Changes In Dependent Variables Research Articles

Effect of Functional Impact Training on Body Composition, Bone Mineral Density, and Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 24 wk of functional impact training (FIT) that consisted of resistance and high-impact exercises in comparison with yin yoga on body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), blood biomarkers for bone metabolism, and strength in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty-four BCS (60.3 ± 8.3 yr) were randomly assigned to the FIT or yin yoga group. Body composition and BMD were measured via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Blood biomarkers for bone metabolism were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Upper and lower body strength was assessed using a one-repetition maximum chest press and isokinetic knee extension/flexion using the Biodex System 3, respectively. Participants completed 45-min FIT or yin yoga sessions twice weekly for 24 wk. Changes in dependent variables over time were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Significance was accepted at P ≤ 0.05. There were no group-time effects for body composition, BMD, or blood biomarkers. Main effects were observed for left femoral neck (0.883 ± 0.138 to 0.870 ± 0.131 g·cm) and left forearm (0.465 ± 0.078 to 0.457 ± 0.069 g·cm) BMD. The FIT group improved upper body strength (73.2 ± 18.1 to 83.2 ± 22.3 kg), whereas the yin yoga group did not (59.8 ± 14.8 to 59.3 ± 15.6 kg). Main time effects were observed for peak isokinetic knee extension and flexion at all speeds with an average improvement of 13.2% and 16.2%, respectively. Both FIT and yin yoga may be beneficial exercise modes for improving lower body strength, although only FIT improved upper body strength. Additional research is needed to examine the effectiveness of FIT programs of longer duration and/or higher intensity on body composition and BMD in BCS.

Integrability, exact reductions and special solutions of the KP–Whitham equations

Reductions of the KP–Whitham system, namely the (2+1)-dimensional hydrodynamic system of five equations that describes the slow modulations of periodic solutions of the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) equation, are studied. Specifically, the soliton and harmonic wave limits of the KP–Whitham system are considered, which give rise in each case to a four-component (2+1)-dimensional hydrodynamic system. It is shown that a suitable change of dependent variables splits the resulting four-component systems into two parts: (i) a decoupled, independent two-component system comprised of the dispersionless KP equation, (ii) an auxiliary, two-component system coupled to the mean flow equations, which describes either the evolution of a linear wave or a soliton propagating on top of the mean flow. The integrability of both four-component systems is then demonstrated by applying the Haantjes tensor test as well as the method of hydrodynamic reductions. Various exact reductions of these systems are then presented that correspond to concrete physical scenarios.

Two super Camassa–Holm equations: Reciprocal transformations and applications

Reciprocal transformations are introduced for two super Camassa–Holm (CH) equations. Under these transformations and appropriate changes of dependent variables, the super CH equation, proposed by Geng et al. [Stud. Appl. Math. 130, 1 (2013)], is converted to a negative member of the super Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) hierarchy studied by Geng and Wu in 2010 [Appl. Math. Lett. 23, 716 (2010)], while the other super CH equation, due to Zhang and Zuo [J. Math. Phys. 52, 073503 (2011)], is related to a new super KdV hierarchy. In the latter case, algebraic properties of this new super KdV hierarchy are established, including Hamiltonian operators, a recursion operator, and conserved quantities.

Validation of an Instrument for Assessing Elder Care Needs in Iran.

BackgroundThe notable growth of the senior citizens population has caused problems and concerns in areas like healthcare, social care, and participation in society. The present paper is aimed at validating a Farsi version of the “International classification of functioning, disability, and health” for assessing elderly care needs in Kermanshah, Iran.MethodsThe original version of the tool was translated into Farsi using forward-backward method. The study group consisted of 301 senior citizens who were selected through cluster sampling. Validity of the tool was examined using Waltz and Basel’s content validity index, face validity, and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the tool was examined using Cronbach’s alpha and internal correlation. Data analyses were performed in SPSS-25 and Amoss-16.ResultsFollowing confirmatory factor analysis, the number of factors decreased from nine to eight. The R2 index in the above model was estimated equal to 0.99; this indicates that 99% of the dependent variable changes (total score of ICF) are explained by the independent variables (eight items). All the indices were above 0.9, which indicates significance of the model (χ2/DF=2.7, CFI, NFI, GFI, TLI=0.9, REMSEA=0.078, R2=0.99). In addition, using internal correlation, the reliability of the tool obtained was equal to 0.77 for the whole tool and 0.7–0.87 for the sub-scales.ConclusionThe Farsi version of ICF had acceptable and applied specifications to assess the care needs of senior citizens and it can be used as a valid tool in different areas of nursing performance and elderly health.

