scholarly journals Academic success predictors for architecture students at Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-133
Author(s):  
J. J. Maina ◽  
A. T. Zakari ◽  
I. A. Alkali ◽  
R. A. Salisu
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Advanced Level ◽  
Success Predictors ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Educational Productivity ◽  
Mode Of Entry ◽  
Positive Indicators

Academic success, linked to socioeconomic advancement and key positive indicators inlife has largely been investigated along STEM courses especially in Nigeria. In this study, academic success was predicted at two levels: second class lower (2.2) and second class upper (2.1) degreesusing 244 questionnaires from architecture undergraduates at Kano University of Science and Technology (KUST) Wudilto test the hypothesis that other factors apart from motivation predict high academic success. Results from Binary Logistic Regression models indicate that achieving a 2.1 degree largely depends on personal attributes, notably how efficiently a student manages time/schedules, some degree of independence as well as conducive learning environments (classrooms, accommodation, external lighting, power supply, worship places and general cleanliness)and not necessarily motivation. This lends credence to Walberg’s Theory of Educational Productivity. Overall, mode of entry was the only significant predictor for academic success for both 2.2 (p=0.007, Exp(β)=1.990) and 2.1 (p=0.016, Exp(β)=1.361) class of degree models. This implies that candidates admitted through avenues other than UTME/ JAMB such as Direct Entry have higher chances of graduating with a 2.1 class of degree. Prospective candidates are encouraged to pursue advanced level qualifications prior to admission into architecture as this substantially increases the probability of graduating with a high class of degree.

scholarly journals Association between multimorbidity patterns and disability among older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zijing Wang ◽  
Wenjia Peng ◽  
Mengying Li ◽  
Xinghui Li ◽  
Tingting Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Functional Disability ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Disease Pattern ◽  
Long Term Care Insurance

Abstract Background Functional disability and multimorbidity are common among older people. However, little is known about the relationship between functional disability and different multimorbidity combinations. We aimed to identify multimorbidity patterns and explore the associations between these patterns and functional disability. Methods We investigated a multi-stage random sample of 1871 participants aged ≥60 years and covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China. Multimorbidity was defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual. Participants completed scales to assess basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL, respectively). Multimorbidity patterns were identified via exploratory factor analysis. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine adjusted associations between functional disability and number and patterns of multimorbidity. Results Multimorbidity was present in 74.3% of participants. The prevalence of BADL disability was 50.7% and that of IADL disability was 90.7%. There was a strong association between multimorbidity and disability. We identified three multimorbidity patterns: musculoskeletal, cardio-metabolic, and mental-degenerative diseases. The cardio-metabolic disease pattern was associated with both BADL (OR 1.28, 95%CI 1.16–1.41) and IADL (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.19–1.68) disability. The mental-degenerative disease pattern was associated with BADL disability (OR 1.55, 95%CI 1.40–1.72). Conclusions Multimorbidity and functional disability are highly prevalent among older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, and distinct multimorbidity patterns are differentially associated with functional disability. Appropriate long-term healthcare and prevention strategies for older people may help reduce multimorbidity, maintain functional ability, and improve health-related quality of life.

scholarly journals The number of household members as a risk factor for peptic ulcer disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mi Hong Yim ◽  
Keun Ho Kim ◽  
Bum Ju Lee
Keyword(s):  
Peptic Ulcer ◽  
Peptic Ulcer Disease ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ulcer Disease ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Household Members ◽  
H Pylori

AbstractPeptic ulcer disease (PUD) is caused by many sociodemographic and economic risk factors other than H. pylori infection. However, no studies reported an association between PUD and the number of household members. We showed the number of family members affected by PUD based on sex in a Korean population. This cross-sectional study used 1998–2009 data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Multiple binary logistic regression models adjusted for confounders were constructed to analyze the association of PUD with the number of household members. The number of household members was associated with PUD, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, glucose, location (urban/rural), income, education level, stress, current drinking, and smoking in both sexes. Men with other household members had a higher PUD risk compared to men or women living alone (reference), and the opposite was observed for women. Men with 4 household members had a higher PUD risk than men living alone in the model adjusted for age, BMI, income, location, education, and stress (OR = 2.04 [95% CI 1.28–3.27], p value = .003). Women with more than 6 household members had a lower PUD risk than women living alone in the adjusted model (OR = 0.50 [0.33–0.75], p value = .001). Women with more household members had a lower PUD risk. However, more men had PUD than women regardless of the number of household members.

