Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression Model Research Articles

Differential influence of quadriceps rate of torque development on single- and double-leg landing mechanics in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed and control females.

The capacity to explosively contract quadriceps within the critical timeframe associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, quantified by the rate of torque development, is potentially essential for safe landing mechanics. This study aimed to investigate the influence of explosive quadricepsstrength on ACL-related sagittal-plane landing mechanics in females with and without ACL reconstruction (ACLR). Quadricepsexplosive strength and landing mechanics were assessed in 19 ACLR and 19 control females during isometric contractions and double-and single-leg jump landings. A stepwise multiple linear regression model determined the variance in each of the landing biomechanics variables for the ACLR limb and nondominant limb of controls that could be explained by the group, rate of torque developmentand/or their interaction. If peak kinetic variables could be predicted by the rate of torque development or interaction, additional analyses were conducted, accounting for knee flexion as a covariate in the regression model. During single-leg landings, ACLR females exhibited greater knee flexion at initial contact than controls (p = 0.04). Greater quadricepsrate of torque development predicted higher peak posterior ground reaction force and anterior tibial shear force in both groups (p = 0.04). However, after controlling for knee flexion angle at those peak forces, quadriceps rate of torque development was not predictive. In double-leg landings, greater explosive quadriceps strength was associated with quicker attainment of peak knee extension moment and posterior ground reaction force in the ACLR limb (p = 0.03). Regardless of ACL injury status, females with greater explosive quadriceps strength adopted safer single-leg landings through increased knee flexion, potentially mitigating ACL loading despite encountering higher peak forces. During double-leg landings, a greater explosive quadriceps strength of the ACLR limb is associated with faster achievement of peak force upon landing. Incorporating explosive quadriceps strengthening into post-ACLR rehabilitation and injury prevention programmes may enhance landing mechanics for reducing primary and subsequent ACL injury risks. Level II.

School Electricity Consumption in a Small Island Country: The Case of Fiji

Electricity consumption in buildings is one of the major causes of energy usage and knowledge of this can help building owners and users increase energy efficiency and conservation efforts. For Pacific Island countries, building electricity demand data is not readily accessible or available for constructing models to predict electricity demand. This paper starts to fill this gap by studying the case of schools in Fiji. The aim of the paper is to assess the factors affecting electricity demand for grid-connected Fijian schools and use this assessment to build mathematical models (multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN)) to predict electricity consumption. The average grid-connected electricity demand in kWh/year was 1411 for early childhood education schools, 5403 for primary schools, and 23,895 for secondary schools. For predicting electricity demand (ED) for all grid-connected schools, the stepwise MLR model shows that taking logarithm transformations on both the dependent variable and independent variables (number of students, lights, and air conditioning systems) yields statistically significant independent variables with an R2 value of 73.3% and RMSE of 0.2248. To improve the predicting performance, ANN models were constructed on both the natural form of variables and transformed variables. The optimum ANN model had an R2 value of 95.3% and an RMSE of 59.4 kWh/year. The findings of this study can assist schools in putting measures in place to reduce their electricity demand, associated costs, and carbon footprint, as well as help government ministries make better-informed policies.

Abstract MP15: Developing and Validating VO 2 Prediction From 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Association With Cardiovascular Health and Risk Scores: Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA)

