Spearman Rank Order Correlation Research Articles

Global prevalence of diet low in calcium and the disease burden: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BackgroundDue to the essential role of calcium in vital biological functions, diet low in calcium (DLC) is associated with various diseases. However, there is a lack of study about the current prevalence and health burden due to DLC using reliable data sources.MethodsWe used data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD 2019) to estimate the prevalence and health burden of DLC in 204 countries from 1990 to 2019, by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). The estimates were produced in DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool. Summary exposure value (SEV) was used to show the prevalence of DLC, while diseases adjusted life year (DALY) was used to represent the disease burden. The disease burden was estimated for DLC-induced colorectal cancer. Spearman Rank Order correlation was used for correlation analysis, and estimated annual percentage (EAPC) was used to reflect the temporal trends.ResultsFrom 1990 to 2019, the global prevalence of DLC decreased (EAPC of SEV, −0.47; 95% CI, −0.5 to −0.43), but have increased in Oceania region and in many countries, such as United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Japan, and France. The global DALYs associated with low in calcium were estimated to be 3.14 million (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 2.25–4.26 million) in 2019, with an age standardized rate of 38.2 (95% UI, 27.2–51.8) per 100,000. Unlike the prevalence, the global age standardized DALY rates has remained unchanged (EAPC, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.12 to 0.07), but has increased in over 80 of the 204 countries, located mainly in Asia, Africa, and South America. In all years and regions, the age standardized SEV and DALY rates were higher in male people than that in female people. The prevalence (rho = −0.823; P < 0.001) and disease burden (rho = −0.433; P < 0.001) associated with diet in low calcium were strongly correlated to SDI. The prevalence decreased with age, but the DALY rates increased with age and peaked at about 90 years. The prevalence of DLC has decreased worldwide and in most countries, but the disease burden of DLC induced colorectal cancer has increased in over 40% of countries worldwide.ConclusionCountries with low sociodemographic level and male people are more likely to experience the risk of DLC and related disease burden. Related measures in improve dietary calcium intake are in need to address diet in low calcium related health problems.

Self-Report of Changes in Cognitive-Communication Function and Social Engagement Among Adults With Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment.

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cognitive-communication deficits in adult cancer survivors who reported experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). The study also aimed to determine how these problems impact their ability to engage socially and find satisfaction in their social roles. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to collect data from adult cancer survivors. The survey included questions on demographic characteristics, self-perceived cognitive-communication abilities, social engagement, and satisfaction with social participation. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Spearman rank-order correlation, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Kruskal-Wallis H tests. Of 172 participants, 78% completed the survey, with 109 self-reporting CRCI. The participants predominantly had breast cancer, and most were diagnosed with Stage II cancers. The results indicated self-perceived impairment in various cognitive-communication domains, with functional daily communication being the most affected. Participants reported more difficulty participating in social roles and activities than their overall satisfaction with social participation. This study explored the relationships between cognitive-communication scores and social engagement, considering variables such as education, cancer type, stage, age, and treatment. This study underscores the multidimensional nature of CRCI, emphasizing the importance of addressing both cognitive-communication and social aspects in interventions and support services. It highlights the clinical implications for speech-language pathology, suggesting a potential role in identifying and addressing cognitive-communication deficits. Future research needs are discussed.

Seasonal Muscular Power Changes: Considerations of Concurrent Resistance and Field-Based Training in Professional Rugby League.

Redman, KJ, Wade, L, Whitley, R, Connick, MJ, Kelly, VG, and Beckman, EM. Seasonal muscular power changes: considerations of concurrent resistance and field-based training in professional rugby league. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-A rugby league player's ability to develop or maintain lower-body power will be significantly influenced by the resistance and field-based training loads completed. This study aimed to examine the power changes across a rugby league season and to investigate the relationship of concurrent training and training experience on power changes. Eighteen rugby league players participated in this study. Lower-body power was evaluated using a countermovement jump throughout the season. Four measures of external training loads were collected. A Friedman's test was used to assess differences in power throughout different phases of the season. A series of Spearman's rank-order correlations were conducted to assess the relationship between percentage changes in power during the training block, external training loads, and training experience. Countermovement jump peak velocity significantly decreased from the start (p = 0.006) and end of pre-season (p = 0.022) to the late competition. Correlation analysis revealed a large significant association between early competition field-based external loads (relative (rs = -0.571) and total distance (rs = -0.628)) and change in peak power. Very large significant negative relationships were also observed between mid-competition volume load with change in peak force (rs = -0.825) and peak power (rs = -0.736). Training experience was not significantly associated with changes in muscular power variables throughout this study. Coaches should seek to monitor changes in peak power when competition begins and to assist with decision-making for potential adjustments to running volume and intensity during field-based sessions.

