Statistical Significant Positive Correlation Research Articles

Study of the Relationship between Insulin Resistance, Iron Status Markers and Body Weight in a Sample of Egyptian Population

Abstract Background Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of different organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between insulin Resistance, iron Status Markers and body Weight in a sample of Egyptian population. Patients and Methods Our study was case control study conducted on 90 subjects their age was ranging form18 to 70 from diabetes outpatient clinic, and they were divided into 3 groups: Group (1): Non-obese non-diabetic as a control group, Group (2): Obese non diabetic and group (3): Obese diabetic. Results In our study, there was no statistical significant difference found between the three studied groups regarding iron study, Also our study showed that there was statistically non significant correlation between (ferritin level and TIBC), and (ferritin level, HOMA IR), but there was statistical significant positive correlation found between TIBC and FBS (p- value 0.045),Similarly, we did not observe either abnormally high or low ferritin values in our study on subjects with obesity. We found no association between this marker and body weight, in contrast with others. In our study, the higher insulin and HOMA-IR values observed in the subjects with TSAT<20% = 4.2(1.4-11.6) than those with TSAT >20% =2.4 (1.15-6.95), but statistically non significant p- value. The present study also showed that There was statistical significant positive correlation between (T.SAT, serum ferritin), (T.SAT, S.iron) and (T.SAT,SBP) (with p-value 0.03). Our study also showed that there was no statistical significant difference found between patients with T.sat ≤ 20% and those with T.sat > 20% regarding all the studied parameters except ferritin level and iron level was found higher in patients with T.sat >20% than those with T. sat ≤20% with p-value <0.001 and <0.001 respectively. Conclusion Characteristics of iron deficiency or iron overload were not observed in subjects with overweight/obesity and diabetic patients. Our results suggest a complex metabolic dysregulation.

Sonographic evaluation of maternal blood loss after childbirth using postpartum inferior vena cava diameter among parturients in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Postpartum hemorrhage has been a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally every year. Sonographic measurement of inferior vena cava diameter is a cheap, safe, non-invasive method and an indicator of blood loss after childbirth. The study was aimed to establish normal range values of postpartum inferior vena cava (IVC) among parturients in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. A prospective and longitudinal study from September, 2021 to September, 2022 was adopted and a minimum sample size of 210 measurements of IVC intraluminal diameter was calculated for the study using G Power sample size software. The sample comprised of two sets measurements obtained from 105 parturients before delivery and after delivery. The maternal heart rate and systolic blood pressure were measured. Blood samples from all subjects were collected. The data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Software. The range value of IVC diameter on inspiration of the subjects before childbirth was 13.2 mm – 20.3 mm, after childbirth was 9.1 mm – 16.7 mm. The IVC diameter range on expiration before childbirth was 17.3 mm – 24.8 mm, after childbirth was 12.6 mm – 21.4 mm. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) range of the subjects before childbirth was 35% – 40%, after childbirth was 18% – 33%. The heart rate before childbirth was 64 bpm – 100 bpm, after childbirth was 70 bpm – 100 bpm. The systolic blood pressure before childbirth was 110 mmHg – 120 mmHg, after childbirth was 90 mmHg – 120 mmHg. The shock index before childbirth was 0.5 – 0.9 and after childbirth was 0.6 – 0.9. A statistical significant (p<0.001) difference in IVC was observed. Furthermore, a statistical significant (p<0.001) difference was obtained in PCV, maternal heart rate, systolic blood pressure and shock index. There was a statistical significant strong positive correlation between IVC and PCV during inspiration and expiration before and after childbirth.

The Effect of Shared Governance Educational Program for Head Nurses on Nurses' Organizational Commitment

Background: Shared governance requires collaborative leadership implemented on the principles of partnership, justice, responsibility and ownership. This actually accomplish many benefits to the organization and improve nurses' organizational commitment level. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of shared governance educational program for head nurses on nurses' organizational commitment. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted at Kafer El Sheikh General Hospital. Subjects: Include all head nurses (60), and a simple random sample of (184) nurses, who were working at the previous setting. Tools: Three tools were used; (I) Shared Governance Knowledge Questionnaire, (II) Professional Shared Governance Questionnaire, and (III) Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. Results: The majority (89.7% and 66.8%) of studied nurses had high organizational commitment level at immediate post and follow up program phases, respectively. Conclusion: The educational program was successful and lead to improvement in head nurses' shared governance knowledge and level at immediate post and follow up program phases. In addition, there was a highly statistical significant positive correlation between head nurses' total shared governance knowledge and level and total nurses' organizational commitment level at immediate post program. Recommendations: Integrating the philosophy of shared governance into the values and mission of the organization through developing a set of policies that related to the principles and methods of its application. Maintaining a supportive work environment to promote nurses' organizational commitment.

