Discriminant Function Coefficients Research Articles

On Examining Residential Segregation in Rural Gadag, Karnataka, India: The Case of the Banjara Tandas.

Residential segregation of settlements on caste lines is common across Indian villages. Banjara settlements or tandas are an extreme form of residential segregation, rooted in colonial history and India's complex caste system, and an outcome of structural discrimination. This analysis examines the structural discrimination of tandas in the distribution of various infrastructure and compares it with the villages in proximity to it. A cross-sectional comparative study of infrastructure was conducted in Banjara tandas and villages in Gadag district, Karnataka, India. Composite scores were computed for various infrastructure and discriminant analysis done to classify tandas and villages. The villages have better physical infrastructure such as paved roads, multiple water supply sources, and better drains and amenities such as the community water filter, ration shop, veterinary center, milk society, banks, post office, and health facilities compared to tandas. Discriminant analysis indicated that social infrastructural indicators of health and education (Discriminant function coefficient -0.8689), followed by transportation (Discriminant function coefficient -0.3576) and water supply (Discriminant function coefficient -0.2939), are the most significant discriminating factors between tanda and villages. This disadvantage indicates structural discrimination that is a continuation of the stigma and labeling perpetrated upon them historically and the complex caste system in Indian societies.

Machine learning as a tool to classify extra-terrestrial landslides: A dossier from Valles Marineris, Mars

Many researchers studied Martian landslides, and most of these studies are in the Valles Marineris (VM). Those studies are mainly morphologic analysis, estimates of landslide deposit volumes, thermal properties of the landslides, spectral analyses, and mapping and classifying landslides. But, this study created a robust landslide inventory of 682 incidents by collation of data from different sources, apart from our own mapping. This mapping was done for the completeness and accuracy of the landslide inventory. This inventory consists of 141 debris flows, 291 rock avalanches, and 250 slumps. This classification was based on the available literature, and these landslides covered Hebes, Ophir, Candor, Melas, Coprates, Ius and Tithonium chasmas. Landslides were mapped with the aid of images from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Context Camera (CTX), Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Mars Colour Camera (MCC), and high-resolution Google Mars. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) from the Mars Express (MEX) High-Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC), Thermal Inertia (TI) from Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and available geological map were used to define 15 critical parameters of the landslide inventory viz., length (L), width (W), relative relief (RR), area, L/W ratio, RR/L ratio, TI of landslide (mean, minimum, maximum), and slope statistics (mean, minimum, maximum), TI of the scarp, the slope of the scarp, and geology. These 15 parameters were subjected to a multicollinearity testing, which excluded the dependent variable TI (mean). Further, the rest of the variables were analyzed using multiple discriminant analysis (MDA), where the parameters RR/L, L/W, and RR showed higher canonical discriminant function coefficients of 1.245, 0.461 and 0.159, respectively, suggesting that these are the parameters that primarily discriminates the landslides. The classification of landslides was evaluated using a 10-fold cross-validation method using different machine learning algorithms. The five models that provided the best results are simple logistic, logistic regression, meta-classifier, multi-layer perceptron, and Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO). Of these, simple logistics has the maximum classification accuracy of 81.09%. Thus, this study demonstrates the potential of using machine learning models to classify extra-terrestrial landslides, especially the long-runout landslides that are characteristics of other planets and satellites.

Importance of Variable using Gini Index and Discriminant Score in Indian Mustard Genotypes

In any crop improvement programme, for developing better genotypes the choice of suitable parents is a matter of great concern to the plant breeders. Therefore, it is imperative to know the role of important characters in the selection experiments aimed to increase seed yield. The present study has been conducted using Linear Discriminant function coefficient, Correlation between variables and discriminant scores and mean decrease in Gini index were used for computing relative importance of individual characters of Indian mustard discrimination between low and high oil content population of Indian mustard. Using the correlation between variables and discriminant score, the most important variables affecting the seed yield were secondary branches, primary branches and days to maturity. The three most important variables discriminating between oil content were siliqua length, secondary branches and seeds per siliqua.