Influence of Boards of Management Practices on Teachers Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Case of Manga Sub-County Nyamira County, Kenya

The purpose of the Basic Education Act No. 14 of 2013 is to increase professionalism in the administration of public elementary schools by establishing Boards of Management. The purpose of this research is to analyse the effect that Boards of Management policies have on student achievement in public primary schools in the Manga sub-county of Kisii County, Kenya. The study set out to answer several questions about the impact of various factors on students' academic success, including the availability of instructional resources, the quality of the school's physical environment, the quality of the teaching staff, and the effectiveness of the school's management's efforts to motivate its employees. The research was based on the open systems theory and the Path Goal Leadership Theory. The study used a variety of research strategies. Concurrent triangulation, a research strategy that blends quantitative and qualitative data, was used for this investigation. Principals, BOM members, and the Sub County Director of Education made up the study population. Sampling was performed using a stratified random sampling technique. Strata were designated as learning environments. Questionnaires and interview scripts were used to compile the data. The researcher piloted the surveys with two elementary schools in Manga Sub County that have certain demographic and social characteristics with the study area. Pearson's Product Coefficient was used to verify reliability. Co-efficient. If the dependability co-efficient was lower than 0.7, then the instruments would need to be improved. The instruments' validity and reliability were established by having them crafted under the watchful eyes of the supervisors and by consulting with subject-matter experts. Both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used to analyse the data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the quantitative approaches. Descriptive statistics included measurements of central tendency and dispersion, such as means and standard deviations. Chi-square tests and spearman rank order correlations were used for inferential statistics. Analysing qualitative data required making sense of the responses and contrasting them with prior research. Frequency tables, percentages, and other numerical were used. Ethical considerations were taken into account during the investigation. The vast majority of respondents agreed that their schools' ability to provide necessary teaching and learning resources was facilitated by adhering to a schedule of events. The majority of respondents said that BOM members are capable of accurately forecasting and budgeting for physical infrastructure on their own. All respondents said that those working in BOM were trustworthy because of their moral rectitude and upright character. The research concluded that the Ministry of Education should institute safeguards to guarantee that only qualified individuals serve on public elementary school governing boards. It is imperative that steps be taken to guarantee the exchequer allocates sufficient funds for the purchase of physical infrastructure for public elementary schools

Validating the IDRIS and IDRIA: Two infrequency/frequency scales for detecting careless and insufficient effort survey responders.

To detect careless and insufficient effort (C/IE) survey responders, researchers can use infrequency items-items that almost no one agrees with (e.g., "When a friend greets me, I generally try to say nothing back")-and frequency items-items that almost everyone agrees with (e.g., "I try to listen when someone I care about is telling me something"). Here, we provide initial validation for two sets of these items: the 14-item Invalid Responding Inventory for Statements (IDRIS) and the 6-item Invalid Responding Inventory for Adjectives (IDRIA). Across six studies (N1 = 536; N2 = 701; N3 = 500; N4 = 499; N5 = 629, N6 = 562), we found consistent evidence that the IDRIS is capable of detecting C/IE responding among statement-based scales (e.g., the HEXACO-PI-R) and the IDRIA is capable of detecting C/IE responding among both adjective-based scales (e.g., the Lex-20) and adjective-derived scales (e.g., the BFI-2). These findings were robust across different analytic approaches (e.g., Pearson correlations; Spearman rank-order correlations), different indices of C/IE responding (e.g., person-total correlations; semantic synonyms; horizontalcursor variability), and different sample types (e.g., US undergraduate students; Nigerian survey panel participants). Taken together, these results provide promising evidence for the utility of the IDRIS and IDRIA in detecting C/IE responding.

