Multifactor Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Exploring the Impact of Campus Landscape Visual Elements Combination on Short-Term Stress Relief among College Students: A Case from China

Although the effect of campus landscape space on stress relief among college students has been confirmed, few existing studies have considered the impact on stress recovery from the perspective of factor combination, and the key visual elements and the most effective combination of visual elements to relieve stress are still unclear. This study attempts to conduct a natural experiment within Chinese campuses, measuring physiological indicators of stress such as heart rate (HR), frequency domain index of heart rate variability (LF/HF), skin conductance level (SCL), skin temperature (SKT), and respiratory rate (RESP) using physiological instruments. It explored the effects of visual elements and their combinations in campus landscape spaces on short-term stress relief among college students through semantic segmentation, multifactorial analysis of variance, and post hoc multiple comparison methods. Research results demonstrate that the presence of water elements in the field of vision can effectively improve the stress relief effects of landscape spaces. Reasonable combinations of natural landscape elements and artificial landscape elements in the design can also effectively promote stress relief among students. Building facade area and sky area, water area and sky area, and plant species and pavement area are three combinations of factors with the strongest interactive effects. “Natural water scenery” and “exquisite artificial” are two campus landscape design patterns most conducive to short-term stress relief.

Prediction of colour strength in environmentally‐friendly dyeing of polyester fabric with madder using supercritical carbon dioxide

AbstractThe textile industry is one of the significant reasons for global water pollution, with dyeing processes being particularly environmentally detrimental. Researchers have explored alternative approaches to address this issue, such as using natural dyes, supercritical fluids and so forth. In addition to environment‐friendly approaches, reducing the number of experiments in studies, accurate production straightaway and using artificial intelligence (AI), one of the technologies of the present and the future that will provide significant support. Reaching clearer results with AI technology will not necessarily contribute to environment‐friendly technologies. However, AI techniques, including artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) were employed to predict the colour strength (K/S) of the dyed fabric based on process parameters. A comprehensive experimental design involving pressure, temperature, and time variations was conducted, and the results were analysed using multi‐factor analysis of variance (MANOVA). The study demonstrates that supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) dyeing with madder on polyester fabric is a promising and environmentally friendly approach. Additionally, the optimised ANN and ANFIS models, aided by genetic algorithms (GAs), exhibit high predictive accuracy (less than 3%), providing insights into the impact of process parameters on colour strength. This research underscores the potential of AI‐driven automation in textile dyeing, offering solutions for dye formula prediction, colour matching, and defect detection, reducing the need for human intervention in these processes.

Two-phase flow investigation of sewage pumps with different tip clearance via computational fluid dynamics and multi-factor ANOVA

Sewage pumps are widely utilized in various applications, including municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes, and residential sewage systems. These pumps are specifically designed to handle the transportation of mixtures consisting of solid and liquid components, commonly observed as two-phase flow. In this study, semi-open sewage pumps with varying clearance sizes have been examined through adjustment of the geometrical model. Multi-factor analysis of variance is employed to investigate the combined influence of different two-phase flow conditions and tip clearance sizes on the performance of sewage pumps. The results show that the performance of the pump decreases significantly as the clearance size increases. Also, the sensitivity of pump efficiency to variations in tip clearance size is contingent upon the flow rate. Under part-load conditions, both particle concentration and clearance size exhibit a notable effect on efficiency. The two-phase flow will greatly enhance the intensity of the unsteady flow near the inlet and outlet of the semi-open impeller, which is the main reason for the performance degradation of the sewage pump. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for enhancing the hydraulic performance and operational stability of semi-open sewage pumps operating under two-phase flow conditions.

Multi-parametric investigations on the effects of vascular disrupting agents based on a platform of chorioallantoic membrane of chick embryos.

Vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) are known to specifically target preexisting tumoural vasculature. However, systemic side effects as safety or toxicity issues have been reported from clinical trials, which call for further preclinical investigations. The purpose is to gain insights into their non-specific off-targeting effects on normal vasculature and provide clues for exploring underlying molecular mechanisms. Based on a recently introduced platform consisting laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), and assisted deep learning techniques, for evaluation of vasoactive medicines, hemodynamics on embryonic day 12 under constant intravascular infusion of two VDAs were qualitatively observed and quantitatively measured in real time for 30 min. Blood perfusion, vessel diameter, vessel density, and vessel total length were further analyzed and compared between blank control and medicines dose groups by using multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) analysis with factorial interactions. Conventional histopathology and fluorescent immunohistochemistry (FIHC) assays for endothelial cytoskeleton including ß-tubulin and F-actin were qualitatively demonstrated, quantitatively analyzed and further correlated with hemodynamic and vascular parameters. The normal vasculature was systemically negatively affected by VDAs with statistical significance (P<0.0001), as evidenced by four positively correlated parameters, which can explain the side-effects observed among clinical patients. Such effects appeared to be dose dependent (P<0.0001). FIHC assays qualitatively and quantitatively verified the results and exposed molecular mechanisms. LSCI-CAM platform combining with deep learning technique proves useful in preclinical evaluations of vasoactive medications. Such new evidences provide new reference to clinical practice.

Variability and determinants of secondary metabolite profiles in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) from Wisconsin and New Jersey

A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 112 fruit samples harvested in 2019 from six different cultivars of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.). These cranberry crops were cultivated in both New Jersey and Wisconsin, under the management of diverse growers. The six cultivars investigated include Stevens (ST), Crimson Queen (CQ), Demoranville (DM), Mullica Queen (MQ), Welker (WE), and Haines (HA). This study delved into the variability and determinants of secondary metabolite profiles in cranberry. Fuzzy chromatograph mass spectrometry (FCMS) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography high-resolution accurate-mass multistage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRAM-MSn) were used for analysis. Factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA)-principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to assess six experimental factors, including cultivar, cranberry growing state, grower, harvest times, and both analytical and biological replicates. The most substantial influence on the overall variability was observed with respect to cultivars and cultivation states. Specifically, the factor “cultivar” contributed 16.3 % to the total variance in the polar chemical profile, while the factor “state” contributed 31.5 %. Similarly, in the less polar chemical profile, the contributions were 29.0 % for “cultivar” and 22.3 % for “state” to the total variance. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to examine the variations in the relative contents of secondary metabolite among cranberries cultivated in New Jersey and Wisconsin. The findings revealed that geographic factors exerted a significant effect on the levels of certain organic acids, flavonol glycosides, and iridoids even within the same cranberry cultivar.

Variation in Botanical Reference Materials: Similarity of Actaea Racemosa Analyzed by Flow Injection Mass Spectrometry.

Botanical reference materials (BRMs) generally account for the species, cultivar, and year and location of harvest that result in variability in the chemical composition that may lead to statistically significant differences using chemometric methods. To compare the chemical composition of five species of Actaea root BRMs, four herbal sources of A. racemosa root BRMs, and A. racemosa BRMS, and commercial roots and supplements using chemometric methods and selected pre-processing approaches. Samples were analyzed by flow injection mass spectrometry (FIMS), principal component analysis (PCA), and factorial multivariate analysis of variance (mANOVA). Statistically significant (P = 0.05) compositional differences were found between three genera (Actaea, Panax, and Ginkgo), five species of Actaea (A. racemosa, A. cimicifuga, A. dahurica, A. pachypoda, and A. rubra) root BRMs, four herbal sources of A. racemosa root BRMs, and A. racemosa BRMS and commercial roots and supplements. The variability of 6% of the BRM variables was found to be quantitatively conserved and reduced the compositional differences between the four sources of root BRMs. Compositional overlap of A. racemosa and other Actaea BRMs was influenced by variation in technical repeats, pre-processing methods, selection of variables, and selection of confidence limits. Sensitivity ranged from 94 to 97% and specificity ranged from 21 to 89% for the pre-processing protocols tested. Environmental, genetic, and chemometric factors can influence discrimination between species and authentic botanical reference materials. Frequency distribution plots derived from soft independent modeling of class analogy provide excellent means for understanding the impact of experimental factors.

