scholarly journals Risk awareness of black-and-gold howler monkeys living in an urban environment in south-west Paraguay

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jake Wellian ◽  
Rebecca L Smith
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Howler Monkey ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Electric Cables ◽  
Anthropogenic Risks

Abstract As urbanisation increases, wild primates are exposed to urban environments which come with a distinct and often novel set of risks. Urban habitats can form a matrix of forest fragments and anthropogenic structures, including buildings, electric cables and roads, which can limit movement and force species to live in hazardous areas. We studied five groups of urban black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Pilar, Paraguay, to investigate whether the monkeys are aware of anthropogenic risks based on their patterns of self-scratching behaviour, an indicator of stress, and how they used the space available to them. Using a Risk Index created for the study, we ranked the level of risk attributed to different zones of their home range, awarding each zone with a hazard score. Using Quantum GIS and kernel density estimation, we determined the relationship between habitat use and hazard score. Using a Spearman’s rank correlation, we found nonsignificant relationships between the hazard score and self-scratching behaviour for four groups, suggesting a lack of awareness. However, there was a significant negative relationship between the hazard score and home range use for four groups, indicating that they spent more time in areas with lower levels of anthropogenic risk.

scholarly journals Risk Aversion, Behavioral Finance and Green Bonds for the Sustainability of Environmental Assets in Peru

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6(J)) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Edelina Coayla
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Risk Aversion ◽  
Behavioral Finance ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Fixed Income ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Bond Rating ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
The Relationship

The study objective is to investigate the relationship between behavioral finance and the decision to invest in green bonds for the sustainability of environmental assets in Peru. A survey with behavioral questions was applied to a sample of 54 respondents between July and October 2019. Spearman's rank correlation, independence tests, and logistic regression were used. Significant negative correlations were found between the level of education and risk aversion, and between age and risk aversion. A negative relationship was found between risk aversion and the feeling of comfort when investing in stock market instruments such as green bonds. Aversion to a loss in investment decisions was validated; most people choose low-risk fixed income instruments despite feeling safe investing in stocks. According to the logistic regression, the decision to invest in green bonds to improve environmental quality is explained by the variables “green bond rating” and “feeling of comfort (satisfaction) investing in green bonds.”

scholarly journals High Rate of Oral Candida Detection in Dependent Japanese Older People

Geriatrics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Mari Matsumura ◽  
Hideo Shigeishi ◽  
Cheng-Yih Su ◽  
Rumi Nishimura ◽  
Kouji Ohta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient ◽  
Oral Candida

The aim of this study was to clarify the association between oral Candida detection and the dependency status of older people. This study included 31 older people aged ≥70 years who had a certified need for long-term care or support and received care in a local day care center; it also included 27 independent older patients aged ≥70 years who visited Hiroshima University Hospital. Oral Candida was detected by a polymerase chain reaction using swab samples from the tongue surface. Oral moisture was significantly reduced in dependent older people, compared with independent older people (p = 0.003). There was a weak negative relationship between numbers of bacteria and levels of oral moisture (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient; R = −0.29, p = 0.01). Dependent older people exhibited a significantly higher rate of Candida albicans detection (35.5%) compared with independent older people (11.1%). Dependent older people also exhibited a higher rate of concurrent detection of both C. albicans and Candida glabrata (32.3%) compared with independent older people (11.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant. Thus, dependent older people may be more susceptible to oral C. albicans infection, compared with independent older people. Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent oral Candida infection in dependent older people.

A Study of the Relationships between Nursing Students’ Meanings of Life, Positive Beliefs, and Well-Being

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fu-Ju Tsai ◽  
Cheng-Yu Chen ◽  
Gwo-Liang Yeh ◽  
Yih-Jin Hu ◽  
Chie-Chien Tseng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Promotion ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Meaning Of Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nursing Educators ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation

