Detailed Analysis Of Variability Research Articles

Quality of Life in Patients Affected by Facial Basal Cell Carcinoma: Prospective Longitudinal Pilot Study and Validation of Skin Cancer Index in Lithuanian Language.

Facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) poses significant challenges due to its potential for local destruction and impact on quality of life (QoL). Continuous research is necessary to identify novel factors influencing the quality of life within this demographic across diverse cultural settings. The aims of this study were to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Lithuanian version of Skin Cancer Index, subsequently utilizing this questionnaire in the pilot phase of the study to achieve the following: (1) identify the differences in short- and long-term QoL, (2) establish empirical correlations between SCI scores and aesthetic facial regions, evaluate the potential differences between age, gender, and tumor size groups. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 100 consecutive patients. The SCI was translated into Lithuanian language, with a rigorous assessment of its psychometric properties to confirm validity. Alongside hypothesis testing, a detailed analysis of variables was conducted. Statistical techniques, including t-tests and ANOVA, were employed to compare scores across demographic and clinical groups, with effect size calculations for further interpretation. Our findings demonstrate that the Lithuanian SCI successfully fulfills the criteria established by the COSMIN checklist. Surgical treatment for facial BCC notably enhances QoL, particularly evident six months post-surgery. Analysis of SCI scores identified demographic and clinical factors associated with lower QoL, including female gender, treatment with skin plasty, and tumor sites in aesthetically sensitive areas like the cheek, nose, and eyelid. The Lithuanian version of the SCI is a reliable and valid tool for assessing QoL in facial BCC patients. Our findings underscore the global relevance of understanding the multifactorial influences on QoL in BCC patients. Early diagnosis, less invasive treatment approaches, and tailored post-operative care are crucial in minimizing the psychological, social, and appearance-related burdens of facial BCC.

Study on Factors Affecting Employee Turnover in Banking and Automotive Sector of Pakistan

This research is based on a study to investigate the impact of various factors affecting employee turnover in Pakistan's banking and automotive sector. A comprehensive literature review has been performed based on various hypotheses developed. Further, a survey strategy has been adopted to collect quantitative data. To test the hypothesis number of statistical methods have been implemented using SmartPLS. Both measurement and structural models have been developed for detailed analysis of variables affecting employee turnover. Results obtained from various analyses have also been discussed. Hence, this study examines the effect of employee engagement, job satisfaction, job insecurity, and work overload mediated through job stress and performance management on the intentions of an employee switching their job role. This study will not only assist in improving the effectiveness of retention strategies but also give updates about future retention strategies by analyzing the data collected and its results. The discovery of this study would encourage the uplifting of retention practices in other sectors as well.

The influence of consumer behavior on the environmental footprint of passenger car tires

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of consumer behavior on the life cycle of products can provide further insights into effective mitigation strategies. Here, we developed a stochastic model to quantify the influence of consumer behavior on midpoint and endpoint impacts of European passenger car tires. The life cycle included resource extraction, production, use, and end‐of‐life stages of a passenger car tire with a functional unit of driving 50,000 km. The combined influence of variability in the lifetime, rolling resistance, size and inflation pressure of the tire, and mass and engine efficiency of the car on a range of environmental footprints was assessed via Monte Carlo simulations. We found that differences in consumer behavior can change the environmental impacts of tires with a factor 1.6 to 2.1 (95th/5th percentile). Environmental savings over the life cycle of tires are effectively achievable by stimulating the use of smaller cars and fuel‐efficient tires with longer lifetimes. We found that a shift in consumer behavior specifically related to tires can result in mitigations of the tire's life cycle impacts ranging from 13% for human toxicity to 26% for climate change. Our findings show that a detailed variability analysis can provide case‐specific and realistic recommendations to mitigate environmental footprints.

"How Old Do You Think I Am?" A Study of Language and Age in Twitter

In this paper we focus on the connection between age and language use, exploring age prediction of Twitter users based on their tweets. We discuss the construction of a fine-grained annotation effort to assign ages and life stages to Twitter users. Using this dataset, we explore age prediction in three different ways: classifying users into age categories, by life stages, and predicting their exact age. We find that an automatic system achieves better performance than humans on these tasks and that both humans and the automatic systems have difficulties predicting the age of older people. Moreover, we present a detailed analysis of variables that change with age. We find strong patterns of change, and that most changes occur at young ages.