Exploring the Influence of Adaptive E-Learning Technology on Learners’ Perceptions of Mathematical Modeling and Simulation in South African Schools

This study investigates the influence of adaptive e-learning technology on learners’ understanding of mathematical modeling and simulation. Through a comprehensive literature review, theoretical framework development, and empirical analysis, the study examines the relationship between learners’ qualifications, geolocation, and their perceptions of e-learning technology. It utilized a quantitative research approach with a sample size of 66 learners and administered structured questionnaires to urban and rural school learners and analyzed data at p < .05 using the factorial multivariate analysis of variance (FMANOVA). The findings reveal variations in opinions among learners at different qualification levels regarding the use of e-learning technology in mathematical concepts. Moreover, urban and rural learners show disparities in their association of e-learning technology with mathematical understanding. The study emphasizes the need for practical approaches to e-learning, addressing challenges related to access, reliability, and ease of use. Recommendations include integrating adaptive e-learning technology into school curricula and providing adequate training and support for teachers. Furthermore, suggestions for future research encompass exploring long-term impacts, individual differences, teacher roles, assessment and feedback, equity and accessibility, professional development, and comparative studies. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the role of adaptive e-learning technology in mathematics education, providing valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Influence of Food Habits and Participation in a National Extracurricular Athletics Program on Body Weight within a Pair-Matched Sample of Polish Adolescents after One Year of Intervention-#goathletics Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the physical activity level and commitment in adolescents, which has resulted in a body weight increase, and the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that this negative trend must be now counteracted. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of food habits and participation in a national extracurricular athletics program (Athletics for All) on body weight within a pair-matched sample of Polish adolescents after one year of intervention. The #goathletics Study was conducted in a population of Polish adolescents within two pair-matched groups: 506 adolescents aged 10-14, including 281 female and 225 male adolescents, regularly participating in Athletics for All program for at least 9 months (one school year) (intervention group), and a pair-matched control group (matched taking into account city, gender, and age). The #goathletics Study included the assessment of the body weight, which was conducted based on the growth reference charts for Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference to verify central fatness. Athletics for All participation and food habits were verified as determinants of body weight, while food habits were assessed using the validated Adolescents' Food Habits Checklist (AFHC). While compared the intervention group and control group, statistically significant differences were observed for body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, both for crude and relative values, with adolescents participating in the Athletics for All program presenting a lower risk of excessive body weight and central fatness (p < 0.05), while, compared to sub-groups stratified by AFHC score, no statistically significant differences in general anthropometric characteristics were observed (p > 0.05). While the body weight centile, height centile, BMI centile and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were assessed as the resultant variables, it was revealed that participation in the Athletics for All program is the only influencing factor in multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) for body weight centile (F = 21.44; p < 0.0001) and BMI centile (F = 47.98; p < 0.0001), but for height centile and WHtR, none of the assessed factors influenced these variables. It was concluded that regularly participating in the Athletics for All program for at least 9 months was the only determinant of a lower risk of excessive body weight in adolescents, with declared food habits and gender not being significant.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in a high-prevalence suburban community, southeast of Iran

Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic viral disease with a high mortality rate. The World Health Organization has classified it as a high-priority pathogen due to its severity. To manage this disease, knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the community play an important role. This study was conducted in a suburban area in southeastern Iran, an endemic region with a high occurrence of CCHF. A cross-sectional study was performed among 176 livestock farmers in Zahedan suburb, and data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Single-factor and multi-factor analysis of variance was used to identify factors related to participants’ knowledge, attitude, and risk of CCHF. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 24, and a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was adopted to determine statistical significance. Overall, the knowledge level about CCHF was moderate. Participants demonstrated a better understanding of high-risk occupations compared to the transmission routes and symptoms of CCHF. Conversely, their knowledge about the prevention and treatment of CCHF was found to be inadequate. The participants exhibited a good attitude towards CCHF prevention; most considered it a dangerous disease, believed in the effectiveness of preventive measures, and demonstrated the ability to address perceived obstacles. High-frequency engagement in high-risk behaviors related to CCHF was observed among the study participants. In the multi-factor model, the most critical factors associated with knowledge were age (p = 0.044), CCHF infection (p = 0.047), and CCHF education (p = 0.004). Income (p = 0.001), keeping livestock at home (p = 0.028), and receiving CCHF education (p = 0.012) were the most critical factors associated with attitude toward the risk of CCHF. The most important factors related to CCHF high-risk behavior were age (p = 0.045), gender (p = 0.028), and handling livestock (p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the need for maintaining health educational efforts on CCHF.

