Effects Of Different Forms Research Articles

Optimization of colored pavement considering driving behavior and psychological characteristics under dynamic low-visibility conditions related to fog—a driving simulator study

Objective Colored pavement is commonly used to reduce the road traffic risk and promote road traffic safety, but its performance in foggy environments has not been fully assessed. The goal of this research is to explore the effectiveness and optimization of colored pavement in a dynamic low-visibility environment. Methods A driving simulation experiment is conducted. Three road risk sections in which collisions are common, including a long straight section, a sharp bend section, and a long downslope section, are considered, and three forms of colored pavement are used in five different visibility environments. The effectiveness of the colored pavement is explored by collecting and analyzing driving behavior and physiological characteristic data for 30 drivers in the established driving environment, and information is obtained through a subjective colored evaluation questionnaire. Eight evaluation indexes are selected from the perspectives of driving behavior and physiological characteristics, and the gray premium evaluation method is applied to evaluate the effectiveness of different forms of colored pavement considering the influence of visibility. Finally, the optimal colored pavement under various visibility and road alignment conditions is proposed. Results The results show that reasonably selecting colored pavement can effectively improve drivers’ behaviors and physiological characteristics under foggy conditions. For different road alignments and visibility conditions, different forms of colored pavement should be used to ensure road traffic safety. Conclusions The findings provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of colored pavement in foggy conditions.

Social-Support Sword or Shield? Role of Differentiated Social-Support across Social-Contexts—Conceptual Framework

The role of social-support in stress coping literature has predominantly been viewed as a positive resource, neglecting its associated costs for both providers and recipients. This research addresses the gap in understanding the interaction effects of different forms of social-support, packaged either as demands or resources, in various social-contexts. By integrating Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Job Demands and Resources Theory (JD-R), this study proposes a conceptual framework and develops propositions to advance theoretical knowledge. A systematic literature review in the Business and Management domain is utilized to identify relationships between social-support, coping, and burnout. The research offers practical implications for managers in designing effective social-support interventions by considering costs and appropriate social-context.

Effect of different forms of nanocellulose on the stability of pork myofibrillar proteins' emulsion system

SummaryMyofibrillar proteins (MP) and two forms of nanocellulose (cellulose nanofibers [CNFs] and cellulose nanocrystals [CNCs]) were used to prepare oil‐in‐water emulsion. The effect of CNFs and CNCs on the properties of pork MP‐lard emulsion was studied by analysing the emulsion index, microstructure, oil droplet size, zeta potential and rheological behaviour of emulsion. The results showed that both CNFs and CNCs improved MP‐lard emulsion stability. At the same nanofiber concentration, the creaming index of CNFs stabilised emulsion was lower than that of CNCs stabilised emulsion, especially at the concentration of 0.5%, emulsion prepared with CNFs has no phenomenon of creaming index, while emulsion prepared with CNCs still has creaming index phenomenon. At the same nanofiber concentration, the oil droplet distribution of CNFs stabilised emulsion was more uniform, especially at low concentrations (≤0.5%). At higher cellulose concentration (≥0.75%), the particle size of CNFs stabilised emulsion was larger than that of CNCs stabilised emulsion. CNFs stabilised emulsion had a higher zeta potential and modulus than that of CNCs stabilised emulsion and the emulsion formed by CNFs was more viscoelastic.

