Strong Positive Correlation Research Articles

The effects of an acute Tai Chi on emotional memory and prefrontal cortex activation: a fNIRS study

ObjectiveAcute exercise has the potential to influence emotional memory and cortical hemodynamics, but the specific effects depend on the type of exercise. This study aimed to determine whether acute Tai Chi practice enhances emotional memory and prefrontal cortex activation compared to cycling and a control condition.MethodsUsing a within-subjects crossover design, 36 healthy university students completed three interventions: Tai Chi, cycling, and a resting control condition. Emotional memory performance was assessed before and after each intervention, and cortical hemodynamics were measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The correlation between oxyhemoglobin (Oxy-Hb) concentration in the prefrontal cortex and emotional memory accuracy was analyzed.ResultsCompared to cycling and the control group, the Tai Chi intervention showed: (1) a significantly higher accuracy of positive emotional memory; (2) a greater increase in Oxy-Hb concentration in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) during positive emotional memory tasks; (3) a stronger positive correlation between Oxy-Hb concentration in the L-DLPFC and emotional memory accuracy. In contrast, cycling improved positive emotional memory accuracy to a lesser extent, while the control group showed no significant changes.ConclusionTai Chi, compared to cycling and rest, significantly enhanced positive emotional memory and L-DLPFC activation. These findings highlight the unique potential of Tai Chi to improve emotional memory through increased cortical activation, suggesting its effectiveness as a cognitive-emotional intervention.

Comparison of 1D and 3D volume measurement techniques in NF2-associated vestibular schwannoma monitoring

To compare 1D (linear) tumor volume calculations and classification systems with 3D-segmented volumetric analysis (SVA), focusing specifically on their effectiveness in the evaluation and management of NF2-associated vestibular schwannomas (VS). VS were clinically followed every 6 months with cranial, thin-sliced (< 3 mm) MRI. We retrospectively reviewed and used T1-weighted post-contrast enhanced (gadolinium) images for both SVA and linear measurements. 3D-SVA was performed manually or combined with semiautomated segmentation by using axial planes. The maximum linear dimensions (MLD) were determined in three dimensions (anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal planes) using axial and coronal planes. The MLD was cubed (MLD3), and orthogonal analysis (OA) was derived to establish comparability with the SVA. The Hannover and Koos classification was used to depict the size ratio in each MRI and tumor. A linear regression model was performed to compare 1D/classification systems to SVA, and the percentage deviation change of MLD3 and OA to SVA was established using a one-way multivariate variance analysis. 2586 SVA and 10344 linear measurements were performed in a cohort of 149 NF2 patients and 292 associated VS. All measurement techniques (MLD3, OA, KOOS, and Hannover) significantly (and strongly, r2 > 0.5) correlated with SVA (p < 0.001). The OA showed an even stronger positive correlation than the MLD3 to SVA. Smaller classified tumors (T1/T2, K1/K2) exhibited a low-moderate positive correlation (r2 = 0.23–0.44) compared to medium-sized (T3, K2/3) and large tumors (T4, K4; r2 = 0.54–0.76). Pre- and postoperative MLD3 and OA statistically significantly predict SVA (p < 0.001), but the postoperative correlation was weaker, particularly for MLD3 to SVA values. All analyses showed a large scatter range. In the percentage deviation analysis of MLD3 and OA from SVA, small tumors (K1/K2, T1/T2) were overestimated. Compared to the SVA, the MLD3 and especially the OA are a time-saving alternative for monitoring the tumor volume of NF2-associated VS. However, the scatter range in small/surgically reduced tumors is enormous. For this reason, they are not recommended for monitoring off-label therapy with Bevacizumab or for treatment decisions depending on a precise assessment of tumor volume and growth. Developing deep learning-based volume determinations in the future is essential to reduce SVA’s time intensity.