A community study of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in China.

The immune background of the overall population before and after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in China remains unexplored. And the level of neutralizing antibodies is a reliable indicator of individual immunity. This study aimed to assess the immune levels of different population groups during a viral outbreak and identify the factors influencing these levels. We measured the levels of neutralizing antibodies in 12,137 participants using the COVID19 Neutralizing Antibody Detection kit. The dynamics of neutralizing antibodies were analyzed using a generalized additive model, while a generalized linear model and multi-factor analysis of variance were employed to investigate the influencing factors. Additionally, statistical methods were used to compare neutralizing antibody levels among subgroups of the real-world population. Participants who received booster doses exhibited significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to those who received only one or two doses (p<0.001). Both elderly [22.55 (5.12, 62.03) IU/mL, 55%] and minors [21.41 (8.15, 45.06) IU/mL, 56%] showed lower positivity rates and neutralizing antibody levels compared to young adults [29.30 (9.82, 188.08) IU/mL, 62%] (p<0.001). Furthermore, the HIV-positive group demonstrated a slightly lower seropositivity rate compared to the healthy group across the three vaccination time points. Notably, three months after the large-scale infection, both the neutralizing antibody level and positivity rate in real-world populations were higher than the previous record [300 (300, 300) IU/mL, 89%; 27.10 (8.77, 139.28) IU/mL, 60%], and this difference was statistically significant. Increasing vaccine dosage enhances neutralizing antibody levels, resulting in greater and longer-lasting immunity. Monitoring immune levels in older individuals and those with AIDS is crucial. Additionally, the neutralizing antibodies generated from vaccination have not yet reached the threshold for achieving herd immunity, while individuals exhibit higher immune levels following a large-scale infection. These findings provide valuable insights for guiding new strategies in vaccine administration.

ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ ИМПЕНДАНСА ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ СОВМЕСТИМОСТИ ПОДВОЙНО-ПРИВОЙНЫХ КОМБИНАЦИЙ ВИНОГРАДА АБОРИГЕННЫХ СОРТОВ КРЫМА

Indicators of the level of electrical conductivity resistance of tissues (impedance) of grafted grape seedlings of indigenous varieties of the Crimea were studied. The experiments involved 15 variety-rootstock combinations consisting of five graft varieties (Dzhevat kara, Sary Pandas, Ekim Kara, Kefesiya, Kokur white) and three rootstock varieties (Berlandieri × Riparia Kober 5 BB, Berlandieri × Riparia CO4, Riparia × Rupestris 101-14). In order to reliably evaluate and interpret the data obtained, the impedance indicators of the studied rootstock-graft com-binations were compared with the data on the yield of standard grafted seedlings from a ground school. A multifactorial analysis of var-iance was carried out, according to the results of which an assessment of the influence of fac-tors of rootstock, graft, conditions of the year of research, as well as their interaction on the impedance indicators of grafted grape seedlings of Crimean native varieties was given.

The impact of community identification on the pro-environmental behavior of Ukrainians in the conditions of war

The article examines changes in the environmental behavior of Ukrainians influenced by military actions. One of the key predictors of such changes is the characteristics of communal identification among Ukrainians under threat conditions. The key criterion for pro-ecological behavior was considered the environmental responsibility of Ukrainians. The study involved several stages of qualitative and quantitative data collection. In the process of data analysis, qualitative methods such as content and thematic analysis of narratives were applied. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using regression analysis, multifactorial analysis of variance, and correlation analysis. Components of environmental responsibility, such as behavioral, emotional, and value-based, were identified. At the stage of quantitative data collection, the role of civic, territorial, and professional identity as predictors for the growth of environmental responsibility among Ukrainians was recorded. Overall, the increasing role of civic identity was interpreted as a consolidating factor for the formation of integrated identity capable of confronting various threats, including environmental threats. Strengthening the emotional component influences the perception of environmental threats at the individual level and contributes to the awareness of the need to preserve the environmental well-being of the country. The reinforcement of European identity positively affects the integration of pro-ecological European values. The identification of the interaction between professional and civic identities can serve as an indicator of the strategic importance of Ukraine as an environment for work and personal realization

