Greater Relative Influence Research Articles

Pathogen-Specific Alterations in the Gut Microbiota Predict Outcomes in Flare of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Complicated by Gastrointestinal Infection.

Enteric infection with Clostridioides difficile , Escherichia coli subtypes, and norovirus is commonly detected in flares of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We associated the gut microbiome during flare complicated by a gastrointestinal pathogen with outcomes of IBD. We performed a cross-sectional study of 260 patients (92 IBD and 168 non-IBD) with a gastrointestinal polymerase chain reaction panel positive for C. difficile, E. coli , or norovirus, or negative during an episode of diarrhea from 2018 to 2020, and 25 healthy controls. Clinical variables, IBD status, and 2-year outcomes were collected. Using 16S rRNA sequencing, we measured the effect size of the gut microbiome on IBD characteristics and outcomes. There were major differences in the gut microbiome between patients with and without a pathogen and IBD. In IBD, a higher proportion of patients without a pathogen required hospitalization and IBD therapies at flare and within the 2 years after flare, driven by a milder disease course in flares complicated by an E. coli subtype or norovirus. Examining the contribution of clinical covariates, the presence of IBD, and C-reactive protein, C. difficile had a greater relative influence on the gut microbiome compared with the presence of an E. coli subtype or norovirus. In patients with C. difficile or no pathogen, lower microbiome diversity at flare was associated with adverse IBD outcomes over 2 years. Distinctive pathogen-specific gut microbiomes were associated with subsequent IBD outcomes. These findings may have direct implications for the management of IBD flares complicated by enteric pathogens.

Using technology acceptance model to understand fish farmers’ intention to use black soldier fly larvae meal in Nile tilapia production in Kenya

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying socio-psychological factors that influence pond and cage farmers’ intentions to adopt Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) in Kenya. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study empirically investigated the relationship between TAM constructs, namely Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude towards Use (ATT), and Behavioral Intention (BI) to use BSFL. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect primary data from 211 randomly selected cage operators (98) and pond farmers (113) in Kenya’s Siaya, Kisumu, and Homabay Counties. A structural equation model was employed to examine hypothesized paths in the uptake of BSFL meal with the aid of SmartPLS 3. The inner model path coefficients suggested that ATT had the strongest effect on farmers’ intentions to adopt BSFL (0.411). Further, PU had a greater relative influence on intention to adopt BSFL than PEOU based on the model path coefficients of 0.319 and 0.178 respectively. This indicates that the more respondents believe BSFL is useful in their fish farm's production conditions, the more likely they are to adopt BSFL. Consequently, these findings have direct implications for policy development and the potential use of BSFL in aquaculture.

Continuous-Time Modeling of the Bidirectional Relationship Between Incidental Affect and Physical Activity.

Previous research suggests that there is a bidirectional relationship between incidental affect (i.e., how people feel in day-to-day life) and physical activity behavior. However, many inconsistencies exist in the body of work due to the lag interval between affect and physical activity measurements. Using a novel continuous-time analysis paradigm, we examined the temporal specificity underlying the dynamic relationship between positive and negative incidental affective states and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). A community sample of adults (n = 126, Mage = 27.71, 51.6% Male) completed a 14-day ambulatory assessment protocol measuring momentary positive and negative incidental affect six times a day while wearing a physical activity monitor (Fitbit). Hierarchical Bayesian continuous-time structural equation modeling was used to elucidate the underlying dynamics of the relationship between incidental affective states and MVPA. Based on the continuous-time cross-effects, positive and negative incidental affect predicted subsequent MVPA. Furthermore, engaging in MVPA predicted subsequent positive and negative incidental affect. Incidental affective states had a greater relative influence on predicting subsequent MVPA compared to the reciprocal relationship. Analysis of the discrete-time coefficients suggests that cross-lagged effects increase as the time interval between measurements increase, peaking at about 8 h between measurement occasions before beginning to dissipate. The results provide support for a recursive relationship between incidental affective states and MVPA, which is particularly strong at 7-9 hr time intervals. Future research designs should consider these medium-term dynamics, for both theory development and intervention.

