Pearson Linear Correlation Research Articles

Impact of Leadership Styles on Job Satisfaction among Teachers in Secondary Schools in Monduli District

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of leadership styles on job satisfaction among teachers in selected secondary schools in Monduli district. The study hypotheses were that H1 there is no statistically significant correlation between transformational leadership style and job satisfaction among teachers in selected secondary schools in Monduli district, H2 there is no statistically significant correlation between transactional leadership style and job satisfaction among teachers in selected secondary schools in Monduli district and H3 there is no statistically significant correlation between laissez-faire leadership style and job satisfaction among teachers in selected secondary schools in Monduli district. The study employed a descriptive survey design. A sample size of one hundred twenty-nine respondents was randomly chosen from four secondary schools in Monduli namely; Manyara, Lowassa, Engutoto, and Irkisongo district secondary schools. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents. The collected data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) using, Independent t-test and Fisher's Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether demographic variables varied with students' academic performance. Karl Pearson's Linear Correlation Coefficient was undertaken to determine the relationship between leadership styles and teachers' Job satisfaction. The study results indicated that hypotheses H1 and H3 were supported by the study findings. However, the study findings revealed that H3 was not supported by the study findings. The study concluded that transformational and laissez-faire leadership styles had a direct influence on teachers' job satisfaction. Therefore, school administrators in the Monduli district should use transformational and laissez-faire leadership styles in their day-to-day administration. The study findings led the researcher to recommend that, the school administration should focus on the use of transformational and laissez-faire leadership styles since they had a direct significant influence on teacher's job satisfaction. For future research focus should be on obtaining a larger and more representative sample, conducting the same study in other schools from another district for comparison purposes, and replicating the study using a qualitative approach.

Investigating secondary school learners’ academic achievement in physics in Uganda

This study examined secondary school learners' academic achievement in physics in the Wakiso district of Uganda. A cross-sectional correlational design was used with 217 participants. This comprised 121 male and 96 female learners from two government-aided secondary schools in Kira Municipality, Wakiso district. Data were collected using a Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ) and analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and mean scores. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson's linear correlation coefficient were applied for inferential statistics. The results show a positive relationship between learners' aptitude, learning environment, and academic achievement, while a negative relationship was between teachers' instruction and academic achievement in physics. These results have far-reaching implications for improving academic achievements in physics. The study recommended investing in a more friendly learning environment by upskilling in-service teachers through professional development programs to enhance their pedagogy and conduct parent meetings to sensitise them to create a conducive home learning environment.

The Influence of the Chemical Composition of Flax and Hemp Fibers on the Value of Surface Free Energy.

The article presents the exploration of flax and hemp fibers' surface free energy depending on the chemical composition of the fiber, which is closely related to the plant variety and the method of extracting the fiber. For this purpose, tests of the surface free energy (SFE), evaluation of the percentage content of individual fiber components and FTIR analyses were conducted. The research was carried out with the use of fibrous materials prepared in three different ways: 1. To analyze the effect of subsequent stages of flax fibers refining process on chemical composition and SFE, 2. to explore the dependence of fiber SFE on hemp variety, the water-retting hemp fibers were used, 3. To evaluate the influence of the retting method of hemp fibers BIAŁOBRZESKIE variety on SFE, the fibers extracted with the use of dew and water retting were used as the research material. The study confirmed that the content of individual components in the fiber influenced its sorption capacity and therefore determined its hydrophilic properties. The values of Pearson's linear correlation coefficients determined in the statistical analysis proved that the surface free energy was strongly correlated with the content of individual components in the fibers. Understanding the wettability characteristics of bast fibers will allow modeling the properties of products made of these fibers and designing surface modification processes in order to obtain specific functionality of textile products, depending on their intended utilization.

Pressing extraction and physico-chemical characterization of seed oil and cake of Jatropha curcas L.

Fuel from renewable sources has been an excellent alternative to mineral diesel fuel, either as a substitute or an additive, after the transformation process of oil into biodiesel. Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) is considered a good option since it produces high-quality oil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality parameters of samples of physic nut oil processed at different temperatures, as well as to characterize the byproduct press (seed and cake). For this purpose, we evaluated several properties of the oil including acid index, saponification, peroxides, humidity, index of impurities insoluble in ether, ash content, relative density, refractive index, Kreis reaction, color, and mineral content. We also evaluated several properties of the grains and press cake including humidity, ash content, protein content, lipids, fibers, carbohydrates, and minerals. A completely randomized design was used to achieve the results, with three extraction temperatures (70°C, 90°C, and 110°C). Descriptive analysis, normality, analysis of variance, and Tukey's means comparison test were employed at a 5% significance level. Pearson's linear correlation coefficient was also applied. The extraction temperature of 90°C resulted in significant changes in the physical-chemical properties of the oil and press cake.