Parental Acceptance as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental displayed acceptance predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also used questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.552, n=356, p<.05) between parental degree of displayed acceptance and learners’ overall behavioural adjustment. It was further revealed that there were statistical significant (p<.05) positive correlation between parental degree of displayed acceptance and all the five aspects of behavioural adjustment (Emotion Symptoms Conduct Problem, Hyper-creativity, Peer relationship Problem and Pro-social Behaviour) explored into. However, all the correlations were weak but it was evident that conduct problem adjustment reflected the highest correlation (r=.448), while peer problem adjustment had the least correlations (r=.331) to parental degree of displayed acceptance. From the regression analysis, it was also established that parental displayed acceptance alone accounted for 30.5% of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the pupils. In addition, linear regression reveal that if the parental display of acceptance was improved by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of overall behaviour adjustment of children would improve by .552 standard deviation units. Similarly, if improve their parental display of acceptance by one unit then the level of overall behaviour adjustment among the children would improve by .301 units. From the qualitative findings, it was found that parental psychological unavailability, negative criticism and over-emotional were associated with pupils’ behavioural maladjustments.

Parental Expressed Warmth as a Predictor of Behavioural Adjustment among Primary School Pupils in Kisii Central Sub-County, Kenya

The present study sought to investigate the extent parental expressed warmth predicts behavioural adjustment among pupils in primary schools in Kisii central Sub-County, Kenya. The study was guided by the Object relations theory and supported attachment theory. The study adopted mixed method approach in which the embedded research design was used. To obtain the sample for the study, the study used cluster sampling, stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The unit of analysis included 218 primary schools. The target population comprised of 14876 pupils, 10582 parents, 229 deputy head teachers and 218 guidance and counselling teachers. The sample size for the study consisted of 374 pupils, 30 parents, 30 deputy head teachers and 30 guidance and counselling teachers. The study also employed questionnaires and interview schedules to gather data. The study adopted the triangulation approach to measure the validity of the instruments. Split half method was also used to establish the reliability of instruments whereby the correlation coefficient value of .808 was established. In analysing qualitative data, the study used thematic analysis while descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that there was statistically significant positive correlation (r=.682, n=356, p<.05) between parental expressed warmth and pupils’ overall behavioural adjustment. The statistical significant (p<.05) positive correlation were also established between parental warmth and all the five aspects of learners’ behavioural adjustment (conduct problems, peer relationship problems, emotional symptom, hyperactivity and pro-social behaviours). Further analysis reveals that parental warmth alone accounted for 46.5% (Coefficient R2 = .465) of the variation in overall behavioural adjustment among the class 7 and 8 pupils and it was evident that parental warmth was a significant predicator of the overall learners’ behavioural adjustment [F (1, 354) = 308.067, p < .05). The study also established that as parental warmth increased by one standard deviation, then perceived scores in level of behaviour adjustment of pupil would also increase by .682 standard deviation units. Similarly, if the parental warmth increases by one unit then level of overall adjustment would improve by .292 units; this is a substantial effect from one independent variable. From qualitative findings, it was established that that parents as role model for their children were crucial for children to acquire pro-social behaviours. On this note it was found that most pupils develops unacceptable behaviours because of parental frequent discouragements, unclear guidance and unsupportive home environment that did not promote children’s use of proactive and problem-focused coping styles. The way parents communicate to their children was also found to have a positive effect on children’s behavioural adjustment. Loving children unconditionally by providing developmentally-appropriate physical care and environment (feeding, clothing and home safety) was also found to foster children’s positive emotional development and fewer behaviour problems at school and home.

Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory conduction study in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers

BackgroundPosterior femoral cutaneous nerve (posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh) is a sensory nerve arises from the sacral plexus. Its terminal part supplies the skin of the posterior surface of the thigh and popliteal fossa, and it extends for a variable length below the popliteal fossa till the mid-calf region. The aim was to assess the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve antidromic sensory conduction technique and estimate its different sensory nerve action potential parameters’ reference values in a sample of apparently healthy Egyptian participants. One hundred and twenty lower limbs of 60 apparently healthy Egyptian volunteers were included. Clinical evaluation and sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve were done.ResultsPosterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential was elicited in 98 lower limbs (81.6%) of 52 individuals (86.7%). The obtained results of different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential were as the following: onset latency (2.04 ± 0.21 ms), peak latency (2.86 ± 0.25 ms), conduction velocity (59.45 ± 6.36 m/s) and amplitude (6.16 ± 2.29 μV). No significant differences between the two genders were found regarding different parameters of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential except for amplitude which was significantly larger among male participants (P = 0.030). No significant differences between the right and left lower limbs were found regarding different parameters of sensory nerve action potential. There was a statistical significant negative correlation between age and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve conduction velocity (P = 0.008). There was a statistical significant positive correlation between height and peak latency (P ≤ 0.0001), as well as, a statistical significant negative correlation between height and conduction velocity (P ≤ 0.0001). There was a statistical significant negative correlation between body mass index and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve peak latency (P = 0.008).ConclusionsThe research provides a reliable electrophysiological antidromic sensory conduction study for the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve and normal cut-off reference values for posterior femoral cutaneous nerve sensory nerve action potential parameters. This is essential for the evaluation of suspected posterior femoral cutaneous nerve lesions.

School Feeding Program and Students’ School Attendance in 12 Years Basic Education in Rwanda

Feeding students especially at school increase the students’ school productivity due to the fact that students get opportunity to take lunch at school and continue their studies. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the  program of offering lunch to students and students’ attendance in Rusizi District. The target population was 360 respondents. From this population, a simple random sampling and convenient sampling techniques were used to get 189 respondents. Questionnaire, document analysis review and observation were used as data collection instruments. IBM SPSS version 23 was used in the study for the management of quantitative data. Besides, thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative findings. The findings revealed the implementation of lunch meal program is effective in terms of involvement of stakeholders with the mean of 3.51 and meal quality and quantity with the mean of 3.44 which is interpreted as high and assets and materials were rated as moderate. It was also found that the level of dropout has diminished considering the mean of 3.95, the level of absenteeism has diminished considering the mean of 3.42, the students can spend the whole day at school without any interruption considering the mean of 3.96, and it was revealed that students can endure long hours of teaching without showing fatigues considering the mean of 3.82. The study revealed that there is a statistical significant positive correlation between meal lunch program and school attendance where r= 0.771 and P= 0.016< 0.015. It is recommended that all involved stakeholders should work hand in hand to improve the program lunch mean at schools since it may help in producing students who are competent. Keywords: School, school attendance, school feeding program and 12 Years basic education

Place of Kinyarwanda Language in Banks in Rwanda: A Case of Equity Bank Rwanda

Feeding students especially at school increase the students’ school productivity due to the fact that students get opportunity to take lunch at school and continue their studies. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the  program of offering lunch to students and students’ attendance in Rusizi District. The target population was 360 respondents. From this population, a simple random sampling and convenient sampling techniques were used to get 189 respondents. Questionnaire, document analysis review and observation were used as data collection instruments. IBM SPSS version 23 was used in the study for the management of quantitative data. Besides, thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative findings. The findings revealed the implementation of lunch meal program is effective in terms of involvement of stakeholders with the mean of 3.51 and meal quality and quantity with the mean of 3.44 which is interpreted as high and assets and materials were rated as moderate. It was also found that the level of dropout has diminished considering the mean of 3.95, the level of absenteeism has diminished considering the mean of 3.42, the students can spend the whole day at school without any interruption considering the mean of 3.96, and it was revealed that students can endure long hours of teaching without showing fatigues considering the mean of 3.82. The study revealed that there is a statistical significant positive correlation between meal lunch program and school attendance where r= 0.771 and P= 0.016< 0.015. It is recommended that all involved stakeholders should work hand in hand to improve the program lunch mean at schools since it may help in producing students who are competent. Keywords: School, school attendance, school feeding program and 12 Years basic education