Background: Nursing educators should train nursing students to pursue physical, psychological, spiritual, and social health promotion. The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between nursing students’ meaning of life, positive beliefs, and well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study with a quantitative approach was adopted. Purposive sampling was used. A total of 170 nursing students voluntarily participated in this study. A 56-item questionnaire was used to examine nursing students’ meaning of life (1-25 items), positive beliefs (1-11 items), and well-being (1-20 items). The content validity index (CVI) of the study questionnaire was established as 0.95 by seven expert scholars. The reliability values for the three parts of the measure were as follows: meaning of life, Cronbach’s α 0.96; positive beliefs, Cronbach’s α 0.93; and well-being, Cronbach’s α 0.95. Percentages, frequencies, means, SDs, Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by rank, Spearman’s rank correlation, one-way analysis of variance, Spearman’s rho correlation, and regression analysis were used for the data analysis. Results: Nursing students had the following mean scores: meaning of life with 4.02 (SD 0.56); positive beliefs with 3.92 (SD 0.62); and well-being with 3.95 (SD 0.57). The results indicate that for all nursing students, meaning of life was positively correlated with positive beliefs, r=0.83 (P<.01); similarly, all nursing students had positive beliefs that were positively correlated with meaning of life, r=0.83 (P<.01). In the results of the study, the nursing students’ background, meaning of life and positive beliefs explained 63% of the variance in well-being (Adjusted R2 squared =0.63, F=33.41, P<.001). Conclusions: Nursing students’ sense of meaning of life and positive beliefs may impact their well-being. Therefore, nursing educators can promote meaning of life and positive beliefs to nursing students as a way to increase their well-being for physical, psychological, spiritual, and social health promotion.

scholarly journals Deregulation of lncRNA HIST1H2AG-6 and AIM1-3 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Jiang ◽  
Peian Lou ◽  
Xiaoluo Chen ◽  
Chenguang Wu ◽  
Shihe Shao
Keyword(s):  
Roc Curve ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is mainly affected by genetic and environmental factors; however, the correlation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) with T2DM remains largely unknown. Methods Microarray analysis was performed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in patients with T2DM and healthy controls, and the expression of two candidate lncRNAs (lnc-HIST1H2AG-6 and lnc-AIM1-3) were further validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to measure the degree of association between the two candidate lncRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs. Furthermore, the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway and GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis were used to reveal the biological functions of the two candidate lncRNAs. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed. Results The microarray analysis revealed that there were 55 lncRNAs and 36 mRNAs differentially expressed in patients with T2DM compared with healthy controls. Notably, lnc-HIST1H2AG-6 was significantly upregulated and lnc-AIM1-3 was significantly downregulated in patients with T2DM, which was validated in a large-scale qRT-PCR examination (90 controls and 100 patients with T2DM). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient revealed that both lncRNAs were correlated with 36 differentially expressed mRNAs. Furthermore, functional enrichment (KEGG and GO) analysis demonstrated that the two lncRNA-related mRNAs might be involved in multiple biological functions, including cell programmed death, negative regulation of insulin receptor signal, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that lnc-HIST1H2AG-6 and lnc-AIM1-3 were significantly correlated with T2DM (OR = 5.791 and 0.071, respectively, both P = 0.000). Furthermore, the ROC curve showed that the expression of lnc-HIST1H2AG-6 and lnc-AIM1-3 might be used to differentiate patients with T2DM from healthy controls (area under the ROC curve = 0.664 and 0.769, respectively). Conclusion The profiles of lncRNA and mRNA were significantly changed in patients with T2DM. The expression levels of lnc-HIST1H2AG-6 and lnc-AIM1-3 genes were significantly correlated with some features of T2DM, which may be used to distinguish patients with T2DM from healthy controls and may serve as potential novel biomarkers for diagnosis in the future.

scholarly journals Magnetic resonance cisternography imaging findings related to the leakage of Gadolinium into the subarachnoid space

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rei Nakamichi ◽  
Toshiaki Taoka ◽  
Hisashi Kawai ◽  
Tadao Yoshida ◽  
Michihiko Sone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Subarachnoid Space ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Roc Curves ◽  
Imaging Findings ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Sagittal Sinus ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Cisternography

Abstract Purpose To identify magnetic resonance cisternography (MRC) imaging findings related to Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) leakage into the subarachnoid space. Materials and methods The number of voxels of GBCA leakage (V-leak) on 3D-real inversion recovery images was measured in 56 patients scanned 4 h post-intravenous GBCA injection. Bridging veins (BVs) were identified on MRC. The numbers of BVs with surrounding cystic structures (BV-cyst), with arachnoid granulations protruding into the superior sagittal sinus (BV-AG-SSS) and the skull (BV-AG-skull), and including any of these factors (BV-incl) were recorded. Correlations between these variables and V-leak were examined based on the Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to investigate the predictive performance of GBCA leakage. Results V-leak and the number of BV-incl were strongly correlated (r = 0.609, p < 0.0001). The numbers of BV-cyst and BV-AG-skull had weaker correlations with V-leak (r = 0.364, p = 0.006; r = 0.311, p = 0.020, respectively). The number of BV-AG-SSS was not correlated with V-leak. The ROC curve for contrast leakage exceeding 1000 voxels and the number of BV-incl had moderate accuracy, with an area under the curve of 0.871. Conclusion The number of BV-incl may be a predictor of GBCA leakage and a biomarker for waste drainage function without using GBCA.