Exploring Psychological Distress, Burden of Care and Emotional Intelligence as Correlates of Psychological Well-being in Family and Non-family Caregivers of Individuals Living with Cannabis-induced Psychotic Disorder

Caring for individuals living with cannabis-induced psychotic disorder poses unique challenges that significantly impact caregivers’ psychological well-being. This study delved into this complex caregiving landscape, exploring how psychological distress, the burden of care, and emotional intelligence collectively influence caregivers’ psychological well-being. The study was conducted at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos Nigeria. The research adopted purposive sampling, involving one hundred (100) participants encompassing both family and non-family caregivers. Participants completed four key instruments: The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) – 12, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue), and Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB). Descriptive statistics provided mean and standard deviation values for psychological distress, burden of care, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being, with the reliability of each scale assessed. Hypothesis testing included t-tests, simple linear regression, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, yielding significant findings. Notably, family caregivers did not bear a significantly higher burden of care compared to their non-family counterparts (t = -.108, p<.05). Furthermore, female caregivers exhibited superior psychological well-being in contrast to male caregivers (t = -4.594, p<.05). Emotional intelligence significantly impacted psychological well-being (R square =.262), and a positive relationship existed between psychological distress and well-being (r = .596, p<.05). Lastly, psychological distress, emotional intelligence, and the burden of care collectively shaped psychological well-being (R square =.526). This research unravels the intricate dynamics faced by caregivers of individuals with cannabis-induced psychotic disorder, highlighting the pivotal roles of emotional intelligence and psychological distress. These insights deepen understanding of caregivers’ experiences and provide a foundation for tailored interventions to bolster their overall well-being. Keywords: Caregivers, Psychological Distress, Burden of Care, Emotional Intelligence, Psychological Well-being, Cannabis-Induced Psychotic Disorder

Blood parameters as a possible indicator of feed efficiency in Nellore bulls

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between energy, protein, enzymatic metabolism, and residual feed intake (RFI) in purebred Nellore bulls. A total of 120 Nellore bulls, individually housed, underwent performance trials while being fed a high-concentrate diet. The study utilized data from the 10 most efficient, least efficient, and moderately efficient animals. Blood samples were collected via venipuncture for a complete blood count, and serum was analyzed for albumin, total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, gamma GT, AST, and alkaline phosphatase. The data were subjected to a completely randomized design with three treatments and 10 replicates, and treatment means were compared using the Tukey test. Pearson's linear correlation analysis was performed. The most efficient animals demonstrated a 27.62% reduction in feed intake compared to the least efficient ones. No significant differences were observed in the serum biochemistry between different RFI classes. Inefficient animals exhibited elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), a red blood cell index, which correlated with RFI, gain-to-feed ratio, and dry matter intake (r = 0.46, 0.42, and -0.42, respectively). Hemoglobin concentration showed correlations with RFI and gain-to-feed ratio (r = 0.36, -0.41, respectively). These findings suggest potential variations in oxygen-carrying capacity. Red blood cell parameters could serve as biomarkers for identifying inefficient animals.

Monitoring and Organizational Performance in Private Higher Academic Institutions in Greater Bushenyi Districts in Western Uganda

The rational study assessed the effect of Monitoring on Organizational Performance in Private Higher Academic Institutions in Greater Bushenyi Districts in Western Uganda. The survey study engaged a correlational and descriptive research design with a quantitative standpoint. A sample of 380 contributors were carefully selected from 1053 persons using a table developed by Morgan & Kreijcie (1970). Data was gathered by means of questionnaires to constitute an opinion survey. The researcher gathered evidence from the field using simple random sampling and stratified random sampling strategies. Data was evaluated using Descriptive statistics such as Means, Standard Deviation and Inferential Statistics such as Pearson linear correlation coefficient (PLCC) for quantitative data. The study results came up with a noteworthy relationship between monitoring and organizational Performance in Greater Bushenyi Districts in Western Uganda. The research venture concluded that Monitoring helps to identify implementation challenges that may be hindering the achievement of the intended outcomes. This information can be used to develop strategies to address these challenges and improve program or project implementation. From the research findings, the researchers recommended that private higher academic institutional managers should augment on the budget of Monitoring because it enhances accountability by ensuring that program or project implementation is transparent and that progress towards achieving goals and objectives can regularly be reported and reviewed. Academic private institutional managers should keep organizing periodically seminars and workshops to sensitize institutional stakeholders on the importance of monitoring in educational organizations. This can help provide relevant information for making informed decisions for development.

