Bivariate Pearson Correlation Research Articles

Correlation of Plantation Area and Palm Oil Production in Sumatra and Kalimantan Regions

This study aims to analyze the correlation between the area of oil palm plantations and oil palm production in Indonesia, especially in the Sumatra and Kalimantan regions which are the centers of oil palm plantation distribution. Data collection using secondary data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), this study aims to determine the relationship between the increase in land area and oil palm plantation production over the past 10 years. This study uses a quantitative method with a correlative approach. Data analysis was carried out using a bivariate correlation Pearson correlation test to determine the positive relationship between plantation area and oil palm production. The results of the analysis showed a significant positive relationship between the land area variable and oil palm production in both the Sumatra and Kalimantan regions, this is indicated by a positive number and a strong correlation of 0.852 for the Sumatra region and very strong, namely 0.996 for the Kalimantan region. In addition, the results of the interpretation of the correlation by looking at Sig. (2-tailed) also show that between the land area variable and production there is a significant correlation, namely 0.002 for the Sumatra region and a value of 0.000 for the Kalimantan region. Although the correlation between land area and production shows a positive value and has a very strong correlation, there are still other factors such as technology, climate, and management practices that also play a role in influencing palm oil production results.

Meaningful Associations Between Motivation for Treatment and Interpersonal Needs Within a Residential Sample of Women With Eating Disorders

ABSTRACTObjectivePerceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB), two proximal risk factors for suicide, may rise during residential eating disorder (ED) treatment when patients are separated from support and face exorbitant costs of care. In this setting, fostering motivation for treatment is challenging, and low motivation for treatment may exacerbate feelings of PB and TB. Simultaneously, PB and TB could reduce motivation for treatment, though no studies have explored this relationship longitudinally. Accordingly, this study examined associations between interpersonal needs (TB, PB) and motivation for treatment across the first 6 weeks of residential ED treatment.MethodsParticipants (n = 98) completed the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) and rated treatment motivation weekly. Pearson bivariate correlations examined the relationship between motivation and interpersonal needs at each timepoint. Two autoregressive cross‐lagged panel models (AR‐CLPMs) tested reciprocal relationships between these constructs longitudinally across the first 6 weeks of treatment.ResultsMotivation was significantly negatively correlated with PB and TB at all timepoints. In AR‐CLPM 1, Week 2 Motivation predicted Weeks 3 PB, then Week 3 PB predicted Week 4 Motivation. In AR‐CLPM 2, Week 2 TB predicted Week 3 Motivation, but Motivation did not predict TB at any timepoint.DiscussionThis study is the first to examine longitudinal relations between interpersonal needs and treatment motivation in residential ED care. PB and TB may influence one's motivation for treatment, although motivation and PB had a stronger reciprocal relationship than motivation and TB. Interpersonal needs should be addressed early in residential treatment to mitigate negative cycling.

A comparative study to assess Hba1c levels in antenatal non diabetic women with anemia and without anemia

BackgroundGlycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has a glucose residue attached to the terminal NH2 group (valine residue) of one or both HbA beta chains. HbA1c levels are not affected by blood glucose levels alone. HbA1c results are affected by several factors, such as anemia, structural hemoglobinopathies and thalassemia syndromes. HbA1c concentrations are affected by conditions that affect erythrocyte turnover. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in India is above 50 %. Although many forms of anemia are associated with the lowering of HbA1c, iron deficiency has been shown to shift HbA1c slightly upward. Research on this topic has yielded a variety of findings. In some research, there was no association observed between anemia and HbA1c levels; in other investigations, there was a rise or fall in this number. Iron deficiency anemia and HbA1c′s relationship is therefore still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to determine the correlation between Iron deficiency anemia and HbA1c levels among non diabetic pregnant women with anemia. MethodologyThis prospective observational study was conducted among singleton pregnant women attending antenatal clinic OPD in a private tertiary hospital in Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram district. After the complete review of their obstetric record, blood was collected in 5 ml sterile syringes and transferred equally to the two separate test tubes containing ethylene-diamine-tetra acetic acid (EDTA) anticoagulant for determining RBC indices and HbA1c levels. The difference in mean between two independent samples (between Anemia and Non-anemia) was determined using an independent sample t-test, and the difference between two independent proportions was calculated using a z-test. Bivariate Pearson's correlation analysis was used to adjudicate the relationship between red blood cell indices and HbA1c level, and correlation coefficient (r)was calculated, and the p-value of <0.05* was considered statistically significant. ResultsBivariate Pearson's correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship between HbA1c levels and red blood cells in anemic pregnant women. HbA1c levels negatively correlated with Hemoglobin (r = −0.875, p < 0.01*), PCV (r = −0.732, p =<0.01*) and transferrin saturation (r = 0.224, p < 0.01*) and it was statistically significant. Other indices, such as serum iron concentration and TIBC, demonstrated no correlation with HbA1c level. ConclusionThis study shows that the reliability of Hba1c in diagnosing diabetes among pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia is misguiding and can be considered after treating the condition. Also, more studies are needed to improve our understanding of this topic.

Surgeon-related Factors in the Surgical Treatment of Proximal Humerus Fractures.

In this study, we reviewed proximal humeral fractures surgically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to test the null hypothesis that there is no association between fracture characteristics and surgeon characteristics in outcomes after surgical management of displaced proximal humeral fractures with ORIF. A retrospective review of surgically treated proximal humeral fractures was done at a tertiary-level hospital. The data were organized into two categories: fracture characteristics and surgeon characteristics. There were 314 proximal humeral fractures treated with ORIF. In total, there were 112 failures (36%). Bivariate Pearson correlations demonstrated that the number of proximal humerus fixation surgeries performed by an individual surgeon was associated with adequate calcar reduction (r = 0.995, P < 0.001) and greater tuberosity reduction (r = 0.994, P < 0.001). Years of experience was positively associated with adequate calcar reduction (r = 0.594, P = 0.012) and greater tuberosity reduction (r = 0.589, P = 0.013). Regression analysis of two surgeons versus the rest of the cohort demonstrated significantly lower failure rates (P = 0.001). Complex proximal humeral fractures (3-part and 4-part) have better calcar reduction and tuberosity reduction when treated by surgeons with greater volume of proximal humeral fracture surgery. Among surgeons with high volume, there may be individuals who have the unique ability to provide markedly better results.

Upregulation of Metrnl improves diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway: A potential therapeutic target.

This study comprises an investigation of the role of meteorin-like (Metrnl) in an experimental model of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Twenty-four db/db mice were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: DKD, DKD + Metrnl-/-, and DKD + Metrnl+/+. Plasma Metrnl concentrations were measured using ELISA. Kidney tissues were examined via western blotting, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry to determine the expression levels of inflammatory factors. Electron microscopy was employed to observe stained kidney sections. Compared with the NC group, FBG, BW, and UACR were elevated in the DKD and Metrnl-/- groups, with severe renal pathological injury, decreased serum Metrnl concentration, decreased renal Metrnl expression, and increased expression levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-R1, pSmad2, pSmad3, and α-SMA. In contrast, the Metrnl+/+ group showed decreased FBG and UACR, BUN, TC and TG, increased HDL-C and serum Metrnl concentration, increased renal Metrnl expression, and decreased expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1, TGF-R1, pSmad2, pSmad3, and α-SMA, compared to the DKD and Metrnl-/- groups. A Pearson bivariate correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between UACR and Metrnl, and a positive correlation between UACR and TGF-β1. Upregulation of renal Metrnl expression can improve renal injury by downregulating the expression of molecules in the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in the renal tissues of type 2 diabetic mice; and by reducing the production of fibrotic molecules such as α-SMA.

