Threshold Effect Research Articles

A meta-analysis of MRI radiomics-based diagnosis for BI-RADS 4 breast lesions.

The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) 4 benign and malignant breast lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics. A systematic search identified relevant studies. Eligible studies were screened, assessed for quality, and analyzed for diagnostic accuracy. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses explored heterogeneity, while publication bias, clinical relevance and threshold effect were evaluated. This study analyzed a total of 11 studies involving 1,915 lesions in 1,893 patients with BI-RADS 4 classification. The results showed that the combined sensitivity and specificity of MRI radiomics for diagnosing BI-RADS 4 lesions were 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.72-0.84). The positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were 4.2 (95% CI 3.1-5.7), 0.15 (95% CI: 0.10-0.22), and 29.0 (95% CI 15-55). The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.92), indicating good diagnostic performance. The study found no significant threshold effect or publication bias, and heterogeneity among studies was attributed to various factors like feature selection algorithm, radiomics algorithms, etc. Overall, the results suggest that MRI radiomics has the potential to improve the diagnostic accuracy of BI-RADS 4 lesions and enhance patient outcomes. MRI-based radiomics is highly effective in diagnosing BI-RADS 4 benign and malignant breast lesions, enabling improving patients' medical outcomes and quality of life.

Investigating a novel surrogate indicator of adipose accumulation in relation to erectile dysfunction

IntroductionAlthough previous studies have linked obesity and erectile dysfunction, the novel surrogate indicators of adipose accumulation are more essential and dependable factors to consider. Therefore, the primary objective of the current investigation was to examine and clarify the association between metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF) and erectile dysfunction.MethodsFirstly, multivariate logistic regression analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were employed to investigate the association between METS-VF and erectile dysfunction. Mediation analysis was also performed to evaluate the mediating role of homocysteine and inflammation. After that, subgroup analysis was carried out to examine the stability of the correlation of METS-VF with erectile dysfunction in various population settings. Furthermore, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm were utilized to assess the capability of identifying METS-VF in comparison to the other four obesity-related indicators in identifying erectile dysfunction.ResultsAfter adjusting for all confounding factors, METS-VF was strongly and favourablely correlated with erectile dysfunction. With each additional unit rise in METS-VF, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increased by 141%. A J-shaped relationship between METS-VF and erectile dysfunction was discovered through smoothed curve fitting. Marital status, physical activity, and smoking status can potentially modify this association. This finding of the ROC curve suggests that METS-VF had a powerful identifying capacity for erectile dysfunction (AUC = 0.7351). Homocysteine and inflammation mediated 4.24% and 2.81%, respectively.ConclusionThe findings of the current investigation suggest that METS-VF can be considered a dependable identifying indicator of erectile dysfunction.

Threshold Analysis of Fiscal Policy Variables and Private Investment in Nigeria

This paper investigates the relationship between fiscal policy variables and private investment in Nigeria for the period 1970 – 2019 with a view to establishing the threshold level of each of the key fiscal policy variables in relation to private investment. The study employed annual and quarterly time series data covering the period 1970:1 to 2019:4 which were sourced in part from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Statistical Bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Data collected were analyzed using econometric techniques. The variables used were private domestic investment, budget deficit, recurrent and capital government expenditure, oil and non-oil government revenue and public debt. The main findings are: First, there is an evidence of a double threshold effects of the fiscal balance. When exceeding a budget deficit level of 3.98 per cent of GDP or a fiscal surplus level of 3.2 per cent of GDP, private investment is negatively affected. Also, increase in government total expenditure beyond the third regime made private investment to become less productive. As regards public debt, the results revealed that private investment had the most positive impact on economic growth in the first regime of public debt. A resort to public debt beyond this level will make private investment less productive thereby inhibiting growth. The study therefore, concludes that government should be cautious in resulting to debt instruments to finance its deficit. It should also make a concerted effort to increase its expenditure especially in the provision of infrastructural facilities as this directly influence private investment decision positively.

Association of hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults

With high prevalence and substantial mortality, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significant public health concerns. Utilizing a large, population-based dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, our study probes the relationship between COPD prevalence and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, as measured by Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography. We analyzed data from 693 individuals with COPD and 7229 without. Through weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis, a restricted cubic spline curve, and threshold effect analysis, we investigated the correlation between the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis and the presence of COPD. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and COPD prevalence [OR = 1.03 (95% CI 1.01, 1.05)], even after multivariate adjustment. Furthermore, we observed a U-shaped association between CAP and COPD, where the inflection point, CAP value of 264.85 dB/m, corresponded to the lowest COPD prevalence. Our study emphasizes a substantial and complex link between hepatic steatosis and COPD. These findings urge healthcare professionals to factor liver health into COPD management and prompt further exploration into the underlying mechanisms. This could pave the way for the development of improved prevention and treatment strategies.

