Medication Intake Is Associated with Lower Plasma Carotenoids and Higher Fat-Soluble Vitamins in the Cross-Sectional MARK-AGE Study in Older Individuals

The regular use of medication may interfere with micronutrient metabolism on several levels, such as absorption, turnover rate, and tissue distribution, and this might be amplified during aging. This study evaluates the impact of self-reported medication intake on plasma micronutrients in the MARK-AGE Project, a cross-sectional observational study in 2217 subjects (age- and sex-stratified) aged 35–75 years from six European countries that were grouped according to age. Polypharmacy as possible determinant of micronutrient concentrations was assessed using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age-group, dietary fruit, vegetables, and juice intake, and other confounders. Younger participants reported taking fewer drugs than older participants. Inverse associations between medication intake and lutein (−3.31% difference per increase in medication group), β-carotene (−11.44%), α-carotene (−8.50%) and positive associations with retinol (+2.26%), α-tocopherol/cholesterol (+2.89%) and γ-tocopherol/cholesterol (+1.36%) occurred in multiple adjusted regression models. Combined usage of a higher number of medical drugs was associated with poorer status of carotenoids on the one hand and higher plasma concentrations of retinol, α- and γ-tocopherol on the other hand. Our results raise concerns regarding the safety of drug combinations via the significant and surprisingly multifaceted disturbance of the concentrations of relevant micronutrients.

Download Full-text

Does the Tax Burden impact the Performance of Companies? A case study for Romania

Proceedings of the International Conference on Applied Statistics ◽

10.2478/icas-2021-0021 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 233-244

Author(s):

Victor Ogneru ◽

Stelian Stancu

Keyword(s):

Regression Models ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Balance Sheet ◽

Tax Burden ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Independent Variable ◽

The One ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Abstract The paper analyzes the relationship between the total tax amount paid by the Romanian companies and several indicators of size, financial performance, and capital structure to identify whether there is an impact of these indicators on the tax potential and to assess the impact of the tax burden on the performance of companies as well. The total tax amount is viewed on the one hand as a tax burden when it is used as an independent variable, and as tax potential when it is used as a dependent variable. To assess these relationships, we applied cross-sectional regression models for each year of analysis, 2014-2018, using balance sheet data from the entire population of Romanian companies. In literature, is questioned only the relationship between tax burden and economic performance. Our study emphasizes the link between tax potential and some characteristics of the companies. We have identified, also, the determinants of return of equity in the case of Romanian companies. Overall, the data reveal major structural changes during the period of analysis. This movement did not affect the tax potential, but the performance of undertakings. Our findings show that it is necessary to rethink economic and tax policies.

Download Full-text

FAKTOR DETERMINAN PENYALURAN KREDIT BANK PERSERO

Journal of Business Economics ◽

10.35760/eb.2018.v23i1.1812 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 60-71

Author(s):

Wigiyanti Masodah

Keyword(s):

Interest Rate ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Interest Rates ◽

Regression Models ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

Main Activity ◽

The Impact ◽

The Given ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Models

Offering credit is the main activity of a Bank. There are some considerations when a bank offers credit, that includes Interest Rates, Inflation, and NPL. This study aims to find out the impact of Variable Interest Rates, Inflation variables and NPL variables on credit disbursed. The object in this study is state-owned banks. The method of analysis in this study uses multiple linear regression models. The results of the study have shown that Interest Rates and NPL gave some negative impacts on the given credit. Meanwhile, Inflation variable does not have a significant effect on credit given. Keywords: Interest Rate, Inflation, NPL, offered Credit.