Use of Statistical Tools and Artificial Intelligence for Hydrosedimentological Analysis in Experimental Units in Semiarid Brazil

Objective: To compare statistical and artificial intelligence tools to assist in the analysis and influence of hydrosedimentological variables on runoff generation and sediment yield in experimental units in the Brazilian semiarid region. Theoretical framework: The increasing frequency of extreme weather events in areas prone to natural disasters has led to economic, social, and loss of life due to the lack of urban planning, disorderly occupation in densely populated areas, intensive use of natural resources, and difficulty in maintaining and conserving natural ecosystems (CARMO & LIMA, 2020). Continuous monitoring of hydrosedimentological processes is necessary for natural resource planning and management. There is a need for expanding long-term environmental monitoring in Brazil, which is not simple and costly. In hard-to-reach areas, investment in tools and variable analysis for secure estimation of flow and erosion is necessary (AIRES, 2022). Method: Data obtained from the São João do Cariri Experimental Basin - SJCEB (13.6 km²) were used through conventional rain gauges and automatic data collection platforms from three micro-watersheds (0.16 – 1.63 ha) and two experimental plots (100 m²) located in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. For the analyses, 147 rain events that generated surface runoff in at least one of the five experimental units of the SJCEB were used, with data on area (m²), vegetation cover (0 no cover and 1 with vegetation cover over the entire area), average slope (%), daily precipitation (mm), period without rainfall (days), runoff depth (mm), and sediment yield (kg.ha⁻¹), from 2001 to 2008. The statistical and artificial intelligence tools used in the analyses were: simple linear regression, Pearson correlation, and Self-Organizing Maps (SOM). The models were implemented in the R programming language. Results and conclusion: In the statistical summary of the studied variables, precipitation ranged from 2.2 mm to 133.0 mm, with a mean of 21.1 mm. The period without rainfall ranged from 0 to 240 days, with an average of 16.2 days. Slope varied from 3.40% to 7.50%, with a mean of 5.7%. The average vegetation cover was 0.44, with a median of 0.60. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed that precipitation showed a positive and significant correlation with surface runoff and sediment yield variables, ranging from moderate to strong. Simple linear regression was unable to provide satisfactory answers to assist in the analysis of runoff and sediment yield, therefore considered inefficient for hydrosedimentological regionalization. The unsupervised SOM network, by presenting complex relationships among the studied variables, detected that sediment yield is particularly influenced by the interactions with precipitation, vegetation cover, and slope. Thus, it can be inferred that models based on unsupervised neural networks are attractive alternatives, as they were able to extract complex and nonlinear relationships among the analyzed variables. When there are complex cause-and-effect relationships between variables of hydrosedimentological processes, the use of nonlinear and multivariate models, such as artificial neural networks. Implications of the research: Manipulations in experimental areas have favored the measurement of flow and quantification of sediment yield. However, the high costs to maintain physical structures and the presence of specialized personnel for monitoring, processing, and dissemination of collected data are factors that may make it impractical to maintain and expand environmental monitoring networks in Brazil. In ungauged areas, the prediction of flow and erosion is necessary, and can be performed through mathematical, statistical, or artificial intelligence tools that facilitate the identification of priority areas for intervention. Manipulations in experimental areas have favored the measurement of runoff and sediment yield, but the high costs of maintaining the physical structures and the presence of specialized personnel to monitor, process and disseminate the collected data are factors that make maintenance and the expansion environmental monitoring networks in Brazil. In non-instrumented areas, forecasting and analysis of runoff and erosion becomes necessary, using mathematical, statistical or artificial intelligence tools that favor the identification of priority areas for intervention. Originality/value: Use of different statistical and artificial intelligence tools for hydrosedimentological regionalization in small experimental units in the Brazilian semiarid region, with emphasis on the application of unsupervised learning neural networks (SOM).