Didactics: Peculiarities of Motor Skills Development in Boys Aged 14-15

The purpose of the study was to determine the peculiarities of motor skills development in boys aged 14-15.
 Materials and methods. The study participants were boys aged 14 (n=20) and 15 (n=20). The children and their parents were fully informed about all the features of the study and gave their consent to participate in the experiment. To solve the tasks set, the following research methods were used: study and analysis of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation, timing of training tasks; pedagogical experiment, methods of mathematical statistics, discriminant analysis, nearest neighbor analysis.
 Results. The study made an assumption about a significant influence of the modes of alternating exercise repetitions and the rest interval on the effectiveness of motor skills development in boys aged 14 and 15. The standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients helped to determine age peculiarities and the peculiarities of influence of exercise modes on the effectiveness of motor skills development. They showed that the components of motor fitness are a priority in developing motor skills. The structure canonical discriminant function coefficients indicate the importance of movement control skills for mastering the entire exercise.
 Conclusions. Discriminant analysis revealed the peculiarities of motor skills development in boys aged 14 and 15, depending on age and exercise modes. With the first exercise mode, boys aged 15 master the first, second, and fourth series of training tasks more quickly. Boys aged 14 – the sixth series (exercise mode: 6 repetitions, rest interval of 60 s). With the second exercise mode, boys aged 14 master the first and fourth series of training tasks more quickly. Boys aged 15 – the second series (exercise mode: 12 repetitions, rest interval of 60 s).
 The coordinates of centroids for four groups indicate a significant difference in the influence of exercise repetition modes on the number of repetitions required for motor skills development in boys aged 14-15 during physical education classes. The results of group classification show that 87.5% of the original grouped cases were classified correctly.

Family stories: Subjective cognitive decline profile associated with a familial history of Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundSubjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) designates a self‐experienced worsening of cognition before that decline becomes detectable by objective cognitive assessment. SCD has been examined as an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the evidence linking self‐reported SCD features to clinical progression is inconsistent and the predictive validity of SCD presence and symptom burden remains uncertain. More nuanced measures of SCD which differentiate between domains of cognitive decline are needed. This study examined SCD across the domains of Memory, Language and Executive function to identify a pattern of decline associated with well‐established risk factors for AD: family history of AD, female gender, and older age.MethodCommunity‐dwelling participants aged >50 years (M age=64, n=483) were recruited via the crowdsourcing website Amazon Mechanical Turk and completed a survey including demographic questions and the Subjective Cognitive Decline Questionnaire (SCD‐Q MyCog). Risk factors were binary (family history yes/no, female/male, age <70/=>70). Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was then performed for each risk factor grouping, with the three domains of SCD serving as dependent variables. Follow‐up discriminant analysis was performed on significant relationshipsResultThe sample included 27% of participants with a positive family history, 66.5% female, and 14.5% aged >70 years. Those with a positive family history differed on a combination of SCD domain scores from those without family history, Pillai’s trace=‐.0.023, p=.011 (Memory M=2.6 vs. 1.8, Language M=2.0 vs. 1.4, Executive Function M=1.4 vs. 1.1). No other group differences reached statistical significance. Discriminant function coefficients showed that the memory domain was the strongest contributor (0.984), followed by language (0.849), and finally executive function (0.583).ConclusionA positive family history is a reliable predictor of future AD. We found that those with a positive family history reported a greater amount of subjectively experienced memory and language decline. Memory and language concerns may be helpful in assessing risk of AD in those endorsing SCD.

Discriminant Analysis: How Accurately The Processes Of Change Classify Exercise Levels?