Association Between MR Elastography Liver Stiffness and Histologic Liver Fibrosis in Children and Young Adults With Autoimmune Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND. Liver fibrosis is an important clinical endpoint of the progression of autoimmune liver disease (AILD); its monitoring would benefit from noninvasive imaging tools. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between MR elastography (MRE) liver stiffness measurements and histologic liver fibrosis, as well as to evaluate the performance of MRE and biochemical-based clinical markers for stratifying histologic liver fibrosis severity, in children and young adults with AILD. METHODS. This retrospective study used an existing institutional registry of children and young adults diagnosed with AILD (primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC], autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis [ASC], or autoimmune hepatitis [AIH]). The registry was searched to identify patients who underwent both a research abdominal 1.5-T MRI examination that included liver MRE (performed for registry enrollment) and a clinically indicated liver biopsy within 6 months of that examination. MRE used a 2D gradient-recalled echo sequence. One analyst measured mean liver shear stiffness (in kilopascals) for each examination. Laboratory markers of liver fibrosis (aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index [APRI] and fibrosis-4 [FIB-4] score) were recorded. For investigational purposes, one pathologist, blinded to clinical and MRI data, determined histologic Metavir liver fibrosis stage. The Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was calculated between MRE liver stiffness and Metavir liver fibrosis stage. ROC analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance for identifying advanced fibrosis (i.e., differentiating Metavir F0-F1 from F2-F4 fibrosis), and sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the Youden index. RESULTS. The study included 46 patients (median age, 16.6 years [IQR, 13.7-17.8 years]; 20 female patients, 26 male patients); 12 had PSC, 10 had ASC, and 24 had AIH. Median MRE liver stiffness was 2.9 kPa (IQR, 2.2-4.0 kPa). MRE liver stiffness and Meta-vir fibrosis stage showed strong positive correlation (ρ = 0.68). For identifying advanced liver fibrosis, MRE liver stiffness had an AUC of 0.81, with sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 90.0%; APRI had an AUC of 0.72, with sensitivity of 64.0% and specificity of 80.0%; and FIB-4 score had an AUC of 0.71, with sensitivity of 60.0% and specificity of 85.0%. CONCLUSION. MRE liver stiffness measurements were associated with histologic liver fibrosis severity. CLINICAL IMPACT. The findings support a role for MRE in noninvasive monitoring of liver stiffness, a surrogate for fibrosis, in children and young adults with AILD. TRIAL REGISTRATION. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03175471.

Dynamics of Antibody Response to Covishield Vaccine after 6 Months: A Longitudinal Prospective Study.