Effect of resistance exercise on physical fitness, quality of life, and fatigue in patients with cancer: a systematic review.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review to assess the effects of different forms of resistance exercises (resistance exercise, resistance exercise combined with aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise combined with other exercises) on physical fitness, quality of life (QOL), and fatigue of patients with cancer. We conducted a systematic review using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for the studies from the establishment of the database to September 2023, including randomized controlled trials and clinical trials that evaluated the effects of different resistance exercise on physical fitness, QOL, and fatigue in all patients with cancer. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of all the included studies using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and MINORS scale. We divided the intervention into three types: resistance exercise, resistance exercise combined with aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise combined with other exercises. In total, 48 studies (3,843 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The three exercise intervention forms have significant effects on physical fitness and QOL, but the improvement effect on fatigue is not clear. A total of 34 studies reported significant and beneficial effects of resistance exercise on physical fitness across all types of cancer. There were 28 studies that reported significant or borderline improvement effects of resistance on QOL, and only 10 studies reported significant effects of resistance exercise interventions on fatigue improvement in patients with cancer. Resistance exercise, resistance exercise combined with aerobic exercise, and resistance exercise combined with other exercises all have a positive effect on improving fitness and QOL in patients with cancer. Resistance exercise has an advantage in improving muscle strength, while combined resistance exercise has an advantage in improving QOL; however, there are no consistent findings in improving fatigue, although low-intensity resistance exercise is effective. www.inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY2023110034.

“Let's do it and not you do it”: role of mentoring in facilitating change supportive behaviour

Purpose The developmental relation of informal mentoring within the organization could aid in tiding over the challenges that arise with change. The purpose is to explore the relationship between informal mentoring within the organization and change supportive behaviour to put forth a framework describing the catalytic and a priori role of informal mentoring within the organization in augmenting change readiness and facilitating change supportive behaviour for a successful organizational change.Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the appraisal theory of stress coping, the paper put forward a conceptual framework describing the mechanisms through which informal mentoring within the organization leads to change supportive behaviour among the individuals.Findings The conceptual model explains how informal mentoring within the organization develops optimism, resilience, self-efficacy and trust and facilitates change readiness among the individuals, which leads to change supportive behaviours in them. The paper also describes the influence of poor change management history and organizational identity threat on the relations.Research limitations/implications The paper explains the underexplored relationship between mentoring and change readiness. It also sheds light on the importance of exploring the micro-foundations of a macro-level phenomenon. Further research should focus on the differential effect of different forms of mentoring on change readiness.Originality/value The paper is developed based on the review of extant literature and applying the theoretical lens of appraisal theory of stress coping to the phenomenon. The paper explains the micro-foundation of the phenomenon and describes how informal mentoring would lead to a change supportive behaviour among the individuals.

Research on effective communication forms and characteristics of public service advertisements for nurturing parenting skills in China

This study is part of a larger research aimed at enhancing effective communication of parenting skills knowledge to Chinese parents. The purpose is to explore how to transform public service advertisements into effective training methods for Chinese parents by studying the media form, content expression, symbolic elements and other aspects of public service advertisements in China. This study documents the identification of effective communication characteristics of PSAs, in which advertisements in the form of cold and hot media have different sensory experience characteristics, their expressions of the central processing path, and the expression of the peripheral processing path of advertisements, which could be transformed to improve information transmission and are attractive to observers. The results found different characteristics in terms of language and nonverbal advertising content, which could create different effects on observers. This article mainly studies the different roles of different media forms, content expression, and symbolic elements in public service advertisements, as well as the communication effects of different forms of public service advertisements under different themes. The results have significant implications for developing a theoretical framework for the efficient dissemination of public service commercials and, consequently, for promoting happier families for developing children by improving parents' parenting knowledge.

Influence of Nitrogen Supply on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity and Cadmium Absorption of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) Seedlings

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is considered suitable for the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated farmlands, because of its large biomass and resistance to Cd stress. The addition of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important measure used to increase crop yields, and it may also affect Cd accumulation in plants. To clarify the effects of different forms and concentrations of N on plant growth and Cd absorption in kenaf, a hydroponic experiment was conducted using three N forms (NH4+–N, NO3−–N and urea–N) at four concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 8 mM, 0 mM as control) under Cd stress (30 μM). The plant growth, the antioxidant enzyme activity and the Cd contents of various parts of the kenaf seedlings were measured. The results showed that the N form had the greatest impact on the growth of the kenaf and the absorption and transport of the Cd, followed by the interaction effect between the N type and the concentration. Compared to the control, the addition of N fertilizer promoted the growth of kenaf to varying degrees. Among all the treatments, the use of 2 mM of NO3−–N enhanced the biomass and Cd accumulation to the greatest extent compared to CK from 2.02 g to 4.35 g and 341.30 μg to 809.22 μg per plant, respectively. The NH4+–N significantly reduced the Cd contents of different parts but enhanced the translocation factors of Cd stem to root (TF S/R) and leaf to stem (TF L/S) by 34.29~78.57% and 45.10~72.55%, respectively. The peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activities of the kenaf increased with the N treatments, especially with NH4+–N. Overall, applying low concentrations of NO3−–N can better promote the extraction of Cd by kenaf.