“A quantitative analysis on the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation technologies in the upper Gelana watershed, Northeast Ethiopian highlands”

Globally, the degradation of soil, water, and forests has had a significant impact on both livelihoods and the environment. This issue is particularly severe in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Despite extensive efforts to implement conservation measures for soil, water, and forests in the highlands of Ethiopia, there has been a lack of thorough evaluation and documentation regarding the adoption of these practices by rural households. It is crucial to have scientific and up-to-date information at various spatial scales in order to effectively monitor existing practices, scale up successful initiatives, and promote sustainable regional development. Therefore, this paper focuses on analyzing the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation activities by households in the upper Gelana watershed, South Wollo zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. The field data collection for this study took place from January to March 2022, from 150 rural household heads. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics, Pearson bivariate correlation, and multinomial logistic regression were used. The survey findings revealed that 69 % of the respondents had implemented various soil, water, and forest conservation measures at different stages. The Pearson correlation results indicated a positive relationship between the adoption of soil, water and forest conservation practices. The multinomial logistic regression analysis has revealed that age, gender, access to credit, and access to extension services, significantly influenced the households’ decision behaviour to adopt soil conservation practices. Age, access to extension service, and access to water resource were significant predictors of adoption of water conservation practices; whereas age, educational status, and access to extension service were significant predictors of adoption of forest conservation practices. This study underscores the significance of institutional factors in driving the adoption of technology in the research area. It further recommends policies that prioritize the dissemination of information on effective strategies, improvement of access to extension services, water resources, and credit facilities to promote sustainable watershed management. This study is exceptional in its innovative approach, which explores the convergence of these vital conservation domains within the distinct setting of the upper Gelana watershed. Studying the adoption of these technologies is crucial for informing policy-making and designing effective interventions that promote sustainable watershed practices. In this case, the Ministry of Agriculture, and development agents should scale up the adoption of these practices and take remedial actions for those not yet adopted.

Shear-wave elastographic imaging in choroidal melanomas: clinical and hemodynamic correlations.

This study evaluated the role of shear wave elastography imaging (SWEΙ) in uveal melanomas and the associations between SWEI and clinical and hemodynamic findings. Prospective, clinical study METHODS: Twelve patients with uveal melanomas, scheduled to undergo Ru-106 brachytherapy, were prospectively recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Heraklion (September-December 2022). B-mode, hemodynamic and SWEI ultrasonography examinations were performed with the HiScan (OPTIKON 2000) and the LOGIQ E9 (GE Healthcare) sonographic systems, respectively. Differences in SWEI scores (kPa) between tumor (TS) and adjacent non-affected choroid (CS), as well as between TS and orbital fat (FS) were examined. Correlations between SWEI and intra-tumoral hemodynamic parameters, including peak systolic and end diastolic velocities and resistivity index (RI) were also examined. TS was significantly correlated with intra-tumoral RI (Pearson's bivariate correlation coefficient 0.681, p=0.015) and with maximal tumor height (Pearson's bivariate correlation coefficient 0.620, p=0.031). TS was significantly higher than both FS and CS scores (paired-samples t-test, p=0.003 and p=0.006, respectively). SWEI score is applicable as a quantitative biomechanical marker in the assessment of choroidal melanoma. Choroidal melanomas are stiffer than both adjacent choroid and orbital fat. Moreover, choroidal melanomas with higher RI as well as those with higher apical elevations display higher SWEI scores.

The role of motivation in shaping social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in physical-sports activity contexts.

The present study aims to test a model in which basic psychological needs (BPN) satisfaction in physical-sport activity contexts is associated with self-determined motivation, which, in turn, would predict the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities. A total of 286 people with intellectual disabilities (53.5% men) who reported engaging in physical-sport activities responded to a validated questionnaire about the satisfaction of their BPN, motivation (using the Self-determination index [SDI]), and social inclusion. A Pearson's bivariate correlation and structural equation modeling were conducted. The resulting model was reanalyzed in a multigroup analysis to test its invariance across self and proxy reports. Positive associations were found between the satisfaction of the BPN and the SDI. However, the SDI and social inclusion were positively associated only in proxy reports (βself=0.07 vs. βproxy=0.30). The tested model established positive relationships between the BPN and SDI in autonomy (βself=0.21 vs. βproxy=0.18), competence (βself=0.47 vs. βproxy=0.53), and relatedness (βself=0.21 vs. βproxy=0.23). Further research is needed to understand the factors leading to discrepancies between participants and proxies when relating the SDI to social inclusion in the context of physical-sport activity. However, the results obtained suggest that it would be optimal to develop contexts of practice for people with intellectual disabilities in which the satisfaction of their BPN is favored and that this has a positive impact on their motivation and social inclusion.