Study on the mechanical properties of sandstone-shale composite continental shale gas based on the discrete element method

China has abundant continental shale oil resources, and multiple shale oil exploration and development demonstration zones have been established, making it a key field for oil and gas exploration and development. However, drilling and fracturing treatment often encounter vertically interlaced and superimposed sandstone and shale reservoirs, which significantly affect the stability of the reservoir and the propagation of fractures. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the rock mechanics characteristics of sandstone-shale composite. Using the orthogonal experimental method for microscale parameter calibration, this study established the relationship between the macroscopic and microscopic parameters of sandstone-shale in the parallel bond model. The results of the orthogonal experimental scheme were analyzed using multi-factor variance analysis and linear regression analysis to determine the influence and ranking of each microscale parameter on the macroscopic parameters. Based on the results of uniaxial and triaxial compression experiments, the particle flow simulation of sandstone-shale composite rock samples was studied using the discrete element method. The study investigated the influence of the thickness ratio, combination form, and confining pressure of sandstone-shale on the mechanical properties of composite rock samples. The results showed that: (1) Under uniaxial loading conditions, for the combination form of sandstone on top and shale on the bottom (M-S type), the peak stress of the composite rock sample increased first and then decreased and then increased again with the increase of the thickness of sandstone; for the combination form of shale on top and sandstone on the bottom (S-M type), the peak stress of the composite sample decreased first and then increased and then decreased again with the increase of the thickness of shale. (2) After applying confining pressure, the compressive strength of the M-S type composite sample decreased with the increase of the thickness ratio of sandstone, while the compressive strength of the S-M type composite sample increased with the increase of the thickness ratio of shale as well as the compressive strength of the composite sample was lower than that of any complete rock sample. (3) Under uniaxial loading, the fracture mode of the composite sample was related to the combination form and the thickness ratio of different lithologies. For the M-S type sample, when the thickness ratio of sandstone was <30%, the sample was mainly fractured by tension, and when the thickness ratio of sandstone was >30%, it was mainly fractured by shear mode. For the S-M type sample, when the thickness ratio of shale was <70%, the sample had the most internal shear cracks, and when the thickness ratio of shale was >70%, it had the most tension cracks.

In Vitro Comparison of Internal and Marginal Adaptation between Printed and Milled Onlays.

Nowadays, milling is still the gold standard for fabricating indirect restorations, but to overcome its disadvantages, there are alternatives, such as 3D printing. This study aimed to compare the gaps between the prepared tooth and milled and printed onlays fabricated with the same CAD design. It also aimed to determine the gap reproducibility across onlays fabricated by 3D printing and milling. A resin tooth was prepared for an onlay. After scanning the preparation, an onlay was designed with proprietary dental software. Next, 22 onlays were milled in a graphene-reinforced PMMA disc (Group 1), and 22 onlays were 3D-printed with a hybrid composite material (Group 2). After that, all fabricated restorations were scanned and superimposed on the scanned prepared resin tooth. Subsequently, a specific software was used to measure the margin, central, and intaglio-located gap between the milled or printed restoration and the preparation. Finally, measurements were compared with a multifactor analysis of variance. The results demonstrated that printed onlays (Group 2) adapted better to the prepared tooth than the milled ones (Group 1) (p < 0.05). The comparison of standard deviations showed the better gap reproducibility of printed onlays (p < 0.05). This study concluded that the printed onlays adapted significantly better to the prepared tooth than the milled onlays. Printed onlays also showed significantly better gap reproducibility.

Differences in nonpoint source pollution load losses based on hydrological zone characteristics: a case study of the Shaying River Basin, China.