Analysis Of The Effect Of Promotion Mix Implementation On Consumer Decisions In Using Flight Services Pt. Sriwijaya Air Rute Tanjung Karang – Jakarta

This study is directed to determine the effect of the promotion mix, namely advertising, personal selling, sales promotion, public relations and publication and direct marketing of the decision to use Sriwijaya Air flight services.
 To answer the objectives set in this study, questionnaires were used as a tool to collect data relating to advertising variables, individual sales, sales promotions, public relations and publications, direct marketing and the decision to use Sriwijaya Air flight services distributed to 155 respondents of Sriwijaya Air passengers. . The collected questionnaire data is then processed using multiple linear regression inferential statistics with SPSS 17.
 The results of multiple linear regression analysis can be seen that the independent variables include advertising, private sales, sales promotion, public relations and publication, and direct marketing simultaneously have a significant effect on the decision to use Sriwijaya Air flight services. Partially advertising, sales promotion, public relations and publications, direct marketing has a positive and real effect on the decision to use Sriwijaya Air flight services. While personal selling do not have a significant effect on the decision to use Sriwijaya Air flight services.
 The results of this study can provide input to Sriwijaya Air airlines to improve and make adjustments to the formulation and implementation of the promotional mix strategy to improve the decision to use Sriwijaya Air air transport services which currently can only explain the variation in the dependent variable changes by 29.2%.

TAX RATE AND NON-DEBT TAX SHIELD

Firm can minimize their tax obligation by debt tax shield and non-debt tax shield (NDTS). However, research findings on how firm treat debt tax shield and NDTS, as a substitute or as a complement, remain inconclusive. This paper objective is to provide evidence on how firm usage of NDTSchange when tax rates change in Indonesia. Multivariate regression analysis performed with NDTSas dependent variable and tax rates change and debt level as independent variable. Multivariate regression analysis covering 73 Indonesia firms with 146 observations for the period of year 2008 to year 2010. Within this period, Indonesia corporate tax rate being reduce twice from 30% in 2008 to 28% in 2009 and 25% in 2010. This research find when tax rates is decrease, public firm increase their usage of NDTSwith a lag of one year and debt financing remain increased alongside with non-debt tax shield. This finding provide support to debt tax shield and NDTSas a complement.

The Influence of Temperature on Prefrontal Cortex Activation and Performance During a Fatiguing Task

Evidence suggests the prefrontal cortex (PFC) may play a role in interpreting afferent feedback during fatiguing tasks. Temperature changes are known to influence fatigability. It is unknown how changing the temperature of a limb influences PFC activation during a fatiguing task. PURPOSE: To examine changes in PFC oxygenation, psychological ratings, and muscular function in response to a fatiguing task, following thermal alterations of the exercising arm. METHODS: Nineteen healthy adults completed three experimental sessions. At baseline, participants performed maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) of the elbow flexors. Next, participants submerged their right arm in a water bath for 15 min. Cold (C), neutral (N), and hot (H) water temperatures were maintained at 8°, 33° and 44°C, respectively. Following water immersion, participants performed an isometric elbow flexion contraction, at 20% of MVIC, for 5 minutes. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and muscular discomfort were assessed. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure oxygenation of the right PFC during the fatiguing task. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyze changes in dependent variables. RESULTS: There was an increase in PFC oxygenation throughout the fatiguing task, however, the increase in oxygenation was greater for the H (14.1±4.9 μM) and N (12.7±5.6 μM) conditions, compared to the C condition (11.1±4.4 μM, time x temperature, p<0.01). There was an increase in RPE throughout the fatiguing task, however, the increase in RPE was greater for the H (8.7±0.9) and N (8.0±0.9) conditions, compared to the C condition (7.2±1.1, time x temperature, p<0.01). Muscular discomfort at the end of the fatiguing task was lower in the C condition compared to the H condition (2.7±0.1 vs. 3.7±0.1, p<0.001). There was a reduction in MVIC torque at the end of the fatiguing task, however, the reduction in MVIC torque was greater for the H (25.7±8.4 %) and N (22.2±9.6 %) conditions, compared to the C condition (17.5±8.9 %, temperature x fatigue, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Precooling before a fatiguing task attenuated the rise in PFC oxygenation, RPE, muscular discomfort, and muscular fatigue. These results have implications for reducing mental workload and improving performance in workers, athletes, and patients.