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a valuable diagnostic and prognostic measure. Yet, assessing VO 2 max (indicator of CRF) in population-based studies can be challenging due to requiring sophisticated equipment and trained personnel. Thus, we built and validated a model to estimate VO 2 max from a 6MWT, which is less burdensome for participants (submaximal effort). We tested the hypothesis that our model provides valid estimates of VO 2 max that are associated with cardiovascular health - AHA’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) and ASCVD scores. Methods: Data are from 576 CARDIA participants [60% female; 40% Black; mean ± SD age = 61.5 ± 3.6; BMI = 28.6 ± 5.7 kg/m 2 ] who attended the Year 35 follow-up exam (2020-22) and completed VO 2 max and 6MWT tests. The study sample was split randomly into a training (2/3) or test (1/3) set. The prediction equation was developed using stepwise multiple linear regression models in the training set. We evaluated accuracy of the model using student's t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) by examining the difference between the observed and predicted VO 2 max in the test dataset. Linear regression models adjusted for age, and sex were used to examine associations of VO 2 max estimates with cardiovascular health and risk indices. Results: The prediction equation included 6MWT distance, sex, age, BMI, physical activity status, and smoking status (R 2 adj = 0.55, RMSE = 4.84). No significant difference was observed between predicted and measured VO 2 max (26.2 ± 5.4 vs 26.0 ± 7.5 mL/kg/min; p =0.76) and the measures were strongly correlated (r=0.80, p <.001) with Bland-Altman plot is presented (Figure). Predicted VO 2 max explained more variance in LS7 score (R 2 adj = 0.55) compared to measured (R 2 adj = 0.37), while explaining similar variance in ASCVD risk (R 2 adj = 0.40 vs 0.38). Conclusions: This prediction equation provides a convenient and useful estimate of CRF estimate of CRF from 6MWT and may provide utility in clinical practice to screen and monitor CRF when direct measurement is not feasible.

Immersive virtual reality and computer vision for heritage: visual evaluation and perception of the industrial heritage sites along the Yunnan–Vietnam railway (Yunnan section)

The visual composition and human perception are found to relate to the reuse and tourism of heritage railways. Previous studies have used either environmental audits and on-site interviews that have limitations in terms of cost, time, and measurement scale, or virtual perception base on two-dimension images but with gaps in interactivity, virtual immersion and field of view. This study developed an “objective + subjective” visual evaluation and perception framework integrating Computer Vision (CV) and Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) to assess the visual quality of industrial heritage sites along the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (Yunnan Section). The stepwise multiple linear regression models were carried out to investigate the relationship between objective evaluation and subjective perception. The results showed that 16 landscape elements of the heritage sites were successfully segmented. According to the visual perception score bands, the 120 industrial heritage sites were classified as 39 high-score sites, 66 medium-score sites, and 15 low-score sites. In general, although the sky and hard ground accounted for a higher proportion, they had little effect on the sum scores, while the vegetation, water, and buildings played a significant role in the perception of visual quality. The results can help researchers, planners, and government departments clarify the visual quality to scientifically specify bottom-up planning and management solutions for railway industrial heritage sites. Moreover, the simplicity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this framework make it suitable for large-scale visual evaluation of other railway industrial heritage sites and linear heritage sites.

Association between Contextual Factors and Affordances in the Home Environment of Infants Exposed to Poverty.

Home environments of infants exposed to poverty exhibit fewer affordances for child development. This study aimed to investigate the association between contextual factors and affordances in the home environments of infants facing poverty. Term infants (n = 128) were divided into two groups: (1) exposed group (EG), comprising term infants exposed to poverty, and (2) comparison group (CG), consisting of term infants classified with medium and high socio-economic status. The main dependent variables were physical space, variety of stimulation, gross and fine motor toys, and the total score; measured using the Brazilian version of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development-Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS) questionnaire, named Affordances no Ambiente Domiciliar para o Desenvolvimento Motor-Escala Bebê. Statistical analysis employed independent sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests, chi-square tests, and stepwise multiple linear regression models to evaluate predictors of less adequate home environments. The EG presented significantly fewer affordances in gross motor toys (Cohen's r = 0.353; p < 0.01); fine motor toys (Cohen's r = 0.327; p < 0.01); and total score (Cohen's r = 0.377; p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significant association (r2 = 0.828, p < 0.01) between the less than adequate home environment category and maternal age (p = 0.043, OR: 0.829 (0.692-0.994)), revealing that maternal age was associated with better quantity and quality of affordances for child development.

Influence of physical fitness components on personality factors and risk perception of children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo examine the associations of cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 max) and muscular strength with indicators related to the risk scale, such as perceived competence, sensation seeking, competitiveness, risk taking and risk...