Download Full-text

Starchy Vegetables and Metabolic Syndrome in Costa Rica

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051639 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1639

Author(s):

Zhongyao Li ◽

Dongqing Wang ◽

Edward A. Ruiz-Narváez ◽

Karen E. Peterson ◽

Hannia Campos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Regression Models ◽

Fasting Blood Glucose ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Costa Rican ◽

Least Square ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional

Only a few studies primarily examined the associations between starchy vegetables (other than potatoes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between starchy vegetables consumption and MetS in a population-based sample of Costa Rican adults. We hypothesized that a higher overall intake of starchy vegetables would not be associated with higher MetS prevalence. In this cross-sectional study, log-binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of MetS across quintiles of total, unhealthy, healthy starchy vegetables, and individual starchy vegetables (potatoes, purple sweet potatoes, etc.), among 1881 Costa Rican adults. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from linear regression models were estimated for each MetS component by categories of starchy vegetable variables. Higher intakes of starchy vegetables were associated with a higher prevalence of MetS in crude models, but no significant trends were observed after adjusting for confounders. A significant inverse association was observed between total starchy and healthy starchy vegetables consumption and fasting blood glucose. In this population, starchy vegetables might be part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Download Full-text

Non-Parametric Generalized Additive Models as a Tool for Evaluating Policy Interventions

Mathematics ◽

10.3390/math9040299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 299

Author(s):

Jaime Pinilla ◽

Miguel Negrín

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression ◽

Regression Models ◽

Linear Trend ◽

Generalized Additive Models ◽

Additive Models ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Non Linear ◽

Nonlinear Trends ◽

The Impact ◽

Non Parametric

The interrupted time series analysis is a quasi-experimental design used to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention. Segmented linear regression models have been the most used models to carry out this analysis. However, they assume a linear trend that may not be appropriate in many situations. In this paper, we show how generalized additive models (GAMs), a non-parametric regression-based method, can be useful to accommodate nonlinear trends. An analysis with simulated data is carried out to assess the performance of both models. Data were simulated from linear and non-linear (quadratic and cubic) functions. The results of this analysis show how GAMs improve on segmented linear regression models when the trend is non-linear, but they also show a good performance when the trend is linear. A real-life application where the impact of the 2012 Spanish cost-sharing reforms on pharmaceutical prescription is also analyzed. Seasonality and an indicator variable for the stockpiling effect are included as explanatory variables. The segmented linear regression model shows good fit of the data. However, the GAM concludes that the hypothesis of linear trend is rejected. The estimated level shift is similar for both models but the cumulative absolute effect on the number of prescriptions is lower in GAM.

Download Full-text

Isotonic quadriceps endurance is better associated with daily physical activity than quadriceps strength and power in COPD: an international multicentre cross-sectional trial

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90758-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Erik Frykholm ◽

Sarah Gephine ◽

Didier Saey ◽

Arthur Lemson ◽

Peter Klijn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Multiple Linear Regression ◽

Regression Models ◽

Sedentary Time ◽

Quadriceps Strength ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quadriceps Function ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Models

AbstractKnowledge about modifiable determinants of daily physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial to design effective PA interventions. The present study aimed to determine the contribution of quadriceps strength, power and endurance to daily PA in COPD. Additionally, for quadriceps endurance, we also aimed to determine to what extent the association varies according to the mode of movement (isotonic, isometric, or isokinetic). Using a multicentre cross-sectional trial design we determined the contribution of quadriceps function to daily PA (steps, sedentary time and time spent doing moderate-to-very-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) using bivariate and partial Pearson correlation analysis (r) and multiple linear regression models (ΔR2). Pre-determined controlling factors were sex, age, body mass index (BMI), COPD-assessment test, forced expiratory volume in one second in percent of the predicted value (FEV1pred), and distance walked on the 6-minute walk test. Eighty-one patients with COPD (mean ± SD: age 67 ± 8 years, FEV1pred 57 ± 19%, daily steps 4968 ± 3319, daily sedentary time 1016 ± 305 min, and MVPA time 83 ± 45 min) were included. Small to moderate bivariate correlations (r = .225 to .452, p < .05) were found between quadriceps function and measures of PA. The best multiple linear regression models explained 38–49% of the variance in the data. Isotonic endurance was the only muscle contributor that improved all PA models; daily steps (ΔR2 = .04 [relative improvement 13%] p = .026), daily sedentary time (ΔR2 = .07 [23%], p = .005) and MVPA-minutes (ΔR2 = .08 [20%], p = .001). Isotonic endurance was also independently associated with most PA variables, even when controlling for strength, power or isometric-isokinetic endurance properties of the muscle (r = .246 to .384, p < .05). In contrast, neither strength, power, isometric-or isokinetic endurance properties of the muscle was independently associated with PA measures when controlling for isotonic endurance (r = .037 to .219, p > .05). To conclude, strength, power, and endurance properties of the quadriceps were low to moderately associated with PA in patients with COPD. Isotonic quadriceps endurance was the only quadriceps property that was independently associated with the different measures of PA after controlling for a basic set of known determinants of PA, quadriceps strength or power, or isometric or isokinetic quadriceps endurance. Future longitudinal studies should investigate its potential as a modifiable determinant of PA.