Evaluating a Culturally Tailored HIV Risk Reduction Intervention Among Hispanic Women Delivered in a Real-World Setting by Community Agency Personnel.

To evaluate the effectiveness of Salud, Educación, Prevención, y Autocuidad/Health, Education, Prevention and Self-care (SEPA) to increase human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention behaviors for Hispanic women delivered in a real-world setting. Randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from the Miami Refugee Center, the Florida Department of Health, and public locations in Miami. Three hundred twenty Hispanic women. The SEPA is a culturally tailored intervention developed to address HIV/STI risk behaviors among Hispanic women. The SEPA intervention consisted of three 2.5 hour sessions per week conducted with small groups. The SEPA sessions consisted of group discussions, role playing, negotiation skills, partner communication, and skills building as part of the methodology. Acculturation, HIV/STI risk behaviors, HIV knowledge, partner communication, intimate partner violence, drug/alcohol use, condom use. Differences at baseline by group were assessed using Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2, and a negative-binomial model. Changes in dependent variables, compared to baseline, were analyzed in separate models. Log-binomial models and negative binomial models were used for dichotomous and count/rate-type dependent variables. Significant outcome improvements were observed in the SEPA group at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The adjusted prevalence of any condom use was 30% and 37% higher at each follow-up. The adjusted prevalence of answering 10/12 HIV knowledge questions correctly rose by 57% and 63% at each follow-up. Intimate partner violence was significantly lower at each subsequent time point (62% and 41% of baseline). Moderate depressive symptoms were reduced to 50% and 42%, getting drunk was reduced to 20% and 30%, and condom use self-efficacy was significantly higher (84% and 96%). The SEPA intervention reduced HIV/STI risk-related behaviors when delivered in a real-world setting. The results suggest that SEPA can be implemented in various settings to reach Hispanic women, and that SEPA could reach large numbers of women in an efficient, cost-effective way.

Immediate Effects of Thoracic Spinal Manipulation on Pulmonary Function in Stroke Patients: A Preliminary Study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic spinal manipulation (TSM) on pulmonary function in stroke patients. MethodsThirty-six volunteers with stroke (20 men, 16 women) were recruited and randomized to a TSM group (n = 18) and a sham group (n = 18). All participants underwent initial pulmonary function test and then rested supine for 10 minutes before the intervention. Pulmonary function test was repeated immediately after the intervention. Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation, and residual volume were measured by a spirometer in preintervention and post-intervention. ResultsSignificant between-group differences were observed in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the TSM group (P < .05). No significant changes in dependent variables were seen in the sham group. ConclusionThe pulmonary function values for patients in the TSM group were significantly enhanced with no significant improvement in maximum voluntary ventilation and residual volume. Mechanical factors may be responsible for the improved pulmonary function in the TSM group.

Effectiveness evaluation of quota payment for specific diseases under global budget: a typical provider payment system reform in rural China

BackgroundQuota payment for specific diseases under global budget is one of the most typical modes of provider payment system reform in rural China. This study aimed to assess this reform mode from aspects of the total fee, structure of the fee and enrollees’ benefits.MethodsA total of 127,491 inpatient records from 2014 to 2016 were extracted from the New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme (NRCMS) database in Weiyuan County, Gansu Province. Total fee, actual compensation ratio, out-of-pocket ratio, constituent ratio of the treatment fee, constituent ratio of the inspection and laboratory fee, and length of stay were selected as dependent variables. Both generalized additive models (GAMs) and multiple linear regression models were used to measure the change in dependent variables along with year.ResultsPrior to the adjustment of the compensation type, out-of-pocket ratio and length of stay decreased, while total fee, actual compensation ratio, constituent ratio of the treatment fee, and constituent ratio of the inspection and laboratory fee increased. After the compensation type was adjusted, the mean of the total fee increased rapidly in 2015 and remained stable in 2016. The mean length of stay increased in 2015 but decreased in 2016. A comparison of inpatients suffering from diseases covered by quota payments and those suffering from general diseases revealed that total fee, out-of-pocket ratio, and length of stay decreased and actual compensation ratio increased for the former, whereas the opposite was true for the latter. Constituent ratio of the treatment fee and constituent ratio of the inspection and laboratory fee increased for both samples, except for the constituent ratio of the inspection and laboratory fee of quota payment diseases in 2016, which did not change.ConclusionsQuota payment for specific diseases under global budget had obviously positive effects on cost control in Weiyuan, Gansu. Considering the limited coverage of quota payment for diseases, the long-term effect of this reform mode and its replicability awaits further evaluation.