To study the dynamics of antibody responses in the real world up to 6 months following two Covishield vaccination doses and evaluate its correlation with age. From March 2021 to February 2022, a prospective, longitudinal study of healthcare workers (HCWs) from a dedicated COVID-19 hospital was conducted. Institutional Ethics Committee permission was obtained. HCWs were divided into two groups. The first group consisted of individuals who had received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with at least 3 weeks elapsed since the dose, and who had not received the second dose until the initial blood sample for antibody testing was obtained. The second group consisted of individuals who had received both COVID-19 doses and had at least 2 weeks between the administration of the second dose and the collection of the first sample for antibody testing. In March 2021, after undergoing phlebotomy for serum collection, the participants responded to the survey. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to perform a quantitative test for antibodies to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein receptor domain [receptor binding domain (RBD)]. The test used had a 98.8% sensitivity and a 99.9% specificity. If the antibody titer was 0.80 U/mL or higher, it was deemed positive; if it was lower, it was deemed negative. Two follow-ups were conducted for both groups, 3 and 6 months following the first sample collection. During both follow-up visits, a blood sample was obtained for testing the amount of antibody response, and the history of COVID-19 disease following the initial sample was taken. Every HCW had received the Covishield vaccination. After the vaccine's first dosage, 61 HCWs in the first group underwent antibody testing. The information about the 43 HCWs in the first group who attended the two follow-ups is as follows. There were 14 (32.6%) nurses and 5 (11.6%) doctors among the 43 HCWs. The age range was 21-55 years, with the median [interquartile range (IQR)] age being 26 (22-40) years and 20 (60.5%) being females. The vaccination series had a median (IQR) of 34 (29-49) days between doses. There was a statistically significant difference in immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of the three samples, χ2 = 13.579, p = 0.001. Median (IQR) IgG levels of the three samples at 1 month after the first dose, 3 and 6 months after the second dose were 8511 (51-15400) U/mL, 1471 (249-5050) U/mL, and 978 (220-2854) U/mL, respectively. The antibody titer was negative for two HCWs in the first sample, positive in the rest of the samples, and positive in all samples in both follow-ups. In the second group, following two COVID-19 dosages, a total of 65 HCWs had tested positive for antibodies. The information of the 56 HCWs in group II who attended both follow-ups is as follows. Of the 56 HCWs, 15 (26.8%) were doctors, 27 (48.2%) were nurses, and 14 (25%) were others. The age range was 20-64 years, with a median (IQR) of 29.5 (22-37.7) and 31 (55.3%) female participants. The vaccination series had a median (IQR) interval of 32 (29-35) days between doses. There was a statistically significant difference in IgG levels of the three samples, χ2 = 31.107, p < 0.0001. Median (IQR) IgG levels of the three samples at 20 days, 3.8 months, and 7 months after the second dose were 2377.5, 1345.5, and 1257 U/mL, respectively. Spearman's rank order correlation was used to assess the association between IgG level and age in both groups. The relationship between IgG levels and age was weakly correlated and not statistically significant. There is a waning of antibody titer over time postimmunization. A lower antibody titer can be a contributing factor for infections that emerge later. IgG levels postvaccination do not differ according to age.

Conflict Management Strategies and Organizational Performance of Oil and Gas Firms in Rivers State

This study examined the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance in oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The study adopted correlational survey research design. The population of the study constitutes the elements within the study unit. The population of the study comprised twenty-five (25) oil and gas companies. The data for this study were collected through primary data source; the questionnaire was the instrument used in collecting primary data. A total of one hundred and twenty-five copies of the questionnaire were distributed in a frame of 5 copies per firm. Reliability analysis was performed on the data using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient and it stood at 0.88. The data collected for the study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation was adopted. The findings revealed a significant relationship between accommodation strategy and organisational performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. Also, a strong significant linear relationship was revealed between collaboration strategy and organisational performance of oil and gas firms in Rivers State. The study concludes that oil and gas firms should embrace collaboration and accommodation strategy as preferred strategies for effective conflict management within the organizational context. The study recommends that oil and gas firms should focus on increasing the utilization of conflict management strategies like collaboration and accommodation strategy to increase organizational performance.

Evaluation of Communication Management on Project Success: A Case Study of the Construction of the PT. XYZ

PT. XYZ is an agro-business company in Gresik, East Java, which is currently in the factory construction stage. Field obstacles often occur, so the process of conveying information from all stakeholders involved is important. The author will evaluate communication management factors that influence project success using EFA-Maximum Likelihood and Spearman's rank order correlation. This analysis identified nine important factors: information technology, communication technology, communication skills, communication management plan, teamwork, clear channels in the organizational structure, project requirements management, project risk management, and environmental context. The language acquisition factor was excluded because it did not meet the EFA requirements. Spearman's rank order correlation shows that information technology, communication skills, communication management plans, teamwork, clear channels, project requirements management, and environmental context have a strong relationship with project success. These findings guide improving project communication management to achieve project success.

Trends and distribution patterns of infant mortality and maternal HIV positivity in South Africa: A decade review (2007 - 2016).