PURPOSE: Based on Transtheoretical Model, exercise stages (ES) are associated with processes of change (POC), which are strategies that individuals use to change and improve their exercise level, such as enlisting social support or setting a goal for exercise. But how the POC would classify exercise levels remains unaddressed. This study examined this unclear aspect. METHODS: Exercise Stages of Change survey and POC survey (Marcus & Forsyth, 2009) were administered to 161 university students in the US. The former survey classified participants into five ESs: No participant was identified in Stage 1 (precontemplation): no exercise and no intention to change; 27 were in stage 2 (S2, contemplation): no exercise but considering a change; 27 in stage 3 (S3, preparation): having some change/exercise; 49 in stage 4 (S4, action): performing regular exercise recently; and 58 in stage 5 (S5, maintenance): performing regular exercise as a habit. The POC survey produced 10 predictors (i.e., 10 exercise promotion strategies). Discriminant analysis was run to examine how accurately the predictors could classify the exercise stages for participants. Further, kappa was computed to assess classification accuracy as well for correcting chance agreement. RESULTS: “Substituting alternatives” (i.e., replacing sedentary time with some type of PA) was the only identified significant discriminant function (DF) among the 10 predictors with its DF coefficient = .79 and discriminant loading = .84, and the significant tests showed Λ = .40, χ2(30) = 142.08, and p < .001. The eigenvalue of this DF = 1.36, and its % of variance = 94.9, accounting for 94.9% of the discriminating ability of the predictors. As for classification accuracy, 74.1%, 37.0%, 40.8%, 72.4%, and 57.1% of participants were correctly classified in S2, S3, S4, S5, and all Stages, respectively. Additionally, a kappa value of .40 showed a moderate agreement in classification. CONCLUSIONS: “Substituting alternatives” is the only significant DF of the predictors and occupies 94.5% of the total discriminating ability in differentiating the exercise levels. It makes sense that acting to exercise is the major aspect differentiating the exercise levels. The predictors, as a whole, demonstrate a moderate classification function, with 57.1% of overall classification accuracy.

Identification of colorectal neoplasia by using serum bile acid profile

Background Colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting earlier stages of CRC, although screening of patients is difficult because of invasiveness, low compliance and procedural health risks. Therefore, the need for new screening methods for CRC is rising. Previous studies have demonstrated the diagnostic ability of serum BAs; however, the results have been inconsistent. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of serum BAs from patients with CRC and verified their diagnostic ability to detect CRC. Methods A total of 56 CRC patients (n = 14 each of stages I–IV), 59 patients with colonic adenoma and 60 healthy controls were included. Age and sex were matched for each group. Serum BA compositions were measured by LC-MS/MS and serum concentration of 30 types of BAs were analysed by discriminant analysis with multidimensional scaling method. Results Free CA, 3epi-DCA&CDCA, 3-dehydro CA, GCA and TCA were extracted as principal component (PC) 1 and free 3-dehydroDCA as PC 2 by canonical discriminant function coefficients. The verification of discriminability using cross-validation method revealed that the correct classification rate was 66.3% for original data and 52.6% for cross-validation data. Conclusions A combined analysis using comprehensive serum BA concentration can be an efficient method for screening CRC.

Testing for differences in the monthly mean prices of selected food items in Lagos and Ogun states using doubly multivariate [formula omitted] statistic

The work investigates differences in the mean vectors of the monthly prices of ten selected food items (crate-of-egg, brown-bean, local-rice, frozen-chicken, white-cassava flakes, yellow-cassava flakes, agriculture-rice, tomato, yam, and palm-oil) in Lagos State and Ogun State. The paired multivariate T2 statistic (also referred to as the doubly multivariate T2 statistic) was used to test the hypothesis of equality of the population mean vectors for prices of these ten selected food items using monthly prices between January 2017 and February 2020. The application of this multivariate test procedure will help to understand whether the combined prices of the food items are significantly different in the two states. The effect of each food item in the presence of other food items can also be discovered.The arrangement of the data was such that food prices were paired according to the months they were collected. Diagnostic tests of assumptions for the T2 statistic were conducted prior to the application of the test. The result shows that T2=218.17 with a p-value of 0.000, indicating a statistical difference in the monthly prices of the fooditems between the two states. However, the results of the univariate paired sample t-tests indicate significant difference at 5% level for only brown-bean, local-rice, tomato and palm-oil. The coefficients of the standardized discriminant function for each food item revealed that brown-bean has the largest contribution in the separation of the prices of food items in the two states.