scholarly journals Predicting presenteeism using measures of health status

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl Jones ◽  
Katherine Payne ◽  
Alexander Thompson ◽  
Suzanne M. M. Verstappen
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Work Productivity ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Statistical Correlation ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Mapping Algorithm ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation

Abstract Objectives To identify whether it is feasible to develop a mapping algorithm to predict presenteeism using multiattribute measures of health status. Methods Data were collected using a bespoke online survey in a purposive sample (n = 472) of working individuals with a self-reported diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Survey respondents were recruited using an online panel company (ResearchNow). This study used data captured using two multiattribute measures of health status (EQ5D-5 level; SF6D) and a measure of presenteeism (WPAI, Work Productivity Activity Index). Statistical correlation between the WPAI and the two measures of health status (EQ5D-5 level; SF6D) was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Five regression models were estimated to quantify the relationship between WPAI and predict presenteeism using health status. The models were specified based in index and domain scores and included covariates (age; gender). Estimated and observed presenteeism were compared using tenfold cross-validation and evaluated using Root mean square error (RMSE). Results A strong and negative correlation was found between WPAI and: EQ5D-5 level and WPAI (r = − 0.64); SF6D (r =− 0.60). Two models, using ordinary least squares regression were identified as the best performing models specifying health status using: SF6D domains with age interacted with gender (RMSE = 1.7858); EQ5D-5 Level domains and age interacted with gender (RMSE = 1.7859). Conclusions This study provides indicative evidence that two existing measures of health status (SF6D and EQ5D-5L) have a quantifiable relationship with a measure of presenteeism (WPAI) for an exemplar application of working individuals with RA. A future study should assess the external validity of the proposed mapping algorithms.

Multi-Method Vs Single Method Appraisal of Clinical Quality Indicators for the Emergency Medical Services

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Howard ◽  
Peter Cameron ◽  
Maaret Castrén ◽  
Lee Wallis ◽  
Veronica Lindström
Keyword(s):  
Group Discussion ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Prehospital Emergency Care ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Prehospital Emergency ◽  
Single Method ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Method Approach

ABSTRACT Background Quality Indicator (QI) appraisal protocols are a novel methodology that combines multiple appraisal methods to comprehensively assess the "appropriateness" of QIs for a particular healthcare setting. However, they remain inadequately explored compared to the single appraisal method approach. This paper aimed to describe and test a QI appraisal protocol versus the single method approach, against a series of QIs potentially relevant to the South African Prehospital Emergency Care setting. Methods An appraisal protocol was developed consisting of two categorical-based appraisal methods, combined with the qualitative analysis of the discussion generated during the consensus application of each method. The output of the protocol was assessed and compared with the application and output of each method. Inter-rater reliability of each particular method was evaluated prior to group consensus rating. Variation in the number of non-valid QIs and the proportion of non-valid QIs identified between each method and the protocol were compared and assessed. Results There was mixed IRR of the individual methods. There was similarly low to moderate correlation of the results obtained between the particular methods (Spearman’s rank correlation=0.42,p&lt;0.001). From a series of 104 QIs, 11 non-valid QIs were identified that were shared between the individual methods. A further 19 non-valid QIs were identified and not shared by each method, highlighting the benefits of a multi-method approach. The outcomes were additionally evident in the group discussion analysis, which in and of itself added further input that would not have otherwise been captured by the individual methods alone. Conclusion The utilization of a multi-method appraisal protocol offers multiple benefits, when compared to the single appraisal approach, and can provide the confidence that the outcomes of the appraisal will ensure a strong foundation on which the QI framework can be successfully implemented.

scholarly journals Is HBA1C reliable in diagnosing diabetes in the acute phase of acute coronary syndromes?

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Stratinaki ◽  
K Milaki ◽  
S Stavrakis ◽  
M Pitarokoilis ◽  
E Charitakis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Phase ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Gensini Score ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Coronary Syndromes ◽  
One Way Anova