Linkages of Enzymatic Activity and Stoichiometry with Soil Physical-Chemical Properties under Long-Term Manure Application to Saline-Sodic Soil on the Songnen Plain

Excess Na+ and high pH result in poor structures in Saline-Sodic soils, which reduces extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) and causes nutrient limitations. The application of manure improved the Physical-Chemical properties of soil and balanced the soil nutrient supply, which was reflected in the soil EEAs and stoichiometry. Five experimental treatments were designed according to the manure application duration as follows: manure application for 11 years (11a), 16 years (16a), 22 years (22a), and 27 years (27a) and a control treatment with no manure application (CK). The results of the redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that physical properties (mean weight diameter (MWD)) and EEA (β–glucosidase (BG)) significantly increased and bulk density (ρb) significantly decreased when the nutrient content increased. Additionally, soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) significantly decreased after manure application. Based on stepwise multiple linear regression models (SMLR), total nitrogen (TN) was the dominant variable that significantly increased EEA, and the Mantel test showed that soil C:N significantly influenced enzyme stoichiometry. Furthermore, RDA showed that pH, soil C:N and TN were the main factors influencing EEAs and enzyme stoichiometry. Soil EEAs significantly increased with TN and decreased with pH and soil C:N, which affected enzyme stoichiometry. The enzyme stoichiometry increased from 1:2.1:1.2 and 1:2.7:1.5 to 1:1.7:1.2, and the vector angle (vector A) increased, which showed that the N limitation was relieved after the application of manure. The vector length (vector L) showed no significant difference in the C limitation at depths of 0–20 cm and significantly increased at depths of 20–40 cm. In conclusion, soil EEAs and stoichiometry improved with changes in TN and soil C:N, and pH decreased with changes in the soil structure after the application of manure, which accelerated the soil nutrient cycle and balanced the soil nutrient supply.

Psychosocial Factors Influencing Quality of Life Among Medical Students.

This study investigated the influence of psychosocial factors on medical students' quality of life (QOL). A total of 408 medical students participated in this study. We collected data on participants' sociodemographic details, symptoms of depression and Internet addiction, self-esteem, social support, and QOL. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated form, which has four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment). A stepwise multiple linear regression model was constructed to identify factors' independent impact on QOL. Higher levels of depression and Internet addiction were associated with lower scores in all domains of QOL, whereas higher levels of self-esteem and social support were associated with higher scores. Being in third-year versus first-year was associated with higher scores in the physical health and environment domains. Living alone or in dormitories, low or middle socioeconomic status, and insufficient or moderate pocket money were associated with lower scores in the environment domain. Additionally, female students displayed significantly lower scores for physical health, psychological health, and environment than male students, but not for social relationships. There were significant differences in certain domains of QOL due to sociodemographic factors. This study demonstrates the psychosocial factors influencing medical students' QOL. Educational strategies focusing on strengthening self-esteem and social support as well as preventing depression and Internet addiction may contribute to improving medical students' QOL.

Factors Contributing to the Pre-Elimination of Malaria from Hainan Island, China, 1986–2009

ABSTRACT. Malaria was endemic in Hainan Island, China, for a lengthy period before its elimination. Here, we aim to gain a better understanding of malaria elimination by assessing and quantifying the relative effects of longitudinal changes in specific antimalarial interventions, socioeconomic development approaches, and malaria vectors on malaria prevalence in Hainan during the 1986–2009 pre-elimination period. Annual data were collected on the incidence of malaria, the number of residents protected by drugs (RPD), the number of residents protected by vector control, the presence of Anopheles minimus and Anopheles dirus, the annual per capita income of rural residents, major cash crop (rubber plantation) areas, the literacy rate of adult rural residents, and the rate of reinforced concrete house construction in rural areas. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression models were developed to identify the factors associated with the annual malaria incidence (AMI). The AMI declined from 20.3 to 0.8 per 10,000 population from 1986 to 2009; this decrease was significantly associated with an increase in the number of RPD and improved literacy rate among rural adults. The results of this study implied that the sustained distribution of antimalarial drugs and increase in education levels in risk areas significantly impacted the reduction and elimination of malaria infection in Hainan. We suggest that these findings could be applicable to malaria-endemic areas in Southeast Asia with similar natural and socioeconomic environments to Hainan and where malaria incidence has decreased to a low level.