Download Full-text

Beyond vision loss: the independent impact of diabetic retinopathy on vision-related quality of life in a Chinese Singaporean population

British Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313082 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 103 (9) ◽

pp. 1314-1319 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Eva K Fenwick ◽

Ryan E K Man ◽

Alfred Tau Liang Gan ◽

Neelam Kumari ◽

Charlene Wong ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Well Being ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Related Quality ◽

The Impact

Background/aimsTo assess the independent impact of diabetic retinopathy (DR) on three domains of vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a Chinese Singapore population.MethodsThe Singapore Chinese Eye Study (n=3353; 2009–2011) was a population-based, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at the Singapore Eye Research Institute. The study population included 292 adults with diabetes, with and without DR. DR (better eye) was categorised as presence and absence of any DR; severity of DR (no vision-threatening DR (VTDR); severe non-proliferative DR (NPDR); PDR and/or clinically significant macular oedema and VTDR). Our main outcome was VRQoL which was measured using Rasch-calibrated scores from the ‘Reading’, ‘Mobility’ and ‘Emotional’ domains of the Impact of Vision Impairment questionnaire. The relationship between DR and VRQoL was assessed using multiple linear regression models.ResultsOf the 292 individuals (mean age 61.35 ± 9.66 years; 55.8% male), 201 (68.8%), 49 (16.8%), 20 (6.8%), 22 (7.5%) and 27 (9.2%) had no DR, minimal-mild NPDR, moderate-severe NPDR, PDR and VTDR, respectively. Any DR and VTDR were independently associated with 6% and 12% worse Reading scores and 7% and 18% poorer Emotional well-being, respectively, compared with those without DR. These associations persisted after separate adjustment for visual impairment and presenting visual acuity. No significant difference was found in the Mobility domain between persons with and without DR.ConclusionsWe documented that DR, particularly VTDR, was independently associated with restrictions in Reading and Emotional well-being. Understanding factors underlying the detrimental DR-VRQoL relationship may optimise rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with DR.

Download Full-text

Expanding the Happiness Paradox: Ethnoracial Disparities in Life Satisfaction Among Older Immigrants in the United States

Journal of Aging and Health ◽

10.1177/0898264317726608 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 31 (2) ◽

pp. 231-255

Author(s):

Rocío Calvo ◽

Dawn C. Carr ◽

Christina Matz-Costa

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Regression Models ◽

The United States ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Older Immigrants ◽

Happiness Paradox ◽

Retirement Study ◽

Lower Life Satisfaction

Objective: This study investigated nativity disparities in life satisfaction among ethnoracial groups of older adults in the United States and the factors associated with such disparities. Method: Cross-sectional data from 7,348 respondents aged 60 and older from the 2012/2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to estimate linear regression models. Results: Older immigrants experienced higher levels of life satisfaction than comparable native-born individuals. This “happiness advantage” was particularly salient for Hispanic immigrants, who reported the highest levels of life satisfaction of all groups included in the study. With increasing education, life satisfaction increased for White and “Other Race” groups, regardless of nativity. However, for both Black groups and native-born Hispanics, higher levels of education were associated with lower life satisfaction. Discussion: Findings suggest that the “happiness paradox” may not only be a matter of Hispanic ethnicity, but that it may also extend to immigrants from other ethnoracial backgrounds.