Naphthalene concentration dynamics in an aqueous medium in the presence of Bacillus megaterium

The study examined the concentration dynamics of naphthalene, with its initial concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g/L in synthetic wastewater. The initial number of Bacillus megaterium MK64-1 cells in the medium amounted to 1.7×107 CFU/mL. On day 14 of the experiment, the concentration of naphthalene decreased to hundredths of a gram, while the microbial count increased to 109 CFU/mL (at the initial naphthalene concentrations of 1 and 2 g/L) and 1011 CFU/mL (at the initial naphthalene concentration of 3 g/L). After 14 days, the medium pH decreased by an average of 0.7 units (from 8.56 to 7.86) in both test and control media, with the addition of a microbial suspension. During this time, the redox potential of the medium increased by an average of 70 mV in the test media. Quite a strong direct correlation (p &lt; 0.05) was found between the initial concentration and the amount of pollutant degraded by bacteria. The determination of dehydrogenase activity in Bacillus megaterium by means of two methods (with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride and methylene blue), as well as microbial sensitivity to hydrocarbon concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 g/L via the disk-diffusion method, showed no toxic effect of the analyzed pollutant concentrations on bacteria under the experimental conditions. The obtained results indicate the ability of Bacillus megaterium strain MK64-1 to biodegrade naphthalene.

Asthma-related deaths in Brazil: data from an ecological study.

The aim of this study was to present epidemiological data on hospitalizations and deaths related to asthma in Brazil over the past 11 years. An ecological study was conducted on asthma-related hospitalizations and mortality in Brazil from 2013 to 2023, using data extracted from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the Mortality Information System. Asthma-related deaths showed an increasing trend during the analyzed period. A surge in deaths was observed in 2022 compared to 2014 (difference between means = 56.08 ± 19.7; 95% CI = 15.2-96.9). The mean number of deaths was higher among females, with their rate remaining stable, while the rate for males increased. Individuals aged >60 years accounted for approximately 65% of all asthma-related deaths from 2013 to 2023, with a strong direct correlation observed between age and the number of deaths, regardless of sex. During the same period, the total number of asthma-related hospitalizations in Brazil showed a declining trend, decreasing from 134,322 in 2013 to 87,707 in 2023. Over the past 11 years, asthma-related deaths have increased in Brazil, with the majority occurring among females. Older individuals accounted for most asthma-related deaths, and a positive correlation was observed between age and the number of deaths.

MicroRNA analysis reveals 2 modules that antagonistically regulate xylem tracheary element development in Arabidopsis.

Tracheary elements (TEs) are vital in the transport of various substances and contribute to plant growth. The differentiation of TEs is complex and regulated by a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the dynamic changes in miRNAs during each stage of TE differentiation remain unclear, and the miRNA regulatory network is not yet complete. This study employed Vascular cell Induction culture System Using Arabidopsis Leaves to profile the miRNome during TE differentiation in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and established comprehensive miRNA co-expression networks functioning at the different stages of TE differentiation. Two negatively correlated modules exist in the miRNA networks, each exhibiting strong intra-module positive correlation and strong inter-module negative correlation. Thus, the 2 modules may play opposite roles in TE differentiation and vascular development. Indeed, we found that miR408 promotes cambium formation and TE differentiation, consistent with miR408 as a key node in the networks of fate determination and the initiation of TE differentiation. Additionally, we found that miR163 inhibits secondary cell wall formation and TE differentiation, corresponding to miR163 as a key node in the TE maturation network. Moreover, we discovered that the miRNA co-expression network in poplar (Populus tomentosa) xylem development is also composed of 2 negatively correlated modules that contain miRNAs orthologous to those in Arabidopsis. Therefore, the 2 negatively correlated modules of the miRNA co-expression network are likely conserved and fundamental to xylem TE differentiation. These results provide insights into microRNA regulation in plant development.

Temporal variation of Manning roughness coefficient in furrow irrigation and its relationship with various field parameters

This research aimed to ascertain the Manning roughness coefficient (n) and explore the impact of various factors on it across different phases and irrigation events. The Manning’s n for furrow irrigation was determined in the advance, storage, and whole irrigation phases utilizing the SIPAR_ID model, Manning equation, and WinSRFR software, respectively. Parameters affecting the Manning’ n were identified through Pearson and Kendall tests. The study involved measuring the Manning’s n under six distinct inflow rates, classified as low and high flows. Three irrigation events (first to third), advance and storage phases, two irrigation intervals, and two soil textures (Clay loam and Silty clay loam) were considered. Results indicated that the Manning’s n ranged from 0.017 to 0.636, 0.015 to 0.317, and 0.015 to 0.34 in the advance, storage, and whole irrigation phases during the first to third irrigation events, with mean values of 0.083, 0.054, and 0.055, respectively. Higher roughness coefficients were observed in the advance phase. Additionally, findings suggested that if the advance phase is short relative to the total irrigation time, the Manning’s n from the advance phase can be applied to the whole irrigation event without separate consideration for storage phase roughness. Pearson and Kendall statistical tests revealed that the Manning roughness coefficient during the entire irrigation event was strongly correlated with advance time (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and moderately correlated with inflow and outflow rates, as well as initial soil moisture and cross-sectional flow area. A weak correlation was observed between the roughness coefficient and the furrow slope (r = 0.238). During the storage phase, advance time had the strongest positive correlation with roughness, while inflow rate had a weak negative correlation (r = −0.31).