What is the relationship between health-related quality of life among scoliosis patients and their caregiver burden? A cross-sectional study in China

BackgroundCaregivers play a vital role in the recovery of scoliosis patients, but limited studies evaluate the caregivers’ HRQoL and burden in health care. This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of scoliosis patients and their caregivers, and identify the factors influencing caregiver burden in Eastern China.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2018 to January 2019 at the Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China. The HRQoL of scoliosis patients was measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) and Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D). The caregivers’ questionnaires consist of the EQ-5D-5L, WHO-five wellbeing index (WHO-5), 22-item Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship among caregivers’ burden, social support, HRQoL, and SWB. Cohen’s effect size (Cohen’s d) was used to assess the ZBI-22 total score between different groups. Multiple stepwise hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to assess the associated factors of caregiver burden.ResultsThere were 59 scoliosis patients and their caregivers (n = 59) included in the analysis. The mean health state utility of adolescent scoliosis patients (n = 39) was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.654, 0.782) based on CHU9D and adult scoliosis patients (n = 20) was 0.663 (95%CI: 0.471, 0.855) based on EQ-5D-5L. The mean health state utility of male scoliosis patients (0.792/0.667) was higher than females (0.681/0.662) based on CHU9D and EQ-5D-5L (p > 0.05), respectively. The ZBI-22 total score of scoliosis patients’ caregivers was 27.86 (SD: 20.59). Scoliosis patients’ HRQoL was significantly inversely correlated with caregiver burden, and the HRQoL and subjective wellbeing (SWB) of caregivers were moderately and inversely correlated with caregiver burden. The regression results showed that the patients’ age and caregivers’ SWB were key characteristics associated with caregiver burden.ConclusionsThe caregiver burden of adolescent patients was higher than that of adult patients, and the satisfaction rate of adolescent scoliosis patients was higher than that of adult scoliosis patients. Improving the functional state of scoliosis patients and providing appropriate nursing practice education from health professionals would be necessary to effectively improve caregivers SWB and alleviate caregiver burden.

Sensitization-associated and neuropathic-associated symptoms in patients with unilateral lateral elbow tendinopathy: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Objectives We evaluate the presence of sensitization-associated symptoms and neuropathic pain features and identify if there is an association between these symptoms and pressure pain sensitivity, pain, and related-disability in lateral elbow tendinopathy. Methods Thirty-seven (43% women, age: 45.5 ± 9.5 years) patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy completed: demographic (i.e. age, height, and weight); clinical (i.e. pain history, pain intensity, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand); and psychophysical (i.e. pressure pain thresholds at the elbow, cervical spine, hand, and leg) outcomes, and the Central Sensitization Inventory and Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs questionnaires. Step-wise multiple linear regression models were performed to identify predictors of sensitization- or neuropathic-associated symptoms. Results Six (16%) patients exhibited sensitization-associated symptoms (mean: 46.5, SD: 6.1), whereas 13 (35%) patients showed neuropathic-associated symptoms (mean: 13.5; SD: 1.4). Sensitization-associated symptoms were positively associated with neuropathic-associated symptoms (r = 0.538, P = .001) and negatively associated with pressure pain thresholds at the leg (r = -0.378, P = .021). Neuropathic-associated symptoms were positively associated with related-disability (r = 0.479, P = .003) and negatively associated with pressure pain threshold at the elbow (r = -0.394, P = .017). Stepwise regression analyses revealed that neuropathic-like symptoms explained 26.8% of the variance of sensitization symptoms (r2: 0.268), whereas pressure pain threshold at the elbow explained an additional 6.6% to neuropathic-like symptoms (r2: 0.334). Conclusion This explorative study identified sensitization- and neuropathic-associated symptoms in 16% and 35% of the people with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Sensitization- and neuropathic-associated symptoms were associated. Pressure pain sensitivity at the elbow (peripheral sensitization) was associated with neuropathic -associated symptoms.

Predictors and Moderators of Treatment Outcomes for Anxious Children Randomized to Computer-Assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Standard Community Care.