Validation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) physical function questionnaire in late-onset Pompe disease using PROPEL phase 3 data

BackgroundThe construct validity and interpretation of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Physical Function short form 20a (PF20a) questionnaire were evaluated for patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), a rare, autosomal recessive, progressive neuromuscular disorder treatable by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).MethodsIn the phase 3 PROPEL study, adults with LOPD underwent testing of physical functioning and had PRO measurements at baseline and at weeks 12, 26, 38, and 52 while receiving experimental or standard-of-care ERT. All patients were pooled for analyses, without comparisons between treatment groups. Associations and correlations between PROMIS PF20a scores and the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), % predicted forced vital capacity (FVC), manual muscle test (MMT) of the lower extremities, Gait, Stairs, Gowers’ maneuver, Chair (GSGC) score, and Rasch-built Pompe-specific Activity (R-PAct) scale were evaluated by calculating regression coefficients in linear regression models and Pearson correlation coefficients (R); patients’ age, sex, race, ERT prior to study, body mass index, and study treatment were included as covariables. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of PROMIS PF20a was determined using distribution- and anchor-based methods.Results123 patients received at least 1 dose of ERT. In multivariable analyses, PROMIS PF20a scores had strong correlations with R-PAct scores (R = 0.83 at baseline and R = 0.67 when evaluating changes between baseline and 52 weeks) and moderate correlations with the 6MWD (R = 0.57 at baseline and R = 0.48 when evaluating changes between baseline and 52 weeks). Moderate correlations were also observed between PROMIS PF20a and MMT (R = 0.54), GSGC (R=-0.51), and FVC (R = 0.48) at baseline. In multivariable linear regression models, associations were significant between PROMIS PF20a and 6MWD (P = 0.0006), MMT (P = 0.0034), GSGC (P = 0.0278), and R-PAct (P < 0.0001) at baseline, between PROMIS PF20a and 6MWD (P < 0.0001), FVC (P = 0.0490), and R-PAct (P < 0.0001) when combining all measurements, and between PF20a and 6MWD (P = 0.0016) and R-PAct (P = 0.0001) when evaluating changes in scores between baseline and 52 weeks. The anchor-based and distribution-based MCID for a clinically important improvement for PROMIS PF20a were 2.4 and 4.2, respectively.ConclusionsPROMIS PF20a has validity as an instrument both to measure and to longitudinally follow physical function in patients with LOPD.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03729362. Registered 2 November 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/search?term=NCT03729362.

Common Markers of Muscle Damage Are Associated with Divergent Gene Expression Patterns after Eccentric Contractions.

Unaccustomed eccentric (ECC) exercise evokes exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). Soreness, strength loss, and serum creatine kinase (CK) are often used to quantify EIMD severity. However, changes in these markers are not fully understood mechanistically. To test the hypothesis that muscle damage markers are associated with unique molecular processes, we correlated gene expression responses with variation in each marker post-ECC. Vastus lateralis biopsies were collected from 35 young men 3 h post-ECC (10 sets of 10 maximal eccentric contractions; contralateral leg [CON] as control). Maximal isometric strength, soreness, and serum CK activity were assessed 24 h preexercise and every 24 h for 5 d post-ECC. Strength was also measured 10 min post-ECC. Over the 5 d after ECC, average peak strength loss was 51.5 ± 20%; average soreness increased from 0.9 ± 1.9 on a 100-mm visual analog scale to 39 ± 19; serum CK increased from 160 ± 130 to 1168 ± 3430 U·L -1 . Muscle RNA was used to generate gene expression profiles. Partek Genomics Suite correlated peak values of soreness, strength loss, and CK post-ECC with gene expression in ECC (relative to paired CON) using Pearson linear correlation ( P < 0.05) and repeated-measures ANOVA used to detect influence of ECC. After ECC, 2677 genes correlated with peak soreness, 3333 genes with peak strength loss, and 3077 genes with peak CK. Less than 1% overlap existed across all markers (16/9087). Unique genes included 2346 genes for peak soreness, 3032 genes for peak strength loss, and 2937 genes for peak CK. The largely unique molecular pathways associated with common indirect markers of EIMD indicate that each marker of "damage" represents unique mechanistic processes.