Oculometric biomarkers of visuomotor deficits in clinically asymptomatic patients with systemic lupus erythematosus undergoing long-term hydroxychloroquine treatment.

This study examines a set of oculomotor measurements, or "oculometric" biomarkers, as potential early indicators of visual and visuomotor deficits due to retinal toxicity in asymptomatic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. The aim is to identify subclinical functional impairments that are otherwise undetectable by standard clinical tests and to link them to structural retinal changes. We measured oculomotor responses in a cohort of SLE patients on chronic HCQ therapy using a previously established behavioral task and analysis technique. We also examined the relationship between oculometrics, OCT measures of retinal thickness, and standard clinical perimetry measures of visual function in our patient group using Bivariate Pearson Correlation and a Linear Mixed-Effects Model (LMM). Significant visual and visuomotor deficits were found in 12 asymptomatic SLE patients on long-term HCQ therapy compared to a cohort of 17 age-matched healthy controls. Notably, six oculometrics were significantly different. The median initial pursuit acceleration was 22%, steady-state pursuit gain 16%, proportion smooth 7%, and target speed responsiveness 31% lower, while catch-up saccade amplitude was 46% and fixation error 46% larger. Excluding the two patients with diagnosed mild toxicity, four oculometrics, all but fixation error and proportion smooth, remained significantly impaired compared to controls. Across our population of 12 patients (24 retinae), we found that pursuit latency, initial acceleration, steady-state gain, and fixation error were linearly related to retinal thickness even when age was accounted for, while standard measures of clinical function (Mean Deviation and Pattern Standard Deviation) were not. Our data show that specific oculometrics are sensitive early biomarkers of functional deficits in SLE patients on HCQ that could be harnessed to assist in the early detection of HCQ-induced retinal toxicity and other visual pathologies, potentially providing early diagnostic value beyond standard visual field and OCT evaluations.

Personality and Health in Military Context: A Study of Combatants and Injured Servicemen

Introduction: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has placed significant mental and physical health burdens on military personnel, including both elite combat troops and injured servicemen in rehabilitation. Understanding the factors that influence their health outcomes is crucial for developing effective support and intervention strategies. Purpose: This study aims to analyse the relationships between negative indicators of mental and physical health (PTSD symptoms and somatic complaints) and personal characteristics (resilience, self-efficacy, and Big Five personality traits) in two distinct samples of military personnel: elite combat troops and injured servicemen in rehabilitation. By comparing these groups, the study seeks to understand how personal characteristics influence health outcomes and whether the impact differs based on the context of military service. Methodology: The study involved 180 Ukrainian military personnel (all men) divided into two groups: 149 elite combat troops and 31 injured combatants in rehabilitation. Participants completed self-report measures assessing PTSD symptoms, physical complaints, resilience, self-efficacy, and personality traits. Descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, ranges, skewness, and kurtosis) were computed, and independent samples t-tests and Cohen’s d were calculated to determine differences between the groups. Pearson's bivariate correlations and Z-tests were conducted to examine relationships between health indicators and personal characteristics. Multiple linear regression analysis (using the forward method) was performed to construct prognostic models for mental and physical health outcomes. Results: Injured combatants exhibited significantly higher levels of PTSD symptoms, exhaustion, and various physical complaints compared to elite combat troops. In contrast, elite combat troops showed higher levels of resilience, self-efficacy, extraversion, and emotional stability. Regression models highlighted self-efficacy, resilience, and emotional stability as key predictors of reduced PTSD symptoms and physical complaints, with varying predictive values across the two groups. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of personal characteristics in mitigating the negative health impacts of combat exposure within the global mental health landscape. Tailored interventions enhancing resilience, self-efficacy, and emotional stability are crucial, particularly for injured combatants. Future research should employ longitudinal designs and larger samples to further understand the dynamics of these relationships and support the well-being of military personnel on a global scale. By addressing these critical areas, we can develop more effective strategies to support the mental health and recovery of those affected by combat and conflict worldwide.