Introduction: Computer-assisted cognitive behavioral therapy (CCBT) for childhood anxiety disorders may aid the dissemination of CBT, while maintaining treatment fidelity. Although CCBT is an effective intervention, not everyone benefits equally from treatment. Identifying patient characteristics that predict who will benefit from treatment and to what extent can help with matching patients to suitable interventions, and allow researchers and clinicians to modify, and individualize, their treatment formats more effectively. Such predictors and moderators have not yet been examined for CCBT outcomes in anxious children and studies of more traditional treatment formats have yielded inconsistent results. Methods: Using data from a randomized clinical trial evaluating CCBT for children with anxiety disorders, this study examined predictors and moderators of treatment outcomes in a sample of 100 children (age: mean [M] = 9.82, standard deviation [SD] = 1.82), randomized to either CCBT (n = 49) or standard community care (n = 51). Potential predictors and moderators were identified from the literature and examined in stepwise multiple linear regression models, using posttreatment anxiety severity and global impairment as outcomes. Results: Parent-rated internalizing symptoms predicted posttreatment anxiety severity for both treatment groups. High pretreatment levels of anxiety severity predicted higher global impairment at posttreatment for the group receiving community care, but not for the CCBT group. Conclusion: Further research is needed to clarify which patient characteristics are associated with CCBT outcomes in a consistent way. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01416805.

Rheological Property for Nutritional Parameters Prediction of the Korla Pear

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of predicting nutritional parameters of the Korla pear using stress relaxation and creep parameters. A creep-recovery test and stress relaxation test were performed on the pear using a TA-XT plus Texture Analyzer. Creep and stress relaxation properties of the pear were characterized by a generalized Kelvin-Voigt model (six elements) and Maxwell model (seven elements), with coefficients of determination R2 of 0.992 and 0.998, respectively. The partial rheological parameters of the two models were significantly correlated with the total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and solid acid ratio (RTT) of the pear (p &lt; 0.05). Hence, the constructed stepwise multiple linear regression models can effectively predict three nutritional parameters (correlation coefficient r of prediction model &gt; 0.7). The RMSE value of each nutritional parameters’ prediction model based on the creep parameters was smaller than that of the prediction models based on the stress relaxation parameters. Therefore, the models constructed using creep parameters are more stable and reliable for predicting the nutritional parameters of the Korla pear.

The relationship between dietary inflammatory index and bone mineral density in CKD patients.

Chronic systemic inflammation was proposed as a critical factor in the development of osteoporosis. We aim to investigate the effect of the DII on bone mineral density (BMD) in CKD patients. 2276 participants from NHANES were enrolled. The DII score was calculated based on a single 24-h dietary recall. Total BMD was measured using Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. A multiple-stepwise linear regression model was used to determine associations between BMD and DII in CKD patients. When DII >0.35, a negative correlation was obtained between DII and BMD (all β = -0.008 and p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, BMD levels decreased across increasing tertiles of the DII for patients with non-osteoporosis, postmenopause, and low eGFR (p for trend ≤0.01). Higher consumption of pro-inflammatory diet correlates negatively with the BMD levels in CKD patients.

Inversion of soil heavy metals in metal tailings area based on different spectral transformation and modeling methods

The exploitation of mineral resources has seriously polluted the environment around mines, notably in terms of heavy metal contamination of tailings pond soil. Hyperspectral remote sensing, as opposed to conventional on-site sampling and laboratory analysis, offers a potent tool for effective monitoring the content of soil heavy metals. Therefore, we investigated the inversion models of heavy metal content in metal tailings area based on measured hyperspectral and multispectral data. Hyperspectral and its transformation, as well as the simulated Landsat8-OLI multispectral were used for model inversion respectively. Stepwise Multiple Linear Regression (SMLR), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) and Back Propagation Neuron Network (BPNN) were established to study the spectral inversion of eight heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg). The direct inversion models were established on the basis of correlation analysis and the adjust coefficient of determination (Adjust_R2) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) were used for model evaluation. Then the best combination of spectral transformation and inversion model were explored. The model inversion results suggested that: (1) Hyperspectral transformation can generally improve the model accuracy, especially the second derivative spectral, based on which the training Adjust_R2 of Hg SMLR and PLSR models are as high as 0.795 and 0.802. (2) The BP neural network inversion based on the denoised hyperspectrum demonstrate that both the training and testing Adjust_R2 of Cd, Ni and Hg models are all greater than 0.5, indicating good applicability in practical extrapolation. (3) Both the training and testing Adjust_R2 of Cu and Hg PLSR models based on simulated R_Landsat8-OLI multispectral are greater than 0.5, and Hg has lower RMSE and lager Adjust_R2 with training and testing Adjust_R2 values of 0.833 and 0.553 respectively. (4) Multispectral remote sensing detection and mapping of Hg contamination were realized by the optimal simulation model of Hg. Hence, it is feasible to simulate the multispectral with hyperspectral data for investigating heavy metal contamination.