Effect of different forms of strength training on lower limb power and speed of professional soccer players

Research objective: The main research objective is to analyze the effects of different forms of strength training on the lower limb power and speed of professional soccer players. The research involves the application of a variation strategy in strength training based on varying the intensity of training. The work focuses on comparing two strength training varying external loads. Materials and Methods: The study material consisted of a group of 56 soccer players of the first Polish league, representing a similar sports level with a minimum of 4 years of training experience in the league and in the age range of 22 to 28 years. The study was carried out in the macro-cycle of the preparatory phase in the period after the end of the fall round league games. A 4-week training program was used, during which the players studied carried out an experimental training unit twice a week. One group worked with a load of 50-60% of 1RM (GB1), while the other group worked with a load of 70-80% of 1RM (GB2). The use of pneumatic devices the Keiser Leg Press A420 and Keiser Air Squat A300 (Keiser, Fresno, CA, USA) was used to measure the generated power of the lower limb muscles. A straight-line running test was used to measure speed abilities. A Microgate Witty photocell measurement system (Bolzano, Italy) was used to record running speed variables over a distance of 30 meters. Before the start of the training program, as well as after its completion, the level of locomotor speed and lower limb power were measured. Results: Analyzing the levels of lower limb muscular power and locomotor speed during training with an external load of 50-60% 1RM versus training with an external load of 70-80% 1RM, statistically significantly better results were noted during training with an external load of 50-60% 1RM. The GB1 group with training using an external load of 50-60% 1RM achieved significantly better results than the GB2 group with training using an external load of 70-80% 1RM for 9 variables: double-leg bench press, single-leg bench press (right limb), single-leg bench press (left limb), double-leg squat, single-leg squat (right limb), and sprints over distances of 5m, 10m, 20m, 30m. It was also possible to observe a certain increasing trend in the results in the single-leg squat (left limb), while not statistically significant. Conclusions: Training with an external load of 50-60% 1RM during the preparatory period after the fall round league games is more effective in improving muscle power and speed than training with an external load of 70-80% 1RM.

Winds versus jets: a comparison between black hole feedback modes in simulations of idealized galaxy groups and clusters

ABSTRACT Using the SWIFT simulation code, we compare the effects of different forms of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) feedback in idealized galaxy groups and clusters. We first present a physically motivated model of black hole (BH) spin evolution and a numerical implementation of thermal isotropic feedback (representing the effects of energy-driven winds) and collimated kinetic jets that they launch at different accretion rates. We find that kinetic jet feedback is more efficient at quenching star formation in the brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) than thermal isotropic feedback, while simultaneously yielding cooler cores in the intracluster medium (ICM). A hybrid model with both types of AGN feedback yields moderate star formation rates, while having the coolest cores. We then consider a simplified implementation of AGN feedback by fixing the feedback efficiencies and the jet direction, finding that the same general conclusions hold. We vary the feedback energetics (the kick velocity and the heating temperature), the fixed efficiencies and the type of energy (kinetic versus thermal) in both the isotropic and the jet case. The isotropic case is largely insensitive to these variations. On the other hand, jet feedback must be kinetic in order to be efficient at quenching. We also find that it is much more sensitive to the choice of energy per feedback event (the jet velocity), as well as the efficiency. The former indicates that jet velocities need to be carefully chosen in cosmological simulations, while the latter motivates the use of BH spin evolution models.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestibility and peptidomic analysis of frankfurters as influenced by different forms of κ-carrageenan