Exploring the association between dietary fiber intake and hepatic steatosis: insights from NHANES

PurposeThe link between dietary fiber intake and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is under exploration, yielding inconsistent findings. Considering the limitations of previous research and the significance of dietary fiber in hepatic steatosis, this study investigates the association between dietary fiber intake and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) among 5935 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).Materials and methodsMultivariable regression was used to evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and CAP. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis techniques were applied to illustrate non-linear relationships.ResultsAfter adjusting for other variables, a negative correlation emerged between dietary fiber intake and CAP. Subgroup analysis by gender and race/ethnicity revealed a sustained negative association between dietary fiber intake and CAP among females and Whites. Additionally, an inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between dietary fiber intake and CAP among women and other race, with inflection points at 13.80 g/day and 33.45 g/day, respectively.ConclusionOur research indicates that in the majority of Americans, there is an inverse relationship between dietary fiber intake and hepatic steatosis. This relationship exhibits an inverted U-shaped curve in women and other race, with a threshold effect. The findings of this study hold potential significance for clinical nutrition interventions, personalized dietary guidance, and advancing research into the diet-disease mechanism relationship.

Predictive modelling on the effects of the critical parameters in grain storage systems: A case study in the Philippines

Grain storage system plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and quantity of various grains including wheat kernels. Inefficient storage systems can result in spoilage, loss of quality, and reduction in quantity, leading to significant financial losses in the company. The quality of grains storage is influenced by several factors, including moisture content, protein content and falling number. In this study, the threshold, main, and interactions effects of critical parameters the identified critical parameters on grain storage quality were determined and modelled using ROC curve analysis and binary logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve analysis revealed a AUC of 0.992, 0.952, and 0.991 for moisture content, protein content, and falling number, respectively. Threshold values were also calculated and upon evaluation, the accuracies for all critical parameters yielded a significantly excellent result. The main effects of the critical parameters also significantly predicted the grain storage quality with χ2 of 353.26, p-value of 0.000, and R2 value of 61.81%. Furthermore, the interaction effects of the three critical parameters exhibited the greatest effect on grain storage quality. Through binary logistic regression model, the optimum quality grain storage is achieved at a moisture level of 11.42, protein level of 13.99, and a falling number of 443.55. These findings can be used as basis for the selected milling company and other grain storage companies to monitor these critical parameters and ensure a safe storage and quality grains. The study can be furthered improved by investigating other parameters that can determine grain storage quality.

Analysis of Spatial Spillover Effects of Digital Inclusive Finance on Urban-Rural Income Gap

This article mainly analyzes the changes in urban-rural disparities under digital inclusive finance, which can be divided into three levels of research objectives, gradually and layer by layer. Firstly, based on the theoretical foundation of accelerating the development of rural financial markets and reducing economic disparities between rural and urban areas through digital inclusive finance, a panel threshold model is constructed to quantitatively analyze the threshold effect of digital inclusive finance on the urban-rural income gap, and to study how to reduce the threshold effect and narrow the digital divide between rural and urban areas; Secondly, from the perspective of spatial spillover, this study examines the positive or negative spatial spillover effects of digital inclusive finance on regional urban-rural income disparities, in order to analyze the direction of the impact of digital inclusive finance on urban-rural income disparities. Using the Spatial Panel Lag Model (SAR) and Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) to empirically test their inherent correlation and impact; Thirdly, there are differences in policies and resource allocation among provinces and cities, as well as differences in urban-rural income disparities in different regions. Based on this, a quantitative analysis model is constructed to analyze the path and methods of digital inclusive finance promoting urban-rural income disparities.

Understanding the Interplay Between Skin, Fascia, and Muscles of the Midface in Facial Aging.