Combined effects of loneliness and inflammation on depression in people with HIV

ObjectiveLoneliness is prevalent in people with HIV (PWH) and associated with adverse health-related consequences, including depression. Chronic inflammation has been linked to depression in PWH, though its association with loneliness is less well established. Simultaneous examination of inflammation, loneliness and depression is needed to clarify these relationships. This study investigated the relationship between loneliness and inflammation, and the effects of loneliness and inflammation on depression in PWH. Methods82 PWH who were on suppressive ART (mean age [SD] = 53.2 [9.0]) completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale-Version 3 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Biomarkers of systemic inflammation (CRP, IL-6, CCL2/MCP-1, sCD14) and coagulation (D-dimer) were measured in blood using commercial immunoassays.ResultsMultivariable linear regression analyses revealed that higher D-dimer, CCL2/MCP-1, and sCD14 were significant predictors of loneliness (ps < .05) while accounting for relevant covariates. Stepwise multiple linear regression models that included loneliness, biomarkers, and their interactions as predictors of depressive symptoms revealed significant main effects of loneliness and CCL2/MCP-1 levels (ps < .05), and a significant loneliness by D-dimer interaction (p < .05) whereby higher D-dimer was associated with increased depressive symptoms only at higher levels of loneliness. ConclusionsIncreased coagulation activity is associated with loneliness, and in the context of loneliness, may increase risk for depression. Increased inflammation was associated with depression suggesting potentially dissociable underlying biological processes. To the extent that these processes are modifiable, such findings could have important implications in the treatment of loneliness and depression in PWH.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene implications of large-scale recycling of treated municipal wastewater in semi-arid regions

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) is crucial for national development, as it improves human health and fulfills a fundamental need. This study examines the impact of a large-scale groundwater (GW) recharge scheme using secondary treated wastewater (STW) on WaSH characteristics and identifies the major determinants of improved WaSH charecteristics in drought-hit regions of Kolar district, southern India. The study quantifies improved WaSH practices by comparing WaSH characteristics between impacted areas (influenced by STW) and non-impacted areas (not influenced by STW) of Kolar, using household survey data. Pearson's chi-square and student's t-test are used to verify differences between WaSH characteristics. Furthermore, a composite WaSH score is formulated, and a hierarchical stepwise multiple linear regression model is constructed to identify major determinants of improved WaSH scores. The results show that impacted areas have better WaSH characteristics, including daily water supply by gram panchayat, enhanced toilet uses among all family members, bathing patterns, cloth washing practices, toilet cleaning patterns, and water consumption per capita per day. The maximum and minimum WaSH scores of impacted areas were 17.50 and 6.50, respectively, while those of non-impacted areas were 14 and 4.5. This study finds that improved water availability, quality, and security due to daily water supply at the household level are the major determinants of improved WaSH practices. These results can inform policymakers in designing sanitation and hygiene improvement policies that integrate water recycling projects in drought-hit areas.