We used peptide profiling to investigate the effects of different forms of κ-carrageenan (a typical hydrocolloid) on the in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility of frankfurters. All incorporated forms of κ-carrageenan were found to decrease the digestibility of meat proteins in the frankfurters, although the effects varied for some peptide fragments. Particle size analysis and super-resolution microscopy revealed that addition of κ-carrageenan in a water suspension resulted in the lowest protein digestibility for frankfurters, followed by κ-carrageenan in a powder form and in a brine suspension. Peptide profiling identified 63 peptides common to all frankfurters after gastrointestinal digestion. In addition, 9 new peptide fragments related to myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins were observed in digestion products from frankfurters that contained κ-carrageenan. Addition of the κ-carrageenan water suspension resulted in a unique pattern of peptide abundance after gastrointestinal digestion of the frankfurters. This pattern was not observed with the powder or brine suspension, both of which contained higher abundances of myosin peptides. However, it is still unclear how different forms of κ-carrageenan caused changes in specific digestion sites, and further investigation is needed to understand this phenomenon. These findings provide novel insights into the effects of various forms of κ-carrageenan on the digestibility of meat proteins in emulsified meat products.

Co-patenting and the Technological Value of Patent Applications: The Case of Siemens

Does international R&D collaboration produce patents of higher technological value? Applied to the case of Siemens, this paper utilizes the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and Google Patents statistics to identify patterns within invention and co-invention. For example, sole patenting by headquarters or subsidiaries is juxtaposed with co-invented patent filings, vertical versus horizontal co-patented applications and internal versus external. The paper compares the effect of different forms of co-invention on the technological value of patent filings, proxied by forward external citations. The results are based on 2013 and 2019 Siemens PCT data and confirm the positive effect of international co-invention, vis-à-vis sole patenting, on the technological value of patents. Patent applications co-invented by foreign subsidiaries, or vertically collaborated applications, create higher technological value, while headquarters or single subsidiaries generate fewer forward citations. Moreover, co-patenting by subsidiaries with external partners creates higher technological value than sole patenting by headquarters. Siemens has recognized the value of partnerships with outside inventors and leveraged these relationships in order to generate higher technological value. We contribute by building a unique and detailed classification of co-patenting patterns, and the paper develops a strong case for cross-country co-patenting, especially with external partners. From a managerial perspective, international co-patenting involving external partners has strategic value and must be fostered.

Transcriptomics and metabolomics reveal the primary and secondary metabolism changes in Glycyrrhiza uralensis with different forms of nitrogen utilization.

The roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. represent the oldest and most frequently used herbal medicines in Eastern and Western countries. However, the quality of cultivated G. uralensis has not been adequate to meet the market demand, thereby exerting increased pressure on wild G. uralensis populations. Nitrogen, vital for plant growth, potentially influences the bioactive constituents of plants. Yet, more information is needed regarding the effect of different forms of nitrogen on G. uralensis. G. uralensis seedlings were exposed to a modified Hoagland nutrient solution (HNS), varying concentrations of nitrate (KNO3), or ammonium (NH4)2SO4. We subsequently obtained the roots of G. uralensis for physiology, transcriptomics, and metabolomics analyses. Our results indicated that medium-level ammonium nitrogen was more effective in promoting G. uralensis growth compared to nitrate nitrogen. However, low-level nitrate nitrogen distinctly accelerated the accumulation of flavonoid ingredients. Illumina sequencing of cDNA libraries prepared from four groups-treated independently with low/medium NH4 + or NO3 - identified 364, 96, 103, and 64 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each group. Our investigation revealed a general molecular and physiological metabolism stimulation under exclusive NH4 + or NO3 - conditions. This included nitrogen absorption and assimilation, glycolysis, Tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, flavonoid, and triterpenoid metabolism. By creating and combining putative biosynthesis networks of nitrogen metabolism, flavonoids, and triterpenoids with related structural DEGs, we observed a positive correlation between the expression trend of DEGs and flavonoid accumulation. Notably, treatments with low-level NH4 + or medium-level NO3 - positively improved primary metabolism, including amino acids, TCA cycle, and glycolysis metabolism. Meanwhile, low-level NH4 + and NO3 - treatment positively regulated secondary metabolism, especially the biosynthesis of flavonoids in G. uralensis. Our study lays the foundation for a comprehensive analysis of molecular responses to varied nitrogen forms in G. uralensis, which should help understand the relationships between responsive genes and subsequent metabolic reactions. Furthermore, our results provide new insights into the fundamental mechanisms underlying the treatment of G. uralensis and other Glycyrrhiza plants with different nitrogen forms.