Soil Moisture Content Prediction in Loam Soil with RFR Model

Soil moisture content (SMC) is an important factor in agricultural productivity; it has an impact on crop growth, water use efficiency, and soil health. However, accurately predicting SMC, especially at deeper soil layers, remains challenging due to high variability and limited spatiotemporal data resolution. This study developed and evaluated a Random Forest Regression (RFR) model to predict SMC in loam soil at five different depths (5, 20, 40, 60, and 80 cm) utilizing meteorological data (temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and solar radiation) and vegetation indices: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI). Data were collected during the maize vegetation season in 2023 in Mosonmagyaróvár, Hungary. The results showed that the mean SMC ranged from 12.61% to 16.19%. Correlation analysis demonstrated that precipitation and NDMI had the strongest positive correlation with SMC, especially at shallower depths r = 0.78 at 5 cm depth, Solar radiation had a moderate correlation with SMC, especially at the deeper depths. The RFR model performed well at all depths, achieving an R² of 0.86 at 5 cm depth; the model accuracy enhanced at deeper layers, achieving R² values of 0.91 and 0.94 at 60 and 80 cm depths, respectively. The most significant predictors according to the feature importance analysis were precipitation, humidity, and NDMI, with NDMI playing a crucial role in subsurface moisture retention at deeper depths. These findings highlight the potential for machine learning algorithms to optimize irrigation approaches and improve water management in precision agriculture.

Assessment of the quality of life of oncological patients with skin toxicity depending on telemedicine technologies

Relevance. Approximately 90–100% of patients have skin toxicity, which manifests itself in the form of acne-like rashes (papulo-pustular rash), paronychia, hair changes, xerosis, itching. Skin manifestations cause psychological, emotional and physical discomfort, which may be the reason for dose reduction or discontinuation of treatment, and may reduce the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. The use of modern telemedicine systems, such as online consultations and remote monitoring, are designed to make life easier for patients and are now increasingly available and in demand among the general population. The aim of the study. Assessment of the quality of life in cancer patients receiving EGFR inhibitors, depending on the use of remote consultations and remote monitoring.Materials and methods. 140 cancer patients were included in the study. All patients were divided into two groups: in group 1 (study group) n=70, the mobile application «My Health» was used for online-consultation with a dermatologist, in group 2 (comparison group) n=70, offline consultations were used. During the consultations, skin toxicity was assessed using CTCAE scales version 5.0. To analyze the level of quality of life, a questionnaire of the dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) was used, which patients of each group filled out on the day of the start of the study, then after 4 weeks.Results. In patients of the first group, there was a positive dynamic in the state of the skin process compared with the initial indicators. There was a statistically significant improvement in the quality of life, a decrease in the average score for all indicators. In patients of the second group, the positive dynamics of the skin process was not so obvious, as evidenced by the results of the questionnaire. There was a statistically significant strong direct correlation between the value of the results of DLQI and the severity of the disease (rs=0.721 p &lt;0.001).Conclusion. Skin toxicity is a complex interdisciplinary problem that requires an integrated approach between oncologists and dermatologists. Remote monitoring is an accessible form of communication between a doctor and a patient, which contributes to the timely control of skin toxicity in cancer patients receiving EGFR inhibitors.

Диагностическая эффективность и прогностическая значимость антропометрических параметров как маркеров гиперлептинемии у подростков

