Statistical Linear Regression Research Articles

A retrospective identification of severely injured patients using ICD 10 diagnoses codes : Part of the project "Quality of life and ability to work after severe trauma" (LeAf Trauma)

Due to continuous improvements in treatment, more and more severely and seriously injured patients are surviving. The complexity of the injury patterns of these patients means that they are difficult to map in routine data. The aim of the data exploration was to identify ICD 10 diagnoses that show an association with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥ 16 and could therefore be used to operationalize severely injured patients in routine data. The coded four-digit ICD 10 S diagnoses and the calculated ISS of trauma patients from the Armed Forces Central Hospital Koblenz (BwZKrhs) and the University Hospital Düsseldorf (UKD) were analyzed using statistical association measures (phi and Cramer'sV), linear regressions and machine learning methods (e.g., random forest). The S diagnoses of facial, head, thoracic and pelvic injuries, associated with an ISS ≥ 16 were identified. Some S diagnoses showed an association with an ISS ≥ 16 in only 1 of the 2 datasets. Likewise, facial, head, thoracic and pelvic injuries were found in the subgroup of 18-55-year-old patients. The current evaluations show that it is possible to identify ICD 10 S diagnoses that have asignificant association with an ISS ≥ 16. According to the annual report of the trauma register of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (TR-DGU®), injuries with an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) ≥ 3 are particularly common in the head and thoracic regions.

Impact of changes of hospital integrations spanning a decade in Hungary: Modern diagnostic services: CT care based on a Hungarian sample

Introduction, purpose of the study: In Central Europe, in Hungary, the state guarantees access to health care and basic health services partly through the Semmelweis Plan adopted in 2011. The Health Plan aims to optimize and transform the health system. The objectives of hospital integration, as set out in the Plan, started with the state ownership of municipal hospitals in 2012, continued with the launch of integration processes in 2012–2013 and culminated today. The transformation of a health system can have an impact on health services and thus on meeting the needs of the population. We aim to study the effectiveness of integration through access to CT diagnostic testing. Our hypothesis is that integration has resulted in increased access to modern diagnostic services. The specialty under study is computed tomography (CT) diagnostic care. Our research shows that the number of people receiving CT diagnostic care has increased significantly because of integration, which has also brought a number of positive benefits, such as reduced health inequalities, reduced travel time, costs and waiting lists. Test material and method: Our quantitative retrospective research was carried out in the hospital of Kalocsa through document analysis. The research material was comparing two time periods in the Kalocsa site of Bács-Kiskun County, Southern Hungary. The number of patients attending CT examinations by area of duty of care according to postal codes was collected: Pre-integration period 2014.01.01–2017.11.30. (Kalocsa did not have CT equipment, so patients who appeared in Kecskemét Hospital but were under the care of Kalocsa), post-integration period 2017.12.01–2019.12.31. (period after the installation of CT in Kalocsa). The target group of the study consisted of women and men together, aged 0–99 years, who appeared for a CT diagnostic examination. The study sample size was 6721 persons. Linear regression statistics were used to evaluate the results. Based on empirical experience, a SWOT analysis was carried out to further investigate the effectiveness of integration. Results: As a result of the integration, the CT scan machine purchased in the Kalocsa District Hospital has enabled an average of 129.7 patients per month to receive CT scans on site without travelling. The model used is significant, explaining 86% of the change in the number of patients served (F = 43.535; p < 0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.860). The variable of integration in the model is significant, with an average increase in the number of patients served of 129.7 per month (t = 22.686; p < 0.001) following the introduction of CT due to integration. None of the month variables representing seasonal effects were found to be significant, with no seasonal effect on care. The SWOT analysis has clearly identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to the integration, the main outcome of which is the acquisition of a CT diagnostic tool. Conclusions: Although we only looked at one segment of the evidence for the effectiveness of hospital integration, integration in the study area has had a positive impact on CT availability, reducing disparities in care.