Enhancing Physical and Psychosocial Health of Older Adults in Saudi Arabia through Walking: Comparison between Supervised Group-Based and Non-Supervised Individual-Based Walking.

Walking is widely recognized as one of the most common and effective forms of physical activity, particularly for older adults. This study examined the comparative effects of two types of walking interventions, including supervised group-based intervention (SGBI) and non-supervised individual-based intervention (NSIBI), on frailty syndrome, cognitive functions or skills, and health-related quality of life among sedentary older Saudi individuals. A 15-week double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) including three groups (two were intervention groups while the other was the control group) was conducted among older adults who were inactive to examine the effect of different forms of walking interventions on frailty syndrome, cognitive functions, and health-related quality of life. A total of 107 participants, including 65 males and 42 females, were divided into three groups, which include SGBI, NSIBI, and the control group. Frailty syndrome was measured using the physical performance test (PPT), while cognitive function and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Short Form 36 (SF 36) health survey questionnaire. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with the pre- and post-tests were performed for within- and between-group differences. while post-test data for the control group participants were absent due to the change in elderly center regulation, and they were excluded from the analysis. Hence, the comparison was stated only between the intervention groups. Both of the intervention groups (SGBI and NSIBI) showed significant within-subject differences in the Physical Function subscale of the health-related quality of life scale only, with F(1,20) = 23.03, p < 0.001, and F(1,18) = 27.22, p < 0.001, respectively. On the other hand, the Physical Performance Test revealed significant [F(2,51) = 9.21, p < 0.001] between-group differences in the post-test based on the baseline values. In addition, the average step count of older adults was increased from 4000 steps per session to around 7000 steps per session in the intervention group. The average heart rate of the NSIBI group did not show a visible change, and the resting heart rate of both groups showed a slightly declining trend throughout the intervention period. The walking intervention significantly increased participants' physical function, which is a component of health-related quality of life and physical performance (frailty level), along with average daily step counts for older adults in Saudi Arabia. Regular engagement in the recommended level of walking is strongly advisable for Saudi Arabian older adults to maintain their overall quality of life at this stage.

Violation with concerns of safety: A study on non-compliant behavior and the antecedent and consequent effects in power grid construction

Non-compliant behaviors have been indicated to be leading indicators of accidents in workplaces. Though most studies treat intentional non-compliant behavior or violations as monolithic indicators for adverse safety performance, non-compliant behaviors might take different forms with distinct motives and outcomes. To examine and compare the effects of different forms of non-compliant safety behavior, we proposed a construct of risk-adjusted non-compliant behavior, which refers to employees' deliberate deviation from safety rules while considering safety concerns and adjusting their behavior accordingly, and investigated the differential antecedent effects by contextual factors and consequential effects on safety outcomes. By a sample of 390 workers and their supervisors in a power grid construction firm, the results of our study indicated that safety climate and transformational leadership were positively associated with safety compliance and negatively associated with violation by multi-level analyses. However, active transactional leadership also had a positive association with risk-adjusted non-compliant behavior, and this association was moderated by safety climate such that the relationship was stronger in higher level of safety climate. Furthermore, although risk-adjusted non-compliant behavior did not significantly affect penalties for deviance compared to violation behavior, it increased the workers' risk perception of hazard. The implications of these findings for theory were discussed.