Investigating host plant association, calling activity, and sexual dimorphism in Indian Gryllacropsis sp. (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae).

Both sexes of Indian weta Gryllacropsis sp. communicate acoustically. Females lack an external ovipositor making it difficult to differentiate between the sexes in the field. There is limited ecological information on the species as it is found high up on the trunks of evergreen trees, well camouflaged, and active only at night. The present study was conducted to gain ecological information on this little known yet intriguing species. We tested the hypotheses that (a) calling activity of Indian weta is uniformly distributed throughout the year and (b) there is no difference in morphometric measurements between the sexes. The study was conducted in Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa, India. Visual scanning of tree trunks followed by vegetation sampling, psychoacoustic sampling, and morphometric analyses was carried out. Resource selection function values, obtained for a total of 52 tree species from 1984 individuals, were less than 0.1 for all plant species indicating no preference by the wetas. Peak calling activity was observed in the month of November (Rayleigh's test, Z = 7.90, p < .01). Discriminant function analysis on morphometric characters of males and females (Wilk's λ = 0.32 approx. F (4, 21) = 11.24 p < .0001, classification accuracy = 96.15%) provided clear distinction between males and females. Contribution of body weight was significant (standardized canonical discriminant function coefficients = +1) and could be used for identification of sexes in the field. These polyphagous insects provide insights on understanding ecological specialization due to host plant association, signal evolution, and mating behavior.

On Statistical Significance of Discriminant Function Coefficients

Discriminant function coefficients are useful for describing group differences and identi- fying variables that distinguish between groups. Test procedures were compared based on asymptotically approximations, empirical, and exact distributions for testing hypotheses about discriminant function coefficients. These tests are useful for assessing variable impor- tance in multivariate group designs.

Comparative Overview of Functional and Motor Preparedness of Boys Aged 13-14

The study objective was to determine the possibility of recognizing the state of functional and motor preparedness of boys aged 13–14, using multidimensional statistical methods.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved boys aged 13 years (n = 10), 14 years (n = 10) studying at the Pisochyn Collegium. To solve the tasks set, the study relied on the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing, and methods of mathematical statistics for processing research results.&#x0D; Results. There are statistically significant differences in the preparedness of the boys aged 13 and 14 years in test 4 “Serkin’s test, phase 2” and test 15 “Evaluation of perception of motion strength parameters, 1/3”. The boys aged 14 show better results. In tests 1–3, 5, 9–14, 16–17, the boys aged 14 tend to improve their results. The results indicate that discriminant analysis allows to recognize the state of functional and motor preparedness of the boys aged 13–14, using test results and to classify the school students by motor activity. For practical application of discriminant analysis results, unstandardized canonical discriminant function coefficients are used. The probability of a case belonging to the predicted group is calculated based on substitution of values of variables for the corresponding case into the discriminant function. A comparison of the obtained results with centroid values makes it possible to determine the group the result belongs to.&#x0D; Conclusions. Discriminant function structure coefficients are most closely related to variables that characterize functional preparedness (test 4 “Serkin’s test, phase 2”), coordination and strength preparedness (test 15 “Evaluation of perception of motion strength parameters, 1/3”, test 9 “Bent-arm hang”, test 10 “Standing long jump”). The division of boys into groups by functional and motor preparedness is carried out on the basis of unstandardized coefficients.