Handgrip strength is associated with length of stay and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up in fragility hip fracture patients

Background/Purpose Fragility hip fracture (FHF) is the most prevalent fragility fracture, causing deterioration in ambulatory ability and disability. Early detection of patients who are at risk of prolonged hospitalization and functional decline after FHF is crucial as this facilitates post-operative management and healthcare resources allocation. Handgrip strength (HGS) is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to assess whole body strength. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between pre-operative HGS, length of stay (LOS) and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up in patients with FHF in Hong Kong. Methods Patients aged 65 years old or above who were admitted to a local acute hospital from April 2017 to March 2020 due to FHF that were treated operatively, and subsequently attended the multidisciplinary fragility fracture clinic at 1-year follow up were evaluated. HGS measured at pre-operative physiotherapy initial assessment, post-fracture total LOS, Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) and Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS) at 1-year follow up were retrieved for analysis. Correlation between HGS and LOS was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Correlations between HGS and MFAC, and HGS and EMS were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Results One hundred and nineteen patients (mean age = 80.8 ± 7.3 years) (33 males, 86 females) were evaluated. Statistical significant negative correlation between HGS and LOS was found ( r = -0.245, p = 0.007), implying that the lower the HGS, the longer the period of hospitalization. HGS also showed statistical significant positive correlation with MFAC ( r = 0.358, p < 0.001) and EMS ( r = 0.507, p < 0.001), suggesting that the greater the HGS, the better the functional outcomes after 1 year. In short, pre-operative HGS measured by physiotherapists was shown to be associated with LOS and functional outcomes at 1-year follow up. Conclusion HGS is significantly associated with patient's LOS, MFAC and EMS after FHF. HGS is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to facilitate frontline practitioners to determine and stratify patients’ rehabilitation potential and subsequently establish customized rehabilitation and discharge plan, such as intensive training, caregiver education and potential prediction of discharge destination. Key Messages HGS is significantly associated with patient's LOS, MFAC and EMS after FHF. HGS is an easily-administered and cost-effective tool to facilitate frontline practitioners to determine and stratify patients’ rehabilitation potential and subsequently establish customized rehabilitation and discharge plan.

Sonographic Correlation of Liver Dimensions with Anthropometric Variables in Apparently Healthy Pediatrics in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Accurate measurement of liver size allows for the diagnosis of various liver pathologies. Establishing normal liver size and how it is influenced by anthropometric variables is critical in diagnosis and determining the treatment method for the underlying liver pathology. This study was aimed at establishing the relationship between liver dimensions and anthropometric variables. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in some selected hospitals in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty-six apparently normal pediatric subjects were studied within the age range of 0 – <18years. The liver was examined with the patient in supine position, both the cranio-caudal and antero-posterior liver dimension were obtained through the mid clavicular line in longitudinal and transvers planes respectively. Both descriptive inferential statistics were employed for the data analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used and p>0.05 was set as significance level. There was a statistical significant strong positive correlation between cranio-caudal dimension and age, height, weight, BMI and BSA in <1 month >12month age group (r=0.74, p=0.000; r=0.86, p=0.000; r=0.64, p=0.000; r=0.74, 0.p=000 and r=0.53, p=0.000 respectively for males and r=0.60, p=0.000; r=0.61, p=0.000; r=0.59; p=0.000; r=0.81, p=0.000 and r=0.66, p=0.001 respectively for females). Also, in the same age group both male and female subjects show significant strong positive correlation between anterior-posterior dimension and BMI & BSA: (r=0.67, p=0.000, r=0.67, p=0.000 respectively for males and r=0.69, p=0.000, r=0.77, p=0.000 respectively for females). This study reported that anthropometric variable such as age, height, BMI and BSA is positively correlated with both cranio-caudal and antero-posterior liver dimension.
 Keywords: Ultrasound, Liver, Cranio-Caudal, Antero-Posterior, Dimension

Biosecurity and post-arrival pathways in New Zealand: relating alien organism detections to tourism indicators

