Spearman Rank Order Correlation Research Articles

Entrepreneurial Design Thinking and Marketing Performance of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial design thinking and marketing performance of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This study adopted a correlational research design, with the population of the study comprising 25 food and beverage firms in Rivers State. Sequel to the population of the study, which is 25 food and beverage firms, the study adopted a census study with a focus on the managerial staff (production manager, quality control manager, marketing manager, and procurement manager). The questionnaire was distributed in a frame of four (4) copies per firm. A total of one hundred (100) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach's 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 empirical results of this study confirmed that all the dimensions of entrepreneurial design thinking (creativity, and problem solving) were found to be significant predictors of marketing performance as measured by sales growth. Since all the dimensions of entrepreneurial design thinking are significant predictors of marketing performance, it is therefore concluded that entrepreneurial design thinking has the potential of improving marketing performance of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Based on the findings and conclusions, the study recommends that: food and beverage firms should come up with creative designs, novel products and services that will catch the customer’s attention and improve marketing performance. Also, food and beverage firms, especially those facing different challenges, should adopt a problem solving approach to enable them to improve their sales growth.

Interrater reliability of the Fugl-Meyer Motor assessment in stroke patients: a quality management project within the ESTREL study.

The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMMA) is recommended for evaluating stroke motor recovery in clinical practice and research. However, its widespread use requires refined reliability data, particularly across different health professions. We therefore investigated the interrater reliability of the FMMA scored by a physical therapist and a physician using video recordings of stroke patients. The FMMA videos of 50 individuals 3 months post stroke (28 females, mean age 71.64 years, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 3.00) participating in the ESTREL trial (Enhancement of Stroke Rehabilitation with Levodopa: a randomized placebo-controlled trial) were independently scored by two experienced assessors (i.e., a physical therapist and a physician) with specific training to ensure consistency. As primary endpoint, the interrater reliability was calculated for the total scores of the entire FMMA and the total scores of the FMMA for the upper and lower extremities using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In addition, Spearman's rank order correlation coefficients (Spearman's rho) were calculated for the total score and subscale levels. Secondary endpoints included the FMMA item scores using percentage agreement, weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients, and Gwet's AC1/AC2 coefficients. ICCs were 0.98 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.96-0.99) for the total scores of the entire FMMA, 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99) for the total scores of the FMMA for the upper extremity, and 0.85 (95% CI 0.70-0.92) for the total scores of the FMMA for the lower extremity. Spearman's rho ranged from 0.61 to 0.94 for total and subscale scores. The interrater reliability at the item level of the FMMA showed (i) percentage agreement values with a median of 77% (range 44-100%), (ii) weighted Cohen's kappa coefficients with a median of 0.69 (range 0.00-0.98) and (iii) Gwet's AC1/AC2 coefficients with a median of 0.84 (range 0.42-0.98). The FMMA appears to be a highly reliable measuring instrument at the overall score level for assessors from different health professions. The FMMA total scores seem to be suitable for the quantitative measurement of stroke recovery in both clinical practice and research, although there is potential for improvement at the item level.

Exploring coping strategies among caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan

ObjectiveTo explore the coping strategies of caregivers of children who have survived paediatric cancer in Jordan.Materials and methodsThis study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenient sampling. The sample included...

WHIGET and TETRAS Ratings of Action Tremor in Patients with Essential Tremor: Substantial Association and Agreement.

Evaluating tremor severity is a critical component of diagnosing and clinically managing patients with essential tremor (ET). We examined the comparability of tremor severity ratings derived from two frequently used tremor rating scales: the Washington Heights-Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (WHIGET) rating scale and the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Scale (TETRAS). A trained assistant administered and videotaped a neurological examination, including eight items assessing upper limb action tremor (arms outstretched, arms in the wingbeat position, finger-nose-finger maneuver, and drawing of Archimedes spirals). An experienced movement disorders neurologist reviewed the videos and assigned WHIGET and TETRAS ratings. We calculated associations between TETRAS and WHIGET ratings using Spearman rank order correlations. Subsequently, we collapsed these ratings into four tremor severity categories (absent, mild, moderate, severe) and then two broader tremor severity categories (absent/mild, moderate/severe). We calculated weighted Kappa coefficients to assess agreement between category assignments based on the TETRAS and the WHIGET. Spearman's r' s were significant for all items (p's ≤ 0.001, mean r = 0.89). Weighted Kappa's revealed substantial to near perfect agreement for all eight items (mean k = 0.86, range = 0.64 to 1.00). Analyses revealed substantial strength of association and substantial to near perfect agreement between items rated with the WHIGET and TETRAS scales. These data indicated that ratings provided by each scale are highly comparable.

Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease attributable to high fasting plasma glucose from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019.

Given the rising prevalence of high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) over the past three decades, it is crucial to assess its global, national, and regional impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to investigate the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG and its distribution across various levels. The data for this research was sourced from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. To estimate the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG, we utilized DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool. The burden was measured using age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate. Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman rank order correlation method. Temporal trends were analyzed by estimating the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC). Globally in 2019, there were a total of 487.97 thousand deaths and 13,093.42 thousand DALYs attributed to CKD attributed to HFPG, which represent a substantial increase of 153.8% and 120%, respectively, compared to 1990. Over the period from 1990 to 2019, the burden of CKD attributable to HFPG increased across all regions, with the highest increases observed in regions with high socio-demographic index (SDI) and middle SDI. Regions with lower SDI exhibited higher ASMR and age-standardized DALYs (ASDR) compared to developed nations at the regional level. Additionally, the EAPC values, which indicate the rate of increase, were significantly higher in these regions compared to developed nations. Notably, high-income North America, belonging to the high SDI regions, experienced the greatest increase in both ASMR and ASDR over the past three decades. Furthermore, throughout the years from 1990 to 2019, males bore a greater burden of CKD attributable to HFPG. With an increasing population and changing dietary patterns, the burden of CKD attributed to HFPG is expected to worsen. From 1990 to 2019, males and developing regions have experienced a more significant burden. Notably, the EAPC values for both ASMR and ASDR were higher in males and regions with lower SDI (excluding high-income North America). This emphasizes the pressing requirement for effective interventions to reduce the burden of CKD attributable to HFPG.

The Relationships among Exercise Behavior, Body Composition and Perceived Health Levels in University Students

Aim and Scope: Increasing physical activity level is important for public health. This study aims to investigate the relationship between regular physical activity level, body composition and perceived health levels of university students. Methods: Participants of this study were consisted of 331 university students including 158 females and 173 males. The mean ages were 21.85 years for females and 22.94 years for males, respectively. The Exercise Behavior Stages of Change Questionnaire was used to determine the physical activity level. Mann Whitney U test was used to compare two genders while Spearman rank order correlation was performed to test the relationship among variables. Findings: Results of our study showed that there are significant differences between males and females in all variables except age and exercise behavior stages. While the exercise behavior stages and perceived health level of those who exercise in females are significantly different from those of sedentary, height and exercise behavior level in males are more statistically significant in favor of those who exercise. While the health level in females is positively related to the age variable and negatively related to the BMI, there was no significant difference between the health and exercise level and other variables in males. Conclusion: As a result, it can be concluded that male and female university students do not engage in regular physical activity at a level that will affect their perceived health levels.

Innovative Behaviour and Opportunity Recognition in Food and Beverages Firms, Port Harcourt

The study examined innovative behaviour and opportunity recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study used a correlational research methodology, and the population consisted of 25 food and beverage businesses in Rivers State. The study used a census survey with a managerial staff focus in addition to its population of 25 food and beverage companies. One hundred twenty-five (125) copies of the questionnaire were made available in total. 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 with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the data generated and analysed, it was empirically discovered that a positive and significant relationship exists between Innovative Behaviour and Opportunity Recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. Problem solving and creativity showed a strong positive relationship with s opportunity recognition of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study concluded that engaging in innovative behaviour will achieve bumper success in many food and beverages firms. Following the conclusion above, the study therefore recommends that; Food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt should adopt problem solving approach to take advantage of market opportunities and improve sales and also food and beverages firms should be creative and innovative, especially through new product development, being first to market with new products.