scholarly journals Development of a chimeric odour blend for attracting gravid malaria vectors

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Betelehem Wondwosen ◽  
Mengistu Dawit ◽  
Yared Debebe ◽  
Habte Tekie ◽  
Sharon R. Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vector Control ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Malaria Vectors ◽  
Volatile Components ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Plant Feeding ◽  
Global Vector

Abstract Background Odour-based tools targeting gravid malaria vectors may complement existing intervention strategies. Anopheles arabiensis are attracted to, and stimulated to oviposit by, natural and synthetic odours of wild and domesticated grasses associated with mosquito breeding sites. While such synthetic odour lures may be used for vector control, these may have limited efficacy when placed in direct competition with the natural source. In this study, workflows developed for plant-feeding pests was used to design and evaluate a chimeric odour blend based on shared attractive compounds found in domesticated grass odours. Methods Variants of a synthetic odour blend, composed of shared bioactive compounds previously identified in domesticated grasses, was evaluated sequentially in a two-choice olfactometer to identify a ratio-optimized attractive blend for malaria vectors. During this process, blends with ratios that were significantly more attractive than the previously identified synthetic rice blend were compared to determine which was most attractive in the two-choice olfactometer. To determine whether all volatile components of the most attractive blend were necessary for maximal attraction, subtractive assays were then conducted, in which individual components were removed for the most attractive blend, to define the final composition of the chimeric blend. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine significance in all two-choice assays. The chimeric blend was then assessed under field conditions in malaria endemic villages in Ethiopia, to assess the effect of dose, trap type, and placement relative to ground level. Field data were analyzed both descriptively and using a Welch-corrected t-test. Results A ratio-optimized chimeric blend was identified that significantly attracted gravid An. arabiensis under laboratory conditions. In the field, trap captures of An. arabiensis and Anopheles pharoensis were dependent on the presence of the lure, trap type (CDC, BG Sentinel and Suna traps), placement relevant to ground level, with low release rates generally luring more mosquitoes. Conclusions The workflow designed for the development of chimeric lures provides an innovative strategy to target odour-mediated behaviours. The chimeric lure identified here can be used in existing trapping systems, and be customized to increase sustainability, in line with goals of the Global Vector Control Response Group.

scholarly journals EPID-34. THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECT OF BIOPSY PRECEDING RESECTION IN SURGICALLY ACCESSIBLE GLIOBLASTOMAS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL CANCER DATABASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii85-ii86
Author(s):  
Ping Zhu ◽  
Xianglin Du ◽  
Angel Blanco ◽  
Leomar Y Ballester ◽  
Nitin Tandon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Failure Time ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Rank Test ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
National Cancer Database ◽  
Prolonged Length ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Operative Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract OBJECTIVES To investigate the impact of biopsy preceding resection compared to upfront resection in glioblastoma overall survival (OS) and post-operative outcomes using the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS A total of 17,334 GBM patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2014 were derived from the NCDB. Patients were categorized into two groups: “upfront resection” versus “biopsy followed by resection”. Primary outcome was OS. Post-operative outcomes including 30-day readmission/mortality, 90-day mortality, and prolonged length of inpatient hospital stay (LOS) were secondary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier methods and accelerated failure time (AFT) models with gamma distribution were applied for survival analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were performed to compare differences in the post-operative outcomes between these groups. RESULTS Patients undergoing “upfront resection” experienced superior survival compared to those undergoing “biopsy followed by resection” (median OS: 12.4 versus 11.1 months, log-rank test: P=0.001). In multivariable AFT models, significant survival benefits were observed among patients undergoing “upfront resection” (time ratio [TR]: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.75–0.93, P=0.001). Patients undergoing upfront GTR had the longest survival compared to upfront STR, GTR following STR, or GTR and STR following an initial biopsy (14.4 vs. 10.3, 13.5, 13.3, and 9.1, months), respectively (TR: 1.00 [Ref.], 0.75, 0.82, 0.88, and 0.67). Recent years of diagnosis, higher income and treatment at academic facilities were significantly associated with the likelihood of undergoing upfront resection after adjusting the covariates. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that 30-day mortality and 90-day mortality were decreased by 73% and 44% for patients undergoing “upfront resection” over “biopsy followed by resection”, respectively (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Pre-operative biopsies for surgically accessible tumors with characteristic imaging features of Glioblastoma lead to worse survival despite subsequent resection compared to patients undergoing upfront resection.