Variability of manual ciliary muscle segmentation in optical coherence tomography images.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers new options for imaging the ciliary muscle allowing direct in vivo visualization. However, variation in image quality along the length of the muscle prevents accurate delineation and quantification of the muscle. Quantitative analyses of the muscle are accompanied by variability in segmentation between examiners and between sessions for the same examiner. In processes such as accommodation where changes in muscle thickness may be tens of microns- the equivalent of a small number of image pixels, differences in segmentation can influence the magnitude and potentially the direction of thickness change. A detailed analysis of variability in ciliary muscle thickness measurements was performed to serve as a benchmark for the extent of this variability in studies on the ciliary muscle. Variation between sessions and examiners were found to be insignificant but the magnitude of variation should be considered when interpreting ciliary muscle results.

Peculiarities of Multiscale Wind Regime Variability at Coastal Water Area of the North-Eastern Black Sea

Peculiarities of variability of wind regime in the period from 1935 to 2014 are discussed. More detailed analysis of variability of meteorological condition on different scales during the last years (2010−2014) is conducted. Progressive vector diagrams are used for visualization of time series of wind vectors. Changes of prevalent winds from NE to S-E-SE (warm period waves) are reflected on a climatic progressive vector diagram from 1935 to 2014. Maximum wave amplitude on a diagram was registered in a period of 2004– 2006. In 2007–2014, a distinctive feature of the wind regime was a dominance of SE winds during warm and abnormally warm years. Major types of atmospheric processes that give rise to dominating winds are outlined. It is demonstrated that differences of the wind regime during particular years with various temperature characteristics of years and winters are caused by a variability of atmospheric synoptic processes on different scales. Using annual wind diagrams and pictures of temporal wind variability, as well as air and water monthly temperature (observation time every 3 hours), periods of prolonged wind forcing (during several months and during 1−2 decades of every month) are distinguished. Role of the winds of SE bearings with high repeatability during several months in forming of the vertical water structure of coastal zone is demonstrated. Analysis of the results of the experimental data acquired in 2010–2014 (research vessel “Ashamba”) has shown that during stable winds of SE bearings advection of cold intermediate waters from the area of their formation (central divergence zone) to the coastal zone becomes stronger.

Statistical analyses of inherent variability of soil strength and effects on engineering geology design

Clayey soil strata, as all natural deposits, generally show variability in the values of their geotechnical properties. This is due mainly to geological and environmental processes such as deposition and diagenesis, which introduce heterogeneity, anisotropy and variability to soil properties. Other causes of variability, and thus uncertainty, are the representativeness of samples and errors related to testing procedure, measurement and data processing procedures. To improve our knowledge about the inherent variability in the geomechanical properties of clays, this work presents a case study related to the analysis of the strength variability along a log of marine stiff clay deposits, which are apparently quite homogeneous. The analysis was based on pocket penetrometer strength measurement, performed both punctually and across the whole deposit. The adopted testing procedure, which is fast and reliable, provides a really wide dataset of the investigated soil property, with more than 800 data points. These allow for detailed variability analysis, and a reliable estimation of the coefficient of variation as well as research into the best fitting probability density functions, which are key factors for robust design. The presented case study allows discussion of the inherent variability of soil properties, and its influence on the characteristic values of soil strength in geotechnical design.

Structural Modeling for Influence of Mathematics Self-Concept, Motivation to Learn Mathematics and Self-Regulation Learning on Mathematics Academic Achievement

The present study was carried out to investigate the influence of mathematics self-concept (MSC), motivation to learn mathematics (SMOT) and self-regulation learning (SRL) on students' mathematics academic achievement. This study is of a descriptive survey type. 300 female students at the first grade of high school (the second period) in City Qods, were selected by multiple step cluster sampling method and completed MSC, SMOT and SRL questionnaires. Mathematics academic achievement was measured by mathematics scores in the first semester of 1393-94 education year. Results obtained by data analysis indicated that the primary conceptual model of the research was an appropriate model and possesses good fitness. Therefore, influence of mathematics self-concept, motivation to learn mathematics and self-regulation learning on mathematics academic achievement was confirmed. On the other hand, it was revealed that mathematics self-concept had influence on motivation to learn mathematics, and motivation to learn mathematics had effect on self-regulation learning. Compared to motivation to learn mathematics and self-regulation learning, mathematics self-concept was a stronger predictor for mathematics academic achievement. Detailed analysis of variables' direct effects showed that mathematics self-concept had considerable direct influence on motivation to learn mathematics.