Abstract 7195: Repurposing non-oncology drugs with MET inhibitory effect to overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer

Abstract Background and Aim: Osimertinib is the only 3rd generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for the 1st line therapy of advanced NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations. However, drug resistance is severely limiting its clinical efficacy. Aberrant MET activation is an important mechanism causing osimertinib resistance. There is no effective therapeutic option after osimertinib failure. This study investigated the repurposing of non-oncology MET inhibiting drug to overcome osimertinib resistance. Method: A few clinically-approved drugs with putative MET inhibitory effects were identified by a computational drug repurposing tool called “DRAR-CPI” via analysis of the chemical-protein interactome of known MET inhibitors (crizotinib, cabozantinib, foretinib, and tivantinib). Fexofenadine (FEX), originally indicated for allergic rhinitis and chronic urticaria, was chosen for detailed investigation in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines that exhibit aberrant MET activation with/without other EGFR-dependent osimertinib resistance mechanisms. The selectivity of kinase inhibition by FEX was evaluated by a KINOME profiling assay against a panel of human protein kinases. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the activation status of Met and EGFR downstream signaling. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) triggered by the most promising repurposed drug, presumably contributing to osimertinib resistance circumvention. Sulforhodamine B assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation. The circumvention of osimertinib resistance by FEX was further verified in a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) from an advanced-stage osimertinib-refractory NSCLC patient. Result: FEX was found to inhibit recombinant MET kinase in cell-free assays in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also inhibited MET phosphorylation and other downstream signaling molecules in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines harboring EGFR T790M+MET amplification or EGFR T790M loss+MET amplification. KINOME profiling revealed a similar kinase inhibition profile between FEX and cabozantinib using Spearman rank order correlation analysis. Among the tested osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines, FEX showed the highest effectiveness in potentiating the anticancer effect of osimertinib in H820 cells (having MET amplification & EGFR T790M mutation). Transcriptome profiling analysis in H820 cells before and after FEX treatment revealed that the majority of DEGs were enriched in EMT-related biological processes and pathways. FEX was further shown to significantly potentiate the antitumor effect of osimertinib in a drug refractory PDX model, without inducing notable weight loss in the animals. Conclusion: These findings advocate the clinical evaluation of repurposing FEX to overcome osimertinib resistance. Citation Format: Kenneth K.W. To, Kwong Sak Leung, William C.S. Cho. Repurposing non-oncology drugs with MET inhibitory effect to overcome osimertinib resistance in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 7195.

Psychometric validation of four-item exercise identity and healthy-eater identity scales and applications in weight loss maintenance

BackgroundIdentifying as someone who engages in health promoting behaviors like healthy eating and exercising may be associated with sustained engagement in those behaviors, but reliable and valid instruments are needed to improve the rigor of this research. Two studies were conducted to (1) examine the psychometric properties of a four-item exerciser identity measure (4-EI) and an adapted healthy-eater identity measure (4-HEI) and (2) examine differences in identity strengths across categories of weight loss success.MethodsData from 1,709 community dwelling adults in the International Weight Control Registry (IWCR) were used. A random half of the sample was used to assess the proposed unidimensional factor structure of the 4-EI and 4-HEI and examine convergent and discriminant validity using Spearman rank-order correlations. One-way ANOVA was used in the other random half of the sample to compare 4-EI and 4-HEI scores (-3 to + 3) across three self-defined weight loss categories (‘Successful’, ‘Regain’, and ‘Unsuccessful’) and those maintaining ≥ 5% weight loss for > 1 year vs. not.ResultsResults support the unidimensional factor structure with all four items (eigenvalue scores > 2.89) as well as convergent and discriminant validity for both measures. Exercise identity was strongly correlated with self-reported physical activity (r (735) = 0.52, p <.001) and measures of autonomous motivation. Healthy eating identity was moderately correlated with cognitive restraint in eating (r (744) = 0.42, p <.001) and other measures predictive of eating behavior. 4-EI and 4-HEI are stronger in Successful (4-EI: M = 0.90, SD = 1.77; 4-HEI: M = 1.56 SD = 1.37) vs. Regain (4-EI: M=-0.18, SD = 1.68; 4-HEI: M =.57, SD = 1.48) and Unsuccessful (4-EI:M=-0.28, SD = 1.62; 4-HEI: M = 0.51, SD = 1.33) and those maintaining ≥ 5% weight loss (4-EI:M = 0.47, SD = 1.78; 4-HEI: M = 1.13, SD = 1.49) vs. not (4-EI:M=-0.27, SD = 1.66; 4-HEI: M = 0.53, SD = 1.47), p’s < 0.001.ConclusionsThe 4-EI and 4-HEI have acceptable psychometric properties and can advance understanding of the role of identity in exercise and dietary behaviors and weight loss maintenance.Trial registrationThe parent observational study, International Weight Control Registry (IWCR), for these sub-studies is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04907396).

