scholarly journals Exploring Correlations of COVID-19 Mortality Rates with Development Variables: The Case of Northeast India

Author(s):  
Bidyutt Bikash Hazarika ◽  
Debajyoti Dutta Saikia ◽  
Bidyut Bikash Boruah ◽  
Amrit Kumar Nath

Aim: This paper explores the correlation of the Covid-19 mortality rate with some other developmental variables. This study also attempts to highlight the state-wise variability in mortality rate in the Northeastern region of India. Study Design: The study focuses on eight Northeastern states, correlating the Covid-19 mortality rate and other development (or socio-economic) variables. This study focuses on the region of North East India because there have been few investigations on Covid-19 in the region. This study follows a cross-sectional study design. Duration of the Study: The study was conducted and completed around three months. Methodology: The nature of the correlation between the mortality rate of Covid-19 and the other variables is determined by using the Karl Pearson correlation approach. We began by performing a correlation study and calculating the correlation coefficients. Results: The results demonstrate that all independent variables adversely correlate with the Covid-19 mortality rate. Except for the number of doctors in district hospitals and health spending per capita, which have a moderate negative correlation with the predicted variable, all explanatory factors have a weak negative connection with the death rate. Surprisingly, both the NSDP per Capita and the case positivity rate have negative findings. Another major issue in the findings is that none of the factors statistically link with mortality. Conclusion: This research shows that the more a state's socio-economic infrastructures, notably its health infrastructures, are developed, the lower the mortality rate in a pandemic will be.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunlei Han ◽  
Rongbin Xu ◽  
Yajuan Zhang ◽  
Wenhua Yu ◽  
Shanshan Li ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundPM2.5 concentrations vary between countries with similar CO2 emissions, possibly due to differences in air pollution control efficacy. However, no indicator of the level of air pollution control efficacy has yet been developed. We aimed to develop such an indicator, and to evaluate its global and temporal distribution and its association with country-level health metrics.MethodA novel indicator, ground level population-weighted average PM2.5 concentration per unit CO2 emission per capita (PM2.5/CO2, written as PC in abbreviation), was developed to assess country-specific air pollution control efficacy. We estimated and mapped the global average distribution of PC and PC changes during 2000–2016 across 196 countries. Pearson correlation coefficients and Generalized Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) were used to evaluate the relationship between PC and health metrics.ResultsPC varied by country with an inverse association with the economic development. PC showed an almost stable trend globally from 2000 to 2016 with the low income groups increased. The Pearson correlation coefficients between PC and life expectancy at birth (LE), Infant-mortality rate (IMR), Under-five mortality rate (U5MR) and logarithm of GDP per capita (LPGDP) were –0.566, 0.646, 0.659, –0.585 respectively (all P-values <0.001). Compared with PM2.5 or CO2, PC could explain more variation of LE, IMR and U5MR. The association between PC and health metrics was independent of GDP per capita.ConclusionsPC might be a good indicator for air pollution control efficacy and was related to important health indicators. Our findings provide a new way to interpret health inequity across the globe from the point of air pollution control efficacy.


Author(s):  
Jan Christoff Visagie ◽  
Michael M. Jones ◽  
Herman L. Linde

The South African workplace is confronted with many leadership challenges, specifically those relating to the employment relationship between subordinates and their supervisors. A high-quality relationship is essential, considering the work-family spillovers employees experience. Limited research has been conducted on the potential positive and negative consequences of the leader-member exchange (LMX) dyadic relationship. In this study, we used a cross-sectional research design, and drew an employee sample (N = 120) from a commuter transport engineering company. A five-point Likert scale was employed and statistical analyses were carried out using the SAS statistical program. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients and used structural equation modelling to test the proposed conceptual model to indicate possible correlations between the different variables. The main finding of the study was that the nature of the LMX relationship quality in the relevant company appeared to be high and positively related to work-home enrichment but negatively related to work-home conflict and role overload. The article concludes by making a number of suggestions to respond to challenges.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhe Li ◽  
Guanzhi Liu ◽  
Run Tian ◽  
Ning Kong ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Our objective was to obtain normal patellofemoral measurements to analyse sex and individual differences. In addition, the absolute values and indices of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances are still controversial in clinical application. A better method to enable precise prediction is still needed. Methods Seventy-eight knees of 78 participants without knee pathologies were included in this cross-sectional study. A CT scan was conducted for all participants and three-dimensional knee models were constructed using Mimics and SolidWorks software. We measured and analysed 19 parameters including the TT-TG distance and dimensions and shapes of the patella, femur, tibia, and trochlea. LASSO regression was used to predict the normal TT-TG distances. Results The dimensional parameters, TT-TG distance, and femoral aspect ratio of the men were significantly larger than those of women (all p values < 0.05). However, after controlling for the bias from age, height, and weight, there were no significant differences in TT-TG distances and anterior-posterior dimensions between the sexes (all p values > 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients between the anterior femoral offset and other indexes were consistently below 0.3, indicating no relationship or a weak relationship. Similar results were observed for the sulcus angle and the Wiberg index. Using LASSO regression, we obtained four parameters to predict the TT-TG distance (R2 = 0.5612, p < 0.01) to achieve the optimal accuracy and convenience. Conclusions Normative data of patellofemoral morphology were provided for the Chinese population. The anterior-posterior dimensions of the women were thicker than those of men for the same medial-lateral dimensions. More attention should be paid to not only sex differences but also individual differences, especially the anterior condyle and trochlea. In addition, this study provided a new method to predict TT-TG distances accurately.