Variability in the performance of the spectrogram correlation detector for North-east Pacific blue whale calls

Spectrogram correlation has been used successfully for automatic detection of baleen whale calls. However, applying this method consistently to long time series can be challenging. To illustrate the potential challenges of the automatic detection process, recordings collected in the Southern California Bight between 2007 and 2012 were used for detection of North-east Pacific blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) B calls. The effects of the following factors were investigated: blue whale B call frequency shift and appropriate kernel modification, seasonal variability in call abundance, analyst variability and noise. Due to intra- and inter-annual changes in the call frequency of blue whale B calls, seasonal and annual adjustments to the call detection kernel were needed. To account for seasonal variability in call production, evaluation of the detector against ground truth data was performed at multiple times during the year. Analyst variability did not affect overall long-term trends in detection, but it had an impact on the total number of detections, as well as call rate estimation. Noise, particularly from shipping, was negatively correlated with detections at hourly time scales. A detailed analysis of variability in the performance of spectrogram correlation detectors should be performed when applying this method to long-term acoustic data-sets.

THE VIOLENT HARD X-RAY VARIABILITY OF MRK 421 OBSERVED BYNuSTARIN 2013 APRIL

The well studied blazar Markarian 421 (Mrk 421, $z$=0.031) was the subject of an intensive multi-wavelength campaign when it flared in 2013 April. The recorded X-ray and very high energy (VHE, E$>$100 GeV) $\gamma$-ray fluxes are the highest ever measured from this object. At the peak of the activity, it was monitored by the hard X-ray focusing telescope {\it Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array} ({\it NuSTAR}) and {\it Swift} X-Ray Telescope (XRT). In this work, we present a detailed variability analysis of {\it NuSTAR} and {\it Swift}-XRT observations of Mrk 421 during this flaring episode. We obtained the shortest flux doubling time of 14.01$\pm$5.03 minutes, which is the shortest hard X-ray (3$-$79 keV) variability ever recorded from Mrk 421 and is on the order of the light crossing time of the black hole's event horizon. A pattern of extremely fast variability events superposed on slowly varying flares is found in most of the {\it NuSTAR} observations. We suggest that these peculiar variability patterns may be explained by magnetic energy dissipation and reconnection in a fast moving compact emission region within the jet. Based on the fast variability, we derive a lower limit on the magnetic field strength of $B \ge 0.73 \delta_1^{-2/3} \, \nu_{19}^{1/3}$~G, where $\delta_1$ is the Doppler factor in units of 10, and $\nu_{19}$ is the characteristic X-ray synchrotron frequency in units of $10^{19}$~Hz.

Detailed Analysis of Variables Affecting Wing Kinematics of Bat Flight

Detailed Analysis of Variables Affecting Wing Kinematics of Bat Flight

Effects of bed configurations at a hospital emergency department

This paper analysed and optimised the patient flow of a public hospital emergency department (ED). The simulation model enabled a detailed analysis of variables in the system without the chaos and potential risk that physical changes to the ED would have resulted in. The main performance indicator used throughout the study was compliance with national waiting time standards. The performance of the ED had substantial increases with balancing the utilisation of physicians, treatment areas and critical bed levels. In addition, an optimisation model was built to optimise various aspects of the multi-criteria objectives with a focus on minimising tardiness, number of tardy jobs, weighted percentage tardy jobs and waiting time in the queue. Positive results included an increase in waiting time performance with adjustments to shift allocations and important evaluations of current policies and resources. Performances were increased significantly by the solutions of the optimisation model, particularly when there was a small relaxation of the number of resuscitation beds in exchange for a combination of acute and subacute treatment areas, still ensuring space and cost constraints are met.

Accelerated partial breast irradiation: An analysis of variables associated with late toxicity and long-term cosmetic outcome after high-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy

To perform a detailed analysis of variables associated with late tissue effects of high-dose-rate (HDR) interstitial brachytherapy accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) in a large cohort of patients with prolonged follow-up. Beginning in 1995, 75 women with Stage I/II breast cancer were enrolled in identical institutional trials evaluating APBI as monotherapy after lumpectomy. Patients eligible included those with T1-2, N0-1 (<or=3 nodes positive), M0 tumors of nonlobular histology with negative surgical margins, no extracapsular nodal extension, and negative results on postexcision mammogram. All patients underwent surgical excision and postoperative irradiation with HDR interstitial brachytherapy. The planning target volume was defined as the excision cavity plus a 2-cm margin. Treatment was delivered with a high-activity Ir-192 source at 3.4 Gy per fraction twice daily for 5 days to a total dose of 34 Gy. Dosimetric analyses were performed with three-dimensional postimplant dose and volume reconstructions. All patients were evaluated at 3-6-month intervals and assessed with a standardized cosmetic rating scale and according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group late normal tissue toxicity scoring criteria. Clinical and therapy-related features were analyzed for their relationship to cosmetic outcome and toxicity rating. Clinical features analyzed included age, volume of resection, history of diabetes or hypertension, extent of axillary surgery, and systemic therapies. Therapy-related features analyzed included volume of tissue encompassed by the 100%, 150%, and 200% isodose lines (V100, V150, and V200, respectively), the dose homogeneity index (DHI), number of source dwell positions, and planar separation. The median follow-up of all patients was 73 months (range, 43-118 months). The cosmetic outcome at last follow-up was rated as excellent, good, and fair/poor in 67%, 24%, and 9% of patients, respectively. Suboptimal cosmetic outcome was significantly associated with the number of source dwell positions, V150, and V200 and inversely associated with DHI (0.77 vs. 0.73; p=0.05). Late skin toxicity was rated as Grade 0, 1, or 2 in 77%, 19%, and 4% of patients, respectively. The risk of Grade 1/2 skin toxicity was significantly associated with V150 and V200 and inversely associated with DHI (0.77 vs. 0.71; p=0.009). Late subcutaneous toxicity was rated as Grade 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 in 55%, 15%, 12%, 5%, and 13% of patients, respectively. The risk of Grade 0/1 vs. Grade 2-4 subcutaneous toxicity was significantly associated only with a lower value of DHI (0.77 vs. 0.73; p=0.02). To further explore factors that might contribute to the risk of fat necrosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic), a separate analysis showed that only dose hotspots as reflected in V150 and V200 were significantly associated with elevated risk. The use of adriamycin-based chemotherapy after APBI was found to be associated with a significant increase in the incidence of higher-grade skin toxicity and a higher risk of fat necrosis and suboptimal cosmetic outcome. Patient age, volume of resection, extent of axillary surgery, a history of diabetes or hypertension, and the use of tamoxifen were not found to be significantly associated with cosmetic outcome or late normal tissue complications. Long-term cosmetic results and the risk of late skin and subcutaneous toxicity after APBI with interstitial HDR brachytherapy can be correlated with specific treatment-related variables. These data provide dosimetric parameters that might be used to minimize the risk of normal tissue injury after APBI interstitial brachytherapy.

BIOACOUSTICS OF SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS. I. ACOUSTIC STRUCTURE OF MALE AGGRESSIVE VOCALISATIONS

ABSTRACT Southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina males have a complex and stereotyped system of access to breeding females. The single most important component of male behaviour is vocal signalling, which is used to settle agonistic encounters in most cases. Most aspects of the breeding biology of the species have been studied in depth, but detailed information about the structure of vocalisations is not readily available. Here, we present data about the acoustic structure of aggressive male vocalisations collected in the Falkland Islands and we compare these data to published data on the northern elephant seals. Our main goal is to describe the structure of sounds as a preliminary and indispensable step towards analysis of their functional significance. Male vocalisations are low-pitched sounds, made up of pulse trains, with little frequency modulation. Low frequency and high sound pressure level are typical of male vocalisations in Pinnipedia, but they were particularly evident in southern elephant seals, probably due to the unusually large body size. The comparison with published data on northern elephant seals was not very easy, due to differences in acoustic terminology and methodology, but it revealed many similarities between the species. We also carried out a detailed analysis of variability of different acoustic variables. We discovered that frequency and intensity measures have lower variability than temporal ones and should hence be the most effective way to convey information about the individual who emits the vocalisation.

Nonverbal Amnesia and Asymmetric Cerebral Lesions Following Encephalitis

Global amnesia after herpes simplex encephalitis has been typically associated with lesions of anterior and medial temporal lobe, inferior and medial frontal lobe, and insula. The neuropathologic correlates of this disease are usually considered to be bilateral and similar across cases. We describe a 27-year-old woman whose chronic amnesia and cerebral lesions after viral encephalitis indicate a different pattern. Two features distinguish her presentation: (1) markedly asymmetric lesions extensively involving the right temporal lobe but sparing almost all of the same structures on the left and (2) severe compromise of nonverbal learning and a nonverbal retrograde amnesia in contrast to disproportionately small impairments of verbal learning and retention. The findings suggest that encephalitis patients cannot be treated as a homogeneous group and that detailed analysis of variability in their anatomic lesions may be an important explanatory factor in neural accounts of these severe human amnesias.

Numerical Analysis of Variation Patterns in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench)

A detailed analysis of variability in 296 accessions from a world collection of okra germ plasm by numerical taxonomic procedures revealed considerable genetic diversity within the species. The analysis categorized the germ plasm in a useful format for plant breeding and for further collections.