Download Full-text

Características psicológicas relevantes para el rendimiento deportivo: diferencias de género en fútbol juvenil

Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte ◽

10.6018/cpd.417711 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (2) ◽

pp. 127-137

Author(s):

Aurelio Olmedilla ◽

Marta Cánovas ◽

Belén Olmedilla-Caballero ◽

Enrique Ortega

Keyword(s):

Female Athletes ◽

Psychological Characteristics ◽

Soccer Players ◽

Sports Performance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Male And Female ◽

Youth Soccer ◽

Track Record ◽

The One ◽

The Impact

El estudio de los factores psicológicos relacionados con el rendimiento deportivo tiene un importante recorrido en la literatura científica. Conocer si existen diferencias entre hombres y mujeres deportistas, cuáles son estas, y en qué aspectos se manifiestan es una cuestión que podría ayudar a mejorar la labor de entrenadores y técnicos deportivos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias de género en el perfil psicológico de futbolistas juveniles relacionado con el rendimiento deportivo. Se utilizó un diseño descriptivo transversal. La muestra objeto de estudio estuvo formada por un total de 329 jugadores juveniles de fútbol (46.8% varones y 53,2% mujeres), con una edad media de 17.02 (±1.50) años;. Para la evaluación de las características psicológicas se utilizó el Cuestionario Características Psicológicas Relacionadas con el Rendimiento Deportivo (CPRD). Los resultados de este estudio indican que existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre chicos y chicas en control de estrés (CE), influencia de la evaluación del rendimiento (IER) y en cohesión de equipo (CH). Los jugadores chicos manifiestan puntuaciones mayores que las jugadoras chicas en CE, es decir, gestionan mejor el estrés propio de la competición, y en IER, es decir, los jugadores chicos gestionan mejor que las jugadoras chicas el impacto que supone la evaluación de su rendimiento, el que hacen los otros (entrenadores, compañeros, padres/madres, etc.) y el que se hace a sí mismo. Sin embargo, las jugadoras chicas presentan mejores puntuaciones en CH, es decir, manifiestan una mayor tendencia a trabajar en grupo y fortalecer el equipo. The study of psychological factors related to sports performance has an important track record in the scientific literature. Knowing if there are differences between male and female athletes, what they are, and in what aspects they manifest is an issue that could help improve the work of coaches and sports technicians. The aim of this study is to determine if there are gender differences in the psychological profile of youth soccer players related to sports performance. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. The sample under study was formed by a total of 329 youth soccer players (46.8% male and 53,2% female), with an average age of 17.02 (± 1.50) years. The Psychological Characteristics Questionnaire Related to Sports Performance (CPRD) was used to evaluate psychological characteristics. The results of this study indicate that there are statistically significant differences between male and female in stress control (CE), influence of performance evaluation (IER) and in team cohesion (CH). The male players show higher scores than the female players in CE, that is, they better manage the stress of the competition, and in IER, that is, the male players manage better than the female players the impact of evaluating their performance, the one that others do (coaches, partners, fathers / mothers, etc.) and the one that makes itself. However, female players have better CH scores, that is, they show a greater tendency to work in groups and strengthen the team. O estudo de fatores psicológicos relacionados ao desempenho esportivo tem um histórico importante na literatura científica. Saber se existem diferenças entre atletas masculinos e femininos, o que são e em que aspectos eles se manifestam é uma questão que pode ajudar a melhorar o trabalho de treinadores e técnicos esportivos. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar se existem diferenças de gênero no perfil psicológico de jovens jogadores de futebol relacionados ao desempenho esportivo. Foi utilizado um desenho descritivo de corte transversal. A amostra estudada foi composta por um total de 329 jogadores de futebol juvenil (46,8% masculino e 53,2% feminino), com idade média de 17,02 (± 1,50) anos. O Questionário de Características Psicológicas Relacionadas ao Desempenho Esportivo (CPRD) foi utilizado para avaliar as características psicológicas. Os resultados deste estudo indicam que existem diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre meninos e meninas no controle do estresse (EC), influência da avaliação de desempenho (IER) e na coesão da equipe (HC). Os jogadores pequenos apresentam pontuações mais altas do que as jogadoras da CE, ou seja, administram melhor o estresse da competição, e no IER, ou seja, os jogadores pequenos gerenciam melhor do que as jogadoras o impacto de avaliar seu desempenho , o que os outros fazem (treinadores, parceiros, pais / mães, etc.) e o que se faz. No entanto, as jogadoras têm melhores pontuações no HC, ou seja, mostram maior tendência a trabalhar em grupo e fortalecer a equipe