Between-country tourism is established as a facilitator of the spread of invasive alien species; however, little attention has been paid to the question of whether tourism contributes to the arrival and subsequent dispersal of exotic organisms within national borders. To assess the strength of evidence that tourism is a driver for the accidental introducing and dispersal of exotic organisms, we sourced three national databases covering the years 2011 to 2017, namely international and domestic hotel guest nights and national population counts, along with records of exotic organism detections collected by the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand’s government agency that oversees biosecurity. We fitted statistical models to assess the strength of the relationship between monthly exotic organism interception rate, guest nights and population, the latter as a baseline. The analysis showed that levels of incursion detection were significantly related to tourism records reflecting the travel of both international and domestic tourists, even when population was taken into account. There was also a significant positive statistical correlation between the levels of detection of exotic organisms and human population. The core take-home message is that a key indicator of within-country human population movement, namely the number of nights duration spent in specific accommodation, is statistically significantly correlated to the contemporaneous detection of exotic pests. We were unable to distinguish between the effects of international as opposed to domestic tourists. We conclude that this study provides evidence of impact of within-country movement upon the internal spread of exotic species, although important caveats need to be considered.

Correlation between cardiac index(CI) and cardio ankle vascular index(CAVI) at different degrees of head up tilt table

Background: Cardio Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI), a new index for arterial stiffness that can be measured by VaSera VS-1000 CAVI device. This is a new method for estimating the level of arteriosclerosis, which is relatively uninfluenced by changes of blood pressure. An association between some arterial fitness indices and cardiac function has been recently demonstrated. CI: is Cardiodynamic measure based on the Cardiac output (CO)which is normalized according to body size ,this is gained by dividing CO on body surface area. Aim: To establish if any significant interrelationship exists between indexed cardiac output (CI) and Cardio ankle vascular Index (CAVI). Further, to introduce a new index as a haemodynemic parameter, notably CI/CAVI. . Method: This study was carried out at Dr.Akeel Zwain private clinic, on 20 healthy male volunteers of a mean age of 30±5 year and BMI of 23.1±1.1 Kg/m². Measurement of cardiac output (CO) is accomplished by estimation of aortic diameter (D) and calculating the velocity time integral (VTI) of aortic flow by Doppler echocardiography, then utilizing the equation: CO=(VTI*D2 *0.785)*heart rate. Measurement of arterial stiffness index (CAVI) can be generated by VaSeraVS-1000 device. A motorized tilting table of incremental degrees; at 0º, 30º and 60º of head up tilt (HUT), was used to bring about peripheral sympathetic outflow modifications, together with postural changes in stroke volume, hence CO and CI. Results: This study demonstrated that there was a statistical significant negative correlation between CI and the degree of head up tilt. CI is significantly decreased relative to increase of HUT degree, in a stepwise manner; CI is significantly lower at 30 and 60 degrees than that at zero degree, (Pearson's correlation coefficient: r=0.63 for 0ºand 30º; r=0.81 for 0ºand 60º, p<0.001 for both; r= 0.71for 30ºand 60º; p<0.05 ). On the other hand, CAVI showed a statistical significant positive correlation relative to the degree of HUT. CAVI was significantly increased, in a stepwise fashion, at 30 and 60 degrees, than that at supine zero degree (Pearson's correlation coefficient: r =0.88 for 0º and 30º; r=0.83 for 0ºand 60º; r=0.81 for 30º and 60º ; p<0.001 for all). Correlation between CI and CAVI at different degrees of HUT was studied, the results demonstrated a significant negative correlation exists between CI and CAVI (r = - 0.47; p<0.05). The result of dividing the two indexes, by each other, CI/CAVI, yielded significant inverse inter relationship with respect to degree of HUT; being lower at 30ºand 60º than that obtained at 0ºtilt. It was significantly lower, in a slope wise pattern, at 60º than that at 30º of tilt (r =0.65 for 0º and 30º; r =0.78, for 0º and 60º; r =0.68, for 30º and 60º; p<0.001 for all). Conclusion: the present investigation reveals an inverse interrelationship between CI and CAVI; a decrease of CI is consistently associated with an increase of CAVI. A new index CI/CAVI may be proposed; it can be employed to early detect subclinical atherosclerosis impact on cardiac muscle pump function. This new integrated parameter could possibly serve for fitness assessment, and for cardiovascular risk stratification. Abbreviations: CAVI, cardio ankle vascular index; HUT: head up tilt; CI: cardiac index; CO: cardiac output; VTI: velocity time integral ; D: aortic diameter; SV ,stroke volume; HR, heart rate; Dd :change of diameter ; PS, systolic pressure ; Pd, diastolic pressure