Associations Between Body Weight Dissatisfaction and Diet Quality in Women With a Body Mass Index in the Healthy Weight Category: Results From the 2014–2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey

BackgroundFew studies have examined whether diet quality is lower in women with body weight dissatisfaction compared with women without body weight dissatisfaction. Objectives(1) To examine the association between body weight dissatisfaction and diet quality among women (18–65 years old) in the healthy weight body mass index (BMI) category and (2) to explore dietary and behavioral patterns among women with body weight dissatisfaction. DesignData were extracted from the cross-sectional 2014–2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey. Participants/settingPopulation-based sample of 507 women with BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25. Outcome measuresDietary intakes assessed by dietitians using two nonconsecutive computer-assisted multi-pass 24-hour dietary recalls. Diet quality was measured with a slightly modified version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)—2020. Statistical analyses performedMultiple linear regressions were performed to test the association between body weight dissatisfaction and total HEI-2020 score. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of women with body weight dissatisfaction. ResultsBody weight dissatisfaction was not found to be associated with diet quality (β = –1.73 [–4.18; 0.71], P = .16). However, women who were dissatisfied with their body weight had lower scores for the HEI-2020 total fruits (P = .050) and whole grains (P = .014) components than women who were satisfied with their body weight. Four profiles with different dietary patterns were identified among women with body weight dissatisfaction: “Unhealthy diet with dairy,” “Protein and fat,” “Vegetables without protein,” and “Healthier diet without dairy.” ConclusionsAmong women with a BMI in the healthy weight category, overall diet quality was not observed to differ between those with or without body weight dissatisfaction. More research is needed to explore the different profiles of dietary intake in women with body weight dissatisfaction.

Unified artificial neural network, linear and nonlinear statistics methods for forecasting the capacity of axially loaded concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) members

Due to the fast development of technology that facilitates human work, there is an urgent need to use artificial intelligence as a new and accurate technology in Structural Engineering to design structural members. This paper presents unified statistical linear regression (LR) and nonlinear regression (NLR) analysis using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) and unified advanced design methods of artificial neural network (ANN) using MATLAB for forecasting the capacity of the composite concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns with different cross-sections under axial loads. Overall, test data of about 390 specimens were collected, including 13 specimens used to validate the mentioned methods. The unified ANN method gives the best conservative and save results with an average value of the test to ANN analysis result of 1.01, followed by the statistical NLR analysis method with an average value of the test to NLR analysis result of 0.992, and then the statistical LR analysis method with an average value of the test to LR analysis result of 0.971. The results of the proposed method based on statistical LR analysis have shown negative values for the predicted ultimate capacity, which means this method does not capture the ultimate capacity behavior well. Validating the accuracy of the predicted analysis results with four available design codes has been done. The ACI 318–19 and DBJ 13–51-2010 gave conservative and save predictions with average test values to calculate results equal to 1.115 and 1.126, respectively; the unified ANN model provides the most accurate assessment predictions compared to available design codes.

Insight on Pediatric Burn Morbidity and Mortality at a Tertiary Indian Burn Care Center: A Case For Burn Prevention.

Pediatric burns pose a significant health burden in LMICs. Despite efforts to address burn prevention and management, morbidity and mortality rates remain high, particularly among children. Understanding pediatric burn epidemiology and predictors of clinical outcomes is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and improving patient-care. This retrospective cohort study analyzed pediatric burn patients admitted to a tertiary burn-center in India, between March-2022 and December-2023. Demographic date, burn characteristics, treatments, complications and outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis, including logistic and linear regression, was conducted to identify predictors of mortality, sepsis, and hospital stay length. Among 332 pediatric burn patients, median age was 3 years, with a male predominance. Scald burns were the most common, followed by electrical and flame burns. Median total body surface area burned was 20%, with upper and lower extremities most affected. The incidence of electrical burns increased with age and was associated with a longer length of stay. Mortality rate was 14.2%, with age >10 years, male gender, and TBSA >30% predicting mortality. Complications like sepsis significantly increased mortality risk, while deep burns were associated with longer hospital stays. This study underscores importance of targeted prevention efforts and specialized care. Scald burns among young children highlight the need for safer cooking practices, while the high incidence of electrical burns in older children suggests age-specific education interventions are necessary. Predictors of mortality identified can guide risk assessment and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of infection control and wound management strategies in improving outcomes.