Comparative Overview of Functional and Motor Preparedness of First- and Second-Year College Students

The study objective is to determine the possibility of recognizing the state of functional and motor preparedness of first- and second-year male college students, using multidimensional statistical methods.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved first-year (n = 10) and second-year (n = 10) male students of Novomoskovsk College of Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University. To achieve the objective set, the study relied on the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing, and methods of mathematical statistics for processing research results.&#x0D; Results. For practical application of discriminant analysis results, unstandardized canonical discriminant function coefficients are used. The probability of a case belonging to the predicted group is calculated based on substitution of values of variables for the corresponding case into the discriminant function. A comparison of the obtained results with centroid values makes it possible to determine the group the result belongs to.&#x0D; Conclusions. Discriminant function structure coefficients are most closely related to variables that characterize functional preparedness (No. 3, 4, 5 “Serkin’s test”), coordination and strength preparedness (No. 15 “Evaluation of perception of motion strength parameters, 1/3”, No. 8 “Arms’ bending and straightening in a hanging position”, 9 “Bent-arm hang”, 10 “Standing long jump”). The division of boys into groups by functional and motor preparedness is carried out on the basis of unstandardized coefficients.

Comparative Overview of Motor and Functional Preparedness of 7th–9th Grade Boys of Rural Underfilled School

The study purpose is to determine the age-related peculiarities of motor and functional preparedness of boys studying at a rural underfilled school.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study participants were boys of 7thgrade (n = 8), 8thgrade (n = 7), and 9thgrade (n = 6). To achieve the purpose set, the study used the following research methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing, and methods of mathematical statistics for processing research results. The test program consisted of the well-known tests: “Shuttlerun4×9 m”,“Arms’ bending and straightening in a lying position”, “Arms’ bending and straightening in a hanging position”, “Bent-arm hang”, “Standing long jump”, “Evaluation of movement time parameters(running time 5, 10 and 15 seconds)”.“Stange’stest”, “Genci’stest”,and“Serkin’stest”were used toevaluate the functional state.&#x0D; Results. The analysis of motor preparedness of the 7th-9thgrade boys of a rural school showed that the 7th-graders are less physically fit compared to the 8th- and 9th-graders. The 8th-9thgrade boys show the best results in almost all the tests. There are statistically significant differences between the boys in tests characterizing strength preparedness. According to the results of functional preparedness, the 7th-9thgrade boys show high results in “Stange’stest” and“Serkin’stest”1 and 3.The 8thand 9thgrade boys have the same functional states of respiratory and circulatory functions.&#x0D; Conclusions.The boys show a high dynamics of functional state of respiratory and circulatory functions, as well as of strength preparedness. The 8thand 9thgrade boys statistically significantly differ in the indicators of motor coordination and speed strength. By the results of other tests, the difference in preparedness is not statistically significant.&#x0D; Regression equations (unstandardized canonical discriminant function coefficients) allow to calculate schoolboys’ level of preparedness. A comparison of the obtained result with centroid values makes it possible to divide schoolboys into groups by their level of preparedness. A classification of boys by the level of motor preparedness is possible based on relative strength, motor control ability, and general coordination tests.

Determination of Sex from Mastoid Dimensions among North Indians

Introduction: Sex determination is the keystone of a biological profile and skulls of unknown provenance are best tested for race and sex using different variables. Determination of sex from the skeleton is vital to medico legalinvestigations. The mastoid region is analysed for determination of sex from fragmentary crania in Forensic Anthropology as it is one of the most protected region and resistant to damage due to its anatomical position at the base of the brain.Objective: The purposeof this study was to determine the existence of sexual dimorphism in the dimensions of mastoid process among North Indians.Material and Method: Material for the study consisted of 70 adult (above 18 years) human skulls (35 of either sex) of North Indians obtained from Anatomy and Forensic department of SGRDIMSAR, Amritsar. Mastoid measurements (Length, Breadth and A-P diameter) of both the sides were taken in millimeters with the help of sliding Vernier Caliper and size of mastoid process was calculated.Results: All four mastoidvariables showed significant sexual dimorphismp<0.001. Canonical discriminant function Coefficient using stepwise analysis was -3.142 in females and 3.142 in males.In statistical analysis using Canonical Discriminant Functions, Eigen value was 10.015 and Wilks’ Lambda was 0.091.Conclusion: Accuracy of determination of gender using all four variables was 97.1% original and 96.4% cross- validated. Therefore, mastoid process can be used as a tool fordetermination of sex in fragmentary skeletal remains.