Leptin is an energy homeostasis marker synthesized by cells of adipose tissue (adipocytes) and gastric mucosa. The search for clinical and anthropometric parameters associated with energy homeostasis disorders in excess body weight (BW) and obesity is necessary for stratification of patients at risk for early implementation of energy homeostasis disorders. The purpose of this re-search was to evaluate the relationship between serum leptin concentration and anthropometric parameters reflecting the topography of subcutaneous fat in adolescents of different ethnicities with excess BW and obesity in order to identify the most informative anthropometric parameters of energy homeosta-sis disorders. Materials and methods used: a single-center cross-sectional study of 362 adolescents aged 11 to 17 y/o residing in the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk Oblast of Russia was conducted in 2015-2016 that included the participants as follows: 186 Caucasians (46 boys/140 girls) and 176 Mongoloids (96 boys/80 girls); 136 adolescents in the control group (38%) and 226 adolescents with excess BW and obesity (62%). All par-ticipants had their linear height, BW, waist (WC) and hip (HC) circumference, skinfold thickness measured as well as the body mass index (BMI, in kg per m2) calculated. The concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density, low-density and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and in-sulin were determined. The HOMA index was calculated. Serum leptin was de-termined by enzyme immunoassay using DBC Leptin ELISA kit (Diagnostics Biochem Canada Inc., Canada) with detection using BioTek Elx808 Microplate Spectrophotometer (Agilent Technologies, Inc., USA). Results: a strong posi-tive correlation was found between serum leptin levels and SDS BMI and trip-onderal BMI in adolescents of both ethnic groups: in Caucasian boys r=0.747 (p&lt;0.001), r=0.767 (p&lt;0.001), in Caucasian girls r=0.687 (p&lt;0.001) and r=0.695 (p&lt;0.001); in Mongoloid boys r=0.765 (p&lt;0.001), r=0.852 (p&lt;0.001), in Mongoloid girls r=0.612 (p&lt;0.001), r=0.667 (p&lt;0.001), respectively. Ac-cording to the results of ROC analysis, AUC WC/height showed good diagnos-tic significance for detecting hyperleptinemia (AUC=0.8-0.9) in adolescents from all the studied groups. Conclusion: the triponderal index and the WC/height ratio are informative anthropometric indicators for energy metabo-lism disorders and hyperleptinemia in Caucasian and Mongoloid adolescents of both genders with excess BW and obesity.

A prospective study of the method of intraoperative luminescent spectroscopy in the application of isolated profundoplasty in hybrid surgery of critical ischemia of the lower limb

Introduction. Currently, it is relevant to develop new diagnostic criteria for assessing the condition of the deep femoral artery (DFA), in order to determine the possibilities of its use in various hybrid reconstructions for critical lower limb ischemia.Aim: To determine the indications for isolated profundoplasty as the final stage of proximal hybrid reconstruction using the method of intraoperative luminescence spectroscopy.Material and Methods. The prospective open-label non-randomized pilot study included 64 people operated at City Clinical Hospital No. 29 with a clinical diagnosis of “Obliterating atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower extremities. Stenosis of the external iliac artery. Steno-occlusive lesion of the common femoral/superficial femoral artery. Stenosis of the deep femoral artery of the thigh. Chronic arterial ischemia of the III st.”, in the volume of proximal hybrid reconstruction, including isolated profundoplasty. The first group (n = 28) consisted of patients who had stenosis or occlusion of the mouth of the deep femoral artery, the second group (n = 20) – had diffuse lesion of the deep femoral artery, the third group (n = 16) – had a distal type of lesion of this artery. The first stage of the hybrid operation was stenting of the external iliac artery. The choice of further intraoperative tactics occurred as a result of an assessment of the anatomy and severity of the lesion of the deep femoral artery, by measuring the ankle-shoulder and hip-popliteal indices. All patients underwent intravascular luminescent spectroscopy intraoperatively using our technique to determine the luminescent compensation coefficient (CI). The follow-up period was 3 months. The end point of the study was thrombosis of the reconstruction zone. The SPSS 17.0 software was used for statistical data processing when comparing study groups.Results. When comparing the obtained CI, a direct strong correlation was noted with a preoperatively determined hip-popliteal index (r = 0.76; at p &lt; 0.005). When assessing the interval of the hip-popliteal index from 0.3 to 0.4; 4 patients with thrombotic complications in the early postoperative period and 3 patients with no thrombotic complications were evaluated. When correlating CI in these categories of respondents, the statistically significant differences in indicators were established: CI (without complications) = 0.46 (0.43; 0.50); CI (complicated) = 0.59 (0.58; 0.60); with p &lt; 0.05. When studying preoperative deep femoropopliteal index in representatives of study groups 1 and 2 who had GPI in the range from 0.4 to 0.5, but differed in the outcomes of the late postoperative period, the statistical significance of differences in indicators was noted: Cl (without complications) = 0.44 (0.43; 0.46); Cl (complicated) = 0.61 (0.60; 0.62); at p &lt; 0.05.Conclusion. Intravascular luminescence spectroscopy is an important method of clarifying the intraoperative feasibility of performing isolated profundoplasty in addition to preoperative assessment of the degree of the hip-popliteal index.