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Hospitalization due to acute coronary syndromes (ACS) usually is the occasion that leads to diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Current literature suggests that the severity of the ACS could be associated with the presence and the severity of DM. Purpose To study the reliability of HbA1c in the diagnosis of T2DM in the acute phase of ACS, as well as the presence of possible correlation between the HbA1c and the severity of ACS. Methods We evaluated 160 consecutive patients admitted due to ACS. HbA1c was measured on day 1 and day 90. HbA1c &gt;6.5% was used to diagnose T2DM and HbA1c 5.7-6.4% was used to diagnose pre-diabetes. The severity of ACS was assessed via Gensini score. Results are interpreted as mean ± SD. Comparisons were made by one way ANOVA(p &lt; 0.05 was regarded statistically significant).Spearman’s rank correlation was used to study the correlation between Gensini score and the other parameters. Results Mean age was 59.73 ± 12.21 years. 103/160(64.37%) were male and 57/160(35.63%) were female. 19/160(11.87%) were diagnosed as STEMI and 141/160(88.13%) as NSTEMI. Mean BMI was 29.55 ± 8.41 kg/m2 and mean Hb 12.62 ± 2.08 g/dl. On day 1, 43/160 (26.87%) had HbA1c &gt; 6.5% and 41/160(25.62%) HbA1c 5.7-6.4%. On day 90, 28/160 (17.5%) had HbA1c &gt; 6.5% and 52/160(32.5%) HbA1c 5.7-6.4%. Gensini score varied between 0-144 with mean value 40.26 ±35.9. A strong correlation was found between Gensini score and HbA1c on admission as well as on day 90 (rho-0.36, p &lt; 0.05 and rho = 0.32, p &lt; 0.05 respectively). Conclusion HbA1c seems to be reliable in the identification of pre-diabetes but not T2DM in the acute phase of ACS. The correlation of the severity between ACS and HbA1c seems to relate with the worst prognosis of T2DM patients.

scholarly journals An enhanced chimp optimization algorithm for continuous optimization domains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heming Jia ◽  
Kangjian Sun ◽  
Wanying Zhang ◽  
Xin Leng
Keyword(s):  
Social Status ◽  
Optimization Algorithm ◽  
Continuous Optimization ◽  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Function Optimization ◽  
Local Optimum ◽  
Hunting Behavior ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Engineering Design Problems ◽  
Application Fields

AbstractChimp optimization algorithm (ChOA) is a recently proposed metaheuristic. Interestingly, it simulates the social status relationship and hunting behavior of chimps. Due to the more flexible and complex application fields, researchers have higher requirements for native algorithms. In this paper, an enhanced chimp optimization algorithm (EChOA) is proposed to improve the accuracy of solutions. First, the highly disruptive polynomial mutation is used to initialize the population, which provides the foundation for global search. Next, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of the chimps with the lowest social status is calculated with respect to the leader chimp. To reduce the probability of falling into the local optimum, the beetle antennae operator is used to improve the less fit chimps while gaining visual capability. Three strategies enhance the exploration and exploitation of the native algorithm. To verify the function optimization performance, EChOA is comprehensively analyzed on 12 classical benchmark functions and 15 CEC2017 benchmark functions. Besides, the practicability of EChOA is also highlighted by three engineering design problems and training multilayer perceptron. Compared with ChOA and five state-of-the-art algorithms, the statistical results show that EChOA has strong competitive capabilities and promising prospects.

scholarly journals Environmental Risk Assessment of Petroleum Activities in Surface Sediments, Suez Gulf, Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 473
Author(s):  
Magda M. Abou El-Safa ◽  
Mohamed Gad ◽  
Ebrahem M. Eid ◽  
Ashwaq M. Alnemari ◽  
Mohammed H. Almarshadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Surface Sediment ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Surf Zone ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Suez Gulf

The present study focuses on the risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems by evaluating the current situation of heavy metals in seven locations (North Amer El Bahry, Amer, Bakr, Ras Gharib, July Water Floud, Ras Shokeir, and El Marageen) along the Suez Gulf coast that are well-known representative sites for petroleum activities in Egypt. One hundred and forty-six samples of surface sediments were carefully collected from twenty-seven profiles in the intertidal and surf zone. The hydrochemical parameters, such as pH and salinity (S‰), were measured during sample collection. The mineralogy study was carried out by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and the concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Co, Zn, Cd, and Pb were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectra (ICP-MS). The ecological risks of heavy metals were assessed by applying the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The mineralogical composition mainly comprised quartz, dolomites, calcite, and feldspars. The average concentrations of the detected heavy metals, in descending order, were Al > Fe > Mn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Cd. A non-significant or negative relationship between the heavy metal concentration in the samples and their textural grain size characteristics was observed. The coastal surface sediment samples of the Suez Gulf contained lower concentrations of heavy metals than those published for other regions in the world with petroleum activities, except for Al, Mn, and Cr. The results for the CF, EF, and Igeo showed that Cd and Pb have severe enrichment in surface sediment and are derived from anthropogenic sources, while Al, Mn, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn originate from natural sources. By comparison, the PLI and RI results indicate that the North Amer El Bahry and July Water Floud are considered polluted areas due to their petroleum activities. The continuous monitoring and assessment of pollutants in the Suez Gulf will aid in the protection of the environment and the sustainability of resources.

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