The infant mortality rate (IMR) (24 per 1 000 live births) remains high in South Africa (SA), well above the recommended sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 of 12 deaths per 1 000 live births. High infant mortality is a poor indicator of the health of a population and will hamper attainment of the SDGs. To investigate the trends and distribution patterns of IMR between 2007 and 2016 and its association with HIV-positive pregnant mothers in SA. This study used a cross-sectional study design by analysing secondary data on infant mortality from the 2007 and 2016 Statistics South Africa Community Surveys (CSs), as well as data from the 2007 National Antenatal Sentinel HIV and Syphilis Prevalence Survey. (Antenatal HIV Sentinel Survey - ANCHSS). Line charts with descriptive statistics were used to detail trends in IMRs, and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for infant mortality in the 2007 and 2016 CS datasets. Spearman's rank-order correlation (rho) was used to correlate infant mortality with data from the 2007 ANCHSS. All analyses were performed with Stata version 16.0. A total sample of 87 805, comprising 43 922 males and 43 883 females, was included in the analysis. The results revealed a decline in IMR from 55 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 to 32 in 2016. Overall, there was a significant decrease in the mortality rate from 2007 to 2016. The infant mortality proportions by province showed KwaZulu-Natal Province having the highest IMR (17.5 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 6.3 in 2016). Males had a higher IMR (28 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 17.7 in 2016) compared with females at 26.7 deaths per 1 000 live births in 2007 and 13.8 in 2016. IMR data from the 2007 CS was correlated with the 2007 ANCHSS (28% HIV prevalence in 2007), using Spearman's rank-order correlation, which showed a moderate correlation of 0.58 (p<0.001). The study findings showed a reduction in the trends of infant mortality between 2007 and 2016 in SA; despite the reduction, health inequalities persist. There is a correlation evident between maternal HIV prevalence and IMR in SA. We recommend the use of disability-adjusted life expectancy in SA to measure population health and introduce robust data sets that can better inform policy.

Evaluating trends in groundwater quality of coastal alluvial aquifers of Eastern India for sustainable groundwater management.

Groundwater is a precious natural element which ensures global water, food, and environmental security in the twenty-first century. Systematic monitoring, sustainable utilization, preservation and remediation are critical aspects of efficient groundwater resource management. This study deals with the analysis of spatial variability and trend in groundwater chemistry as well as identification of possible contamination sources in a coastal alluvial basin of eastern India. Pre-monsoon season data of 14 groundwater-quality variables measured in 'leaky confined' and 'confined' aquifers were analyzed for ten years (2012-2021). Mann-Kendall (M-K) test with the Sen's Slope Estimator, Spearman Rank Order Correlation (SROC) and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) tests were employed to assess decadal (2012-2021) trends. The analysis of the results indicated that the 'critical' water-quality parameters exceeding the acceptable limits for drinking are TDS, EC, TH, pH, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe2+, HCO3-, Cl- and NO3-. Weak negative correlations between rainfall and groundwater elevation for both the aquifers reveal poor rainfall recharge into the aquifers. Therefore, a reduction in groundwater abstraction and augmentation of groundwater recharge is recommended. Trend analysis results indicated that the concentrations of TH, Mg2+ and Fe2+ exhibit significant increasing trends in the 'leaky confined aquifer'. In contrast, significant rising trends in TH, Mg2+, Na+, Fe2+, HCO3- and NO3- concentrations are identified in the 'confined aquifer'. Further, the SROC test could not detect the trends in groundwater quality in most blocks and for many parameters. On the other hand, the ITA test revealed significant trends in most of the parameters of the two aquifers in almost all the blocks. Trend magnitudes of the groundwater-quality parameters based on the Sen's Slope Estimator and the ITA test vary from -63.7 to 58.65mg/L/year for TDS, -14 to 39.07mg/L/year for TH, -1.49 to 4.83mg/L/year for Mg2+, -7.14 to 22.96mg/L/year for Na+, -0.32 to 0.44mg/L/year for Fe2+, -8.33 to 20.75mg/L/year for HCO3-, -26.52 to 31.01mg/L/year for Cl- and 1.29 to 3.76mg/L/year for NO3- over the study area. The results of M-K and ITA tests were found in agreement in all the blocks for both the aquifers. Groundwater contamination in both the aquifers can be attributed to weathering, geogenic processes, mineral dissolution, seawater intrusion, poor recharge pattern and injudicious anthropogenic activities. It is strongly recommended that concerned authorities urgently formulate efficient strategies for managing groundwater quality in the 'leaky confined' and 'confined' aquifers which serve as vital sources of drinking and irrigationwater suppliesin the study area.