Prediction of the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer based on a texture analysis of T2-weighted magnetic resonance tumor image obtained at primary staging

BACKGROUND: Recently, significant efforts have been undertaken to find potential noninvasive biomarkers for predicting the response of locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. AIM: To assess the texture characteristics of locally advanced rectal cancer in primary T2-weighted imaging (T2-WI) as a potential predictor for the efficacy of standard neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and develop a prediction system for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy based on them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study enrolled 82 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received combination treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Patient data were divided into the training (n=58) and control (n=24) sets. For texture analysis, primary high-resolution T2-WI at the level of the tumor center, oriented perpendicular to the intestinal wall, was used. The texture analysis was performed by second-order statistics based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrices using MAZDA ver. 4.6 featuring the calculation of 11 texture parameters. In the training set, based on the morphological assessment of surgical specimens, significantly different texture analysis parameters were found for two groups of patients: neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy responders (good prognosis group) and nonresponders (poor prognosis group). Accordingly, a scoring system was created for assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The system was tested on the control set, and diagnostic efficacy parameters were determined. RESULTS: In the training set, the good and poor prognosis groups differed significantly in five texture parameters: AngScMom (p=0.021), SumofSqs (p=0.003), SumEntrp (p=0.003), Entropy (p=0.038), and SumVarnc (p=0.015), for which the cutoff points were found. These parameters were applied to create the scoring system (excluding the Entropy parameter, which had a strong direct correlation with SumEntrp and the lowest area under the curve, and SumofSqs, which had low reproducibility). The diagnostic efficiency of the scoring system for predicting the response had sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, and negative- predictive value of 72%, 69%, 70%, and 71% for the training set and 80%, 64%, 62%, and 82% for the control set, respectively. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.77 and 0.72 for the training and control sets, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Texture analysis of the primary T2-WI of tumors in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer allows for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with moderate diagnostic efficiency. The results suggest good prospects for further research in this area.

Mediators of Filgotinib Treatment Effects in Ulcerative Colitis: Exploring Circulating Biomarkers in the Phase 2b/3 SELECTION Study.

We utilized patient samples from the large, phase 2b/3 SELECTION trial to identify circulating biomarkers of ulcerative colitis (UC) and potential early mediators of filgotinib treatment effects. Samples were collected at baseline and during the induction phase of the SELECTION trial. Evaluated biomarkers comprised serum and stool proteins (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), whole-blood cell counts, and whole-blood RNA-seq-derived gene-expression factors identified via exploratory factor analysis. Biomarker levels were assessed by baseline disease severity (endoscopy/bleeding/stool and Mayo Clinic Score) and biologic status (naive vs experienced). Effects of filgotinib on biomarker levels, including week 4 biomarker changes that may mediate week 10 clinical improvements, were assessed. The biomarker analysis set included 598 biologic-naive patients and 592 biologic-experienced patients. Systemic inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], serum amyloid A [SAA], and platelet cell counts) had the strongest positive correlations with baseline UC disease severity. CRP, IL-6, SAA, and neutrophil activation biomarkers (including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL], tumor necrosis factor ɑ, and oncostatin M [OSM]), as well as platelet, neutrophil, and monocyte cell counts were increased in biologic-experienced versus biologic-naive patients. Gene-expression-derived plasmablast and cell proliferation factors were positively correlated with disease severity; B cell, T-cell activation, and plasmacytoid dendritic cell factors were negatively correlated. Filgotinib reduced nearly all proinflammatory biomarkers correlated with baseline UC disease activity; reduced SAA, CRP, IL-6, NGAL, and OSM at week 4 were identified as mediators of improved week 10 clinical scores. Filgotinib significantly impacted circulating biomarkers related to UC pathology. Several proinflammatory and neutrophil activation biomarkers may be early mediators of filgotinib treatment effects. NCT02914522.

Changes in body composition revealed by bioelectrical impedance analysis reflect strength and motor performance in myotonic dystrophy type 2.

In myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), metabolic dysfunctions are frequent. Therefore, measurement of muscle mass and body composition by non-invasive methods could help in evaluating disease severity and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate, by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), whether DM2 patients have an alteration in their body composition and if this finding correlates with strength and motor performances. We obtained anthropometric measures, nutritional data, BIA and blood tests in 18 DM2 patients and correlated them with motor function tests. The 33% of male and 22% of female patients had BMI values compatible with severe obesity, whereas 44% of males and 33% of females had a metabolic syndrome. Considering BIA parameters, phase angle was under normal values in 56% of males and 89% of females. This may be regarded as a marker of deranged cell membrane function. Motor tests showed a fair to strong direct correlation with several BIA parameters. These data suggest that BIA findings may be faithful markers of the degree of muscle wasting and impairment in DM2. The different degree of BIA alterations between genders indicate that body composition undergoes sex-related modifications in this disease. The potential of this technique to capture changes in a slowly progressive disorder such as DM2 should be tested in longitudinal studies.

Correlational study on Obesity Indicators and Blood Pressure in Productive Age Group

Background: Hypertension causes various health problems worldwide, including in Indonesia. High blood pressure that occurs in productive age and unmanaged properly can increase various risks of disease which amya lead to health burden nationally and globally. . Currently, the lifestyle of the productive age group contributes to obesity and hypertension, amplifying the risk factors for increased Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between obesity indicators and blood pressure in the productive age group.Methods: A survey was conducted at a total of 150 respondents aged 25-64 years who had jobs, had no impaired physical mobility, and had no pregnancy. . Measurements included Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, Waist to Height Ratio (WHtR), and Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR). The data was analyzed using the Pearson correlation test.Results: The majority of the respondents were male, aged 30-39 and 40-49 years, normal range of BMI and waist circumference, but WHR and WHtR on high risk. More than half of the total respondents in the productive age group had blood pressure in the normal range. There was a strongest positive correlation between waist circumference with SBP and BMI with DBP.Conclusion: Individuals in the productive age group with higher waist circumference and BMI are more prone to elevated blood pressure. Regular health screening and lifestyle change intervention are crucial to prevent hypertension in the productive age group.

Challenge Acceptance as a Key Psychological Characteristic of Ukrainian Sergeants During the War: A Research Note

This exploratory pilot study aimed to identify psychological characteristics associated with combat readiness among Ukrainian sergeants engaged in the Russian–Ukrainian war. Eighty-three male sergeants (aged 26–60) from various combat units were assessed using psychological questionnaires and supervisor ratings of combat readiness. The findings revealed that challenge acceptance, a key component of hardiness, had the strongest positive correlation with combat readiness, while avoidance coping emerged as the most significant negative predictor. Additional negative coping strategies, such as indirect, antisocial, and aggressive actions, were also found to be negatively associated with readiness. These results provide initial insights into the psychological traits that may contribute to effective performance in combat and offer potential directions for refining selection and training processes for military personnel. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings and expand upon them.

A self-reported questionnaire for screening of hearing impairment in older

IntroductionHearing loss is a prevalent concern for older adults aged 60 years and above, making early intervention essential. Accurate diagnosis relies on calibrated instruments, soundproof environments, and qualified audiologists. While these resources are often available, certain situations may limit access. This study investigates the potential of self-assessment tools as an alternative screening method for older adults to identify those who may require further audiological evaluation.AimTo study the efficacy of self-reported questionnaire in identifying hearing loss among older adults and its potential application in clinical practice.MethodThis cross-sectional study included a total of 160 older adults. Participants were divided into two groups: Group I with normal hearing sensitivity and Group II with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Pure-tone audiometry was used to measure hearing thresholds, followed by administering a questionnaire.ResultIt was observed that there was significant difference between scores of the self-awareness and communication difficulties for different degrees of hearing loss among older adults (p-value < 0.05). The cut-off score was observed to be increasing with the increase of the hearing loss, and also, it was observed that there is a positive strong correlation between scores of self-awareness domain and communication difficulties domain across different degrees of hearing loss.ConclusionThus, this questionnaire could be an effective tool for screening of hearing loss and assessing its severity, from mild to moderately severe in older adults. This will facilitate early detection and intervention, potentially enhancing their quality of life.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index, Selective Voluntary Motor Control and Functional Independence in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Objectives: This study detects the relationship between body mass index (BMI), selective voluntary motor control (SVMC) and functional independence in children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: A total of 84 children with spastic diplegic CP (levels II and III of gross motor function classification system [GMFCS]), aged 6-9 years with a mean age of 7.09±0.68 participated in this correlational study. BMI, selective control assessment of the lower extremity and pediatric functional independence measure (WEE FIM) were used to assess BMI, SVMC and functional independence, respectively. Results: The data demonstrated the presence of a positive strong significant correlation between selective control assessment of the lower extremity and WEE FIM. On the other hand, there was a negative, significant correlation between WEE FIM and BMI. In addition, a negative moderate considerable correlation between BMI and selective control assessment of the lower extremity was detected Discussion: Functional independence is significantly correlated with BMI and SVMC in children with spastic diplegic CP. BMI and SVMC are major factors that influence functional independence in these children. So, they are highly recommended to be part of the evaluation of the functional independence of children with spastic diplegia in clinical settings and research.