Poststroke cognitive outcome is better accounted for by white matter abnormalities automated segmentation than visual analysis

Background and aimsThe association between white matter abnormalities (WMA) and cognitive decline previously reported in poststroke patients has been mainly documented using visual scales. However, automated segmentation of WMA provides a precise determination of the volume of WMA. Nonetheless, it is rarely used in the stroke population and its potential advantage over visual scales is still unsettled. The objective of this study was to examine whether automated segmentation of WMA provides a better account than the visual Fazekas and Wahlund scales of the decline in executive functions and processing speed in stroke patients. MethodsThe analyses were conducted on the 358 patients of the GRECogVASC cohort with an MRI performed at six months poststroke in the Amiens center. WMA were visually analyzed using the Fazekas (subcortical abnormalities) and Wahlund scales. Segmentation was performed using LST (3.0.3). Following preliminary studies to determine the optimal segmentation threshold, we examined the relationship between cognitive status and WMA volume computed at each threshold using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Finally, we assessed the ability of both Fazekas and Wahlund visual scores and WMA volume to account for cognitive scores by using a bivariate Pearson correlation analysis, comparing correlation coefficients with the Fisher transformation and repeating correlation analysis after adjustment for the lesion volume. ResultsIncreasing the threshold led to an underestimation of WMA (P=0.0001) (significant for a threshold ≥0.2) and an improvement in correct rejection of signal changes in the stroke cavity (P=0.02) (significant for a threshold ≤0.5), susceptibility artifacts (P=0.002) (significant for a threshold ≤0.6), and corticospinal degeneration (P=0.03) (significant for a threshold ≤0.5). WMA volume decreased with increasing threshold (P=0.0001). Areas under the curve (AUC) did not differ according to the threshold (processing speed: P=0.85, executive cognitive functions: P=0.7). Correlation coefficients between cognitive scores and WMA were higher for WMA volume than the Fazekas (processing speed: Z=−3.442, P=0.001; executive functions: Z=−2.751, P=0.006) and Wahlund scores (processing speed: Z=−3.615, P=0.0001; executive functions: Z=−2.769, P=0.006). Adjustment for lesion volume did not alter the correlations with WMA volume (processing speed: r=−0.327 [95%CI: −0.416; −0.223], P=0.0001; executive functions: r=−0.262 [95%CI: −0.363; −0.150], P=0.0001). ConclusionThis study shows that WMA volume assessed by automated segmentation provides a better account of cognitive disorders than visual analysis. This should favor its wider use to refine imaging determinants of poststroke cognitive disorders.

The Correlation Between Students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills and Their English Achievement at Seventh Grade

The background of this research was that there were several problems regarding students' English achievement and their higher order thinking skills. Theory said that higher order thinking skills can be a tool that can help improve student learning achievement. Researchers found there was a difference between theory and facts in the field. Teachers have implemented HOTS in the learning process, but English scores are still low. Therefore, researchers want to know the relationship between students' HOTS and their English achievement. The design of this research is correlational research. Researchers used test instrument to collect students' HOTS scores, and documentation was used to collect students' English scores in their second semester report cards. The population of this research was all seventh grade students, which consist two classes. The sample of this research was class VII A, totaling 24 students. The sampling for this research was cluster sampling. Researchers used Bivariate Pearson Correlation to determine the correlation between the two variables. The results of this research showed that the correlation coefficient between the two variables is 0.471. Then the magnitude of the correlation is sufficient, around 0.40-0.60. Thus, there is a positive correlation between students' higher order thinking skills (HOTS) and their English achievement in the seventh grade of SMPN 3 Koto Besar.

