (λ) exceeds 0.3. There is a distinctly positive and nonlinear relationship between λ and free chloride concentration (CCl), the apparent chloride diffusion coefficient (Da), as well as apparent surface chloride concentration (Cs). The bivariate time-varying model developed in this study demonstrates high fitting accuracy, with simulation results that closely correspond to actual measured data, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.98 or higher. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis of the model input parameters indicates that Cs is more sensitive than Da, and λ is identified as the key parameter. The impacts of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and its diffusion coefficient (Ditz) were found to be minimal on the output of the model.

Spatiotemporal variations of surface albedo in Central Asia and its influencing factors and confirmatory path analysis during the 21st century

Surface albedo (SA) is crucial for understanding land surface processes and climate simulation. This study analyzed SA changes and its influencing factors in Central Asia from 2001 to 2020, with projections 2025 to 2100. Factors analyzed included snow cover fraction, fractional vegetation cover, soil moisture, average state climate indices (temperature and precipitation), and extreme climate indices (heatwave indices and extreme precipitation indices). Pearson correlation coefficient, geographical convergent cross mapping, and geographical detector were used to quantify the correlation, causal relationship strength, and impact degree between SA and the influencing factors. To address multicollinearity, ridge regression (RR), geographically weighted ridge regression (GWRR), and piecewise structural equation modeling (pSEM) were combined to construct RR-pSEM and GWRR-pSEM models. Results indicated that SA in Central Asia increased from 2001 to 2010 and decreased from 2011 to 2020, with a projected future decline. There is a strong correlation and significant causality between SA and each factor. Snow cover fraction was identified as the most critical factor influencing SA. Average temperature and precipitation had a greater impact on SA than extreme climate indices, with a 1 °C temperature increase corresponding to a 0.004 decrease in SA. This study enhances understanding of SA changes under climate change, and provides a methodological framework for analyzing complex systems with multicollinearity. The proposed models offer valuable tools for studying interrelated factors in Earth system science.

Pig manure biochar in soil forms catalytic system with endogenous H2O2 to degrade ciprofloxacin in purple soil

Biochar might improve ciprofloxacin (CIP) removal in soil, but little was known about how it goes on in purple soil. Thus, we investigated the variations of CIP in soil amended with pig manure (PM) derived biochar generated at 300℃ and 600℃ (PMC3 and PMC6). Compared with CK, PM, PMC3 and PMC6 decreased residual CIP by 42.3%, 48.8%, and 46.1%, respectively, confirming the enhancement of PM, PMC3 and PMC6 on CIP dissipation and indicating a higher performance of PMC3 and PMC6 in CIP removal than that of PM. Signal of persistent free radicals (PFRs) was observed in PMC3 and PMC6, which was contributed to the formation of O2·- and H2O2. Compared to PM, the secretion of H2O2 by microbe in PMC3 and PMC6 were enhanced by 71.5%-97.5% and 57.4%-79.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, catalase contents in PMC3 and PMC6 were reduced by 18.7%-68.6% and 8.4%-59.7%, respectively. These results suggested that H2O2 accumulated much easily in PMC3 and PMC6 than that in CK, which was benefited to the ·OH formation through the reaction between H2O2 and PFRs. Pearson correlation analysis identified that ·OH was the major contributor for 72.2%-80.2% of CIP removal in soil. In addition, degradation products were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF analysis. The results showed that the quinolone ring and piperazinyl ring were the main CIP degradation products. Under the action of ·OH, the piperazinyl ring in the CIP was completely destroyed. The phytotoxicity analysis was evaluated by bioreporter and Estimation Programs Interface (EPI) Suite. This study implies that biochar is a useful material for controlling CIP contamination through forming catalytic system with endogenous H2O2. These process insights have important implications for the pathway for CIP dissipation by biochar.