Time-Varying Spillover Effects of Carbon Prices on China’s Financial Risks

As China’s financial markets become increasingly integrated and the carbon market undergoes financialization, the impact of carbon emission price fluctuations on financial markets has emerged as a key area of systemic risk research. This study employs the Generalized AutoRegressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model and the optimal Copula function to investigate the dynamic correlation between carbon prices and China’s financial markets. Building on this, the Monte Carlo simulation and Copula CoVaR models are used to explore the spillover effects of carbon price volatility on China’s financial markets. The findings reveal the following: (1) Carbon price fluctuations generate spillover effects on all financial markets, but the intensity varies across different markets. The foreign exchange market experiences the strongest spillover effect, followed by the bond market, while the stock and money markets are relatively less affected. (2) The optimal Copula functions differ between the carbon market and China’s financial markets, indicating heterogeneous characteristics across regional markets. (3) There is a degree of interdependence between the carbon market and various sub-markets in China’s financial system. The carbon market has the strongest positive correlation with the commodity market and a relatively high negative correlation with the real estate market. These findings underscore the importance of integrating carbon price volatility into financial risk management frameworks. For policymakers, it highlights the need to consider market stability measures when crafting carbon emission regulations. Market managers can leverage these insights to develop strategies that mitigate risk spillover effects, while investors can use this analysis to inform their portfolio diversification and risk assessment processes.

HALAL AWARENESS AMONG HOSPITALITY LECTURERS AND STUDENTS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY AT CHENDEROH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MALAYSIA

This study investigates Halal awareness among hospitality lecturers and students at Chenderoh Community College, Malaysia. Halal awareness, defined as the understanding, perception, and practice of Halal principles, is crucial in ensuring compliance within the hospitality industry. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 50 respondents comprising 28 lecturers and 22 students through a structured questionnaire. The results reveal that knowledge has the strongest positive correlation with Halal awareness (r = .791, p &lt; .01), followed by practice (r = .652, p &lt; .01), and perception (r = .524, p &lt; .01). This suggests that a comprehensive understanding of Halal principles and active engagement in Halal practices significantly contribute to heightened awareness. The study also found that lecturers tend to have higher levels of Halal awareness compared to students, primarily due to their extensive exposure and professional experience. These findings indicate the need for more robust educational interventions that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of Halal education to bridge the knowledge and experience gap among students. Curriculum reform in hospitality programs, including hands-on training and exposure to Halal certification processes, is recommended to enhance students’ preparedness for the industry. This study underscores the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating knowledge, perception, and practice to cultivate a well-rounded understanding of Halal standards among future hospitality professionals.

Dynamics of the Population Structure of the South of Central Russia Over a 130-Year Period. Migration Processes

This article assesses the dynamics of indicators characterizing marriage and migration parameters among the population of the south of Central Russia from 1890 to 2018. In the structure of marriages over the 130-year period, there was a significant decrease (1.6–2.2 times) in the share of isolocal marriages and a significant increase the share of heterolocal marriages (almost 11 times), while the size of the elementary population increased from the village level to the district/region level. From 1890 to 2018 the dynamics of isolocal marriages are more pronounced among the urban populationn and the dynamics of heterolocal marriages are more pronounced among rural residents. Over the 130-year period positive marital assortativity by place of birth of spouses decreased by 1.5 times without significant differences in the level and dynamics of marriage selectivity by place of birth of spouses between the urban and rural populations (except for the period 1951–1953). A strong direct correlation was established between the level of marital assortativeness and the share of marriages concluded within one region and one district (r = 0.90, p 0.05) and a negative one – on the share of heterolocal marriages (concluded between immigrants from different regions) (r = −0.90, p 0.05).