Agronomic and on-farm infrastructure adaptations to manage economic risk in Australian irrigated broadacre systems: A case study

ContextIrrigated agriculture is critical to feeding a growing global population. Irrigation contributes 30% of agricultural gross value in Australia, but water scarcity and the volatility of Australia’s open water market are significant challenges. ObjectiveIn this paper we advance a context-specific, system-based approach that aims to identify financially feasible irrigation designs and decision making, with the goal to increase water productivity, whole-farm profitability, and risk management. MethodsWe use a new analytical framework that combines crop simulation, discounted cash flow, system profit gap, probability theory and risk aversion analysis to quantify economic risk and compare 16 adaptation scenarios in an irrigated broadacre farm of the Riverina region in Australia. The scenarios result from the factorial of four agronomic systems (Baseline/Current, Diversified, Intensified, Simplified) and four irrigation methods − including surface irrigation by gravity (Flood) and by pumps (Pipe & Riser), pressurised irrigation by overhead spray (Pivot) and micro-dosing (Drip). Results and conclusionsA system profit gap of ~$10 M was quantified for the irrigated farm area over 30 years. Relative to the Baseline – flood-irrigated wheat-canola − significant long-term profit gains were identified for the Intensified (mean 273%) and Diversified (mean 80%) scenarios. Current and Simplified scenarios were less profitable than the Baseline (mean −16% and −37%, respectively). The benefits of intensification were accrued from large gains in crop gross margins − especially cotton yields − that consistently offset the set-up costs and additional water use. Diversification was superior in mitigating economic risk due to higher returns per ML of irrigated water and more diverse sources of income. Under the assumptions in our study, agronomic system had greater relative influence on financial performance than irrigation infrastructure. SignificanceWe demonstrated the potential to inform investment decisions from improving our understanding of trade-offs between profits and risks in the face of high climate variability, market volatility and Australia’s open water market.

Feral horse cause-specific mortality relative to mustering (gathering) and individual demographic attributes in the USA

Abstract Context Mustering (gathering) feral horses (Equus ferus caballus) often cause mortalities, yet cause-specific details are lacking. Aims Given the need to optimise horse welfare, we analysed public horse muster data from the USA to understand specific causes of mortalities. Methods We coded 393 individual horse mortality reports for 92 cause-specific mortality terms (keywords informing the deciphering of specific causes of mortality classified as anatomical, causal or conditional) and demographic details (age, sex, and body condition). Data were derived from 50 musters across seven states with at least one horse mortality. Musters were coded for type (helicopter or bait), emergency or regular planned efforts, and number of horses mustered and shipped daily. Key Results More horses were euthanased than died naturally (330 (84.0%) and 39 (9.9%) respectively), and more horses had chronic than acute conditions (317 (80.7%) and 76 (19.3%) respectively), with both trends holding for both sexes and across ages. Body condition scores (BCS) for female horses were skewed low, whereas male horse BCS data were more normally distributed. Female horses had lower BCS than did male horses (P < 0.001). On average, each horse mortality had two cause-specific mortality terms, ranging from 1 to 7. Only 57 horses (14.5%) had terms describing anatomy, cause and condition, concurrently. Phi coefficients (φ; indicators of fidelity and constancy) for cause-specific terms were related to demographic or muster attributes and were analysed with post hoc ANOVA tests of estimated marginal means to allow for ranking. Female horses were most often described as emaciated, weak, and starving, whereas male horses were described as lame, arthritic, blind or dangerous. Bait trapping and emergency musters included horses that were starving, dehydrated and weak. Conclusions Generally, disorders associated with legs and feet, eyes, necks and nutrition were the most prevalent cause-specific mortality issues. Using a machine learning approach, validation and test accuracy were high for predicting euthanasia versus natural mortalities, but low for predicting acute versus chronic mortalities. Individual horse demographics or daily muster features had a greater relative influence than did capture type or emergency status in both comparisons. Implications These results provide practical insight for potential cause-specific mortalities relative to demographics and muster techniques.

학대피해아동쉼터 생활복지사의 직무스트레스가 조직몰입 및 이직의도에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this research is to explore the effect of the job stress on organization commitment and turnover intention for social who work in shelters of abused children and to provide valuable information to enhance their professional ability and work environment setting. For the purpose, the questionnaire about job stress, organization commitment, and turnover intention targeting the 120 social who work in the shelters for abused children. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis according to the research question. Results of the study are as follows. First, the social showed negative correlation between job stress and organization commitment as well as between organization commitment and turnover intention. Also positive correlation was found between job stress and turnover intention. Second, the job stress perceived by the social showed the negative effects on the organization commitment, and among the sub-factors of the job stress, the relation conflict had the greater relative influence on it. Third, the social workers job stress showed the positive effects on the turnover intention, and among the sub-factors, the inappropriate compensation had the great relative effect on it. Based on the study, it is suggested the need of change in the work environment and organization system to enhance the organization commitment and to reduce the turnover rate by providing appropriate compensation corresponding to the amount of work, and building the interactive relationship among workers. Also, the discussion and implication were suggested in terms of providing the related services and the institutional support.