Download Full-text

Impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in the world during 1975–2015

Scientific Messenger of LNU of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology ◽

10.32718/nvlvet9106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (91) ◽

pp. 28-32

Author(s):

B. B. Brychka

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

Literature Review ◽

Regression Models ◽

Trade Openness ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Average Value ◽

Gdp Growth Rate ◽

The World ◽

The Impact

The study is concentrated on examination the impact of FDI on economic growth in the World during 1975–2015. The study consists of four consecutive parts, including introduction, literature review, model and methodology, data, empirical results and conclusion. Each part of the study is focused on its own goals. According to the results of the literature review, there is positive influence of FDI on economic growth in various countries. Economic growth is one of the most important goals of any country. The country image on the international level is dependent on its economic power. Economic growth provides an opportunity to improve the living standards in the country. Most researchers conclude that there is a positive influence of FDI on the countries’ economic growth. However, the impact of FDI is strong in developing countries. Moreover, this relationship is stronger in countries with higher educational and technological level, trade openness and development of the countries’ stock markets. Economists often build regression models to estimate the relationship between the variables. In order to find the impact of FDI on economic growth, we are going to apply linear regression models. We take two variables as indicators of the countries’ economic growth, including current GDP expressed in U.S dollars, and annual GDP growth rate. Taking into account that the World’s GDP in current U.S dollar is a factor variable with the mentioned resulting variables, the regression equation looks as follows: The R-squared of the built model is 0.99, indicating that roughly 100% of changes in the World’s GDP is caused by the chosen factors. As it is seen from the SAS output, the residuals of dependent variable and factors variables are distributed normally among its average value. Thus, non-normality is not observed in the model. Taking into account the coefficients of the factor variables, the log GDP is most sensitive to the changes in trade as a percent of GDP. The log GDP is not quite sensitive to the changes in FDI, since the coefficient of 0.000128 means that increasing of FDI by one unit increase the logarithmic value of GDP by $ 0.000128.

Download Full-text

The effect of leadership style and job motivation on the performance of teachers

JPGI (Jurnal Penelitian Guru Indonesia) ◽

10.29210/021075jpgi0005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 482

Author(s):

Ramsiah Hiranah ◽

Happy Fitria ◽

Achmad Wahidy

Keyword(s):

Leadership Style ◽

Regression Models ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Teacher Performance ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Profound Influence ◽

Job Motivation ◽

Study Techniques ◽

The Impact

The main objective of this study is to define and explain the impact on teacher performance of the leadership style of the head of the Madrasah and job motivation simultaneously. Quantitative analysis is this form of study performed in this study. Techniques for qualitative data collection, questionnaires and documentation..“ Using different linear regression models, it was analyzed. With the help of the version 21 SPSS program. A saturated sampling technique was used in this analysis, where all 49 respondents were tested. From the following conclusions, the findings of data processing and interpretation are drawn: The principal's leadership style has a positive and important effect on the performance of teachers. Motivation for work has a positive and meaningful influence on the success of teachers. At the same time, the leadership style of madrasah principals and job motivation have a profound influence on teacher performance.

Download Full-text