Factors Influencing Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Competency in Delirium Care in A Tertiary General Hospital

Purpose : In this study, we aimed to identify the factors affecting nurses’ competency in delirium care in an intensive care unit at a tertiary general hospital. Methods : The participants were 149 nurses in the intensive care unit. Collected data were analyzed using independent t-tests, ANOVA, Sheffé test, Pearson correlations coefficients, and multiple regressions using the SPSS 28.0 program. Results : The factors that significantly influenced the participants’ competency in delirium care were delirium nursing confidence (&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;=.44, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; ＜.001) and intensive care unit clinical career (&lt;i&gt;β&lt;/i&gt;=.25, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.002). These factors explained 32.5% of the total variance outcomes regarding the competency in delirium care (F=12.87, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; ＜.001). Conclusion : The study results indicated that the higher the confidence in delirium care and the more extensive intensive care unit experience, the higher the competency in delirium care. Moreover, these results suggested that various policy strategies should be implemented to enable intensive care unit nurses to work for a long time and to develop educational programs to increase confidence in delirium care.

Association of Peripapillary Arterial Circle of Zinn-Haller with Glaucoma in Highly Myopic Eyes.

The visualization of circle of Zinn-Haller (CZH) on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) or its pattern does not have a clear effect on glaucoma, while the location of CZH is associated with axial length in highly myopic eyes. To investigate the association between the CZH and the presence of glaucoma using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) images of the optic nerve of patients with high myopia (HM). This retrospective case series included 227 eyes with HM, comprising 134 and 93 eyes with and without glaucoma, respectively. The characteristics of CZH, including visualization, pattern, and location, were assessed using SS-OCTA. Vascular parameters, such as vessel density and microvascular dropout (MvD), were quantified. The factors affecting the presence of glaucoma and the correlations between the CZH distance and axial length (AXL) were identified using logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis, respectively. CZH was detected more frequently in HM patients with glaucoma (71.6%) than in patients without glaucoma (51.6%) (P<0.002). However, the visualization of CZH was not related to the presence of glaucoma in multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.688; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.328-1.444; P=0.322). Moreover, compared to the annular pattern used as a reference, triangular and irregular patterns were not associated with the presence of glaucoma (OR: 1.043, 95% CI: 0.101-10.763, P=0.971; OR: 0.527, 95% CI: 0.255-1.092, P=0.085, respectively). MvD was significantly higher in patients with glaucoma (61.2%) than that in patients without glaucoma (2.2%) (P<0.001) and was identified as a significant factor affecting the presence of glaucoma (OR, 42.120; 95% CI, 9.416-188.413; P<0.001). AXL showed a significant correlation with CZH distance in all patients (R=0.399; P<0.001). CZH was more commonly detected in HM patients with glaucoma. However, no clear associations of glaucoma with the visualization, pattern, or location of CZH were observed in the present study. The correlation between AXL and CZH distance in eyes with HM warrants further investigation. These results may offer insights into the pathogenesis of glaucoma in eyes with HM as OCTA technology advances.

Correlation of obesity indices with metabolic syndrome among Igbos in Enugu and their optimal cut-off points

Background: Metabolic syndrome also known as insulin resistance syndrome or Syndrome X, represents an association of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Its central diagnostic criteria include obesity, impaired fasting glucose, low HDL-cholesterol; elevated triglycerides levels and high blood pressure. Insulin resistance is believed to be the main cause of Metabolic Syndrome and is connected to the level of visceral or intra-abdominal adipose tissue, which could be assessed either by calculating body mass index or by measuring waist circumference. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the correlation of indices of obesity with metabolic syndrome among Igbos in Enugu and their optimal cut-off points. Method: This was a cross-sectional community-based descriptive survey carried out in Enugu Metropolis involving 469 apparently healthy adult volunteers age range 18-75 screened for metabolic syndrome using the Joint Interim Statement definition. Stratified random sampling technique was used in the selection of participants. The data obtained were coded and analyzed into percentages, mean and standard deviation using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. t-test was used to compare continuous variables for associations, while Youden index and Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis were used to determine optimal cut-off point of the obesity indices that best balances sensitivity and specificity of the obesity indices. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine correlation between obesity indices and cardiovascular risks. Statistical significance is set at p&lt; 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Result: The study revealed that all indices of obesity showed positive correlation with metabolic syndrome. BMI showed the least strength of correlation while WC is the best discriminator for predicting Metabolic Syndrome however, the optimal cut-off point of the obesity indices differ from the standard cut-off points. Conclusion: All the obesity indices used in the study showed positive correlation with metabolic syndrome however, WC is to be preferred in screening for metabolic syndrome. The optimal cut-off point obtained can be applied specifically for Igbos in Enugu

Effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children in North Rift Kenya

An estimated 150 million children live on the streets globally, with many not enrolled in school. This growing issue requires urgent attention. UN Sustainable Development Goal 4, Target 5, aims to eliminate educational disparities for marginalized groups like street children, emphasizing the need to address prejudice in education access.The Kenyan government has developed measures to improve all children's access to education, particularly at the pre-primary and primary levels, in light of its signature on the United Nations convention. Government funding for the creation and execution of policy initiatives targeted at improving the access to education for these socially marginalised populations has been consistently large. Many street children still do not go to school though. In this regard a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of government policy interventions towards enhancing access to pre-primary and primary education by street children. The study used mixed method research and pragmatic paradigm. By using both purposeful and random sampling, a sample size of 322 was selected. The respondents comprised of Street children, county directors of education, quality assurance officers, officers in the Department of Children Welfare, urban primary school teachers, non-governmental organisations, and community-based organisations that assist street children. Data was collected using observation guides, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as theme analysis were used to analyse the data, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant relationship between government policy interventions and street children's access to pre-primary and primary education in North Rift Kenya; specifically, the national pre-primary education policy had a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.711, while the inclusive education policy had a coefficient of 1.0. The research additionally demonstrated the necessity of reinforcing the involvement of other relevant parties in improving street children's access to pre-primary and primary education.

Estimation of hydrogen solubility in aqueous solutions using machine learning techniques for hydrogen storage in deep saline aquifers

The porous underground structures have recently attracted researchers’ attention for hydrogen gas storage due to their high storage capacity. One of the challenges in storing hydrogen gas in aqueous solutions is estimating its solubility in water. In this study, after collecting experimental data from previous research and eliminating four outliers, nine machine learning methods were developed to estimate the solubility of hydrogen in water. To optimize the parameters used in model construction, a Bayesian optimization algorithm was employed. By examining error functions and plots, the LSBoost method with R² = 0.9997 and RMSE = 4.18E-03 was identified as the most accurate method. Additionally, artificial neural network, CatBoost, Extra trees, Gaussian process regression, bagged trees, regression trees, support vector machines, and linear regression methods had R² values of 0.9925, 0.9907, 0.9906, 0.9867, 0.9866, 0.9808, 0.9464, and 0.7682 and RMSE values of 2.13E-02, 2.43E-02, 2.44E-02, 2.83E-02, 2.85E-02, 3.40E-02, 5.68E-02, and 1.18E-01, respectively. Subsequently, residual error plots were generated, indicating the accurate performance of the LSBoost model across all ranges. The maximum residual error was − 0.0252, and only 4 data points were estimated with an error greater than ± 0.01. A kernel density estimation (KDE) plot for residual errors showed no specific bias in the models except for the linear regression model. To investigate the impact of temperature, pressure, and salinity parameters on the model outputs, the Pearson correlation coefficients for the LSBoost model were calculated, showing that pressure, temperature, and salinity had values of 0.8188, 0.1008, and − 0.5506, respectively, indicating that pressure had the strongest direct relationship, while salinity had an inverse relationship with hydrogen solubility. Considering the results of this research, the LSBoost method, alongside approaches like state equations, can be applied in real-world scenarios for underground hydrogen storage. The findings of this study can help in a better understanding of hydrogen solubility in aqueous solutions, aiding in the optimization of underground hydrogen storage systems.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Acceptance of Health Science Information among WeChat Public Account Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of WeChat users towards health-related public accounts. The study included 567 participants who completed the questionnaire. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among the 3 dimensions. Multivariate analysis identified independent factors associated with KAP scores. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.12 ± 2.29 (61.2% of the total), 55.83 ± 7.33 (69.8% of the total), and 14.07 ± 3.72 (70.4% of the total), respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.392, P < 0.001) as well as between attitude and practice (r = 0.319, P < 0.001). Age [OR = 0.29 (0.09, 0.91), P = 0.034], marital status [OR = 2.11 (1.04, 4.29), P = 0.038], income [OR = 2.42 (1.23, 4.75), P = 0.010], and physical condition [OR = 0.45 (0.24, 0.85), P = 0.014] were independent factors associated with KAP scores. WeChat users in China had relatively adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards health-related public accounts. The findings highlight the potential of WeChat in enhancing health information dissemination in China.