Quality of Life and Geriatric Depression among Elderly Residents in Old Age Homes and Domestic Environments in Kerala.

Aging is a natural and essential part of human life. The Quality of Life (QoL) for the elders indicates their overall well-being and might be a risk factor for many conditions like geriatric depression. The study aims to compare older people living in domestic environments with those in Old Age Homes (OAH) to examine the variations in life quality and the prevalence of geriatric depression. The study followed a mixed-method approach and was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 includes a comprehensive understanding of QoL and geriatric depression that was established by an in-depth random data collection from 80 older adults aged between 60 and 90 years in Kerala, India, using the WHOQOL-BREF and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Data was then analyzed statistically by using an independent sample t-test, Karl Pearson's correlation, linear regression, and descriptive statistics. In Phase 2, by using semi-structured interviews, a random sample of eight people aged between 60 and 80 years was chosen from the Phase 1 pool which involved comparing and identifying the factors influencing geriatric depression and QoL in both living situations using thematic analysis. The findings show that there is a significant negative relationship between quality of life and geriatric depression among older individuals. The elders in old age homes reported a higher quality of life and lower geriatric depression. There were negligible gender differences. Physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors affect the quality of life and geriatric depression. The study also reveals that old age homes provide a better environment for elderly care compared to domestic environments, as they provide enhanced social support, structured caregiving, and better access to healthcare. This study thus paves the way for more compassionate approaches to elderly care and well-being.

Comparison of barriers to effective nurse-patient communication in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards

BackgroundCommunication is a basic need of humans. Identifying factors that prevent effective nurse-patient communication allows for the better implementation of necessary measures to modify barriers. This study aims to compare the barriers to effective nurse-patient communication from the perspectives of nurses and patients in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 wards.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 2022. The participants included 200 nurses (by stratified sampling method) and 200 patients (by systematic random sampling) referred to two conveniently selected hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. The inclusion criteria for nurses were considered having at least a bachelor’s degree and a minimum literacy level for patients to complete the questionnaires. Data were collected by the demographic information form and questionnaire with 30 and 15 questions for nurses and patients, which contained similar questions to those for nurses, based on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were analysis using descriptive indices and inferential statistics (Linear regression) in SPSS software version 18.ResultsThe high workload of nursing, excessive expectations of patients, and the difficulty of nursing work were identified by nurses as the main communication barriers. From the patients’ viewpoints, the aggressiveness of nurses, the lack of facilities (welfare treatment), and the unsanitary conditions of their rooms were the main communication barriers. The regression model revealed that the mean score of barriers to communication among nurses would decrease to 0.48 for each unit of age increase. Additionally, the patient’s residence explained 2.3% of the nurses’ barriers to communication, meaning that native participants obtained a mean score of 2.83 units less than non-native nurses, and there was no statistically significant difference between the COVID and non-COVID wards.ConclusionIn this study, the domain of job characteristics was identified by nurses as the major barrier, and patients emphasized factors that were in the domain of individual/social factors. There is a pressing need to pay attention to these barriers to eliminate them through necessary measures by nursing administrators.

Unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic: mental health, quality of life and labour market outcome in Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, quality of life and the labour market outcome across North and Southern Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Data was obtained from staff laid off in selected tertiary institutions in North East and South West Nigeria using a self-administered questionnaire with a total sample size of 185. Findings are shown using the heteroscedastic linear regression and descriptive statistics. Findings The results showed a significant negative effect of unemployment during the pandemic on mental health and quality of life. Less than half of those laid off are reabsorbed into the labour market with the majority in the South than the Northern region and most are in self-employment. Practical implications The coronavirus pandemic negatively affected the human race, with a huge socio-economic impact linked to health and well-being. This reality calls for attention to the role it played on mental health and the quality of life as well as how it has influenced the labour market. Labour empowerment during a pandemic is key to cushion the effect of pandemics on health and the labour market. This can be in the form of skill empowerment and increased access to funds for business start-ups to enable self-employment that typifies the labour market after a pandemic. This in turn will reduce mental health challenges and low quality of life associated with pandemics. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first in the literature that provides empirical evidence of the effect of unemployment during the pandemic on well-being captured using mental health and the quality of life in Nigeria. Findings on labour market outcomes due to the pandemic and across regions in Nigeria are also scarce in the literature.

Quantifying pesticide residues in food matrices using statistical methods

Traditional techniques for pesticide residues detection and quantification in food using mass spectrometry often require the analysis of standards for each compound, leading to time-consuming and laborious procedures, especially considering that these methods usually involve hundreds of pesticides to be targeted. This paper presents a novel approach to compound quantitation, where multiple target compounds can be accurately quantified using few predictor compounds, significantly reducing the experimental time and minimizing resource requirements. For this purpose, data on detector response which encompassed calibration slopes of a total of 96 pesticide standards on GC-MS/MS and 66 standards on LC-MS/MS, over a period of 4 years, were collected. Two fundamental statistical techniques, Pearson correlation and linear regression, were used to create a predictive model, which accuracy was further evaluated using R-square, adjusted R-square, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Four predicted compounds for the LC dataset and seven predicted compounds for GC dataset were identified, and various predictor combinations were considered. A linear regression model was developed using predictor combinations to estimate the calibration slope of each of the target compound. This model was applied for the quantitation of several pesticide residues in food samples. The results validated the model’s high accuracy.

The factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on theory of planned behavior in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Southern Iran

BackgroundGiven the destructive nature of addiction and its relapse after quitting, the present study aimed to investigate the factors affecting substance abuse relapse based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 male addicts covered by addiction treatment centers in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021–2022. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22 software through descriptive statistical methods, linear regression, and binary logistic regression.Results190 people (47.50%) were aged 31–40 years, 265 people (66.25%) were married, 224 people (56%) lived with their spouses, and 192 people (48 percent) had their first use at the age of 16–20. The substance respondents used were methamphetamine (59.5%), heroin (53%), opium (48%), and alcohol (40%). 138 people (34.5%) had their first place of consumption at friends’ houses (Tables 1 and 2).342 people (85.5%) had a history of relapse, and 172 people (50.29%) had 1–5 relapses. Marital status, occupation, and income were among the demographic risk factors, and addicted friends and close relatives were among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse among people with a history of relapse. Personal desire and the insistence of friends were also among the individual and interpersonal factors of drug use among participants. The regression results showed that the constructs of awareness, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and behavioral intention were predictors of drug relapse among addicts (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe current study’s findings indicate that among the behavioral risk factors for drug relapse in individuals with a history of relapse are addicted friends and close relatives, while marital status, occupation, and income are among the demographic risk variables. Among the individual and interpersonal factors influencing drug usage among participants were personal desire and friends’ insistence. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the TPB’s structures might be used to predict drug relapse in addicts.

Socially Responsible Human Resource Management Practices and Job Satisfaction of Public Servants with Disabilities in South-West Nigeria