Breaking the Silence: Investigating Which Types of Moderation Reduce Negative Effects of Sexist Social Media Content

Sexist content is widespread on social media and can reduce women's psychological well-being and their willingness to participate in online discourse, making it a societal issue. To counter these effects, social media platforms employ moderators. To date, little is known about the effectiveness of different forms of moderation in creating a safe space and their acceptance, in particular from the perspective of women as members of the targeted group and users in general (rather than perpetrators). In this research, we propose that some common forms of moderation can be systematized along two facets of visibility, namely visibility of sexist content and of counterspeech. In an online experiment (N = 839), we manipulated these two facets and tested how they shaped social norms, feelings of safety, and intent to participate, as well as fairness, trustworthiness, and efficacy evaluations. In line with our predictions, deletion of sexist content - i.e., its invisibility - and (public) counterspeech - i.e., its visibility - against visible sexist content contributed to creating a safe space. Looking at the underlying psychological mechanism, we found that these effects were largely driven by changes in what was perceived normative in the presented context. Interestingly, deletion of sexist content was judged as less fair than counterspeech against visible sexist content. Our research contributes to a growing body of literature that highlights the importance of norms in creating safer online environments and provides practical implications for moderators for selecting actions that can be effective and accepted.

The effects of walking on frailty, cognitive function and quality of life among inactive older adults in Saudi Arabia: a study protocol of randomized control trial by comparing supervised group-based intervention and non-supervised individual-based intervention

BackgroundKingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) demographics are also changing with the increase in life expectancy in the country and the rise in the number of older Saudi Arabians. Saudi Arabia has a higher rate of physically inactive people, and most of them are between the ages of 55–64. Walking is one of the most prevalent forms of physical activity in Saudi Arabia and the study showed that most people prefer walking for recreational and health benefits. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed study is to compare the effects of supervised group-based walking and non-supervised individual-based walking interventions on frailty, cognitive function and quality of life among inactive older adults in Saudi Arabia.MethodThis study will apply a three-group (2 intervention groups and 1 control group), double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine the effect of different forms of walking interventions on Saudi Arabia older adults’ frailty, cognitive function and quality of life immediately after a 16-week intervention, as well as the residual effects 12 weeks after completion of the interventions.DiscussionThis study aims to determine whether supervised group walking and non-supervised individual walking lead to different effects. Given the limited evidence in the literature regarding Saudi Arabia older adults’ physical fitness and health, it is worthwhile to explore the effect of walking, as well as the forms of walking on improving the overall physical fitness and psychological status of older adults in Saudi Arabia. The findings of the current study could also create awareness of the government and the general public in Saudi Arabia of the ageing problems and the effective ways of achieving better intervention results.Trial registrationThe trial is registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov PRS (Trial ID: NCT05151575; Date of first posted: 12/07/2021).

Profiling of Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue Depots in Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer Receiving Different Forms of Androgen Deprivation Therapy

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment modality for men with prostate cancer. Increases in adipose tissue mass and decreases in skeletal muscle mass are known on-target adverse effects of standard ADT. The effects of newer agents such as abiraterone acetate (ABI) and enzalutamide (ENZA) on body composition and how these compare with standard luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (aLHRHs) are unclear. ObjectiveTo assess the effects of different forms of androgen deprivation therapy on body composition in men with prostate cancer. Design, setting, and participantsUsing a retrospective design, 229 patients receiving aLHRHs alone (n = 120) or in combination with ABI (n = 53) or ENZA (n = 56) were studied. Outcome measurements and statistical analysisMuscle, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were assessed at baseline, 6 mo, and 18 mo after initiating therapy using a cross-sectional densitometry analysis performed on standard of care computed tomography images. Response trajectories for all treatment groups were calculated via a two-way analysis of variance post hoc test, for both within-group and between-group differences. Results and limitationsTreatment with aLHRHs, ABI, and ENZA was associated with a median muscle volume loss of –1.4%, –4.8%, and –5.5% at 6 mo, and –7.1%, –8.1%, and –8.3% at 18 mo, respectively. Therapy with aLHRHs was associated with minimal changes in VAT (0.3% at 6 mo and –0.1% at 18 mo). ABI therapy was associated with significant increases in VAT at 6 mo (4.9%) but not at 18 mo (0.5%), and ENZA therapy was associated with significant decreases in VAT (–4.6% at 6 mo and –5.4% at 18 mo). With respect to SAT, treatment with aLHRHs was associated with increases over time (8.6% at 6 mo and 4.7% at 18 mo), ABI was associated with decreases over time (–3.6% at 6 mo and –6.8% at 18 mo), and ENZA had no clear effects (1.7% at 6 mo and 3.3% at 18 mo). ConclusionsADT regimens cause significant short-term losses in muscle mass, with the most rapid effects occurring with ABI and ENZA. The three regimens have disparate effects on SAT and VAT, suggesting distinct roles of androgens in these tissues. Patient summaryAndrogen deprivation therapy alters body composition in men with prostate cancer. Abiraterone and enzalutamide are associated with losses in muscle mass compared with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists. These treatments impact subcutaneous and visceral fat mass, suggesting distinct roles of androgens in these tissues.