Enhancing soil ecosystem services through sustainable integrated nutrient management in double rice-cropping system of North-East India

The wetland cultivation of rice is subjected to anaerobic and aerobic soil conditions causing substantial changes in the soil system. However, how long-term supplementation of organics with reduced chemical fertilizers affects microbial composition, their activities, and enzymatic activities in acid soil has not been sufficiently investigated. This research is focused on a rice-rice system after an ongoing field experiment set-up in 1977–78 at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India, where 7 alternative nutrient management have been investigated to: (1) assess the effects on soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon, and enzymatic activity in acid soil; (2) identify and discuss the most suitable treatment combinations of organic and chemical fertilizers to enhance soil ecosystem services (SES). Accordingly, we analysed the soil microbiological properties as affected by the 32 years of continuous integrated nutrient management (INM) practices and also evaluated the INM treatments in terms of SES. Results revealed that the soil microbial biomass carbon significantly varied across the treatments from 129.4 to 412.1 µg g−1 which comprises 2.4 to 4.4% of the SOC. The highest bacterial count (8.95 log cfu g−1 soil) was recorded in RDF + Azolla treatment, whereas fungal count was the maximum (7.47 log cfu g−1 soil) in RDF + FYM treatment. All the enzymatic activities responded significantly to the INM practices, but the trend of response was different for different enzymes. The highest dehydrogenase (223.6 µg TTF g−1 soil 24 h−1) and urease (4.1 μg NH4-N g−1 soil 2 h−1) activities were recorded in RDF + Azolla, while phosphomonoeaterase (337.4 μg p-nitrophenol g−1 soil h−1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (10.0 μg fluorescein g−1 soil h−1) activities were found to be the maximum in RDF + FYM. The microbial and enzymatic activities decreased significantly in the control after 32 cycles of rice-rice cropping. In this study, a significant positive statistical correlation of all the microbiological properties with soil pH, soil organic carbon and grain yield of crops were recorded. Finally, the different soil properties under the different nutrient treatments have been discussed in terms of SES provision, highlighting that the most sustainable treatments have resulted in RDF + FYM, RDF + RS and RDF + Azolla.

Correlation of morphological parameters of donkey from Austria

The donkey, as a work animal, is gradually losing its value. Agriculture industrialization, mechanization of many processes on mountain and valley farms have lead to a reduction of donkey livestock. This reduction gives cause for concern, and is good reason to study all aspects of these domestic animals in order to revive its role, to restart livestock growth in its familiar habitats, and to introduce it into new environments. This study focuses on these aspects. The domestic donkey (Equus asinus) originated from Africa, and there are two kinds of African donkeys: Nubian and Somali. Their enormous, almost mystical, endurance is well known. There is no place in the world where a donkey is not able to perform the most difficult work, above all in transporting goods. A donkey has an amazing capability of stable movement through the most difficult places. For study sample consisted of 44 donkeys (28 males and 16 females) from Austria. The following morphometric parameters were analysed: height at the withers, height at the back, height of the croup, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest circumference anterior, chest circumference posterior, shin circumference, head length, skull length, face length, skull width, face width, length of ears. Measurements were performed using a ruler, tape measure and vernier callipers. The average height at the withers of males was 116.40 cm, ranging from 99.60 to 140.60 cm, while for females, the average was 102.38 cm, ranging from 90.50 to 125.70 cm. Body length of males was on average 121.85 cm with a standard deviation of 11.79, while the mean body length for females is 115.80 cm, with a range of 101.00 to 131.00 cm. Male head length ranged from 48.00 to 71.00 cm, with an average of 55.60 cm, while in females, head length was on average 50.06 cm, ranging from 43.00 to 56.00 cm. Using the Pearson correlation, a very significant or significant positive statistical correlation was observed between almost all parameters of males, while for females, Pearson correlation values had slightly different values than for males. There was no statistically significant correlation between chest width and anterior chest circumference with nearly any other parameters. For females, a negative correlation between the skull width and all other parameters was also observed.