Association of an In-Hospital Desirability of Outcomes Ranking Scale With Postdischarge Health-Related Quality of Life: A Secondary Analysis of the Life After Pediatric Sepsis Evaluation.

To develop a desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) scale for use in children with septic shock and determine its correlation with a decrease in 3-month postadmission health-related quality of life (HRQL) or death. Secondary analysis of the Life After Pediatric Sepsis Evaluation prospective study. Twelve U.S. PICUs, 2013-2017. Children (1 mo-18 yr) with septic shock. None. We applied a 7-point pediatric critical care (PCC) DOOR scale: 7: death; 6: extracorporeal life support; 5: supported by life-sustaining therapies (continuous renal replacement therapy, vasoactive, or invasive ventilation); 4: hospitalized with or 3: without organ dysfunction; 2: discharged with or 1: without new morbidity to patients by assigning the highest applicable score on specific days post-PICU admission. We analyzed Spearman rank-order correlations (95% CIs) between proximal outcomes (PCC-DOOR scale on days 7, 14, and 21, ventilator-free days, cumulative 28-day Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2 (PELOD-2) scores, and PICU-free days) and 3-month decrease in HRQL or death. HRQL was measured by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 or Functional Status II-R for patients with developmental delay. Patients who died were assigned the worst possible HRQL score. PCC-DOOR scores were applied to 385 patients, median age 6 years (interquartile range 2, 13) and 177 (46%) with a complex chronic condition(s). Three-month outcomes were available for 245 patients (64%) and 42 patients (17%) died. PCC-DOOR scale on days 7, 14, and 21 demonstrated fair correlation with the primary outcome (-0.42 [-0.52, -0.31], -0.47 [-0.56, -0.36], and -0.52 [-0.61, -0.42]), similar to the correlations for cumulative 28-day PELOD-2 scores (-0.51 [-0.59, -0.41]), ventilator-free days (0.43 [0.32, 0.53]), and PICU-free days (0.46 [0.35, 0.55]). The PCC-DOOR scale is a feasible, practical outcome for pediatric sepsis trials and demonstrates fair correlation with decrease in HRQL or death at 3 months.

Global, regional, and national burden of diet high in processed meat from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019.

The objective of this study is to explore the prevalence and attributable burden of diet high in processed meat (DHIPM) in global, regional, and national level due to the burden caused by unhealthy dietary pattern worldwide. Cross-sectional study. All the data involved in this research were obtained from Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, was used to estimate the prevalence, which was measured by summary exposure value (SEV) and attributable burden of DHIPM. The Spearman rank order correlation method was performed to measure the correlation between sociodemographic index (SDI) and the prevalence as well as attributable burden. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to demonstrate the temporal trends. Globally, there were 304.28 thousand deaths and 8556.88 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by DHIPM in 2019 and increased by 34.63 and 68.69%, respectively. The prevalence had decreased slightly from 1990 to 2019, however increased in most regions and countries, especially in middle SDI regions, despite the implicitly high prevalence in high SDI regions. Countries with higher SDI values were facing higher prevalence and attributable burden of DHIPM while developing countries were observed with severer temporal trends. Compared with women, men had suffered from lower exposure level however graver attributable burden of DHIPM in the past three decades. The progress of continuous urbanization allowed increasingly severe prevalence and attributable burden of DHIPM, thus the challenge to alleviate this trend was acute. Effective measures such as education on beneficial dietary pattern and supplement on healthy food were urgently required, especially in developing regions and countries.