Agricultural nonpoint source (NPS) pollution loss is closely related to hydrological processes. Understanding the differences in NPS pollution load loss under hydrological processes is useful for the management and prevention of NPS pollution. In this paper, hydrological and water quality data from 2016 to 2018 and monitoring data of physical and chemical indicators in 1347 field soil samples in the Shaying River Basin (SYRB) were used to analyze spatiotemporal variations in NPS pollution using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool and multifactor analysis of variance. The intensities and differences in NPS pollution losses for different soil types and land use patterns were evaluated under different hydrological zones. The annual rainfall in the SYRB decreased gradually from 1136.50 to 404.04mm, showing a significant zoning. Areas with high loss intensities were mainly distributed in areas with steep slopes and in the 800-1000mm rainfall zone. Cultivated land had the largest loss of NPS pollution, followed by forest land and rural residential land. Fluvo-aquic soil had the largest loss of NPS pollution, followed by cinnamon soil and lime concretion black soil. A nonlinear regression model was established for rainfall and the NPS pollution loss intensity and had a correlation coefficient of 0.60-0.99 at a 95% confidence level. Slope and rainfall were the main factors influencing the nitrogen and phosphorus losses. In the 800-1000mm rainfall zone, the soil background nitrogen and phosphorus load was also a major factor influencing the nitrogen and phosphorus loss intensities.

Comparison of selected parameters of automated milking in dairy cattle barns equipped with a concentrate feeding system

Automatic milking systems (AMSs) give cows relative freedom to choose the time and frequency of milking throughout the day. Feeding stations also may improve the management of farms. Combining milking robots and feeding stations (FS) may improve milking efficiency and milk yield. Therefore, combining AMS and FS may be beneficial for farmers. The objective of the research was to compare selected automatic milking parameters (daily indices per cow) registered by an AMS in relation to selected features including the presence of concentrate feeding stations. We analysed 931 cows born in 2013–14, in lactations 1–8. In total, we collected data from 357 318 milking days. The following parameters were examined: milking frequency (n/24 h), number of rejected milking (n/24 h), the average number of nipple attempts (n/milking), milking speed (kg/min), time spent in the milking box (s/24 h), milk yield (kg/24 h), milking efficiency (kg/min), rumination time (min/24 h), and concentrate intake (kg) per 100 kg of milk produced. The statistical analysis was conducted using a multi-factor analysis of variance. The analysis confirmed a statistical effect of the concentrate feeding system on most of the investigated traits, except for nipple attempts, box time and rumination time. In cows in barns with an FS, the following parameters were statistically higher compared to cows in non-FS barns: milking frequency (3.04 vs 2.73n/24 h), number of rejected milking (2.24 vs 1.51n/24 h), milking speed (2.98 vs 2.64 kg/min), milk yield (33.48 vs 30.14 kg/24 h), milking efficiency (1.80 vs 1.67 kg/min), and concentrate intake per 100 kg of milk produced (14.67 vs 12.67 kg). The study results indicate that using feeding stations in combination with an AMS can increase milking efficiency, hence the milk output from a milking robot.

Evolution of neurodegeneration in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus: a monocentric follow up study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine in patients with idiopathic and neurodegenerative normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) if motor and cognitive performance as well as changes in biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evolve differently.Methods41 patients with a typical clinical and MR-/CT-morphological presentation of NPH divided into an Alzheimer-negative (AD–, n = 25) and an Alzheimer-positive (AD+, n = 16) group according to neurodegenerative biomarkers (S100 protein, neuron-specific enolase, β-amyloid 1–42, Tau protein, phospho-Tau, protein-level and CSF pressure) in CSF. Follow-up of cognitive and gait functions before and after a spinal tap of 40–50 ml CSF of up to 49 months. Clinical, motor, neuropsychological and CSF biomarkers were analyzed using a repeated multifactorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post-hoc testing.ResultsGait and neuropsychological performance and CSF biomarkers evolved differently between the AD− and AD+ patients. In particular, the AD+ patients benefited from the spinal tap regarding short-term memory. In contrast, gait parameters worsened over time in the AD+ patients, although they showed a relevant improvement after the first tap.ConclusionsThe results substantiate the recently reported association between a tap-responsive NPH and CSF changes of Alzheimer disease. Furthermore, they suggest that the AD changes in CSF manifest in an age-related fashion in AD− patients presenting with NPH.