Assessment of selected anthropometric variables of basketball, football and cricket Indian university players

Aims: The purpose of this study was Assessment of Selected Anthropometric Variables of Male Basketball, Football and Cricket Indian University Participation Players. Materials and Methods: There was seventy five (N=75) trained male basketball, football and cricket players between the ages of 17 and 25 years volunteered for this study. In other words, twenty five players participated in the study from each game i.e. basketball, football and cricket. Little is done to observe the effects of the training of each game on anthropometric profile or body size of male basketball, football and cricket players. Results: The mean age, height and weight of male basketball, football and cricket players was 22.12±1.61 year, 183.32±12.82cm and 78.08±12.18 Kg, 22.12±1.61 year, 183.32±12.82cm and 78.08±12.18 Kg and 21.12±1.66 year, 174.40±6.66cm and 63.28±3.92 Kg respectively. The study shows the relationship among body girths (circumferences). A statistical significant positive correlation was found between arm girth relaxed and arm girth flexed & tensed (r = .913 P

Can lacrimal punctum size link to the severity of dry eye disease?

To investigate if larger punctum size links to the severity of dry eye disease (DED) and perhaps, punctum size inspection can be adopted to become one of the DED evaluations for practitioners. The records of 200 eyes of 114 patients that had temporary collagen punctum plugs due to severe DED (Level 2 to Level 4) from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2018, were reviewed for the size of the plugs. Lacrimal punctum size of those eyes was approximated according to the size of vertical canalicular soft collagen plug (from 0.3 to 0.5 mm diameter, Oasis, Lacrimedics, Glendora, CA, USA). The dry eye severity grading from the International Dry Eye WorkShop was used to grade the level of the severity of DED. Those eyes classified as Level 2 and above were considered as severe due to the presentation of moderate-to-diffuse corneal staining and symptomatic. To assess if there is a correlation between punctum size and the severity of DED, the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. Of the 200 Level 2 and above eyes, 131 (66%) eyes had a large punctum (≥0.5 mm). Punctum size larger than 0.4 mm was 95%. The estimated Spearman's ρ was 0.16. This indicates a statistical significant positive correlation (P = 0.02) between larger punctum size and higher level of DED. The larger size of lacrimal punctum may link to the severity of DED. Punctum inspection may be adopted to become one parameter for DED evaluation for practitioners.

Job Demands, Job Resources and its Relationship with Job Crafting among Head Nurses

Background: Organizations are continually under stress for existence in the present extremely changed work environment. During these times of continuously and emotionally demanding organizational changes, it is essential for associations to completely use and support nurses to become good crafters in their work to achieve organizational goals. Aim: The current study aims to investigate job demands, job resources and its relationship with job crafting among head nurses. Methods: A descriptive correlational research design was utilized by 140 head nurse working at all inpatient departments at Main Mansoura University Hospital, which affiliated to Mansoura University. Three tools were utilized in this study, Job Demands Scale, Job Resources Scale, and Job Crafting Questionnaire. Results: The results of this study indicated that there was statistical significant positive relation between job crafting with both job demands and job resources. Conclusion: There was statistical significant positive correlation between job crafting and both job demands and job resources. So, from the above we can conclude that head nurses demonstrate job crafting activities to cope with high job demands in the present of adequate job resources. Recommendations: To promote head nurses' job crafting, it is necessary to acknowledge and reward their good performance. Improve head nurses' autonomy is very important to enhance task crafting, as head nurses have the freedom to plan and carry out their daily activities. Administrators should provide flexibility of scheduling and balance between head nurses' family life and the requirement of their work.

Nurses' Willingness to Care of Patients with COVID-19: Impact of Work Motivation Training Program.