Factors that indicate performance on the MoCA 7.3 in healthy adults over 50 years old

Human aging is a physiological, progressive, heterogeneous global process that causes a decline of all body systems, functions, and organs. Throughout this process, cognitive function suffers an incremental decline with broad interindividual variability.The first objective of this study was to examine the differences in the performance on the MoCA test (v. 7.3) per gender and the relationship between the performance and the variables age, years of schooling, and depressive symptoms .The second objective was to identify factors that may influence the global performance on the MoCA test (v. 7.3) and of the domains orientation, language, memory, attention/calculation, visuospatial and executive function, abstraction, and identification.A cross-sectional study was carried out in which five hundred seventy-three (573) cognitively healthy adults ≥ 50 years old were included in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the GDS-15 questionnaire to assess depression symptoms and the Spanish version of the MoCA Test (v 7.3) were administered. The evaluations were carried out between the months of January and June 2022. Differences in the MoCA test performance per gender was assessed with Student’s t-test for independent samples. The bivariate Pearson correlation was applied to examine the relationship between total scoring of the MoCA test performance and the variables age, years of schooling, and depressive symptoms. Different linear multiple regression analyses were performed to determine variables that could influence the MoCA test performance.We found gender-related MoCA Test performance differences. An association between age, years of schooling, and severity of depressive symptoms was observed. Age, years of schooling, and severity of depressive symptoms influence the MoCA Test performance, while gender does not.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for the Detection of Acute Malnutrition Among Children Aged 6-60 Months: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

Timely and accurate screening of malnutrition at the community level is essential to identifying malnourished children. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines classify non-oedematous acute malnutrition among children using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) or weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ). Study Design: A cross-sectional study. This study was conducted among children aged 6‒60 months. After necessary exclusions, 433 participants were selected using a multi-stage simple random sampling method. Using WHO guidelines for global acute malnutrition (GAM) [WHZ<-2, MUAC<12.5 cm], the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), predictive values, likelihood ratios, Youden index, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated for MUAC using WHZ as the criterion. Out of 433 participants, 30% were diagnosed with GAM using WHZ, while 17.6% were found malnourished using MUAC measurements. As per WHO cut-offs, the Se, Sp, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Youden index, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of MUAC were 48%, 96%, 83%, 81%, 0.44, 12, and 0.54, respectively. The ROC curve displayed an area under the curve of 0.86 (95% confidence interval=0.83, 0.90) for MUAC<12.5 cm. Bivariate Pearson correlation also demonstrated a positive linear relationship (R2=0.302) between the WHZ and MUAC variables. Based on the findings, 48% of the children were correctly identified by the MUAC with an 83% probability of GAM (PPV=0.83). Moreover, there was 96% Sp in non-malnourished children, with only 4% false positives. Therefore, personnel at the grassroots level can use MUAC for timely and accurate screening of children in Anganwadi centers (AWCs) due to its ease of use and simplicity.

US neonatal intensive care unit registered dietitian nutritionists salary description and correlates: results of a survey.

This survey described the compensation of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the United States and examined correlates of higher salaries within this group. A cross-sectional online survey was completed in 2021 by 143 NICU RDNs from 127 US hospitals who reported hourly wage in US dollars (USD). We used initial bivariate analyses to assess the relationship of selected institution-level and individual-level variables to hourly wage; the rank-sum test for binary variables; bivariate regression and Pearson correlation coefficients for continuous variables; the Kruskal-Wallis test for categorical variables. Variables with a compelling relationship to the hourly wage outcome were considered in model creation. Final model selection was based on comparisons of model fit. Median hourly compensation was USD 33.24 (interquartile range [IQR] 29.81, 38.49). Seven variables had a compelling bivariate relationship with hourly wage: cost of living, employer facility with a paediatric residency, employer facility with a neonatal fellowship, NICU bed: full-time equivalents (FTE) RDN ratio, years in neonatal nutrition, having a certification and order writing privileges. In the final adjusted model (R2 = 0.42), three variables remained associated with increased hourly wage: higher cost of living, longer length of career in neonatal nutrition and fewer NICU beds per NICU RDN FTE. US NICU RDNs earn similar or slightly higher wages than other US paediatric RDNs; they earn substantially less than other NICU healthcare team members. Employers need to improve compensation for NICU RDNs to incentivise their retention and recognise their additional non-clinical responsibilities.