scholarly journals Habitat use of golden jackals (Canis aureus) in riverine areas of northern Bosnia and Herzegovina

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldin Selimovic ◽  
Eva Maria Schöll ◽  
Larissa Bosseler ◽  
Jennifer Hatlauf
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Golden Jackal ◽  
Canis Aureus ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Habitat Analysis ◽  
Group Density

AbstractRecently confirmed expansion of golden jackals (Canis aureus) into countries without any previous records poses questions, one of them focusing on the species potential and possibly varying habitat use. In this study, we investigated the presence and distribution of golden jackals in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina, where knowledge about golden jackal distribution and habitat use is still scarce. We used bioacoustic stimulation as a non-invasive tool to gather data on golden jackal presence. Habitat structures potentially selected by the species were assessed at 92 calling stations and used as input for binary logistic regression models. Our study area covered approximately 1150 km2, and bioacoustic stimulation within this area resulted in an estimated minimum relative group density of 3.5 territorial groups per 100 km2. We found territorial groups at distances between 15 and 38 km southwards from the river Sava but always within a maximum range of 3 km to perennial watercourses. Habitat analysis identified shrub vegetation and pastures as structures with a significant effect on the presence of resident golden jackals. Probability that golden jackals answered at calling stations increased with increasing surface area covered with pastures and shrubs. Distances between golden jackal territories and the nearest human settlement were relatively small. Our results indicate that structures like transitional woodland-shrubs and pastures, together with other potential influencing factors like local agricultural practices, low hunting pressure, diverse natural and anthropogenic food sources, could have benefited the settlement of golden jackals in the northern lowlands of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Volken ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Simone Amendola ◽  
Anthony Klein Swormink ◽  
Marion Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
National Population ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Containment Measures

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students (n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population (n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

scholarly journals The Diagnostic Yield of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography in the Setting of Acute Pancreaticobiliary Disease — A Single Center Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 084653712110137
Author(s):  
Sultan Yahya ◽  
Abdullah Alabousi ◽  
Peri Abdullah ◽  
Milita Ramonas
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Diagnostic Yield ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography ◽  
Significant Discrepancy ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
New Information ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
Enzyme Elevation

Purpose: To discern whether preceding ultrasound (US) results, patient demographics and biochemical markers can be implemented as predictors of an abnormal Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) study in the context of acute pancreaticobiliary disease. Methods: A retrospective study was performed assessing US results, age, gender, elevated lipase and biliary enzymes for consecutive patients who underwent an urgent MRCP following an initial US for acute pancreaticobiliary disease between January 2017-December 2018. Multivariable binary logistic regression models were constructed to assess for predictors of clinically significant MRCPs, and discrepant US/MRCP results. Results: A total of 155 patients (mean age 56, 111 females) were included. Age (OR 1.03, P < 0.05), hyperlipasemia (OR 5.33, P < 0.05) and a positive US (OR 40.75, P < 0.05) were found to be independent predictors for a subsequent abnormal MRCP. Contrarily, gender and elevated biliary enzymes were not reliable predictors of an abnormal MRCP, or significant MRCP/US discrepancies. Of 66 cases (43%) of discordant US/MRCPs, half had clinically significant discrepant findings such as newly discovered choledocholithiasis and pancreaticobiliary neoplasia. Age was the sole predictor for a significant US/MRCP discrepancy, with 2% increase in the odds of a significant discrepancy per year of increase in age. Conclusion: An abnormal US, hyperlipasemia and increased age serve as predictors for a subsequent abnormal MRCP, as opposed to gender and biliary enzyme elevation. Age was the sole predictor of a significant US/MRCP discrepancy that provided new information which significantly impacted subsequent management. In the remaining cases, however, MRCP proved useful in reaffirming the clinical diagnosis and avoiding further investigations.