Author(s):  
Marcos Felipe Falcão Sobral ◽  
Brigitte Renata Bezerra de Oliveira ◽  
Ana Iza Gomes da Penha Sobral ◽  
Marcelo Luiz Monteiro Marinho ◽  
Gisleia Benini Duarte ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with the distribution of the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. In this study, we used 9 variables: human development index (HDI), gross domestic product (GDP per capita), Gini index, population density, extreme poverty, life expectancy, COVID cases, COVID deaths, and reproduction rate. The time period was until February 1, 2021. The variable of interest was the sum of the days after the vaccine arrived in the countries. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated, and t-test was performed between the groups that received and did not receive the immunizer, and finally, a stepwise linear regression model was used. 58 (30.4%) of the 191 countries received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The countries that received the most doses were the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and Israel. Vaccine access in days showed a positive Pearson correlation HDI, GDP, life expectancy, COVID-19 cases, deaths, and reproduction rate. Human development level, COVID-19 deaths, GDP per capita, and population density are able to explain almost 50% of the speed of access to immunizers. Countries with higher HDI and per capita income obtained priority access.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunru Liao ◽  
Zhenlan Yang ◽  
Zijing Li ◽  
Rui Zeng ◽  
Jing Wang ◽  
...  

Purpose: Purpose of this study is to evaluate the measuring consistency of central refraction between multispectral refraction topography (MRT) and autorefractometry.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including subjects in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from September 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, ages 20 to 35 years with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. All patients underwent cycloplegia, and the refractive status was estimated with autorefractometer, experienced optometrist and MRT. We analyzed the central refraction of the autorefractometer and MRT. The repeatability and reproducibility of values measured using both devices were evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).Results: A total of 145 subjects ages 20 to 35 (290 eyes) were enrolled. The mean central refraction of the autorefractometer was −4.69 ± 2.64 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75 D), while the mean central refraction of MRT was −4.49 ± 2.61 diopters (D) (range −8.79 to +5.02 D). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a high correlation between the two devices. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) also showed high agreement. The intrarater and interrater ICC values of central refraction were more than 0.90 in both devices and conditions. At the same time, the mean central refraction of experienced optometrist was −4.74 ± 2.66 diopters (D) (range −9.50 to +4.75D). The intra-class correlation coefficient of central refraction measured by MRT and subjective refraction was 0.939.Conclusions: Results revealed that autorefractometry, experienced optometrist and MRT show high agreement in measuring central refraction. MRT could provide a potential objective method to assess peripheral refraction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 457-460
Author(s):  
Lauren A.V. Orenstein ◽  
Adaugo Amah ◽  
Fiona M. Shaw ◽  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Robert A. Swerlick ◽  
...  

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that severely impairs patients’ quality of life (QoL). Instruments such as the 10-item Dermatology Life Quality Index and 16-item Skindex-16 have been used to assess QoL in HS; however, it is unknown whether the shorter 3-item Skindex-mini can also provide an accurate assessment of skin-related QoL in patients with HS. Objectives The aim was to assess how well the Skindex-16 correlates with its shorter adaptation, the Skindex-mini, in capturing QoL among patients with HS. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study included all HS patients seen in the HS Clinic at The Emory Clinic between January 1, 2019, and August 16, 2019. We compared the correlation between the symptom, emotion, and function domains of the Skindex-16 and Skindex-mini using Pearson correlation coefficients (CC). Secondary outcome measures included individual survey item analysis, ItchyQuant scores, and numeric rating scale of pain. Results We identified 108 encounters among 75 unique hidradenitis suppurativa patients (43 black/African American, 18 white, 5 Asian/Pacific Islander, 3 Latino, 4 Other, 2 unknown). Pearson CC between the Skindex-16 and Skindex-mini domain scores for all encounters were 0.770 ( P < .001), 0.787 ( P < .001), and 0.801 ( P < .001) for the symptom, emotion, and function domains, respectively. The mean pain and ItchyQuant scores were 4.14 (SD 3.31) and 3.55 (SD 3.34), respectively. Conclusions The Skindex-mini correlated highly with the Skindex-16 in a racially diverse group of patients with HS. The Skindex-mini is a streamlined QoL instrument that could be practically implemented into routine clinical care among diverse patients presenting to dermatology.