Accreditation effects on health service quality: nurse viewpoints

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine accreditation effects on Iranian military hospital health service quality through nurses’ viewpoints.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. Sampling drew from a hospital nurse census (n=160). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze participant demographics and nurses’ views. Linear regression analysis determined the independent variables’ overall effect on the accreditation quality results dimension (dependent variable).FindingsFrom the nurses’ viewpoints, accreditation effects on services quality mean score was 3.60±0.61. Linear regression analysis showed that leadership and quality management were identified as the most important accreditation quality predictors. The R2 value (0.698) showed that nearly 70 percent of the dependent variable changes were affected by the independent variables.Practical implicationsThis study gives hospital managers a deeper insight into accreditation and its effects on military hospital service quality. Military hospitals benefit from military organization such as hierarchy and command chain, so managers should employ these characteristics to adopt appropriate policies to promote human resource management as a competitive advantage. Furthermore, results will guide public and private hospital managers on how to manage organizational variables that benefit from accreditation.Originality/valueAccreditation was introduced as a hospital quality improvement program. However, implementing accreditation programs should be cost-effective. Hospital managers and employees should feel that accreditation can improve service quality. Nurses had positive viewpoints about accreditation and its effects on military hospital service quality.

Effects of interval training on blood pressure and endothelial function in hypertensive patients

Background Several studies have recently shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) for improvements on endothelial in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, little is known about its effects on changes in blood pressure, especially in hypertensive patients. Purpose To compare the effects of HIIT and MICE on changes in blood pressure reduction and endothelial function in hypertensive patients. Methods Fourteen hypertensive patients, aged 52.1±7.6, participated in this study. They tapered off their medications, if necessary, and were randomized to either HIIT (n = 7) or CME (n = 7) group. HIIT was composed of 5 sets of 3 min exercise at 80% HRR, and each interval was separated by 3 min recovery at 40% HRR. MICE was composed of 35 min exercise at 60% HRR. Both groups were designed to use same energy expenditure, and performed exercise 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Endothelial function was determined by assessing endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) using flow cytometry and flow mediated dilation (FMD) using ultrasonography. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured at rest by using automatic blood pressure monitor. Repeated ANOVA was performed to analyze if the changes in dependent variables after training are different between HITT and MICE group. Statistical significance was at p&lt; .05. Results There was a significant interaction in resting HR, but not in BP, FMD, and EPCs between groups after training. Systolic BP was significantly decreased in both HITT group (p = .012) and MICE group (p = .048) after training. However, diastolic BP and FMD was significantly decreased (p = .021) and increased (p = .049) in only HIIT group, respectively. EPCs were not significantly changed after training in both HIIT and MICE group. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that there is no big difference in HIIT and MICE for BP reduction, and HIIT and MICE are both effective for BP reduction in hypertensive patients. However, further researches are needed to illuminate differential effects of HIIT and MICE on BP response and endothelial function.

EFFECTS OF ADVERTISING EFFECTIVENESS AND STRUCTURES OF TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL ON INTERNET BANKING ADOPTION - CASE STUDY: EN BANK CUSTOMERS IN KHUZESTAN PROVINCE, IRAN

Main purpose of this study was measuring direct and indirect effects of some external variables (Advertising effectiveness) and structures of technology acceptance model and determining the contribution of each of these variables in predicting internet banking adoption. Method of this study was quantitative research approach and it was conducted using a survey technique. The data collecting tool was questionnaire and the sample consisted of 384 customers of EN BANK in Khuzestan Province which were selected randomly. Based on the results, the coefficient of determination is 0.65; it means that 65 percent of the dependent variables changes are explained by the independent variables. T-value for perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, behavioral intention, and advertising effectiveness showed that the null hypotheses are rejected and these relationships are significant in the model. The relationship of these variables with internet banking adoption is positive and direct. Finally, the research model was tested using path analysis. Article visualizations:

The thin-film equation close to self-similarity

In the present work, we study well-posedness and regularity of the multidimensional thin film equation with linear mobility in a neighborhood of the self-similar Smyth--Hill solutions. To be more specific, we perform a von Mises change of dependent and independent variables that transforms the thin film free boundary problem into a parabolic equation on the unit ball. We show that the transformed equation is well-posed and that solutions are smooth and even analytic in time and angular direction. The latter entails the analyticity of level sets of the original equation, and thus, in particular, of the free boundary.