Neurocognitive Deficits in a Cohort With Class 2 and Class 3 Obesity: Contributions of Type 2 Diabetes and Other Comorbidities.

Objective:This study examined the relationship between specific metabolic and vascular risk factors and cognition in adults with severe obesity.Methods:129 adults (with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2) underwent a baseline clinical evaluation and neuropsychological assessment. Regression analyses examined the relationship between cognition and medical factors (BMI, hemoglobin HbA1c, diabetes, hypertension, CPAP use, obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], and osteoarthritis).Results:Diabetes was associated with deficits in overall cognitive performance, and in the executive, processing speed and verbal fluency domains. HbA1c was inversely related to overall cognitive performance and deficits in the attention domain. Participants using CPAP to treat OSA had stronger learning and memory performance, whereas OSA was associated with reduced total learning. Elevated BMI together with diabetes diagnosis were associated with reduced verbal fluency and greater variability in sustained attention.Conclusions:Obesity-associated comorbidities, most notably appear to have a greater relative influence on cognitive performance than BMI itself in adults with severe obesity. This likely reflects the fact the very elevated BMI was ubiquitous, and thereby probably exerted a similar influence among all adults in the cohort. Accordingly, in the context of severe obesity, diabetes and other comorbidities may have greater sensitivity to cognitive deficits than BMI alone.ClinicalTrials.gov RegistryName: Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, Bariatric Surgery Effects on Brain FunctionURL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02137070NCT Identifier: Other Study ID Numbers: 201400034-N1R01DK099334–01A1 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

The Relative Influences of Officers and Auditors on Annual Report Textual Disclosures

We use changes in firm officers and external auditors to examine the relative influences of these parties on annual report textual disclosures. Using a sample of public companies that file XBRL-tagged financial statements with the SEC between 2011 and 2018, we find that changes in chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), and external auditors are associated with significant changes in textual disclosures in both MD&A and the footnotes. Hierarchically, changes in CEOs have the smallest influence on MD&A and the footnotes. Although changes in CFOs and external auditors generally have comparable influences on MD&A, changes in external auditors have a greater relative influence on the footnotes. We additionally find that changes from a lower quality to a higher quality external auditor are associated with the greatest changes in both MD&A and footnote disclosures. Changes in CFOs and external auditors appear to have the greatest influences over MD&A disclosures for smaller firms, but the auditor’s significant influence over the footnotes is pervasive across small and large firms. Our findings inform the ongoing discussions at the SEC and FASB on improving annual report disclosures and highlight the significant influence that external auditors have over disclosures in the annual report.

Flood pulse effects on multispecies fishery yields in the Lower Amazon.

Seasonally fluctuating water levels, known as ‘flood pulses’, control the productivity of large river fisheries, but the extent and mechanisms through which flood pulses affect fishery yields are poorly understood. To quantify and better understand flood pulse effects on fishery yields, this study applied regression techniques to a hydrological and fishery record (years 1993–2004) for 42 species of the Amazon River floodplains. Models based on indices of fishing effort, high waters and low waters explained most of the interannual variability in yields (R2=0.8). The results indicated that high and low waters in any given year affected fishery yields two and three years later through changes in fish biomass available for harvesting, contributing 18% of the explained variability in yields. Fishing effort appeared to amplify high and low water effects by changing in direct proportion to changes in fish biomass available for harvesting, contributing 62% of the explained variability in yields. Although high waters are generally expected to have greater relative influence on fishery yields than low waters, high and low waters exerted equal forcing on these Amazonian river-floodplain fishery yields. These findings highlight the complex dynamics of river-floodplain fisheries in relation to interannual variability in flood pulses.

Impaired limb shortening following stroke: what's in a name?