A Comparison of CT Perfusion Output of RapidAI and Viz.ai Software in the Evaluation of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Automated CTP postprocessing packages have been developed for managing acute ischemic stroke. These packages use image processing techniques to identify the ischemic core and penumbra. This study aimed to investigate the agreement of decision-making rules and output derived from RapidAI and Viz.ai software packages in early and late time windows and to identify predictors of inadequate quality CTP studies. One hundred twenty-nine patients with acute ischemic stroke who had CTP performed on presentation were analyzed by RapidAI and Viz.ai. Volumetric outputs were compared between packages by performing Spearman rank-order correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with subanalysis performed at early (<6 hours) and extended (>6 hours) time windows. The concordance of selecting patients on the basis of DAWN and DEFUSE 3 eligibility criteria was assessed using the McNemar test. One hundred eight of 129 patients were found to have adequate-quality studies. Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients were calculated on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio between both software packages with correlation coefficients of 0.82, 0.65, 0.77, 0.78, 0.59, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was also performed on time-to-maximum >6-second volume, time-to-maximum >10-second volume, CBF <30% volume, mismatch volume, and mismatch ratio with P values of .30, .016, <.001, .03, <.001, respectively. In a 1-sided test, CBF <30% was greater in Viz.ai (P < .001). Although this finding resulted in statistically significant differences, it did not cause clinically significant differences when applied to the DAWN and DEFUSE 3 criteria. A lower ejection fraction predicted an inadequate study in both software packages (P = .018; 95% CI, 0.01-0.113) and (P = .024; 95% CI, 0.008-0.109) for RapidAI and Viz.ai, respectively. Penumbra and infarct core predictions between Rapid and Viz.ai correlated but were statistically different and resulted in equivalent triage using DAWN and DEFUSE3 criteria. Viz.ai predicted higher ischemic core volumes than RapidAI. Viz.ai predicted lower combined core and penumbra values than RapidAI at lower volumes and higher estimates than RapidAI at higher volumes. Clinicians should be cautious when using different software packages for clinical decision-making.

Logistics Management and Operational Efficiency of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt

This study examined the relationship between logistics management and operational efficiency of Food and Beverage Firms in Port Harcourt. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. This study is anchored on the positivist research paradigm; this study adopted the correlation survey research. The population of the study comprised 30 food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt. Based on the population of the study, which is 30 food and beverage firms, the study adopted a census approach with a focus on the staff (inventory manager, distribution manager and warehousing manager). To ascertain the respondents, the questionnaire was distributed in batches of three (3) copies per headquarter branch. A total of ninety (90) copies of the questionnaire were distributed. Copies of the questionnaire were administered and distributed to the management staff of food and beverage firms in Port Harcourt. The reliability of the study was tested using the Cronbach Alpha method. The study employed the Spearman Rank-order Correlation Coefficient for testing the various hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings of the study established that transport management showed a positive and significant relationship with operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. It also confirmed that inventory management showed a positive and significant relationship with operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. It was concluded that logistics management is a precursor to operational efficiency of food and beverages firms in Port Harcourt. The study recommends that foood and beverage firms should incorporate transport management (vehicle scheduling and route planning) in their operations processes and inventory management should be enhanced as it will help to improve productivity within the organization.

Quality Service Initiatives and Customer Retention of Four-Star Hotels in Port Harcourt

This study examined the requirements of quality service initiatives and customer retention of four-star hotels in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive research design to establish a relationship between quality service initiatives and customer retention. Both primary and secondary methods of data collection were used to obtain relevant data for analysis. The instrument of data collection employed was the questionnaire. The study population comprised of The population of the study consists of four (4) star hotels in Port Harcourt. The study focused attention on officers with job titles such as hotel managers, operations managers, heads of departments, unit heads and duty managers or supervisor as respondents for the study hence a total of fifteen (15) respondents per four-star hotel, giving a total of sixty (60) respondents as sample for this study. The data was analyzed using the Spearman Rank Order Correlation Coefficient statistic through the aid of statistical packages for social science version 23.0. The result of the findings revealed the existence of significant and positive relationship between quality service initiatives and customer retention of four-star hotels in Port Harcourt. The researchers conclude that quality service initiatives affect customer retention of four-star hotels in Port Harcourt and therefore recommended that management of four-star hotels in Port Harcourt should pay attention to quality service initiatives and other factors which may lead to customer retention.