S55. MECHANISTIC BASIS OF FRONTO-TEMPORAL TRANSCRANIAL DIRECT CURRENT STIMULATION ON AUDITORY VERBAL HALLUCINATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA: A MEDIATION ANALYSIS OF COROLLARY DISCHARGE

BackgroundCorollary discharge (CD), ubiquitous throughout the animal kingdom, refers to suppression of sensory consequences arising from self-generated actions. Complex motor acts like covert/overt speech are associated with corollary discharge that helps in ascertaining agency. Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are hypothesized to originate due to failure of corollary discharge in auditory processing system. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), as an add-on treatment, has been reported to significantly reduce severity of persistent AVH in schizophrenia patients. In this study, we describe mediation analysis findings that strongly support a role for amelioration of corollary discharge deficits as a mechanistic basis for tDCS effects on AVH in schizophrenia.Methods27 DSM-IV-TR Schizophrenia patients (SCZ) with persistent AVH despite adequate antipsychotic treatment and 27 healthy controls (HC) underwent neurophysiological assessment for CD. In an event-related potential task, N1 component that reflects cortical responsiveness of auditory cortex to sounds, was elicited and examined in two conditions – i) Talk (with online auricular feedback of self-spoken speech sounds) and ii) Listen (passive playback of recorded self-spoken speech sounds). Corollary discharge index (CDI) was calculated by subtracting Listen condition N1 amplitude from Talk condition N1 amplitude (at FCz). Among these 27 patients, 13 patients participated in a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study examining the effect of add-on tDCS on AVH and CDI [5 consecutive days, twice-daily, 20-minute sessions; 2mA; anode: left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; cathode: left temporo-parietal junction]. Mediation analysis was modelled with tDCS type (Verum vs. Sham) as independent variable, percent change in auditory hallucination rating scale score (AHRS) as dependent variable and percent change in CDI as the mediator. As recommended for small samples, bootstrap estimation approach with 5000 samples was used to examine the indirect effect of independent variable on dependent variable through proposed mediator for significance.ResultsSCZ (Mean±SD: -0.67 ± 1.93) had significantly deficient CDI than HC (1.36 ± 2.18) (t=3.62; p=0.001). Verum tDCS (32.24 ± 16.48) resulted in greater percentage reduction in AHRS than sham (4.79 ± 8.84) (t=3.64, p=0.004). There was a significant increase in CDI (t=2.48; p=0.03) with verum (0.85 ± 1.08) but not sham (-0.55 ± 0.98) tDCS. Percent change in CDI positively correlated with percent change in AHRS from pre-RCT to post-RCT time-point for the entire sample (N=13; ρ=0.55, p=0.05). Regression analysis showed that tDCS type (verum/sham) was a significant predictor of percent change in AHRS (β=-27.46, p=0.003) as well as percent change in CDI (β=-1.40, p=0.033). Percent change in CDI was a significant predictor of percent change in AHRS (β=8.87, p=0.014). When controlled for percent change in CDI, tDCS type ceased to be a significant predictor of percent change in AHRS (β=-15.0, p=0.063). The predictors accounted for approximately 75% of the variance (R2=0.756, p<0.001). Bootstrap estimation results indicate the coefficient of indirect effect to be significant, β=-12.46, SE=6.92, 95% CI=-31.20, -2.79, and significantly different from zero at p<0.05 (two tailed).DiscussionFronto-temporal tDCS reduces severity of auditory verbal hallucination in schizophrenia possibly through correction of the deficient corollary discharge. Fronto-temporal network is crucial to self-tagging component of auditory processing and has conspicuous implications for auditory verbal hallucination pathophysiology.Trial No. CTRI/2014/12/005307 (Clinical Trials Registry–India)

Reliability of hunger-related assessments during 24-hour fasts and their relationship to body composition and subsequent energy compensation

