The Influence of Technical and Contextual Variables of the Last Stroke on Point Outcome in Men’s and Women’s Singles Badminton

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the technical and context-related variables of last strokes in rallies on the point outcomes of both men’s and women’s players in elite singles badminton matches. A total of 100 matches during the 2018 and 2019 seasons were analyzed, and the data of 4,080 men’s rallies and 4,339 women’s rallies were collected. The technical variables including strokes per rally, forehand strokes, overhead strokes, and defensive action, and the context-related variables including game status, result against serve, importance of rally, and importance of set, were modeled with Probit regression modeling as the predictor variables. The binary variables of “winner or not” and “error or not” were considered the response variables. The results showed that defensive actions had the greatest impacts on the winners and errors of both the men’s and women’s singles players, and the forehand and overhead strokes were negatively associated with the winners and errors of the women’s singles players and the winners of the men’s singles players. No significant effects were found for the strokes per rally on the winners and errors of the men’s singles players, while significant effects were found for the women’s singles players. The context-related variables appeared to have positive effects on the winners and negative effects on the errors of both sexes. These findings can provide important insights for coaches and players to evaluate their performances of last strokes in rallies and to improve training interventions and match tactics and strategies.

Predictors for wound healing complications and prolonged hospital stay in patients with isolated calcaneal fractures

Purpose Surgically treated calcaneal fractures have a high risk of postoperative wound healing complications and a prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to identify predictor variables of impaired wound healing (IWH) and LOS in surgically treated patients with isolated calcaneal fractures. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed data on patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to a level I trauma center with isolated calcaneal fractures between 2008 and 2018. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictor variables. Results In total, 89 patients (age: 45.4 years; SD: 15.1) were included. In 68 of these patients, low-profile locking plate osteosynthesis was performed, and a minimally invasive approach (MIA) (percutaneous single screws/K-wire or low-profile locking plating via a sinus tarsi approach) was applied in 21 patients. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that a higher preoperative Böhler’s angle (β = − 0.16 days/degree, 95% CI [− 0.25, − 0.08], p = 0.004) and MIA (β = − 5.04 days, 95% CI [− 8.52, − 1.56], p = 0.002) reduced the LOS. A longer time-to-surgery (β = 1.04 days/days, 95% CI [0.66, 1.42] p = 0.001) and IWH increased the LOS (β = 7.80 days, 95% CI [4.48, 11.12], p = 0.008). In a subsequent multivariable regression analysis, two variables, open fractures (OR: 14.6, 95% CI [1.19, 180.2], p = 0.030) and overweight (BMI > 24) (OR: 3.65, 95% CI [1.11, 12.00], p = 0.019), increased the risk of IWH. Conclusion Advanced treatment algorithms for open fractures are needed to reduce the risk of IWH.

A New Risk Score for Patients With Acute Chest Pain and Normal High Sensitivity Troponin

Objective: To investigate a new risk score for patients who suffered from acute chest pain with normal high-sensitivity troponin I (hs-TnI) levels.Methods: In this study, patients with acute chest pain who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) of our hospital had been recruited. Hs-TnI was measured in serum samples drawn on admission to the ED. The end point was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 3 months. Predictor variables were selected by logistic regression analysis, and external validity was assessed in this study. Furthermore, validation was performed in an independent cohort, i.e., 352 patients (validation cohort).Results: A total of 724 patients were included in the derivation cohort. The results showed that four predictor variables were significant in the regression analysis—male, a history of chest pain, 60 years of age or older and with three or more coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. A total of 105 patients in the validation cohort had serious adverse cardiac events. The validation cohort showed a homogenous pattern with the derivation cohort when patients were stratified by score. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) in the derivation cohort was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.76–0.83), while in the validation cohort, it was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75–0.82).Conclusion: A new risk score was developed for acute chest pain patients without known CAD and ST-segment deviation and with normal hs-TnI and may aid MACE risk assessment and patient triage in the ED.

When Brand Image, Perceived Price, and Perceived Quality Interplay in Predicting Purchase Intention: Developing a Rhombus Model

Rhombus model is a theoretical framework to measure consumers’ particular behaviour. It consists of three predictor variables that can swap places. This study employs a brand image, perceived price, and perceived quality as predictor variables, and purchase intention as a predicted variable. The study cohort was the consumers of mobile phones with a water proof feature and they were chosen using a convenient sampling technique. In total, 238 participants completed a survey. Data were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to validate data and structural equation model to test hypotheses. We calculated three models with variables that exchange positions. This study provides a new option for presenting data. Received: 4 September 2021 / Accepted: 7 November 2021 / Published: 3 January 2022

Intersectionality

Women continue to be underrepresented as P-12 school administrators, and this marginalization is more conspicuous in Appalachian Kentucky public schools. This chapter presents a review of extant scholarship on the intersectionality of the focus population as women, educational leaders, and residents of Appalachia Kentucky. The critical consciousness of administrators was examined in both male and female participants. Personal and school predictor variables served as additional variables in the prediction model to better understand the context of the participants. Comparisons of means and multiple regression analysis were utilized to potentially create predictive equation of social justice leadership propensity of school administrators and to determine differences between gender and if personal and school predictor variables had any effect on the critical consciousness of the sample. This chapter reveals the importance of context, intersectionality, and need for more inclusive quantitative instruments for the study of social justice leadership.