Psychometric validation of the Psoriasis Symptom Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue and pain-Visual Analogue Scale in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin disease associated with considerable patient burden. The Psoriasis Symptom Scale (PSS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) and pain-Visual Analogue Scale (pain-VAS) are patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that have not yet been validated in patients with GPP. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS using data from Effisayil 1, a randomised trial of spesolimab in patients with moderate-to-severe GPP. Inter-item correlations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed using Week 1 data. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α coefficient using baseline and Week 1 data. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs); change data for the GPP Physician Global Assessment total score and pustulation subscore were used to define a stable population. Convergent validity was assessed at baseline and Week 1 using Spearman's rank-order correlations. Known-groups validity was measured by analysis of variance using Week 1 data. Ability to detect change from baseline to Week 1 was evaluated by analysis of covariance. Inter-item and item-to-total correlations were moderate or strong for most PSS and FACIT-Fatigue items. CFA demonstrated the unidimensionality of the PSS and FACIT-Fatigue, with high factor loadings for most items (PSS range, 0.75-0.94; FACIT-Fatigue range, 0.11-0.93) and acceptable fit statistics. Both scores demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.71 and 0.95, respectively). The PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS demonstrated test-retest reliability (ICCs ≥0.70) and good evidence of convergent validity. Furthermore, the PROs could differentiate between known groups of varying symptom severity (range, p < 0.0001-0.0225) and detect changes in symptom severity from baseline to Week 1 (range, p < 0.0001-0.0002). Overall, these results support the reliability, validity and ability to detect change of the PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS as PROs in patients with GPP.

Agritourism in Central Luzon, Philippines: Status, Challenges, and Pathways to Sustainable Growth

This study explores the status, challenges, and pathways to sustainable growth in Central Luzon, Philippines agritourism. Data from agritourism trainers, farm owners, trainees, and stakeholders are analyzed using a descriptive research design and statistical tools such as Multivariate Tests, Wilks' Lambda (Exact Statistic), and Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation. The research identifies significant variations in agritourism status across site characteristics and underscores the importance of tailored management approaches. Moreover, it reveals a positive correlation between knowledge acquisition and utilization, emphasizing the role of training in enhancing agritourism practices. Despite challenges like waste management and bureaucratic hurdles, agritourism is recognized as a valuable driver of economic development in Central Luzon, offering opportunities for rural communities and sustainable agriculture. This study's implications inform policymakers, educators, and government officials, providing insights for agritourism program development and policy formulation, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and community well-being.

Comparison of performances of SIREN or MFSRS in stroke risk prediction in an African environment

BackgroundThe Modified Framingham Stroke Risk Score (MFSRS) is a widely utilized stroke risk assessment algorithm usually applied in international comparison. The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is the only known African-specific stroke risk assessment algorithm.Aims and objectivesTo compare stroke risk estimates from the SIREN and the MFSRS in an African community.MethodsThis was a population-based cross-sectional survey involving consecutively recruited 310 consenting adult residents (mean age = 37.21 ± 15.84 years) of a Nigerian community. Risk factors of stroke were assessed among the participants and were utilized in calculating stroke risk estimates on the MFSRS and the SIREN. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Spearman-rank order correlation test at an alpha level of 0.05.ResultsThe percentage stroke risk scores estimated by the SIREN and the MFSRS were 34.5% and 6.79% respectively. The most prevalent risk factors among the participants were hypertriglyceridemia (100.0%), raised waist-hip ratio (50.6%), hypercholesterolemia (45.5), physical inactivity (43.2%), psychological stress (41.3%), and hypertension (37.7%). Only two (hypertriglyceridemia and high blood pressure) out of the six factors considered in the MFSRS were rated among the first 10 most impactful risks by the SIREN. There was a weak correlation between the total scores on the MFSRS and the SIREN (rho = 0.39; p < 0.01) suggesting that the two ratings were discordant.ConclusionThere were disagreements between the risk estimates on the SIREN and MFSRS with SIREN having a higher estimate that corresponded with the literature; this may be suggesting a poorer estimation of stroke risks by the MFSRS in an African environment. There is a need for large African-based quality control studies to determine and address these lapses.