BackgroundDifficulty advancing the paretic limb during the swing phase of gait is a prominent manifestation of walking dysfunction following stroke. This clinically observable sign, frequently referred to as ‘foot drop’, ostensibly results from dorsiflexor weakness.ObjectiveHere we investigated the extent to which hip, knee, and ankle motions contribute to impaired paretic limb advancement. We hypothesized that neither: 1) minimal toe clearance and maximal limb shortening during swing nor, 2) the pattern of multiple joint contributions to toe clearance and limb shortening would differ between post-stroke and non-disabled control groups.MethodsWe studied 16 individuals post-stroke during overground walking at self-selected speed and nine non-disabled controls who walked at matched speeds using 3D motion analysis.ResultsNo differences were detected with respect to the ankle dorsiflexion contribution to toe clearance post-stroke. Rather, hip flexion had a greater relative influence, while the knee flexion influence on producing toe clearance was reduced.ConclusionsSimilarity in the ankle dorsiflexion, but differences in the hip and knee, contributions to toe clearance between groups argues strongly against dorsiflexion dysfunction as the fundamental impairment of limb advancement post-stroke. Marked reversal in the roles of hip and knee flexion indicates disruption of inter-joint coordination, which most likely results from impairment of the dynamic contribution to knee flexion by the gastrocnemius muscle in preparation for swing. These findings suggest the need to reconsider the notion of foot drop in persons post-stroke. Redirecting the focus of rehabilitation and restoration of hemiparetic walking dysfunction appropriately, towards contributory neuromechanical impairments, will improve outcomes and reduce disability.

Forest Composition: More Altered by Future Climate Change than by Euro-American Settlement in Western New York and Pennsylvania?

The amount of forest compositional change that occurred due to Euro-American settlement over the past two centuries is compared with changes simulated to occur in the future under 2X and 3.5X atmospheric CO2 scenarios. The comparison employs data from presettlement land survey records, modern forest inventory data, and future predictions from niche-based species distribution models. Comparisons are made in four independent study areas in western Pennsylvania and New York. Forest compositional changes in the recent past, attributed largely to anthropogenic factors other than climate change, are intermediate in size to changes predicted to occur as the result of climate change under the 2X CO2 and 3.5X CO2 scenarios. Results are similar across the four study areas, and are robust to variations in data collection and compilation methods. These results disagree with previous pollen-based estimates that suggested a greater relative influence of a 2X CO2 climate change, but do indicate that a 3.5X CO2 climate change may cause greater changes in forest composition than has already occurred due to anthropogenic impacts.

Combined long-term effects of variable tree regeneration and timber management on forest songbirds and timber production

The structure of forest stands is an important determinant of habitat use by songbirds, including species of conservation concern. In this paper, we investigate the combined long-term impacts of variable tree regeneration and timber management on stand structure, songbird occupancy probabilities, and timber production in northern hardwood forests. We develop species-specific relationships between bird species occupancy and forest stand structure for canopy-dependent black-throated green warbler ( Dendroica virens), eastern wood-pewee ( Contopus virens), least flycatcher ( Empidonax minimus) and rose-breasted grosbeak ( Pheucticus ludovicianus) from field data collected in northern hardwood forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We integrate these bird-forest structure relationships with a forest simulation model that couples a forest-gap tree regeneration submodel developed from our field data with the US Forest Service Forest Vegetation Simulator (Ontario variant). Our bird occupancy models are better than null models for all species, and indicate species-specific responses to management-related forest structure variables. When simulated over a century, higher overall tree regeneration densities and greater proportions of commercially high value, deer browse-preferred, canopy tree Acer saccharum (sugar maple) than low-value, browse-avoided subcanopy tree Ostrya virginiana (ironwood) ensure conditions allowing larger harvests of merchantable timber and had greater impacts on bird occupancy probability change. Compared to full regeneration, no regeneration over 100 years reduces merchantable timber volumes by up to 25% and drives differences in bird occupancy probability change of up to 30%. We also find that harvest prescriptions can be tailored to affect both timber removal volumes and bird occupancy probability simultaneously, but only when regeneration is adequate. When regeneration is poor (e.g., 25% or less of trees succeed in regenerating), timber harvest prescriptions have a greater relative influence on bird species occupancy probabilities than on the volume of merchantable timber harvested. However, regeneration density and composition, particularly the density of Acer saccharum regenerating, have the greatest long-term effects on canopy bird occupancy probability. Our results imply that forest and wildlife managers need to work together to ensure tree regeneration density and composition are adequate for both timber production and the maintenance of habitat for avian species over the long-term. Where tree regeneration is currently poor (e.g., due to deer herbivory), forest and wildlife managers should pay particularly close attention to the long-term impacts of timber harvest prescriptions on bird species.