Overt ill-treatments from management and co-workers have often led to job dissatisfaction and discouraged other persons with disabilities keen and able to join the workforce. Persons with disabilities continue to suffer employment-related and other forms of discrimination, resulting in low job satisfaction and job discontentment. These conditions accentuate the need for socially responsible human resource management practices in organisations. This study examined socially responsible human resource management practices and job satisfaction of public servants with disabilities in South-West Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for this study. The study’s sample size of 422 public servants and leaders was determined using total enumeration sampling technique. A structured and validated questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients for the constructs ranged between 0.69 and 0.84. The response rate was 95%. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential (multiple linear regression and hierarchical regression) statistics. The study found that SRHRM had a statistically significant effect on job satisfaction (Adj.R2 = 0.53, F(5, 410) = 92.07, p &lt; 0.05). The interviews indicated that only two of five States had a deliberate strategy driving recruitment of persons with disabilities. A vast majority were employed as teachers in special schools, and diverse administrative roles across government ministries, departments and agencies. All States provided varying degrees of basic support and benefits, and stated that the employment of persons with disabilities was influenced by its leadership and affected organisational reputation. The study concluded that SRHRM affects job satisfaction of public servants with disabilities in South-West Nigeria. The study recommended that the government, in conjunction with institutional stakeholders and advocacy groups, should facilitate the adoption of SRHRM practices in South-West Nigeria. In addition, the involvement of the private sector and provision of financial grants and subsidies for employers would enhance wider employment, inclusion and quality organisational support for persons with disabilities.

Exploring Consumer Perceptions and Value Addition in Street Cuisine: A Case of Kalai Ruti

Aims: The study focused on Kalai Ruti, a popular street food made from black gram in Chapai Nawabganj, Bangladesh. It is aimed to examine the potential for enhancing the dish’s value and to assess consumer attitudes towards street food in that region. Study Design: This study adopted quantitative approach where purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Face-to-face interviews were performed with a structured questionnaire facilitated in-depth interactions with the respondent to reach the goal. Methodology: The research involved direct surveys with 100 Kalai Ruti customers and 30 local vendors. It is employed multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics to analyze data. This included examining the value addition from incorporating various meats and vegetables typical in Bangladeshi cuisine of Kalai Ruti, as well as analyzing the cost and selling price of these ingredients. Results: Findings showed significant value addition from different meats: BDT 370.07 per kg for chicken, BDT 988.3 per kg for beef, BDT 386.03 per kg for duck, and BDT 38.8 per kg for eggplant. Consumer’s feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with over 76% of participants expressing favorable opinions. The analysis also revealed that the street food culture around Kalai Ruti is shaped by a blend of value addition, consumer preferences, and socio-demographic factors. It is also seen that education, family size, and income had minor effects, age, gender, occupation, and marital status significantly influenced consumer choices. Conclusion: The study offers valuable insights that can help enhance marketing strategies and support the sustainable development of the street food sector in the area. Furthermore, it is opening the gate of future research on this sector to discover the scope and expansion of Kalai Ruti’s market.

Relationship between Resilience and Social and Organizational Support among Nurses Working with COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: One of the coping strategies in stressful situations effectively is resilience skills. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its resulting stresses, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between resilience and social and organizational support among nurses working with COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 224 nurses working with COVID-19 patients in Iran in 2021. A demographic questionnaire, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Survey of Perceived Organisational Support were used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and interpretive statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient test and linear regression). Results: The mean [Standard Deviation (SD)] resilience score was 65.86 (14.01). In addition, the mean (SD) scores of organizational support and social support were 21.57 (4.46) and 65.10 (10.93), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient test results showed a statistically significant direct relationship between social support and resilience (r = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, there was a statistically significant relationship between organizational support and resilience (r = 0.16, p = 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that for each unit increase in social support and organizational support scores, resilience scores increased by 0.41 (p = 0.01) and 0.15 (p &lt; 0.001) units, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed a direct relationship between resilience and social support and organizational support in nurses. Due to the prolongation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the high prevalence of the disease in our country, nursing managers should seriously consider measures to protect their staff.

ANALISIS PENYEBAB KEMACETAN LALU LINTAS PADA JALAN KOLEKTOR PRIMER KABUPATEN BADUNG

The development of an area can be seen in the development of its transportation system. The Canggu village area is an area experiencing rapid development which has an impact on traffic density. The Canggu highway is one of the roads that serves the tourist area corridor, with heavy traffic flow poor road geometric conditions, and side obstacles that reduce road capacity. The purpose of this research is to analyze the perceptions of people who live along the Canggu highway corridor regarding the factors causing traffic congestion in the Canggu Village area. Primary data was obtained by observation and distributing questionnaires containing closed questions to 400 respondents. The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression statistics. The results of the analysis show that traffic flow, road geometrics, and side obstacles have a significant partial and simultaneous effect on traffic congestion on the Canggu highway section. Obtained Model Equation: Y=1.514+0.378X1+0.363X2+0.304X3+e, where traffic flow has the greatest influence compared to road geometry and side obstacles. The model's ability to predict is very strong as indicated by the coefficient value. determination (R2) was 89.1%.