Sex determination using maxillary arch width of pediatric population of Namakkal district, India: A forensic study.

Aim and Objectives:The aim of the study is to compute a new formula for sex determination using maxillary arch width of a pediatric population of Namakkal district.Materials and Methods:The sample consisted of 146 females and 218 males of South Indian origin aged between 4 and 6 years. Alginate impressions of the upper and lower dental arch were made, and casts were poured immediately. A digital vernier caliper was used to obtain measurements. Arch width at canine, first molar and second molar for both maxilla and mandible were considered for measurement. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 20.0 software.Results:The Student's t-test was used to find out the significance between male and female among the different predictor variables at P < 0.05. Significant sexual dimorphism was found in maxillary intercanine width and maxillary first and second intermolar width with conical discriminant function coefficient of 0.732, −0.177 and −0.244, respectively.Conclusion:The formula derived from the present study could be of great value in sex determination of pediatric populations of Namakkal district.

Pattern Recognition: Parameters of Body Inrun Position at the Beginning of Take-Off

The purpose of the paper is to determine the differences in the technique of body inrun position at the beginning of take-off in junior ski jumpers of different qualifications (athletic preparedness).&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study participants were 22 junior ski jumpers aged 14-15 (a group of junior ski jumpers) during the Ukrainian Ski Jumping Championship (October 9, 2010, Vorokhta, Ukraine) and 33 ski jumpers aged 16-17 (a group of senior ski jumpers) who took part in the international competitions “Lotos Cup” in January 2010. The study analyzed the videos of take-offs of 22 athletes aged 14-15 and 33 athletes aged 16-17. The parameters of ski jumping technique and sports results were processed on the basis of video materials of the first competition series.&#x0D; Results. There are significant differences (p &lt; 0.001) in the mean values of corresponding parameters of the body position at the beginning of take-off. The data point to a tighter tuck of the body of the athletes aged 16-17. The structure coefficients of the first canonical discriminant function indicate that the function is most significantly related to the values of angles 10 (ν); 8 (ζ); 6 (θ): the inclination angle of the segment of the straight line passing through the axes of the hip and ankle joints (ν) towards the direction of the skier’s movement; the inclination angle of the segment of the straight line passing through the general center of body weight and the axis of the ankle joint (ζ) towards the direction of the skier’s movement; the inclination angle of the head towards the trunk (θ). The athletes aged 16-17 differ from the athletes aged 14-15 by the parameters characterizing the body’s tuck in the starting position – the position at the beginning of take-off.&#x0D; Conclusions. The unstandardized canonical discriminant function coefficients can be used to classify the levels of proficiency in the body’s tuck in the starting position – the position at the beginning of take-off in athletes aged 14-17.

Movement Coordination: Identification of Development Peculiarities in Girls and Boys Aged 11-13

The study objective is to determine the possibility of identifying the state of coordination abilities development in girls and boys aged 11-13 using the methodology of multidimensional statistics.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Study participants. The study involved girls: 11 (n=20), 12 (n=23), 13 (n=19) years old; boys: 11 (n=21), 12 (n=20), 13 (n=19) years old. Study organization. The paper used analysis and generalization of scientific literature data, testing, discriminant analysis. Testing procedure. The testing program included well-known tests (Liakh, 2000; Serhiienko, 2001; Ivashchenko, 2016).&#x0D; Study results: The first canonical function explains 65.7% of the results variation, the second one – 25.1%, the third – 4.8%, which indicates their informative value. The coefficients of canonical correlation indicate the prognostic value of these functions. The first canonical discriminant function is most substantially related to the results of tests 4 (r=0.526), 14 (r=0.377), 2 (r=-0.306): therefore, a significant difference between the girls and boys aged 11-13 is observed in the development level of relative and speed strength, movement coordination. The structure coefficients of the second canonical discriminant function indicate that the function is most substantially related to variables 2 (r=0.502), 16 (r=0.434), 9 (r=0.379), 17 (r=0.357): so, a significant difference between the girls aged 12-13 and boys aged 11-13 is observed in speed strength, vestibular stability, and anthropometric data.&#x0D; Conclusions: The discriminant models characterize both age- and gender-related peculiarities of movement coordination development in the girls and boys aged 11-13. The data obtained show significant differences between the groups of girls and boys aged 11-13 both in the structure of coordination abilities development and the level of preparedness, and highlight the need to conduct separate physical education classes for girls and boys. Different programs should be used to develop coordination abilities in boys and girls aged 11-13.