A Novel Power Quality Comprehensive Estimation Model Based on Multi-Factor Variance Analysis for Distribution Network with DG

The power quality estimation for distribution network connected DG (distributed generation) is important in the power system. The significance testing for power quality indicator is less used in traditional power quality evaluation. However, the power quality indicator is affected by various factors of the power system, which seriously impact the power quality evaluation result. To solve this problem, A novel power quality comprehensive estimation model based on multi-factor variance analysis for distribution network with DG is proposed in this paper, in which the significance testing is carried out for power quality indicator with the various system factors, and then to generate the evaluation weights in different levels, further to obtain the power quality assessment results for single node. And then, the dual-significance tests are carried out to generate the weight of node and to obtain the comprehensive estimation result of whole system. At last, an example is developed to validate that, compared with the traditional power quality evaluation, the proposed method is more reasonable and effective in the power quality evaluation for DG connected distribution network.

A greedy-based crow search algorithm for semiconductor final testing scheduling problem

The semiconductor final testing scheduling problem (SFTSP) is of great importance to the efficiency of integrated circuit firms and has been widely investigated in the field of intelligent optimization. In this paper, a greedy-based crow search algorithm (GCSA) is presented for solving the SFTSP. According to the characteristics of SFTSP, new encoding and decoding strategies are proposed to link the feasible solutions to the scheduling schemes. The search operations are performed only in the operation sequence space, and a corresponding machine allocation vector is generated for each operation sequence vector based on the greed mechanism. Two crow position update strategies named track and hover are redesigned and the improved crow search algorithm is utilized to search the operation sequence space efficiently in order that the GCSA can adapt the SFTSP and make full use of the information obtained during the search process. Moreover, the effect of parameters is investigated based on a multi-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach. Finally, extensive computations and comparisons on ten test instances derived from the practical production demonstrate that the proposed GCSA outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in the literature to solve the SFTSP.

Exploring Factors That Contribute to the Success of Rehabilitation With Hearing Aids.

Hearing aids are an essential and important part of hearing rehabilitation. The combination of technical data on hearing aids and individual rehabilitation needs can give insight into the factors that contribute to the success of rehabilitation. This study sets out to investigate if different subgroups of (comparable) hearing aids lead to differences in the success of rehabilitation, and whether these differences vary between different domains of auditory functioning. This study explored the advantages of including patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the process of purchasing new hearing aids in a large sample of successful hearing aid users. Subject data were obtained from 64 (commercial) hearing aid dispensers and 10 (noncommercial) audiological centers in the Netherlands. The PROM was a 32-item questionnaire and was used to determine the success of rehabilitation using hearing aids by measuring auditory disability over time. The items were mapped on six domains of auditory functioning: detection, discrimination, localization, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and noise tolerance, encompassing a variety of daily-life listening situations. Hearing aids were grouped by means of cluster analysis, resulting in nine subgroups. In total, 1149 subjects were included in this study. A general linear model was used to model the final PROM results. Model results were analyzed via a multifactor Analysis of Variance. Post hoc analyses provided detailed information on model variables. Results showed a strong statistically significant effect of hearing aids on self-perceived auditory functioning in general. Clinically relevant differences were found for auditory domains including detection, speech in quiet, speech in noise, and localization. There was only a small, but significant, effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, where no differences were found between the auditory domains. Minor differences were found between results obtained in commercial and noncommercial settings, or between novice and experienced users. Severity of Hearing loss, age, gender, and hearing aid style (i.e., behind-the-ear versus receiver-in-canal type) did not have a clinically relevant effect on the final PROM results. The use of hearing aids has a large positive effect on self-perceived auditory functioning. There was however no salient effect of the different subgroups of hearing aids on the final PROM results, indicating that technical properties of hearing aids only play a limited role in this respect. This study challenges the belief that premium devices outperform basic ones, highlighting the need for personalized rehabilitation strategies and the importance of evaluating factors contributing to successful rehabilitation for clinical practice.