1965 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 773-781 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideaki Takahashi ◽  
Harold M. Frost

A correlation study was performed of the relationship between the total cross-sectional area of the fifth, sixth, or seventh rib in its middle third, and the height, weight, and sex of its owner. The study involved 115 metabolically normal people and yielded high correlation coefficients between the calculated and observed total rib cross-sectional areas of 60 males and 55 females. It is suggested that the total cross-sectional area at a standard bone sampling site be used as a basis for normalizing measures of the severity of osteoporosis. This would allow one to make improved comparisons of the severity of osteoporosis between persons of different body habitus and sex.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 640-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beate Bokhof ◽  
Anette E Buyken ◽  
Canan Doğan ◽  
Arzu Karaboğa ◽  
Josa Kaiser ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveNutrition-related health problems such as obesity are frequent among children and adolescents of Turkish descent living in Germany, yet data on their dietary habits are scarce. One reason might be the lack of validated assessment tools for this target group. We therefore aimed to validate protein and K intakes from one 24 h recall against levels estimated from one 24 h urine sample in children and adolescents of Turkish descent living in Germany.DesignCross-sectional analyses comprised estimation of mean differences, Pearson correlation coefficients, cross-classifications and Bland–Altman plots to assess the agreement between the nutritional intake estimated from a single 24 h recall and a single 24 h urine sample collected on the previous day.SettingDortmund, Germany.SubjectsData from forty-three study participants (aged 5–18 years; 26 % overweight) with a traditional Turkish background were included.ResultsThe 24 h recall significantly overestimated mean protein and K intake by 10·7 g/d (95 % CI of mean difference: 0·6, 20·7 g/d) and 344 mg/d (95 % CI 8, 680 mg/d), respectively. Correlations between intake estimates were r = 0·25 (P = 0·1) and 0·31 (P = 0·05). Both methods classified 70 % and 69 % of the participants into the same/adjacent quartile of protein and K intake and misclassified 7 % and 7 %, respectively, into the opposite quartile. Bland–Altman plots indicated a wide scattering of differences in both protein and K intake.ConclusionsAmong children and adolescents of traditional Turkish descent living in Germany, one 24 h recall may only be valid for categorizing subjects into high, medium or low consumers.


Author(s):  
Zoharah Omar ◽  
Arifin Zainal ◽  
Fatimah Omar ◽  
Rozainee Khairudin

This study examined the influence of transformational-transactional leadership behaviour on organisational citizenship behaviour in self-managed work teams and the augmenting effect of transformational-transactional leadership behaviour. This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted on 93 self-managed work teams in a multinational manufacturing company. Data were collected through group face-to-face administration by the researcher and statistically analysed through Pearson correlation, partial correlation and multiple regressions. Results showed that both transactional and transformational leadership behaviour have a positive influence on organisational citizenship behaviour among team members. Transformational leadership behaviour, however, has a greater influence on organisational citizenship behaviour compared to transactional leadership behaviour. The results also conf rmed the augmenting effect of transformational leadership behaviour on the relationship between transactional leadership behaviour and organisational citizenship behaviour.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahbobeh Faramarzi ◽  
Soraya Khafri

Objective. Little research is available on the predictive factors of self-efficacy in college students. The aim of the present study is to examine the role of alexithymia, anxiety, and depression in predicting self-efficacy in academic students. Design. In a cross-sectional study, a total of 133 students at Babol University of Medical Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, and Paramedicine) participated in the study between 2014 and 2015. All participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), College Academic Self-Efficacy Scale (CASES), and 14 items on anxiety and depression derived from the 28 items of the General Health Questionnaire (28-GHQ). Results. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed negative significant relationships between alexithymia and the three subscales with student self-efficacy. There was no significant correlation between anxiety/depression symptoms and student self-efficacy. A backward multiple regression analysis revealed that alexithymia was a negative significant predictor of self-efficacy in academic students (B=-0.512, P<0.001). The prevalence of alexithymia was 21.8% in students. Multiple backward logistic analysis regression revealed that number of passed semesters, gender, mother’s education, father’s education, and doctoral level did not accurately predict alexithymia in college students. Conclusion. As alexithymia is prevalent in college students and affects self-efficacy and academic functioning, we suggest it should be routinely evaluated by mental physicians at universities.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document