The Role of Aggression and Sleep Quality on Substance Abuse in Risky Drivers

Background: Substance-related disorders has become an important challenge in family, social, and individual health. Given the risks caused by ignoring substance related disorders, it is necessary to analyze factors effective on reckless driving. Objectives: The aim of this study was to predict substance-related disorders based on aggression and sleep quality in reckless drivers in Kermanshah city. Patients and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional research. Overall, 644 reckless drivers were selected by simple random method among drivers referred to the Iranian traffic police. Data collection was performed by means of the Aggression questionnaire (compiled by Zahedifar et al.) and Petersburg Sleep Quality questionnaire, and the data was analyzed by SPSS (version 22) and discriminant analysis test. Results: The standardized discriminant function coefficients showed that time of sleep, aggression, and sleep latency had the highest effect on the discriminant function; variables including obstinacy, daily dysfunction, sleep disturbance, sleep quality, anger and the amount of taken sleep medication played the most negligible role in discriminant function and its success. Furthermore, the discriminant analysis method showed that the linear combination of the above-mentioned variables could explain approximately 86.4% of the variance in both groups. Conclusions: As aggression and sleep quality play a highly critical role in inclination towards substance-related disorders, the two factors should be considered in prevention, treatment, and recovery programs of substance-related disorders.

A comparative estimate of climate change impacts on cotton and maize in Greece

Abstract The impact of climate change on cotton and maize was estimated on the basis of three IPCC Emission Scenarios (A1B, A2, B2) for seven main agronomic areas during three periods, 1961–1990, 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. All climate models were assessed for their ability to identify the yield differences through the standardized discriminant function coefficients. Discriminant analysis was performed for each period. For cotton, using the A1B scenario, areas of Western Greece exhibited the most favourable results in terms of yield increase, compared to other regions, ranging up to the maximum value of +24%. This tendency became more pronounced towards the end of the century reaching an increase of +31%. In the A2 scenario, all the areas had a positive impact on their yield change rising up to 30% in areas of central Greece. A positive change for all regions was observed for scenario B2 ranging from +10% to +25%. In maize, the scenario A1B produced small changes in yields, not exceeding 5%. For A2 scenario, yield change varied from −5.7% to +3.6%. Scenario B2 gave more optimistic estimates of yield changes towards the end of the century, in some cases exceeding 5%.

Predictors of substance abuse among risky drivers: The role of personality characteristics and mental health.

BACKGROUND:Regarding the high prevalence of substance abuse and its serious complications, the necessity of assessing factors assuming to make tendency toward substance abuse is justifiable.MATERIALS AND METHODS:The statistical population consisted of all car drivers referred to traffic department in 2015 in Kermanshah. In this descriptive study of correlation type, 846 risky drivers from referrals to traffic department were randomly selected. Data were analyzed through NEO personality inventory, general health questionnaire, and discriminant analysis.RESULTS:Discriminant analysis was used to analyze data. Standard coefficients of discriminant function revealed that depression, social functionality, physical symptoms, neurosis, and anxiety symptoms were of the highest role in discriminant function while agreeableness and conscientiousness had the least role in discriminant function and its success. The discriminant analysis also showed that linear combination of above variables is able to explain about 75.5% of variance of difference between two groups (P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONS:Regarding the results of this study, it is proposed that the role of personality characteristics as well as mental health in tendency toward substance abuse could be appreciated and included in preventive and treatment programs held for people with methamphetamine abuse.