Investigating the Effect of Patient-Related Factors on Computed Tomography Radiation Dose Using Regression and Correlation Analysis

Computed tomography (CT) is a widely utilized diagnostic imaging modality in medicine. However, the potential risks associated with radiation exposure necessitate investigating CT exams to minimize unnecessary radiation. The objective of this study is to evaluate how patient-related parameters impact the CT dose indices for different CT exams. In this study, a dataset containing CT dose information for a cohort of 333 patients categorized into four CT exams, chest, cardiac angiogram, cardiac calcium score and abdomen/pelvis, was collected and retrospectively analyzed. Regression analysis and Pearson correlation were applied to estimate the relationships between patient-related factors, namely body mass index (BMI), weight and age as input variables, and CT dose indices, namely the volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), patient effective dose (ED) and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE), as output variables. Moreover, the study investigated the correlation between the different CT dose indices. Using linear regression models and Pearson correlation, the study found that all CT dose indices correlate with BMI and weight in all CT exams with varying degrees as opposed to age, which did not demonstrate any significant correlation with any of the CT dose indices across all CT exams. Moreover, it was found that using multiple regression models where multiple input variables are considered resulted in a higher correlation with the output variables than when simple regression was used. Investigating the relationships between the different dose indices, statistically significant relationships were found between all dose indices. A stronger linear relationship was noticed between CTDIvol and DLP compared to the relationships between each pair of the other dose indices. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the relationships between patient-related parameters and CT dose indices, aiding in the development of optimized CT exams that ensure patient safety while maintaining the diagnostic efficacy of CT imaging.

Task-based detectability in anatomical background in digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis and synthetic mammography

Objective. Determining the detectability of targets for the different imaging modalities in mammography in the presence of anatomical background noise is challenging. This work proposes a method to compare the image quality and detectability of targets in digital mammography (DM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and synthetic mammography. Approach. The low-frequency structured noise produced by a water phantom with acrylic spheres was used to simulate anatomical background noise for the different types of images. A method was developed to apply the non-prewhitening observer model with eye filter (NPWE) in these conditions. A homogeneous poly(methyl) methacrylate phantom with a 0.2 mm thick aluminium disc was used to calculate 2D in-plane modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), noise equivalent quanta, and system detective quantum efficiency for 30, 50 and 70 mm thicknesses. The in-depth MTFs of DBT volumes were determined using a thin tungsten wire. The MTF, system NPS and anatomical NPS were used in the NPWE model to calculate the threshold gold thickness of the gold discs contained in the CDMAM phantom, which was taken as reference. Main results. The correspondence between the NPWE model and the CDMAM phantom (linear Pearson correlation 0.980) yielded a threshold detectability index that was used to determine the threshold diameter of spherical microcalcifications and masses. DBT imaging improved the detection of masses, which depended mostly on the reduction of anatomical background noise. Conversely, DM images yielded the best detection of microcalcification s. Significance. The method presented in this study was able to quantify image quality and object detectability for the different imaging modalities and levels of anatomical background noise.

THE CORRELATION PARAMETERS OF CARDIAC DYSFUNCTION ON THE BACKGROUND OF STEATOHEPATOSIS

Introduction. Coronary heart disease (CHD) and its complications in the modern world are one of the main causes of disability and mortality of people of different ages [1-3]. Fatty liver disease - steatohepatosis - is an important factor in the development and progression of CAD and increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, information on cardiac dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease with manifestations of steatohepatosis is insufficient and contradictory, the diagnosis, clinical features and treatment of this pathology are not accurate enough.&#x0D; The aim of the study. Determination of the correlations of the studied indicators in patients with coronary artery disease complicated by fatty liver disease.&#x0D; Research methods. Fatty infiltration of the liver was diagnosed using ultrasound of the abdominal cavity (EUB-6000 scanner; Hitachi Medical Corporation, Japan). The content of NT-proBNP was determined on StatFax-303, the activity of enzymes and indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were determined using the CRPLX "Roche Diagnostics" reagent set on the COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus automatic analyzer.&#x0D; In order to identify correlations, the coefficient of linear correlation |r| was determined between all studied indicators. The strength of the relationship was estimated by the absolute value of the Pearson linear correlation coefficient, considering that at r &lt;0.25 the relationship is weak, 0.25 &lt;r&lt; 0.75 - a relationship of medium strength, r ˃ 0.75 - correlation the bond is strong. We used the STATISTICA 6.0 software package (StatSoft, USA) [8].&#x0D; Results and discussion. Strong probable positive correlations were found between glucose concentration and the content of triacylglycans, glycated hemoglobin, atherogenicity coefficient, and lipase activity.&#x0D; Strong probable positive correlations were found between the activity of pancreatic amylase and the concentration of creatinine, C-reactive protein, interleukin 1β, NT-proBNP, and ALT activity.&#x0D; Strong probable positive correlations were found between the concentration of NT-proBNP and the content of uric acid, glucose, C-reactive protein, apoprotein A, interleukin 10, LDH activity, and alkaline phosphatase.&#x0D; Strong probable positive correlations were found between the concentration of creatinine and the content of total cholesterol, the content of HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and lipase activity.&#x0D; Strong probable positive correlations were found between the concentration of total cholesterol and the content of HDL-cholesterol, creatinine, and lipase activit&#x0D; Conclusions. Steatohepatosis is a factor in the development and progression of coronary heart disease and probably increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In the group of patients with steatohepatosis, reliable strong correlation links of carbohydrate metabolism with other parameters were revealed. In the group of patients with on the background of steatohepatosis, significant strong correlation of the level of NT-proBNP, cholesterol and creatinine with other parameters was found.