Expanding after School Program Access for Vulnerable Students: Examining the Efficacy of Federal Policy and Funding

2021 ◽  
pp. 001312452110045
Author(s):  
Susan K. Klumpner ◽  
Michael E. Woolley
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
After School Programs ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
After School ◽  
School Program ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
School Programs ◽  
After School Program ◽  
Low Income Families

After school programs provide low income students and students of color with learning opportunities across both academic and non-academic domains that such students would otherwise not get. In this study, we examined the intersection of school characteristics (e.g., enrollment size, percent minority enrolled, and percent eligible for FARM) and the types of after school programming schools offered (e.g., fee-based, 21st CCLC, and other types) using binary logistic regression models. I n a sample of schools ( n = 1,601) surveyed by the National Center on Education Statistics 2008 FRSS, we found that under-resourced schools had lower odds of having a 21st CCLC program and higher odds of having a fee-based after school program (than schools with a lower percentage of students receiving FARM). That is counter to the stated goals of the 21st CCLC program. These findings highlight the need for a re-prioritization of 21st CCLC funding such that financial assistance provided to schools to support after school programs is allocated to schools serving students from low income families and communities.

scholarly journals Can Cut-Off-Values for Tumor Size or Patient Age in Breast Ultrasound Reduce Unnecessary Biopsies or is it all About Bi-rads?– A Retrospective Analysis of 763 Biopsied T1-Sized Lesions

2017 ◽  
Vol 03 (03) ◽  
pp. E94-E98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Holzer-Fruehwald ◽  
Matthias Meissnitzer ◽  
Michael Weber ◽  
Stephan Holzer ◽  
Klaus Hergan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Breast Lesion ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Breast Lesions ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Oval Shape ◽  
Histological Result

Abstract Aims and Objectives To assess whether it is possible to establish a size cut-off-value for sonographically visible breast lesions in a screening situation, under which it is justifiable to obviate a biopsy and to evaluate the grayscale characteristics of the identified lesions. Materials and Methods Images of sonographically visible and biopsied breast lesions of 684 patients were retrospectively reviewed and assessed for the following parameters: size, shape, margin, lesion boundary, vascularity, patient’s age, side of breast, histological result, and initial BI-RADS category. Statistical analyses (t-test for independent variables, ROC analyses, binary logistic regression models, cross-tabulations, positive/negative predictive values) were performed using IBM SPSS (Version 21.0). Results Of all 763 biopsied lesions, 223 (29.2%) showed a malignant histologic result, while 540 (70.8%) were benign. Although we did find a statistically significant correlation of malignancy and lesion size (p=0.031), it was not possible to define a cut-off value, under which it would be justifiable to obviate a biopsy in terms of sensitivity and specificity (AUC: 0.558) at any age. Lesions showing the characteristics of a round or oval shape, a sharp delineation and no echogenic rim (n=112) were benign with an NPV of 99.1%. Conclusion It is not possible to define a cut-off value for size or age, under which a biopsy of a sonographically visible breast lesion can be obviated in the screening situation. The combination of the 3 grayscale characteristics, shape (round or oval), margin (circumscribed) and no echogenic-rim sign, showed an NPV of 99.1%. Therefore, it seems appropriate to classify such lesions as BI-RADS 2.

scholarly journals Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Child BMI—A Study of Prenatal Exposure to Nitrogen Oxides and Body Mass Index in Children at the Age of Four Years in Malmö, Sweden

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2294 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasper Frondelius ◽  
Anna Oudin ◽  
Ebba Malmqvist
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Prenatal Exposure ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Childhood Overweight ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Increased Risk

Traffic-related air pollution could be a danger to the health of children. Earlier studies have linked prenatal exposure to an increased risk of a range of diseases and negative health outcomes, including overweight and obesity. Presently, a knowledge gap exists in investigating the risk of overweight and obesity among children exposed to lower levels of air pollution in utero. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between prenatal traffic-related air pollution (nitrogen dioxides (NOx) and traffic density) and childhood overweight and obesity in Malmö, Sweden. A cohort, based on attendance of a four-year check-up examination at Swedish Child Health Care (CHC) centers, and a parent-assessed questionnaire provided data on body-mass index adjusted for four-year-old children (ISO-BMI) as well as socioeconomic and health variables. We estimated exposure by using traffic density and levels of NOx at the maternal geocoded residential level. Analysis of 5815 children was performed using binary logistic regression models. This study showed no associations of increased risk for childhood overweight or obesity through to prenatal exposure to NOx in this low-exposure setting. We further suggest analysis of risks related to exposure levels ranging between the ones presented here and those proposed in previous literature.

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