Observational studies of S-bearing molecules in massive star-forming regions

S-bearing molecules are powerful tools for determining the physical conditions inside a massive star-forming region. The abundances of S-bearing molecules, including H$_ $S, H$_ $CS, and HCS$^ $, are highly dependent on physical and chemical changes, which means that they are good tracers of the evolutionary stage of massive star formation. We present observational results of H$_ $S 1$_ $, H$_ $34S 1$_ $, H$_ $CS 5$_ $, HCS$^ $ 4-3, SiO 4-3, HC$_ $N 19-18, and C18O 1-0 toward a sample of 51 late-stage massive star-forming regions, and study the relationships between H$_ $S, H$_ $CS, HCS$^ $, and SiO in hot cores. We discuss the chemical connections of these S-bearing molecules based on the relations between the relative abundances in our sources. H$_ $34S 1$_ $, as the isotopic line of H$_ $S 1$_ $, was used to correct the optical depths of H$_ $S 1$_ $. Beam-averaged column densities of all molecules were calculated, as were the abundances of H$_ $S, H$_ $CS, and HCS$^ $ relative to H$_ $, which were derived from C18O. Results from a chemical model that included gas, dust grain surface, and icy mantle phases, were compared with the observed abundances of H$_2$S, H$_2$CS, and HCS$^+$ molecules. H$_ $S 1$_ $, H$_ $34S 1$_ $, H$_ $CS 5$_ $, HCS$^ $ 4-3, and HC$_ $N 19-18 were detected in 50 of the 51 sources, SiO 4-3 was detected in 46 sources, and C18O 1-0 was detected in all sources. The Pearson correlation coefficients between H$_ $CS and HCS$^+$ normalized by H$_ $ and H$_ $S are 0.94 and 0.87, respectively, and a tight linear relationship with a slope of 1.00 and 1.09 is found; this relationship is 0.77 and 0.98 between H$_ $S and H$_ $CS and 0.76 and 0.97 between H$_ $S and HCS$^ $. The full widths at half maxima of H$_ $34S 1$_ $, H$_ $CS 5$_ $, HCS$^ $ 4-3, and HC$_ $N 19-18 in each source are similar to each other, which indicates that they may trace similar regions. By comparing the observed abundance with model results, we see that there is one possible time (2-3times 105 yr) a which each source in the model matches the measured abundances of H$_ $S, H$_ $CS, and HCS$^ $. The abundances of HCS$^ $, H$_ $CS, and H$_ $S increase with the SiO abundance in these sources, which implies that shock chemistry may be playing a large role. The close abundance relation of H$_2$S, H$_2$CS, and HCS$^+$ and the similar line widths in observational results indicate that these three molecules could be chemically linked, with HCS$^+$ and H$_2$CS the most correlated. The comparison of the observational results with chemical models shows that the abundances can be reproduced for almost all the sources at a specific time. The observational results, including the abundances in these sources need to be considered in further modeling of H$_ $S, H$_ $CS, and HCS$^ $ in hot cores with shock chemistry.