Predicting the level of resilience of adults aged 25-65 relation to the elderly according to their interpersonal problem-solving methods.

Elderly home caregivers are among the first and most important people involved in elderly care. Since the process of caring for the elderly affects the mental, physical, and life conditions of the caregivers, it is of utmost importance to study interpersonal problem-solving methods and the role they play in the resilience of caregivers. In this regard, the study was conducted to predict the resilience of adults aged 25-65 years compared to the elderly according to their interpersonal problem-solving methods. This is a descriptive correlational study. Two-hundred and sixty-two adults aged 25-65 living in Iran in different genders, marital status, majors, and occupations participated in this study. The data obtained from responding to questionnaires of resilience and interpersonal problem solving of respondents were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and linear regression correlation coefficient. The findings showed that there is a significant relationship between resilience and some problem-solving methods (frankness and transparency, realism, exposure, sympathy, pursuit and challenge, and incentive agreement) of elderly home caregivers. According to the result of linear regression, among the respondents' interpersonal problem-solving methods, realism was the only predictive variable for resilience (P = 0.006). That is, being more realistic is related to more resilience in caring for the elderly. Some interpersonal problem-solving methods of adults are related to their resilience in caring for the elderly. Paying attention to these resilient practices and behaviors can be effective in improving the quality of care for the elderly and reducing their difficulties. The results of this study can be used in long-term and practical planning for elderly home caregivers.

Wavefront characteristics in amblyopia of different etiologies in children

Forty-five patients (90 eyes) were examined. All patients were divided into five groups: 1 - with dysbinocular amblyopia; 2 - with refractive amblyopia; 3 - with anisometropic amblyopia; 4 - with relative amblyopia due to congenital myopia; 5 (control) - fellow eyes without amblyopia. Aberrometry was performed using the OPD-Scan III device (Nidek, Japan). Fixation parameters were studied on the MP-3 microperimeter (Nidek, Japan). Correlation analysis was performed using Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (r). In amblyopia associated with congenital myopia, a significant increase in corneal and internal aberrations RMS, Total HOA, astigmatism (V) (0.65±0.26; 1.01±0.31; 4.22±1.17; -2.17±0.72; 0.86±0.3, respectively; control group - 0.44±0.19; 0.58±0.27; 1.0±0.75; -0.94±0.89; 0.47±0.65) and internal spherical aberration (0.06±0.02; control group - 0.04±0.03) was found. In dysbinocular amblyopia, a significant increase in internal aberrations Trefoil (V) and Coma (H) (0.75±0.52 and 0.17±0.35, respectively; control group - 0.05±0.28 and -0.07±0.21) was found, which correlated with a decrease in fixation density in the 2° ring (r= -0.40, r= -0.41). The increased level of higher-order aberrations in amblyopia associated with congenital myopia is due to the anatomical and optical features of the eyes. The increase in internal aberrations Trefoil (V) and Coma (H) in dysbinocular amblyopia is associated with a mismatch of the optical elements of the eye due to impaired fixation, i.e., it is not the cause, but the consequence of amblyopia.