Many diets employ regular periods of fasting that extend beyond a typical overnight fast (i.e. intermittent fasting [IF]). Evaluation of acute fasting responses provides information concerning the potential theoretical rationale for IF. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the test-retest reliability of hunger-related variables during 24-hour fasts and the relationship between these variables and body composition, as well as subsequent energy intake (EI) after fasting. Eleven participants (6 F, 5 M) completed two 24-hour fasts after being provided a 3-day standardized weight-maintenance diet. From 16 to 24 h of fasting, participants were directly observed and provided hourly assessments of hunger, desire to eat (DTE), prospective food consumption (PFC), fullness and energy. After the fast, participants were allowed ad libitum food consumption, and compensation was calculated as EI relative to weight-maintenance energy needs. Test-retest reliability for hunger-related assessments at particular durations of fasting was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), changes in dependent variables were evaluated using ANOVA with repeated measures, and relationships between variables were explored using bivariate correlations. At 16 h of fasting, the ICCs for all hunger-related assessments were statistically significant (r = 0.67–0.91; p ≤ 0.05). However, as the fast progressed, reliability varied substantially. When averaged across the nine measurements, the ICCs were: 0.81 (fullness), 0.74 (PFC), 0.67 (energy), 0.44 (DTE) and 0.36 (hunger). Body fat percentage was significantly correlated with changes in PFC (r = 0.62, p = 0.04), hunger (r = 0.66, p = 0.03), DTE (r = 0.71, p = 0.02), and fullness (r = −0.63, p = 0.04), but not energy (r = −0.16, p = 0.64). Average EI compensation was only 60% of weight-maintenance needs, but substantial variability was observed (7 to 110% compensation). Compensation was significantly correlated with changes in PFC (r = 0.72, p = 0.01), hunger (r = 0.63, p = 0.04) and DTE (r = 0.60, p = 0.05), but not fullness (r = 0.58, p = 0.06) or energy (r = 0.35, p = 0.29). Compensation and body fat percentage were not correlated (r = 0.03, p = 0.94). The percent of energy intake from fat and protein increased after the fast (29.9 to 37.3% and 13.8 to 16.8%; p < 0.05), while the percent of energy intake from carbohydrate decreased (56.4 to 46.0%; p = 0.02). These results may have implications for IF programs. It is possible that the implementation of multiple “test fasts,” in which subjective variables and subsequent energy intake are evaluated, could be used to identify candidates who may be more likely to benefit from an IF program.

Voiding school as a treatment for daytime incontinence or enuresis: Assessing the effectiveness of intervention by measuring changes in wetting episodes

Most urotherapy interventions are planned for children with daytime incontinence or symptoms, and are based on individual education. This study conducted a voiding school (VS) program with groups of 4-6 children with daytime incontinence or enuresis with or without daytime symptoms. The aim of this quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was to assess the effectiveness of the VS intervention for treating children's daytime incontinence or enuresis. Sixty-nine 6-12-year-old children with incontinence classified as treatment resistant participated in the VS at an outpatient clinic. Based on a power analysis, a sample of 52 participants was required. The VS involved two whole-day group visits 2 months apart. The educational content of the intervention was based on the International Children's Continence Society's standards for urotherapy, and was delivered with child-oriented teaching methods, including group discussions with peers. The primary outcome measure was the number of dry days and nights. The amount of wetting was also estimated, and the frequency of voiding measured. Data were collected with 1-week voiding diaries before and after each visit. Changes in dependent variables between four measurement points was measured by using repeated measures variance analysis. The long-term effectiveness was evaluated from patient records concerning 3-month follow-up phone calls or other contacts 8-18 months after the VS. Fifty-eight children, 34 girls and 24 boys, completed the study. Twelve children had daytime incontinence, 18 had enuresis, and 28 had both. The number of dry days increased from a mean of 3.5-5.3 (P<0.001), and the number of dry nights increased from a mean of 2.4-3.9 (P<0.001) (Summary table). Thirteen (22%) children became completely dry. Three of them had daytime incontinence, five enuresis, and five both. Twenty-four out of 40 (60%) children with daytime incontinence, and 23 out of 46 (50%) children with enuresis showed ≥50% decrease in wetting episodes. The amount of wetting reduced, but the voiding frequency remained unchanged based on the voiding diaries. Twenty-two (45%) of the children were completely dry (six had daytime incontinence, nine enuresis, and seven both), and 16 (39%) showed further improvement, but eight (16%) children remained unchanged 8-18 months after the VS. Voiding school (VS) was an effective intervention for treating both daytime incontinence and nocturnal enuresis in children who had not benefited from standard treatment and were classified as treatment resistant.