Surgical, minimally-invasive, and non-invasive aesthetic procedures try to ameliorate the signs of facial aging, but also focus on enhancing various individual features of beauty in each patient. Herein, the midface plays a central role due to its location but also its importance for the aesthetic perception and facial expression. To date, no study has investigated the interplay between facial muscles and its connecting subdermal architecture during facial aging to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the middle face. A total of 76 subjects, consisting of 30 males (39.5%) and 46 females (60.5%) with a mean age of 42.2 (18.7) years [range 19-80] and a mean BMI of 24.6 (3.7) kg/m2 [range 18-35], were enrolled in this investigation. Cutometry (skin aging), 3D skin displacement analyses (subdermal connective tissue aging), and sEMG (muscle aging) analyses were utilized. The results revealed that overall skin firmness increased, and skin elasticity decreased (p < 0.001), sEMG signal of the investigated muscles decreased (p < 0.001), whereas midfacial mobility remained unaltered (p = 0.722). The results of this study indicate that midfacial aging is a measurable effect when utilizing individual measurement modalities for assessing skin, subdermal fascia, and midfacial muscles. The function of midfacial muscles revealed a potential threshold effect, which is not reached during midfacial aging due to the unchanged soft tissue mobility at older age. However, to understand its clinical presentation all midfacial soft tissues need to be factored in and a holistic picture needs to be created. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes review articles, book reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Mesoscopic precursor anomaly characteristics of red sandstone under uniaxial compression after cyclic high-temperatures

The deformation and failure characteristics of rock caused by periodic changes of temperature are not only significantly different from that under normal temperature, but also significantly different from that produced by a single high-temperature event. Here, using a three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC) integrated test system, mechanical and micro-damage tests of red sandstone are performed under cycles of high-temperature and natural-cooling with a temperature range of 25°C to 300°C and the number of cycles varying between 0 and 25. Macroscopic, mesoscopic and microscopic characteristics such as rock strength, deformation, strain field and fracture morphology are examined and their evolution with the number of heating-cooling cycles is discussed. Using the time-history evolution of the differentiation rate of the precursor anomaly (En), the characteristic coefficient (K) and the damage variable (DF), three kinds of characteristic time points are put forward to quantify the incubation and development time of precursor abnormal characteristics and are used to divide the whole process of deformation and failure. These time points are the precursor abnormal differentiation time (PADT) tE, the precursor abnormal startup time (PAST) tK, and the precursor abnormal failure time (PAFT) tD. Test results show that: (1) The action of cyclic high-temperature natural-cooling not only shows the strengthening effect of temperature, but also shows the strengthening effect of a certain number of cycles. (2) The evolution sequence of the three precursor abnormal characteristic moments is PADT, PAST and PAFT in turn, and this sequence can intuitively describe the whole complex process of rock deformation and failure, and there are wave peaks in the evolution curve with the number of high-temperature cycle. (3) The effect of high temperature (i.e., 300°C) cyclic heating on rock properties is similar to the threshold effect of a single high-temperature heating event.

The impact of new digital infrastructure construction on substantive green innovation

AbstractThe new digital infrastructure is the cornerstone of the digital transformation of the regional innovation ecosystem and the key engine driving green, low‐carbon, and intelligent development in the era of the digital economy. The findings demonstrate that substantive green innovation is significantly positively impacted by the new digital infrastructure, and its effect shows a “Central &gt; Eastern &gt; Western.” New digital infrastructure construction can indirectly enhance substantive green innovation by improving the level of digital finance, entrepreneurial activity, and informatization index. Based on the characteristics of regional heterogeneity, new digital infrastructure construction has different threshold effects on substantive green innovation.

Research on Green Process Innovation Enabling the Synergistic Effect of Pollution Reduction and Carbon Reduction

Achieving the objective of "peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality" in the new stage of development will require the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction. In the new stage of development, achieving the goal of "peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality" will necessitate the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction. This study assesses the degree to which pollution reduction and carbon reduction have a synergistic effect using the coupling coordination model, and uses the fixed effect model, the dynamic panel GMM model, the OLS model and the threshold effect model to examine how green process innovation affects pollutant reduction and carbon reduction synergistically, including direct, heterogeneous, and nonlinear effects. The results show that: firstly, green process innovation has a direct promoting effect on synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction; Secondly, due to the differences in the economic development of different regions in China, the impact of green process innovation on the synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction is heterogeneous in different regions, and presents a gradient distribution of "east &gt; west &gt; middle". Finally, there is a threshold effect in the impact of green process innovation on regional synergistic effect of pollution reduction and carbon reduction. This paper provides some reference value for promoting green process innovation and enhancing the collaborative impact of mitigating pollution and decreasing carbon emissions.