PENGARUH BELANJA ONLINE TERHADAP PERILAKU PERJALANAN BELANJA DI KECAMATAN KUTA

Advances in telecommunications technology can be used to hold meetings, distance learning processes, recreation, and online shopping without having to travel to the store. A person's decision to shop online will indirectly influence a person's travel behavior, such as substitution (online shopping replaces conventional shopping), modification (changing the characteristics of the shopping trip), complementary (complementing the shopping trip), or neutral (no effect on the shopping trip). The purpose of this research is to analyze the factors that influence online shopping activities on the travel behavior of people who live in the Kuta District Area. The primary data collection method was carried out by observation and distributing questionnaires containing closed questions to 100 respondents. The data analysis method uses multiple linear regression statistics. The results of the analysis show that the trust aspect, the time and cost aspect, as well as the information and promo aspect have a significant positive effect partially and simultaneously on the travel behavior of people who live in the Kuta District area to use online shopping system services. The resulting equation model is: Y = 2.501+ 0.254X1 + 0.376X2 + 0.267X3, where the time and cost aspects have the greatest influence compared to the trust and information aspects. The model's ability to predict is very strong as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2) of 81.0%.

Outsourcing Accounting Functions and the Quality of Financial Reporting for SMEs in Lagos State

This study delves into the outsourcing of accounting functions and its impact on the quality of financial reporting of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study used a survey research design, and a questionnaire was adopted as a research instrument to elicit information from SMEs located within the Lagos metropolis. The population of the study consisted of 300 registered SMEs in Lagos State as of December 2022. Among them, 268 were located within the Lagos metropolitan area, representing the core focus of the study, while the remaining 32 were situated outside the metro region. Simple percentages were adopted to analyse the respondents' responses, while linear regression statistics were used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study found that there is a significant effect of outsourcing bookkeeping services on the financial reporting quality of SMEs in Lagos State; there is a substantial effect of outsourcing internal audit services on the financial reporting quality of SMEs in Lagos State; and also that there is a significant effect of outsourcing tax reporting services on the financial reporting quality of SMEs in Lagos state. The study concludes businesses should focus on their core competencies and entrust accounting preparation to professional accountants. As companies expand, outsourcing should be viewed as optimising productivity and business performance. The study recommended establishing a regulatory framework by the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) to facilitate professional accountants' outsourcing of accounting functions and financial services, thus enhancing public confidence. SMEs are encouraged to embrace outsourcing of accounting functions to mitigate excessive costs and streamline operations, ultimately contributing to cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Information Search Knowledge and Agricultural Education Students’ Use of Public Library in Cross River State, Nigeria

The study determined the influence of information search knowledge on agricultural education students’ use of public libraries in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated. This study adopted a survey research design. All the 96 final year agricultural education students of the two public universities in Cross River State were purposely selected for the study. A validated questionnaire titled “Information Search Knowledge and Agricultural Education Students’ Use of the Library Questionnaire (ISKAESULQ) was used for data collection. This instrument was face and content validated by three experts. A reliability index of 0.81 was obtained for the questionnaire using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient after a pilot test. All hypotheses were tested at .05 significance level using simple linear regression and independent t-test statistics. Findings revealed that knowledge of information sourcing significantly influences the use of libraries by agricultural education students in public universities and that there is no significant difference in the influence of knowledge of information sourcing on male and female agricultural education students’ use of public libraries. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that information search knowledge and literacy should be included in the course outline for use in library, and taught as a course in tertiary institutions, as this would ensure that students including those in Agricultural Education have the necessary knowledge needed to source and search for key information in the library