Background: Nursing is a profession requiring prolonged training at the workplace. Nurses’ willingness to care of patients with COVID‐19 plays a considerable role in ensuring the stability of the nursing team and in controlling the pandemic. Work motivation is an effective instrument help nurses to charge up their batteries and increase the willingness to work. Improving staff’s knowledge and maintain satisfactory remuneration systems boost their willingness to work in a hazardous environment. Aim: Investigate the impact of work motivation educational program on the nurses' willingness to care of patients with COVID- 19. Design: Quesi -experimental design was used to conduct this study. Setting: The study was conducted in critical care units at University Menoufia Hospital. Subjects: A simple random sample of 126 staff nurses provided direct patient care in Critical Care Units (CCUs). Tools: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool 1: Work Motivation Knowledge Questionnaire, consist of two parts, the first part to collect demographic data, second part; Motivational knowledge Questionnaire. Tool 2: Motivational Level Questionnaire. Tool 3: Factors Influencing Willingness to Care of Patients with COVID-19 questionnaire. Results: There was highly statistical significance difference among studied staff nurses regarding motivation knowledge pre and post the implementation of motivation program and their willingness to care of patients with COVID-19 p ≤ 0.001. There was statistical significant positive correlation between the studied nurses total motivation knowledge and total motivation level mean scores and willingness level to care of patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: In the light of findings of the present study, the current study concluded that improving nurses’ work motivation knowledge is an important strategy to improve their willingness to participate in care of patients with COVID‐19. Recommendations: For nursing managers, improving nurses’ perceived professional benefits is an important strategy to improve their willingness to participate in care of patients with COVID‐19, Integrating crisis management to nurses’ in the early stages of their educational curriculum. All medical supplies should be available, such as personal protective equipment and vaccination to help keep the lives of nurses and patients safe. Raising the awareness of infectious diseases and increased pre‐disaster training during infectious disease outbreaks is equally critical.

Influence of self-compassion, self-efficacy abstinence and suicidal behavior in clients with Substance Use Disorders

Background: Substance Use Disorder destroys economy, health, relationships and career and has several complications including relapse that often remain untreated. The recent massive increase in drug over dose deaths and suicide from Substance Use Disorder highlights the importance of assessing suicide risk in patients receiving poly or mono substances which remains in limbo. Aim: this study aimed to investigate the relation between self-compassion on self-efficacy abstinence and suicidal behavior among patients with Substance Use Disorders. Design and participants: A descriptive correlational design was applied in the present study. This study was conducted at out patient's clinic of The Psychiatric and mental health hospital affiliated to ministry of Health and Population (MOHP). The study subject was composed of a convenience sample of 107 clients. Tools: three tools were used to collect the data for the study: Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the suicidal behaviors Questionnaire – Revised (SBQ-R) and Alcohol Abstinence Self-efficacy Scale (AASES). Method: The actual study was including interview which lasted between 30 to 45 minutes. Each patient was approached on an individual base and interviewed in privacy by the researcher, signed the informed consent and accomplished the study tools. Results: there was a statistical significant negative correlation between self-compassion and suicidal behavior while a statistical significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and self-compassion was found. Conclusion: Higher levels of self-compassion and self-efficacy may help buffer risk of active suicide among clients with substance use disorders.

Perceived Impact of Social Media on Panic Buying: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Background: Social media has an impact on panic buying by creating fear, disseminating pictures, and videos of people purchasing extra goods in a state of panic during the COVID-19 pandemic.Aim: We aimed to evaluate the perceived impact of social media on panic buying behaviors in the Iraqi Kurdistan region.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 10 to November 25, 2020. A self-reported instrument was designed in English and then translated to the Kurdish Language to conduct the study. It was disseminated through social media platforms (Facebook, Viber, and WhatsApp) and e-mail, via a link, and 466 responses were collected from social media users. The statistical computations were performed using SPSS version 21.Results: The majority of respondents were male (62.2%), were <25 years old (43.9%), and had completed their bachelor's degree (53.9%), and most of the respondents (86.3%) used Facebook. Among the respondents, 42.1% were involved in panic buying, 32.8% of the respondents thought that social media platforms had an influence on panic buying, 86.1% of the respondents thought that social media should be sensible while reporting it, 88.4% thought that the reporting should be controlled, and 78.5% thought that photos of empty shelves should be avoided. There was a significant positive statistical correlation (r = 0.84) between social media use and panic buying among consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iraqi Kurdistan (p = <0.001).Conclusion: This research assessed how social media affects buying behavior, particularly in Iraq. Collective measures, such as sensible use and adequate media literacy, are needed to prevent such behaviors at least during public health emergencies.