Особенности течения COVID-19 у больных с хроническими вирусными гепатитами

Objective. To study the features of clinical picture and levels of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 and -6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in COVID-19 patients with CVH. Patients and Methods. A prospective case-control study included 222 patients admitted between 2020 and 2024 with a diagnosis of COVID-19 presenting with CVH at Zangiota Multidisciplinary Infectious Disease Clinic No. 1. The diagnosis of COVID-19 in all patients was verified either by polymerase chain reaction revealing SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (nasopharyngeal swabs) or by specific immunoglobulins of class M to coronavirus detected by enzyme immunoassay. The severity of the course of the disease was determined in accordance with the temporary methodological recommendations of the Republic of Uzbekistan “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19 Group I included 103 (46.39%) patients with chronic viral hepatitis C (CVHC), Group II included 104 (46.85%) patients with chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB), and Group III included 15(6.76%) patients with mixt-hepatitis. The examination included: history taking; clinical examination of patients; standard clinical and biochemical blood tests; multispiral computed tomography and/or lung radiography. Serum levels of TNF-alpha and interleukins (hereinafter referred to as IL) -1, and -6 were determined using diagnostic test systems manufactured by VECTOR-BEST LLC (Novosibirsk, Russia) according to the attached instructions. Statistical processing of the obtained results was performed using Statstica.12 program. Methods of descriptive and variation statistics were used; Fisher's criterion and Pearson's linear correlation coefficient were calculated. Differences were considered reliable at p &lt; 0.05. Results. In groups I and II, the moderately severe form of COVID-19 was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) redominant; in the whole sample, as well as in the moderately severe course of the disease, women were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) predominant; 9 out of 10 patients who died were men. The later a patient was admitted to the hospital, the more often severe COVID-19 was diagnosed. In all groups, men were hospitalized significantly (p &lt; 0.05) later than women. In 12(5,41%) patients the diagnosis of “CVH” was detected for the first time in hospital by ELISA method: in 11 cases – CVHC, in another 1 – CVHB. Thirtysix(16.21%) patients had diabetes mellitus, 17 of them had moderate COVID-19, and 19 had severe COVID-19. There was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) predominance of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients from group I (25.2% vs. 3.6:% in group II, and 13.3% in group III, respectively). In 26 patients with diabetes mellitus from group I, the level of IL-6 was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher (59.45 ± 18.15 pg/mL, versus 30.61 ± 4.24 and 31.0 pg/mL for groups II and III, respectively). The level of C-reactive protein in the general group amounted to 41.21 ± 1.68 IU/mL; the dynamics of this index had a wave-like character, increasing with aggravation of the condition and decreasing with increasing saturation and decreasing intoxication syndrome. In 78 (35.13%) patients at hospital discharge the level of CRP remained elevated (24.03 ± 1.47 mg/L). Conclusion. Timely detection of disorders in the systems of cytokine regulation and hemostasis in patients with the combination of COVID-19 and CVH will allow increasing the effectiveness of treatment (hepatoprotectors, anticoagulants) both in hospital and in the rehabilitation period. Key words: COVID-19, diagnosis, proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, chronic viral hepatitis

Assessment of inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the Luna EMG robot as a tool for assessing upper limb proprioception in patients with stroke-a prospective observational study.

The aim of the study was to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater agreement of measurements performed with the Luna EMG (electromyography) multifunctional robot, a tool for evaluation of upper limb proprioception in individuals with stroke. The study was conducted in a group of patients with chronic stroke. A total of 126 patients participated in the study, including 78 women and 48 men, on average aged nearly 60 years (mean = 59.9). Proprioception measurements were performed using the Luna EMG diagnostic and rehabilitation robot to assess the left and right upper limbs. The examinations were conducted by two raters, twice, two weeks apart. The results were compared between the raters and the examinations. High consistency of the measurements performed for the right and the left hand was reflected by the interclass correlation coefficients (0.996-0.998 and 0.994-0.999, respectively) and by Pearson's linear correlation which was very high (r = 1.00) in all the cases for the right and the left hand in both the inter-rater and intra-rater agreement analyses. Measurements performed by the Luna EMG diagnostic and rehabilitation robot demonstrate high inter-rater and intra-rater agreement in the assessment of upper limb proprioception in patients with chronic stroke. The findings show that Luna EMG is a reliable tool enabling effective evaluation of upper limb proprioception post-stroke.