Research on the impact of ESG performance on carbon emissions from the perspective of green credit

Utilizing panel data from 30 Chinese provinces, this research examines the non-linear relationship between regional environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and carbon emissions (CE) from the viewpoint of green credit. The study reveals a single threshold effect between ESG performance and CE, with green credit acting as the threshold variable. When the amount of green credit in a region exceeds the threshold, the growth rate of CE in that region begins to decline with higher ESG scores. Furthermore, green credit acts as a catalyst, playing a negative moderating role between ESG performance and CE, validated by both threshold regression and fixed effects models on panel data. Green credit indirectly influences carbon emissions by supporting green innovation, thus facilitating the transition to a greener economic development framework. Lastly, regional disparities are found in the moderating influence of green credit between ESG performance and CE. In regions with high ESG performance, the moderating impact of green credit is smaller, while in regions with low ESG performance, the effect is more significant. The research findings offer theoretical backing for policymakers regarding the efficacy of ESG in achieving carbon neutrality objectives, and offer valuable strategic recommendations for the diversified formulation of green credit strategies on both national and provincial scales. Regional heterogeneity test results provide valuable support for formulating policies that encourage green credit in provinces with low ESG performance.

From pixels to production: the impact of digital finance on the industrial fabric of rural China

PurposeThe aim of this study is to discern the role of digital finance in driving rural industrial integration and revitalization. Specifically, it intends to shed light on how the deep development of digital finance can contribute to the optimization and transformation of the rural industrial structure. The research further explores the particular effects of this financial transformation in the central and western regions of China.Design/methodology/approachThis research studies the influence of digital finance on rural industrial integration across 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. Utilizing the entropy weight method, a comprehensive evaluation index system is established to gauge the level of rural industrial integration. A two-way fixed effects model, intermediary effect model, and threshold effect model are employed to decipher the relationship between digital finance and rural industrial integration.FindingsFindings reveal a positive relationship between digital finance and rural industrial integration. A single threshold feature was identified: beyond a traditional finance development level, the marginal effect of digital finance on rural industrial integration increases. These effects are more noticeable in central and western regions.Originality/valueEmpirical outcomes contribute to policy discourse on rural digital finance, assisting policymakers in crafting effective strategies. Understanding the threshold of traditional finance development provides a new perspective on the potential of digital finance to drive rural industrial integration.

Research on the Influence of Industrial Intelligence on the Activity of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Drawing on China's panel data across 30 provinces between 2011 and 2021, this paper explains the impact of industrial intelligence on the activity of innovation and entrepreneurship from two aspects: baseline regression estimation results and nonlinear effects. In this paper, the installation density of industrial robots is used to measure industrial intelligence, and the threshold regression model and panel fixed effect model are used to study the complex relationship between industrial intelligence and innovation and entrepreneurship at the national, eastern, central, and western levels. It is found that the development of industrial intelligence plays a significant positive role in the improvement of innovation and entrepreneurship activity and presents the characteristics of "Midwest &gt; East"; industrial intelligence has a significant threshold effect on the activity of innovation and entrepreneurship. When the region has a strong talent agglomeration, industrial intelligence has a greater effect on the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship activity.

The Relationship Between the Average Decreased Times of Estradiol and Early Miscarriage: An Observational Study.

Decreased estradiol (E2) levels are associated with early miscarriage (EM), but the relationship between decreased times of E2 and EM has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the average decreased times of E2 (ADTE) and EM. Women with a history of miscarriage were retrospectively recruited from the Reproductive Center of Lanzhou University Second Hospital (Lanzhou, China) between September 2019 and February 2022. Based on pregnancy outcome, they were divided into ongoing pregnancy group (n = 359) and EM group (n = 104). In addition, subgroup analyses were performed for the number of previous miscarriages and whether E2 levels decreased continuously. The exposure and outcome variables were ADTE and miscarriage before 12 weeks of gestation, respectively. Totally, 1171 patients were recruited and 463 patients were finally analyzed. ADTE was associated with EM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.346, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.154-1.571, P < 0.001). When ADTE ≥ 2.5, the EM risk increased 1.17-fold compared to patients with 0-1.249 times (OR = 2.170, 95% CI 1.144-4.117, P = 0.018). Moreover, a threshold effect existed in the ADTE and the risk of EM with a value of 4.9 times. When exceeding 4.9 times, the EM risk increased 4.713-fold for each increased unit (OR = 5.713, 95% CI 1.255-23.170, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis showed that ADTE had a greater effect on the occurrence of EM in women with a history of 1-2 miscarriages than in women with 3 miscarriages. Decreased E2 was a risk factor for EM regardless of whether it dropped continuously or not. In conclusion, our study identifies a potential link between ADTE and early miscarriage risk in women with prior miscarriages, yet cautious interpretation is necessary due to inherent design limitations. Further research with prospective designs and large population samples is essential to validate ADTE's utility as a predictive indicator for early miscarriage in clinical settings.