Social Presence and Satisfaction in Online Learning between Indonesian and Malaysian Students

Online learning has become increasingly popular in the educational environment, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aims to describe the social presence and satisfaction of students in online learning, as well as examine the relationship between social presence and student satisfaction. A cross-sectional online study was conducted, involving 508 Indonesian and Malaysian postgraduate students from August 5 to October 2, 2023. Participants completed the social presence and student satisfaction scale developed by Gunawardena and Zittle. Data analysis techniques included descriptive statistics, the Man-Whitney test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's Rank-Order Correlation using SPSS 26.00. The social presence and student satisfaction were categorized as good, as there were no items with scores below average. Univariate analysis indicated that the online learning experience and the quality of the network in the place of residence were determining factors for the differences between the variables, while other characteristics, including the country (Indonesia and Malaysia), showed no significant differences. Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between social presence and student satisfaction. This research has important implications for improving the quality of online learning. Universities should consider revising their curriculum to be more ICT-friendly, helping students become familiar with using the platform. Educational policies should also focus on training and developing educators to effectively implement online learning. Additionally, government support is crucial in realizing high-quality online learning.

ChatGPT in Organic Chemistry Classrooms: Analyzing the Impacts of Social Environment on Students’ Interest, Critical Thinking and Academic Achievement

This study aims to analyze the Impacts of Social Environment on Interest, Critical Thinking and Academic Achievement of Students Taught Organic Chemistry Using Artificial Intelligence ChatGPT. Correlational research design was engaged for the study. 50-students in SS3 with an average age of 17years, who have access to android phones and the ChatGPT application from two senior secondary schools in Gwale Local Government area of Kano State, Nigeria formed the study sample. The instruments used for data collection include; the students’ social environment, interest and critical thinking questionnaire (r=0.96) and Organic Chemistry Achievement Test (r=0.92). The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Spearman Rank Order Correlation. The study revealed a high positive correlation between the social environment and student’s interest; Social environment and critical thinking; as well as social environment and students’ achievement in the ChatGPT’s Organic Chemistry Classroom. The study further found a strong positive correlation between the students’ interest and critical thinking, critical thinking and students’ achievement in Organic Chemistry among students in the ChatGPT condition. It was concluded that social environment has a strong positive impact on students’ interest, critical thinking and academic achievement in organic chemistry among students in the ChatGPT classrooms. The study recommends that, as the artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT is migrating into the chemistry classrooms, government needs to re-train chemistry teachers, school librarians and lab-technologists through refreshers courses to improve their performance in the concepts

A Digital Camera-Based Eye Movement Assessment Method for NeuroEye Examination

The ability to perform quantitative and automated neurological assessment could enhance diagnosis and treatment in the pre-hospital setting, such as during telemedicine or emergency medical services (EMS) encounters. Such a tool could be developed by adapting clinically significant information such as symmetry of eye movement or conjugate eye movement. Here we describe a digital camera-based eye tracking method “NeuroGaze” to capture the symmetry of eye movement while performing neurological eye examination. The proposed method was developed based on detecting the center of the pupil for both eyes from a given video and measuring eye conjugacy by transforming the pupil center coordinates to relative gaze. The method was tested on healthy volunteers while performing three neurological eye examinations <xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">¹</xref> <fn id="fn1" xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><label>¹</label> The NeuroEye dataset is made available at <uri>https://www.kaggle.com/datasets/mahassan8/neuroeye</uri> </fn> . We also compared our proposed approach to state-of-the-art digital camera-based eye-tracking methods and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) eye trackers. NeuroGaze outperformed digital camera-based eye tracking methods by reporting a mean Spearman rank-order correlation coefficient of 0.86 for the H-test, 0.87 for the Dot-test, and 0.56 for the OKN-Test, and shows similarity in trends for the relative gaze trajectories with a noticeable offset in the scale of the relative gaze angle compared to COTS eye tracker (see Fig. 1). The study demonstrates that by using a pupil-center-based eye-tracking method, a digital camera can measure clinically relevant information regarding eye movement.