Impact Assessment of Long-Term Work Zones in Arterial Roads on Commercial Activities in Dammam Metropolitan Area, Saudi Arabia

This paper assesses the impact of long-term work zones in arterial roads on commercial activities in Dammam Metropolitan area. The study focuses on two cases of long-term work zones in arterials in two major cities in Dammam Metropolitan Area. The first case is a work zone with full lanes closure on Prince Mohamed Bin Fahad Road at the south east entrance of Dammam city. The second case is a work zone with full lanes closure on King Abdul-Aziz Road at the northern entrance of Al-Khobar City. Data collection relies on field survey including questionnaires to affected business owners and managers. The questionnaire has been developed to assess the impact before and during road works period, in the work zone, on mobility and accessibility to commercial activities. Field survey includes 201 commercial activities at two work zone locations. Answers have been registered in Excel spreadsheet. Data analysis includes percentages of change, means, and standard deviation of dependent variables before and during the presence of the work zone. It was found that long-term work zones on arterials have multiple negative impacts on workers, sales, and customers. These impacts are related to lack of mobility, accessibility and reduction of parking availability during work period. Also, restaurants and travel agencies were the most effected activities by work zone presence, while banks were the least effected.

Solving the Interpretational-Confounding and Interpretational-Ambiguity Problems of Formative Construct Modeling in Behavioral Research: Proposing a Two-Stage Fixed-Weight Redundancy Approach

Recently, information systems research has devoted increasing attention to formative measurements. However, current approaches to modeling formative constructs have potential validity problems and thus limited applicability. Here, we highlight two major problems in formative measurement—interpretational confounding and interpretational ambiguity—and propose a novel resolution. Interpretational confounding occurs when using the traditional free-estimation approach, because the weights of different formative indicators vary as the dependent variable changes, resulting in the distortion of the measurement weights of the focal formative construct and thus jeopardizing the generalizability of empirical tests. Another way to alleviate the interpretational-confounding issue is to include the multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) construct in the path model (i.e., MIMIC-path). Unfortunately, this method has led to the second major problem of interpretational ambiguity, the existence of more than one potential explanation of the formative model. More specifically, reflective indicators in the MIMIC model can be viewed as (1) indicators of the MIMIC construct, (2) dependent variables of the formative construct, or (3) indicators of a reflective construct affected by independent variables (formative indicators). To resolve these issues, we propose a two-stage fixed-weight redundancy model (FWRM) approach. We demonstrate the applicability of the FWRM approach with a set of survey data. We conducted a simulation study evaluating the FWRM approach by comparing it with the commonly used free-estimation and MIMIC-path methods. The results indicate that our FWRM approach can indeed improve the validity of formative construct modeling by mitigating confounding and ambiguity issues.

A Study on Sustainability Rate of Cropping Systems Commonly Used in Jahrom Region, Fars Province, Iran

Maintenance and sustainability of agricultural products sources are considered as the significant principles of sustainable agriculture while healthy products and continuity in production are dependent on the development of sustainable agriculture. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the sustainability rate of cropping systems which are commonly used in Jahrom region, Iran. The study is descriptive and analytic; making use of Cochran formula, the sample size was estimated as 100 individuals who were studied based on a questionnaire in multiple cropping system or poly-cropping and single cropping systems or monoculture (wheat). The results indicate that 58% of cropping systems tend to unsustainability in Jahrom region; just 12 % of systems are categorized as sustainable while 30% of these cropping systems are relatively sustainable. Comparisons done on mean of sustainability indices in cropping systems show that the mean of sustainability in indices such as the type of cropping land, sustainable agriculture knowledge, function in a year and the attitude toward sustainable agriculture in multiple cropping systems are more significant than these indices in single cropping systems. In addition, Index of social participation (mean value) and ecological features in single cropping systems are more than these factors in multiple cropping systems. The estimated results of regression model indicate that the effective factors on sustainability of studied cropping systems include variables of land ownership, the entire cropping land, social participation, sustainable agricultural knowledge, and the obstacles in achieving sustainability in agriculture which covers and describes 70% of changes in dependent variables.