Chance or challenge? Understanding how the Internet affects the nexus between tourism and urban-rural income inequality

The nexus between tourism and income inequality has received much attention but no consensus emerged. It is of interest to explore how this nexus is affected by the important external condition of the Internet. This study examines the spatial threshold effect of the Internet on the nexus between tourism and urban-rural income inequality by developing a spatial threshold model. Using panel data for 280 Chinese cities from 2003 to 2019, the results show that the impact of the Internet is characterised by clear spatial thresholds, and the local and spatial spillover effects of tourism on urban-rural income inequality vary under different regimes of Internet development. Further, by differentiating the Internet’s functions, the inequality-reducing effect of tourism in local and surrounding cities has strengthened significantly as cities’ Internet penetration improves; meanwhile, this effect has increased first and then decreased as cities’ online market penetration deepens, with a relative optimal interval.

Can digital transformation reduce the cost of debt capital? Empirical analysis based on the perspective of financial situation

ABSTRACT This article empirically tests the effects of digital transformation on the cost of corporate debt capital by taking Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen as research samples. The results show that enterprise digital transformation can effectively reduce the cost of debt capital. Further, using the financial situation as the threshold variable and applying the panel data threshold effect model, it is found that only the digital transformation of enterprises with good financial situations can reduce the cost of debt capital. In contrast, the digital transformation of enterprises with poor financial situations will increase the cost of debt capital instead.

Does financial sector transparencies tame government debts in Africa: exploring for complementarities and nonlinear threshold effects

Does financial sector transparencies tame government debts in Africa: exploring for complementarities and nonlinear threshold effects

Association between coffee and caffeine intake and risk of COPD: Findings based on NHANES 2007–2012

BackgroundThe association between coffee and caffeine intake and the risk of COPD and lung function has not been thoroughly discussed in Americans, with subgroup and threshold effects remaining unclear. ObjectivesThis study investigated the association between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as lung function utilizing data from the NHANES 2007–2012. MethodsWe assessed the associations of coffee and caffeine consumption with the risk of COPD and lung function parameters, including FEV1 and FVC, adjusting for common demographic and disease characteristics in a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data. ResultsA total of 9763 participants were included in the study, and 592 were diagnosed with COPD. Multivariate regression models revealed positive associations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD and lung function. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, DM, hypertension status, and smoking habits identified potential effect modifiers as well as inflection points from threshold effect examinations. ConclusionsThe results of this cross-sectional study indicated significant positive correlations between coffee and caffeine consumption and the risk of COPD. Additionally, positive correlations between exposure variables and FEV1 and FVC were detected. Among the stratification factors, smoking status exhibited the most potential for modifying effects. Future practices and research are needed to validate the results and explore the underlying mechanisms

Accelerometer-measured physical activity and sedentary behaviour are associated with C-reactive protein in US adults who get insufficient sleep: A threshold and isotemporal substitution effect analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and chronic inflammation in short sleep adults. The study included 2,113 NHANES participants with self-reported insufficient sleep. C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as the inflammatory biomarker. Physical activity and sedentary behaviour were objectively measured by accelerometers. Weighted regression model, two – piecewise linear regression model, and restricted cubic splines were applied to evaluate associations mentioned above. An isotemporal substitution model was used to assess the modelled effects of replacing sedentary time (ST) with moderate-to-vigorous levels of physical activity (MVPA) or light physical activity (LPA). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher levels of ST and lower levels of LPA or MVPA were associated with higher CRP levels. Isotemporal substitution analysis indicated that replacing 30 minutes of ST with 30 minutes of MVPA was associated with a significant decrease in CRP levels. Saturation analysis suggested that the association between MVPA and CRP may plateau at over 20 minutes of MVPA per day. Findings of this study provides insight into the potential benefits of replacing ST with MVPA. This study also suggests that increasing MVPA beyond a certain point may not provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits in a short sleep population.