Predicting the distribution of arsenic in groundwater by machine learning technique in two worst hit districts of Assam, India: a risk to public health

Arsenic (As) is a well-known human carcinogen and a significant chemical contaminant in groundwater. The spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of As in groundwater makes it difficult to predict the location of safe areas for tube well installations for consumption and agricultural use. Geospatial machine learning techniques have been used to predict the location of safe and unsafe areas of groundwater As contaminations. Here we used a similar machine learning approach to determine the risk and extent of As >10 ug/L in groundwater at a finer spatial resolution (250m x 250m) in two worst-hit districts of Assam, India, to advise policymakers for targeted campaigning for mitigation. Random Forest Model was employed in Python environments to predict probabilities of the occurrences of As at concentrations >10 ug/L using several intrinsic and extrinsic predictor variables. The selection of predictor variables was based on their inherent relationship with the occurrence of As in groundwater. The relationships between predictor variables and proportions of As occurrences >10 ug/L follow the well-documented processes leading to As release in groundwater. We identified extensive areas of potential As hotspots based on the probability of 0.7 for As >10 ug/L. These identified areas include areas that were not previously surveyed and extended beyond previously known As hotspots. Twenty-five percent of the land area (1,500 km2) was identified as a high-risk zone with an estimated population of 155,000 potentially consuming As through drinking water or food cooked with water containing As >10 ug/L. The ternary hazard map (i.e., high, moderate, and low risk for As >10 ug/L) could inform the policymakers to target the regions by establishing newer drinking water treatment plants and supplying safe drinking water.

Difficulties Imposed on the Parent–Child Relationship Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The present study tested whether emotionally burdened parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic might appraise their relationship with their children more negatively. The current cross-sectional study was circulated through social media. A total of 265 respondents took part in the study. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between predictor variables and the parent–child relationship. This study’s results report that older fathers with higher levels of COVID-19 related fear are more likely to appraise negatively their relationship with their children. Therefore, this study suggests the need for family-level strategies to address better the psychological aspects related to the pandemic outbreak.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: THE REPORT FROM ITALIAN COMPANIES

This is an empirical analysis of CSR initiatives in the Italian region of Campania. The aim of this study is to clarify the share’s differences in environmental protection in the overall CSR activities as well as the evaluation of the altruistic attitudes on the essence of CSR. The regression model examines the impact of investments in CSR, cost-benefit analysis and territory size on companies' interest in CSR. Campania companies have got a pronounced environmental awareness due to a significant number of national associations promoting sustainable development and easier access to EU funds. When testing the altruistic attitude on CSR, companies in Campania are closer to the profit approach. Based on the results of regression analysis, the predictor variables synergistically explain CSR interest in Campania.

Determinants of fetal macrosomia among live births in southern Ethiopia: a matched case-control study

Background The magnitude of fetal macrosomia is high and associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, especially among women in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite the observed burden, there is limited evidence on determinants of fetal macrosomia. This study aimed to identify determinants of fetal macrosomia among live births at Wolaita Sodo town Southern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based matched case-control study design involved 360 singletons deliveries attended at hospitals in Wolaita Sodo town, southern Ethiopia, with 120 cases and 240 controls included. Cases and control were matched by maternal age. Cases were neonates with a birth weight of ≥4000, while controls were neonates with a birthweight between 2500gm and less than 4000gm. Data were collected by interviews, measuring, and reviewing mothers' medical documents. Conditional logistic regression analysis was carried to identify the independent predictor variables. Statistical significance was set using a p-value<0.05 and 95% CI for AOR. Results Male neonates were four times more likely to be macrosomia than female neonates AOR=4.0 [95%CI; 2.25-7.11, p<0.001]. Neonates born at gestational age ≥40 weeks were 4.33 times more likely to be macrosomia with AOR= 4.33 [95%CI; 2.37-7.91, p<0.001]. Neonates born from physically active mothers were 7.76 times more likely to be macrosomia with AOR= 7.76 [95CI; 3.33-18.08, p<0.001]. Neonates born from mothers who consumed fruits and dairy products in their diet frequently were 2 and 4.9 times more likely to be macrosomia AOR=2.03 [95%CI; 1.11-3.69, p=0.021] and AOR= 4.91[95%CI; 2.36-10.23, p<0.001] respectively. Conclusion Mothers' physical exercise and consumption of fruit and dairy products were significant predictor variables for fetal macrosomia. Hence, health care providers may use these factors as a screening tool for the prediction, early diagnosis, and timely intervention of fetal macrosomia and its complications.