Are capital structure decisions of service SMEs different? Empirical evidence from Portugal

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the importance of information asymmetry in the relationships between Portuguese SME's capital structure decisions and creditors, comparing the results of service SME with those found in manufacturing SMEs.Design/methodology/approachTwo samples of Portuguese SMEs are considered: one sample is composed by 610 unlisted service SMEs; and, the other sample is made up by 381 unlisted SMEs in manufacturing industry, for the period 1999‐2006. To estimate the results, the two‐step estimation method is used, to control possible bias arising from data selection. In the first step, probit regression is used. In the second step, after the control for possible data bias, dynamic panel estimators are used.FindingsThe results obtained suggest that information asymmetry in the relationships between SMEs and creditors has a greater relative influence on capital structure decisions of service SMEs than on those of manufacturing SMEs.Practical implicationsGiven the increasing importance of service SMEs in the Portuguese economy for stimulating employment, business volume, and consequently economic growth, it would be advisable for policy makers to create special long‐term lines of credit, with advantageous terms, so that Portuguese service SMEs, when internal finance is insufficient, can finance more efficiently the growth opportunities and the strategies for diversification. In addition, since SMEs' capital structure decisions present differences, both concerning the sector of industry and over time, the measures adopted by policy makers should differentiate their measures between industry sectors and over time.Originality/valueFirst, this paper is pioneering in comparing the adjustment of actual short‐ and long‐term debts, in service and manufacturing SMEs, towards the respective target ratios. Second, it is pioneering in using dynamic estimators and in using the two‐step estimation method, in studies of determinants of capital structure decisions of service and manufacturing SMEs.

Renewing Assets with Uncertain Revenues and Operating Costs

AbstractWe study optimal replacement and abandonment decisions for real assets, when both revenues and costs are uncertain and deteriorate with age. We develop an implicit representation of the renewal boundary as the solution to a set of simultaneous equations. This quasi-analytical method has the merit of computational ease and transparency. We show that the correlation between revenues and operating costs has a significant influence on the renewal boundary, and that the increase in revenue immediately following a renewal has a greater relative influence on the boundary than either operating cost or renewal cost. The quasi-analytical method is sufficiently flexible to deal with other real option models involving 2 variables.

Information accessibility and utilizatoin as factors influencing decision-making of managers in commercial banks in Nigeria

This study investigated information accessibility and utilization as factors influencing decision-making of managers in commercial banks in Nigeria. Single stage random sampling with equal allocation method was used to select 550 managers from the 66 licensed commercial banks. The study revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between academic qualifications and information utilization in decision-making of the respondents (r = 0.88, P < 0.05). Information accessibility and utilization, when taken together significantly influenced decision-making of the respondents (F = 48.67, df = 2; 507, P < 0.05). Also, each of the two factors independently has a significant influence on decision-making of the respondents information accessibility (&#946; = 0.6214; df = 507, T = 10.71, P < 0.05) and information utilization (&#946; = 0.8246, df = 507, T = 12.49 P < 0.05). The study also found that information utilization has a greater relative influence than information accessibility on decision-making of the respondents. Information accessibility and utilization was found to have significant positive multiple relationship with decision-making of the respondents (R = 0.8428, P < 0.05). It is therefore recommended that the management should make relevant information accessible on time for the use of managers for improved decision-making in the Nigerian commercial banks. Keywords: Information accessibility, information utilisation, commercial banks, managers, Nigeria.Ghana Library Journal Vol. 18 2006: pp. 1-24

Teen internet mavens: influence in family decision making

The Internet is changing the nature of the family decision-making process. With its ability to provide easily accessible information and purchase options, the Internet has potentially altered the decision-making roles of family members based on their interest in and expertise with the Internet. Similar in conceptualization to the market maven, the authors hypothesize the existence of an Internet maven—an individual who is relied upon more for providing information from the virtual marketplace. These teen Internet mavens are hypothesized to enjoy net surfing and to have greater relative influence in the family decision-making process than their nonmaven counterparts. Survey data from a National Family Opinion (NFO) sample of matched pairs of parents and teens supported these hypotheses.