Effects of different forms of explicit instruction on L2 development: A meta‐analysis

AbstractTo determine the effects of explicit instruction (EI) and potential moderators in second/foreign language (L2) teaching, this study meta‐analyzed 28 primary reports (a total of 67 unique samples, N = 3754). The main results show that EI was significantly effective in facilitating L2 development, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large magnitudes (d = 1.07 and 0.81 for within‐and between‐group contrasts, respectively). Moderator analyses show that EI type, practice type, delivery mode, length and intensity of treatment, the type of outcome measures, as well as the reporting practices of the validity and reliability of outcome measures moderated differentially the effects of EI. The findings offer important pedagogical implications for teacher‐practitioners to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of EI.

Jambu production (Acmella oleracea [(L.) R. K. Jansen]) using different organic fertilizers at planting and as top dressing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different forms of application (before planting and as top dressing) of organic fertilizers, namely castor bean cake and hoof and horn powder, on the production of jambu plants. The experiments were conducted at the Experimental Farm of São Manuel, SP, and at the 'Estância Três Nascentes' site in Botucatu, SP. Seven treatments were evaluated in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial design, with two organic fertilizers, castor bean cake (CBC) and hoof and horn powder (HHP), and three forms of application (100% before planting, 100% as top dressing, and 50% before planting + 50% as top dressing), plus a control treatment. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Plant height, number of inflorescences (NI), fresh weight of inflorescences (FWI), fresh weight of vegetative parts (FWVP), and total fresh weight (TFW) were evaluated at each location. In São Manuel, there was a difference between fertilizers in the forms of application, 100% before planting and 50% before planting + 50% as top dressing, for FWVP and for TFW only in the first form. In Botucatu, HHP resulted in higher NI when applied 100% before planting and FWVP and TFW between fertilizers when applied 100% as top dressing. The increases compared to the control, with HHP and CBC, were 81%, 83%, 168%, 83%, and 95% in São Manuel and 19%, 42%, 316%, 56%, and 67%, in Botucatu, for plant height, NI, FWI, FWVP, and TFW, respectively, confirming the importance of supplementing base fertilization with organic compounds.

Bayesian design and analysis of two-arm cluster randomized trials using assurance.

We consider the design of a two-arm superiority cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a continuous outcome. We detail Bayesian inference for the analysis of the trial using a linear mixed-effects model. The treatment is compared to control using the posterior distribution for the treatment effect. We develop the form of the assurance to choose the sample size based on this analysis, and its evaluation using a two loop Monte Carlo sampling scheme. We assess the proposed approach, considering the effect of different forms of prior distribution, and the number of Monte Carlo samples needed in both loops for accurate determination of the assurance and sample size. Based on this assessment, we provide general advice on each of these choices. We apply the approach to the choice of sample size for a cluster RCT into poststroke incontinence, and compare the resulting sample size to that from assurance based on a Wald test for the treatment effect. The Bayesian approach to design and analysis developed in this article can offer advantages in terms of an increase in the robustness of the chosen sample size to parameter mis-specification and reduced sample sizes if prior information indicates the treatment effect is likely to be larger than the minimal clinically important difference.