Parâmetros genéticos da produção in vitro de embriões das raças Nelore e Senepol

Abstract This study aimed to estimate genetic parameters for traits of in vitro embryo production (IVEP) of Nellore and Senepol cattle. Data from 1,247 rounds of in vitro fertilization (1,029 Nellore, 218 Senepol) were used, totaling 148,311 oocytes (116,972 Nellore, 31,339 Senepol), 47,301 embryos (38,722 Nellore, 8,579 Senepol), and 6,323 pregnancies (5,534 Nellore, 789 Senepol). The variables percentage of viable oocytes (Pooc), percentage of cleaved embryos (Pcleav), percentage of produced embryos (Pemb), percentage of pregnancy (Ppreg) per round per bull, mean number of viable oocytes per donor (MOD), mean number of embryos produced per donor (MED), and mean number of pregnancies per donor (MPD) were analyzed from data provided by a partner company between the years 2019 and 2022. The SAS program was used to analyze fixed effects and Pearson linear correlation. The components of variance for heritabilities were calculated using the MTDFREML program. MOD, MED, and MPD values of 29.94, 10.01, and 2.53 were obtained for Nellore and 30.12, 8.17, and 2.34 for Senepol, respectively. In general, Nellore provided better embryo production compared to Senepol. Heritability estimates showed low to medium magnitude, with values Nellore and Senepol of 0.16 and 0.04 (Pcleav), 0.14 and 0.08 (Pemb), 0.02 and 0.15 (Ppreg), 0.07 and 0.02 (MED), and 0.05 and 0.00 (MPD), respectively. However, it indicates the presence of genetic variability and the possibility of selection. Therefore, there is genetic variability for IVEP traits in both breeds, indicating that they can be used as selection criteria because they are heritable and that Nellore presents better performance for IVEP traits compared to Senepol.

Assessing the Relationship between Radiology Department Research Funding and Institutional Community Inclusion and Investment.

Background Health care access disparities and lack of inclusion in clinical research have been well documented for marginalized populations. However, few studies exist examining the research funding of institutions that serve historically underserved groups. Purpose To assess the relationship between research funding awarded to radiology departments by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Lown Institute Hospitals Index rankings for inclusivity and community benefit. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included radiology departments awarded funding from the NIH between 2017 and 2021. The 2021 Lown Institute Hospitals Index rankings for inclusivity and community benefit were examined. The inclusivity metric measures how similar a hospital's patient population is to the surrounding community in terms of income, race and ethnicity, and education level. The community benefit metric measures charity care spending, Medicaid as a proportion of patient revenue, and other community benefit spending. Linear regression and Pearson correlation coefficients (r values) were used to evaluate the relationship between aggregate NIH radiology department research funding and measures of inclusivity and community benefit. Results Seventy-five radiology departments that received NIH funding ranging from $195 000 to $216 879 079 were included. A negative correlation was observed between the amount of radiology department research funding received and institutional rankings for serving patients from racial and/or ethnic minorities (r = -0.34; P < .001), patients with low income (r = -0.44; P < .001), and patients with lower levels of education (r = -0.46; P < .001). No correlation was observed between the amount of radiology department research funding and institutional rankings for charity care spending (r = -0.19; P = .06), community investment (r = -0.04; P = .68), and Medicaid as a proportion of patient revenue (r = -0.10; P = .22). Conclusion Radiology departments that received more NIH research funding were less likely to serve patients from racial and/or ethnic minorities and patients who had low income or lower levels of education. © RSNA, 2024 See also the editorial by Mehta and Rosen in this issue.

Clinical evaluation of implants placed within or beyond the boundaries of the alveolar ridge preservation: a retrospective case series with 10 weeks of observations in 28 patients.

This study investigated the effect of implant vertical positioning within alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) sites on implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, which were measured 10 weeks post-implantation. Patients who underwent ARP using collagenized deproteinized bovine bone mineral, followed by implant placement in the posterior area, were divided into 2 groups: the within-ARP group and the beyond-ARP group. In the within-ARP group, osteotomy and implant placement occurred within the ARP boundary. In contrast, in the beyond-ARP group, these procedures were performed beyond the ARP boundary, incorporating 3 mm of pristine bone at the implant's apex. Bone quality was assessed by tactile sense, and both insertion torque during implant surgery and ISQ values at 10 weeks post-implant surgery were measured. Multiple linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship between insertion torque and ISQ values. In total, 30 ARP sites in 28 patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in bone quality, as determined by tactile sense, between the within-ARP and beyond-ARP groups. At the time of implant placement, the beyond-ARP group exhibited a higher insertion torque (33.33±13.39 Ncm) compared to the within-ARP group (17.08±11.17 Ncm). However, the ISQ values were similar between the 2 groups 10 weeks after implant placement. A positive correlation between insertion torque and ISQ values was confirmed at 10 weeks post-implant. The engagement of pristine bone may facilitate high insertion torque during the placement of implants in ARP sites. Nevertheless, by 10 weeks post-implantation, the ISQ values were found to be comparable, irrespective of the implant's position.