Investigation of Classroom Teachers' Technostress Levels in Terms of ICT Competence Perceptions and Various Variables

Technostress refers to the negative psychological and physical effects of technology use (Brod, 1984; Shu, Tu, &amp; Wang ,2011). The reasons for this include factors such as information overload and inability to cope with the pressure to stay up to date with technology. Undoubtedly, there is a strong relationship between technostress and technology use (Brod, 1984). Today, technostress has become a common problem among teachers (Madigan &amp; Kim, 2021). This study aims to reveal the relationship between the levels of technostress that classroom teachers may have experienced and their perceptions of competence towards Information Communication Technologies (ICT). In addition, teachers' technostress levels and ICT efficacy perceptions were examined in terms of various descriptive variables. The study was conducted with the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, and two scales and various descriptive questions were used. In the study, independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and one sample ANOVA were used to determine the difference between multi-group variables. Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis was applied to test the relationship. The results of the analysis showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between teachers' technostress levels and their perceptions of ICT efficacy (r= 0.343; p

The Moderation Effect of Approach Motivation Between Schizotypy and Creative Ideational Behavior.

The schizotypy-creativity link has been studied from different perspectives over the past few decades, yet the results of this relationship are inconsistent in the literature. Previous studies have suggested that two basic motivational systems-Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS, avoidance motivation) and Behavioral Activation System (BAS, approach motivation)-underlie the relationship between schizotypy and creativity. Few empirical studies, however, have examined how the relationship interacts with other variables. This study fills these gaps and explores the role of the approach and avoidance motivation assessed by trait behavioral activation and inhibition in the link between schizotypy as a dimensional personality trait and creative ideational behavior as a measure of creativity. Undergraduate students (N = 388) completed questionnaires including the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) measuring 3 dimensions of schizotypy, Runco Ideational Behavior Scale (RIBS) measuring creative ideational behavior, and BIS/BAS Scales measuring trait behavioral motivation. Bivariate Pearson correlation was computed, and hierarchical linear regression was performed to explore the effects of schizotypy, BIS/BAS, and their interaction on creative ideational behavior. The conditional effect of schizotypy based on different levels of the moderator was further tested. The total score, positive dimension and disorganized dimension of SPQ were all positively correlated with RIBS, BAS, and BIS. Negative dimension of SPQ was not significantly correlated with the RIBS score but was positively correlated with BIS. Additionally, after controlling gender and age, BAS significantly moderated the relationship between the positive and disorganized dimensions of schizotypy and creative ideational behavior measured by RIBS. However, BIS was not a significant moderator. The findings of this study regarding the relationships between different dimensions of schizotypy, two motivational systems, and creative ideational behavior were mostly consistent with previous findings. The significant moderated effect of BAS on the relationship between two dimensions of schizotypy and creative ideational behavior made significant contributions to the understanding of the relationship between schizotypy and creativity.

Differences in Learning Outcomes and Science Process Skills of Students Learned with the Model Project Based Learning and Discovery Learning on Acid-Base Material