Green Entrepreneurial Awareness and Competitiveness of Agro-Allied SMEs in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State

This study examined the relationship between green entrepreneurial awareness and competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. Primary data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaire from the 125 agro-entrepreneurs who were engaged in fish farming, rice farming, poultry farming, oil palm processing, etc. and were registered with the Agricultural Development Board (ADB) in Obio Akpor LGA. They formed the study population. Due to the small size of the population, all 125 agro-entrepreneurs were chosen to participate in the census. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient was used to assess the instrument's reliability, and all items scored above 0.70. Only the data from 99 respondents were used for analysis after the data were cleaned. Two research hypotheses guided the study and the Spearman's Rank Order Correlation Coefficient was used to test the hypotheses. The tests were run using a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between green entrepreneurial awareness and competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs in in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State. The study concludes that the awareness of green entrepreneurship, which involves integrating environmental considerations into business operations, positively impacts the competitiveness of agro-allied SMEs. Therefore, the study recommends that agro-allied SMEs should prioritize implementing green practices throughout their operations. This could include using eco-friendly farming techniques, reducing waste, recycling materials, and adopting sustainable energy sources. Keyword: Green Entrepreneurial Awareness, Competitiveness, Environmental Knowledge, Green Initiative Orientation

What was the global burden of kidney cancer attributable to high body mass index from 1990 to 2019? There existed some points noteworthy.

With the prevalence of high body mass index (HBMI) increasing over the past 30 years, it is essential to examine the impact of obesity on kidney cancer. This study aims to explore the attributable burden of kidney cancer associated with HBMI and its proportion at different levels. The data used in this research were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. We utilized DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, to estimate the burden of kidney cancer attributable to HBMI, which was measured by age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR). Correlation analysis was conducted by the Spearman rank order correlation method. The temporal trends were analyzed by estimating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Globally in 2019, there were a total of 31.7 thousand deaths and 751.89 thousand disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to kidney cancer caused by HBMI, increased by 183.1 and 164%, respectively. Over the period from 1990 to 2019, the burden of kidney cancer attributable to HBMI increased in all regions, with the most significant increases occurring in Low-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) and Low SDI regions. At the national level, countries with lower SDI had lower ASMR and ASDR compared to developed nations. However, the EAPC values, which indicate the rate of increase, were significantly higher in these countries than in developed nations. Furthermore, across all years from 1990 to 2019, males experienced a greater and more rapidly increasing burden of kidney cancer attributable to HBMI than females. As the population grows and dietary patterns shift, the burden of kidney cancer attributable to HBMI is expected to become even more severe. Males and developed regions have borne a heavier burden from 1990 to 2019. However, the EAPC values for both ASMR and ASDR were higher in males but not in regions with higher SDI values.

Statistical Analysis of Occupational Fatal Accidents for Risk Assessment

Abstract According to Malaysia's Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), workplace accidents have increased dramatically as the country's economy has grown rapidly. The purpose of this study is to identify the trends that lead to fatal workplace accidents in Malaysia. This study investigated 505 fatal accident instances from fifteen industries, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The DOSH discovered and reported these fatalities (2010-2020). Data was organized and coded, then analyzed using Spearman's rank order correlation, frequency analysis, Eta squared, Cramer's V, and Chi-square. Moreover, neurolinguistic programming was used to generate the word cloud and sentiment analysis. Furthermore, light gradient-boosting machine learning was used to better understand the causes of fatalities. The outcomes indicated that fatal falls from heights were the leading cause of fatal accidents (32%). General laborers were the most susceptible to fatal accidents (60%). Contract workers were more likely to die in construction accidents (64%). The findings of this study gave useful insights into workplace fatal accident trends and preventive measures throughout sectors.

The Effect of Sleep on the Health and Dietary Behaviours of GAA Athletes.