Environmental regulations, finance, and firm environmental investments: an empirical exploration

Environmental regulations (ERs) drive financial decisions, influencing firms to invest in sustainable practices. Balancing economic goals with eco-friendly initiatives is pivotal in today's business landscape. This study investigates the intricate relationship between ERs, and firms’ environmental investments, focusing on the nuances of command-based and market-based ERs. With the backdrop of China's rapid economic growth and its subsequent environmental challenges, this research aims to shed light on how ERs influence firms’ environmental investments and innovative practices while considering the role of Financial Constraints (FCs). The study empirically examines the interplay of these factors using a comprehensive dataset of listed companies in China. The study utilizes 750 observations from the China Environmental Statistical Yearbook (2019-2020) and investigates the relationship between ER, finance, and firm environmental (FE) investments in diverse Chinese industries and regions. The study utilized diverse statistical methods, baseline, mediating effect, robustness tests, and linear regression to analyze China's environmental data, emphasizing descriptive analysis. The theoretical contribution of this study is that highlighting regulatory pressure fosters financial gains, driving firms to invest in environmental initiatives for long-term profitability proactively. These findings underscore the significance of taking into financial dynamics while creating and implementing ER. Policymakers should focus on mechanisms that enhance firms’ access to funding, such as promoting transparency through environmental and social responsibility reporting.

Evaluating alexithymia as a mediator of the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity and health anxiety

Highly sensitive individuals demonstrate heightened responses to environmental stimuli than their peers, often presenting with anxious and depressive symptomatology akin to those in alexithymic individuals. Alexithymia, referred to as difficulty in describing or identifying emotions, is of particular interest to use as a mediating variable between sensitivity to sensory processing and health anxiety. The present study aims to explore the relationship between sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and alexithymia, and their collective impact on health anxiety, a correlation which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously examined, despite the common preoccupation with health among those affected. Health anxiety, defined by the fear of suffering from a serious and/or chronic illness, or of misinterpreting somatic symptoms as signs of illness, is the focal point of this investigation. The study recruited 814 adults (79.7% women and 20.3% men), with a mean age of 30 years old (standard deviation = 12.5 years), ranging from 18 to 76 years. Participants anonymously answered a questionnaire consisting of the French versions of the Highly Sensitive Person Scale (HSPS-FR), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, and the Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ). Statistical analyses, including correlations, ANOVA, linear regressions, and mediation analysis, were performed using SPSS and the SPSS macro PROCESS. Results revealed significant positive correlations among the three constructs (P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, both SPS and alexithymia were found to be predictive of health anxiety (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, an indirect partial mediation effect between SPS and health anxiety through alexithymia was observed. This study highlights the intertwined relationship between sensitivity and alexithymia, shedding light on their collective impact on anxiety, particularly health anxiety. Moreover, it facilitates the examination of this relationship within a large population and amidst the specific context of COVID-19. Practical perspectives concerning support for highly sensitive people are discussed, taking into account their potential specific needs.

The effects of supply chain management strategies on competitive advantage on food and beverage processing companies; a case study in the Ashanti region of Ghana

The food and beverage industry plays a unique role in expanding economic opportunities because it is universal to life and health. However, the industry’s performance was below average in Ghana and was facing intense competition from the imported food stuffs from overseas. The study adopted quantitative approach with food and beverage processing companies in the Ashanti Region of Ghana as the target population. The target population for the study was hundred selected companies in the SME’s which comprises of fifty respondents in food and fifty respondents in beverage. Structured questionnaires were used to gather primary data in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Linear regression and correlation statistics were applied to investigate relationship between SCM Strategies and competitive advantage. The study concluded that companies’ competitive advantage is achieved through implementing supply chain agility, collaboration and integration strategies in their networks. The study recommends that the companies should develop a clearly laid down policies and procedures for handling customers’ concerns and also develop interactive websites to achieve effective information sharing and concerns that can be addressed in real time.