The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in learning outcomes and science process skills of students learned with Project Based Learning and Discovery Learning models on acid-base material, as well as the correlation between students' science process skills and student learning outcomes. This research is a quantitative research. The samples in this study were taken by random sampling of 2 classes, namely XI MIPA 1 as experimental class I and XI MIPA 3 as experimental class II, where each class was taken by 29 students based on the similarity of pretest results. The instruments used are test instruments in the form of multiple-choice questions and essays and non-test instruments in the form of observation sheets. Hypothesis testing was carried out using the SPSS Statistic version 24 for Windows computer program using the Independent Sample T-Test and Bivariate Pearson Correlation. For hypothesis I obtained the value of sig. (2-tailed) 0.008 (0.05) so that Ha is accepted, which means that there are differences in student learning outcomes learned with Project Based Learning and Discovery Learning models on acid-base material. For hypothesis II obtained sig value. (2-tailed) 0.010 (0.05) so that Ha is accepted, which means that there are differences in students' science process skills learned with the Project Based Learning and Discovery Learning models on acid-base material. For hypotheses III and IV obtained sig values. (2-tailed) of 0.002 and 0.001 (0.05) so that Ha is accepted, which means that there is a correlation between students' science process skills and student learning outcomes learned with Project Based Learning and Discovery Learning models on acid-base material.

An inquest into the resource mobilization and utilization capacity of local leaders for community resilience to agriculture-threatening droughts and floods

The main objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between resource mobilization and utilization capacity of local leaders and community resilience to droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani District of the Zambezi Valley in Zimbabwe. Continual exposure to the hydro-climatic disasters of droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani has accelerated the vulnerability of poor rural communities, plunging them deeper into poverty and preventing them from taking advantage of economic opportunities. With Lower Muzarabani faced with increasing magnitude, frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, the need for concerted efforts towards building disaster-resilient communities can never be overemphasized. The Conjoint Community Resilience Assessment Model (CCRAM) Household Questionnaire was used to collect data in face-to-face interviews among the sampled households. in Lower Muzarabani. The original CCRAM Model structure, consisting of 5 disaster-resilience factors (Leadership, Collective Efficacy, Preparedness, Place Attachment, and Social Trust) and 28 items, was used as the basis for the survey. The multi-stage sampling method was used in selecting the 200 households for the survey. The major finding obtained with the use of the Pearson Bivariate Correlation Analysis and Linear Regression Analysis was that the efficiency and effectiveness of resource mobilization and utilization activities (represented in the CCRAM model by the preparedness factor) significantly and positively influence community resilience to the hydro-climatic disasters of droughts and floods in Lower Muzarabani.

Anticholinergic and sedative medication use in older patients with cognitive concerns.

Anticholinergic (AC) and sedative medications are a risk factor for cognitive impairment. This study sought to characterize AC and sedative use in older patients seen for outpatient neuropsychological evaluation and evaluate their associations with different cognitive domains. We hypothesized that AC and sedative use would be associated with worse attention/processing speed (AP), executive functioning (EF), and memory. We conducted a cross-sectional chart review of 392 patients (mean [M] age = 72 ± 7.7 years, range = 54-91). Medications were characterized by number of AC medications (≥1 on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden Scale [ACB]), number of sedative medications, and polypharmacy (≥5 daily medications). Demographically adjusted composites were calculated for AP, EF, and memory. Bivariate Pearson correlations assessed relationships between medication use and cognition. Multivariate linear regressions evaluated significant medication-cognition associations, controlling for total medications, medical comorbidities, and estimated premorbid cognitive functioning. Polypharmacy was common (80%; n = 314). Most patients (70%; n = 275) used ≥1 sedative medications (range = 0-9). Over half (63%; n = 248) used ≥1 AC drugs (range = 0-7), yet ACB scores were ≤2 in 74% of patients. Sedative use was negatively correlated with AP (r = -0.134, p = 0.008) and EF (r = -0.105, p = 0.04). ACB scores were negatively correlated with AP (r = -0.106, p = 0.037). Sedatives and a priori covariates significantly predicted AP performance (R2 = 0.127, p < 0.001); using more sedative medications was uniquely associated with worse AP (β = -0.426, p = 0.049). No significant associations were found with memory. AC and sedative medications and polypharmacy were prevalent in this sample of older patients. Though both drug classes had negative relationships with AP and EF, sedatives had a particularly negative association with AP. Contrary to our hypotheses, memory was not associated with medication use; however, anticholinergic burden was low within the sample, and AP and EF deficits may masquerade as memory problems.