Decreased sleep quality and duration is associated with an array of negative health outcomes. Evidence suggests athletes are susceptible to sleep inadequacies that may in turn affect their health and dietary behaviours. This study aimed to explore the sleep profile of both male and female Gaelic games players, at an elite and sub-elite level and compare how poor sleep relates to subjective health complaints and food cravings. One hundred and seventy Gaelic games players completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) and Food Cravings Questionnaire-Trait-Reduced (FCQ-T-r). Participants were categorised into two groups: poor sleepers (PSQI ≥ 5) and good sleepers (PSQI < 5). Outcome measures of health and food cravings were analysed across the groups, Mann-Whitney U tests were used to assess differences, and Spearman's rank-order correlations were used to determine relationships between variables. Sixty-seven % of athletes were categorised as poor sleepers. There were no significant differences in PSQI scores across genders (p = 0.088) or playing level (p = 0.072). Poor sleepers experienced significantly increased SHC (p < 0.001) and female athletes had significantly more SHC compared to males (p < 0.001). Female athletes experienced more food cravings than males (p = 0.013). However, there were no significant differences in food cravings between good and poor sleepers (p = 0.104). The findings suggest a high prevalence of poor sleepers amongst GAA athletes. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between poor sleep and health complaints with females at a higher risk of worsened health complaints and higher food cravings. Sleep screening and education interventions to enhance sleep in GAA athletes are advocated.

Information Systems and Operational Efficiency of Maritime Firms in Port Harcourt

The study examined the relationship between information systems and operational efficiency of maritime firms’ in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Three research questions and three research hypotheses were formulated to address the specific objectives of this study. The RBV theory was adopted in this study and also quantitative research design using a correlational method of investigation. The population consists of 16 maritime firms in Port Harcourt. Census sampling was applied with focus on managers. Four managers per firm were sampled; a total of 64 managers were sampled. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach alpha test and it stood at 0.88 higher than the benchmark of 0.7. The data collected for this study were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Spearman Rank-Order Correlation Technique was employed to test the various hypotheses formulated. The result of the analysis revealed that the information system is significantly and positively related to the operational efficiency of maritime firms’ in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The empirical results of this study confirmed this as a positive and significant relationship was found between processing transaction systems and operational efficiency of maritime firms, and between electronic data interchange and operational efficiency of maritime firms. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the information system with its dimension of processing transaction system and electronic data interchange will improve operational efficiency of maritime firms in Port Harcourt. This study recommends that maritime firms should leverage on information systems as this would ensure reduction in cost and improve operational efficiency; they should use processing transaction system in order to facilitate the recording, tracking, and management of business transactions within the organization and the port, and they should adopt electronic data interchange for processing of documents and timely delivery of same.

Development of Air Cell System Following Canal Wall Up Mastoidectomy for Pediatric Cholesteatoma.

Background: The development of temporal bone pneumatization is related to the postnatal middle ear environment, where the development of air cells is suppressed with otitis media in early childhood. However, whether air cell formation restarts when mastoidectomy is performed during temporal bone pneumatization remains unclear. Herein, we evaluated temporal bone pneumatization after canal wall up (CWU) tympanomastoidectomy for middle ear cholesteatoma in children. Methods: In total, 63 patients, including 29 patients with congenital cholesteatoma (CC) and 34 patients with acquired cholesteatoma (AC), were assessed using a set of pre- and postoperative computed tomography images. The air cells of the temporal bone were divided into five areas: periantral (anterior), periantral (posterior), periantral (medial), peritubal, and petrous apex. The number of areas with air cells before and after surgery was compared to evaluate temporal bone pneumatization after surgery. Results: A total of 63 patients, comprising 29 with CC and 34 with AC (pars flaccida; 23, pars tensa; 7, unclassified; 4), were evaluated. The median age of patients (18 males and 11 females) with CC was 5.0 (range, 2-15 years), while that of the AC group (23 males and 11 females) was 8 (range, 2-15 years). A significant difference in air cell presence was identified in the CC and AC groups after surgery (Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). Between the two groups, considerably better postoperative pneumatization was observed in the CC group. A correlation between age at surgery and gain of postoperative air cell area development was identified in the CC group (Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient, r = -0.584, p < 0.001). In comparison with the postoperative pneumatization rate of each classified area, the petrous apex area was the lowest in the CC and AC groups. Conclusions: Newly developed air cells were identified in the temporal bones after CWU mastoidectomy for pediatric cholesteatoma. These findings may justify CWU tympanomastoidectomy, at least for younger children and CC patients, who may subsequently develop air cell systems after surgery.

Knowledge, attitudes, and current practices toward lung cancer palliative care management in China: a national survey.