Factors associated with capability and performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Background Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) have a lower level of independence and major need of assistance to perform daily living skills is one the main concerns of caregivers and therapists of children, adolescents and adults with these disabilities. Aim To identify factors associated with capability and performance in self-care, mobility and social activities in children with NDD. Method A cross-sectional study was performed with 96 children with NDD, most were male (69.8%), with a mean age of 8.53 (± 1.83) years. The Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was used to evaluate capability and performance outcomes. The explanatory variables were intellectual function, motor skills, economic level, and maternal education. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were used. Results The motor skills were the main factor that explained self-care, mobility and social function capability outcomes and, self-care and mobility performance outcomes (p < 0.05). The intellectual function explained only the social function performance outcome (p < 0.05). Moreover, highest economic extracts increased the explanation of outcomes. Conclusion The findings are relevant to understanding the factors associated with performance and capability and performance in self-care, mobility and social activities to help clinicians to make an informed decision based on the best practice evidence for these children. An expanded assessment of functioning and of the environmental factors is necessary to help the planning interventions to improve capability and performance of the children with NDD.

Guiding the landscape patterns evolution is the key to mitigating river water quality degradation

Consensus has emerged that landscape pattern evolution significantly impacts the river environment. However, there remains unclear how the landscape pattern evolves possible to achieve a balance between land resource use and water conservation. Thus, simulating future landscape patterns under different scenarios to predict river eutrophication level is critical to propose targeted landscape planning programs and alleviate river water quality degradation. Here, we coupled five water quality parameters (TOC, TN, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, TP), collected from October 2020 to September 2021, to construct the river eutrophication index (EI) to assess river water quality. Meanwhile, based on redundancy analysis, patch-generating land use simulation model, and stepwise multiple linear regression model comprehensively analyze the Fengyu River watershed landscape patterns evolution and their impact on river eutrophication. Results indicated that current rivers reach eutrophic levels, and EI reaches 40.7. The landscape patterns explain 88.2 % of river eutrophication variation, while the LPI_Con metric is critical and individually explained 21.5 %. Furthermore, eutrophication in the watershed will increase in 2040 under the natural development (ND) scenario, and the EI will reach 44.4. In contrast, farmland protection (FP) scenarios and environmental protection (EP) scenarios contribute to mitigating eutrophication, the EI values are 38.2 and 38.1, respectively. The results provide a potential mechanistic explanation that river eutrophication is a consequence of unreasonable landscape pattern evolution. Guiding the landscape patterns evolution based on critical driver factors from a planning perspective is conducive to mitigating river water quality degradation.

Vertical changes in water depth and environmental variables drove the antibiotics and antibiotic resistomes distribution, and microbial food web structures in the estuary and marine ecosystems

The influence of vertical changes in water depth on emerging pollutants distribution and microbial food web remains elusive. We investigated the influence of vertical transition in water depth on the environmental variables, antibiotics and antibiotic resistomes, and microbial community structures in estuary and marine ecosystems (0–50 m). Stepwise multiple linear regression model showed that among investigated environmental variables, change in water salinity was the most influential factor dictating the fluoroquinolone and macrolides concentrations, while dissolved oxygen and turbidity were the key influencers of sulfonamides and beta-lactam concentrations, respectively. Bacterial and eukaryotic diversity and niche breadth significantly increased with the increasing water depth. Ecosystem food web structure at the bottom depths was more stable than at the middle and surface depths. At the surface depth, the top 5 keystone genera were Cryothecomonas, Syndiniales, Achromobacter, Pseudopirsonia, and Karlodinium. Whereas Eugregarinorida, Neptuniibacter, Mychonastes, Novel_Apicomplexa_Class_1, Aplanochytrium and Dietzia, Halodaphnea, Luminiphilus, Aplanochytrium, Maullinia dominated the top 5 genera at the middle and the bottom depth, respectively. Absolute abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was drastically increased at the surface depth compared with the middle and bottom depths. Abundance of the top 10 ARGs and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) detected including tnpA-05, aadA2-03, mexF, aadA1, intI-1(clinic), qacEdelta1-02, aadA-02, qacEdelta1-01, cmlA1-01, and aadA-01 were amplified at the surface depth. This study demonstrated that ARGs abundance was disproportionate to bacterial diversity, and anthropogenic disturbances, confinement, MGEs, and ecosystem stability play primary roles in the fate of ARGs. The findings of this study also implicate that vertical changes in the water depth on environmental conditions can influence antibiotic concentrations and microbial community dramatically.