The present investigation seeks to illuminate the current state and disparities in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals regarding the management of lung cancer palliative care (LCPC) in China, while simultaneously assessing the prevalence and context of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage in the management of cancer-related pain. A total of 2093 healthcare practitioners from 706 hospitals across China completed a structured questionnaire that probed various facets of LCPC management. The questionnaire consisted of seven thematic sections, incorporating chi-square tests and Fisher's exact probabilities to statistically assess the discrepancies in KAP among healthcare professionals across different hospital grades. Ordered data distributions among hospital grades were compared using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multiple-choice items were subjected to multiple-response cross-tabulation analysis, while the Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient was employed to gauge potential associations among variables. Around 84.2% of the respondents perceived anti-tumor therapy to be of equal importance to palliative care. Statistically significant differences (χ² = 27.402, P = 0.002) in satisfaction levels were observed, with participants from Tertiary hospitals demonstrating higher satisfaction compared to those from Secondary and Primary hospitals. Pain emerged as the most prevalent symptom necessitating LCPC. Major impediments to LCPC adoption included patients' and families' concerns about the safety of long-term palliative care-related drug use. 31.1% of the respondents cited the most frequent rationale for PCA use as cases involving patients who required systemic administration of large opioid doses or exhibited intolerable adverse reactions to opioids. The principal deterrents against the use of PCA for cancer pain management were (1): apprehension about adverse drug reactions due to overdose (2), concern about the potential for opioid addiction, and (3) the anticipated increase in patients' economic burdens. Over the preceding 24-month period, 33.9% of the surveyed healthcare practitioners reported no engagement in either online or offline LCPC-related training initiatives. This study emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive training in LCPC among Chinese health personnels, particularly focusing on the effective management of cancer pain symptoms.

Collective Security and the African Regional Integration

The end of the cold war and the marginalization of Africa, coupled with the vicious cycle of poverty, underdevelopment, disease and internecine conflicts are reasons for the aggressive support for African regional integration and security mechanism. Meanwhile, commitments to African regional integration have been constrained by a highly ambivalent critique of the colonial heritage of sovereignty, and unwilling to transfer any of such freedom to supra-national bodies. Yet this has the potential of enhancing their ability to coordinate the implementation of collective security. The objective of this research therefore is to place the relationship between the African regional integration and the efficacy of collective security within the region. The study adopted the Survey research design. The main instrument for data collection was structured questionnaires. The Spearman rank order correlation coefficient was used in testing the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that, there is a significant relationship between African regional integration and collective security/ effective deterrent to aggression, and also that, there is a significant relationship between the failure of African regional integration and the security dilemma confronting the region. The researcher therefore recommends that for the purpose of conflict management, the partnership between the UN and the AU, with its corresponding sub-regional organizations, should be akin to a pyramid. Regional security integration should rest on concepts of good governance, sound civil-military relations and commitments to democracy and human rights, and that regional security arrangements need to focus on modest measures for the prevention and containment of conflicts, rather than utopian ideas and complex institutional mechanisms.

Social Support as a Correlate of Depression and Quality of Life Among Nigerian Older Adults: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Reduced social support has been associated with presence of depression and reduced quality of life among older adults. The relationships may be better understood by exploring the interactions of individual domains among the constructs. This cross-sectional survey involved a consecutive sample of 206 (116 females and 90 males) older adults living in a Southern Nigeria community. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Geriatric Depression Scale, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-OLD Questionnaire, were used to measure social support, depression, and quality of life respectively. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, multiple regression and Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient, at 0.05 alpha level. Prevalence rate of depression among participants was 45.5%. Social support was perceived to be low by 37.4% of participants with the lowest mean social support score coming from friends domain. Participants' quality of life was generally fairly good (> 60%) with the lowest scores coming from the intimacy domain. Significant correlations between social support domains and each of quality of life (p < 0.05) and depression were respectively positive and negative; but weakest for the friend and strongest for significant others domains. All quality of life domains were significantly correlated with social support except the death and dying domain. All the domains of social support (family and significant other) were significant predictors of depression except the friend domain. Significant others around individual older adults particularly those with depression ought to be educated on the importance of their roles. Stakeholders including healthcare providers may create and support programmes for improved social networking for the older adults in order to enhance their general wellbeing and quality of life.