High Factor Loadings Research Articles

From self-reports to observations: Unraveling digital billboard influence on drivers

The objective of this current study was to evaluate the impact of digital billboards (DBs) on self-reported and observed driving behavior, given their established association with distracted driving. This investigation focused on driver behavior in Iran using a dual-pronged approach. Initially, self-reported driving behavior was analyzed using a Driving Behavior Questionnaire (DBQ), which was completed online by 453 drivers. The factor analysis of the questionnaire data emphasized the significant role of DBs in generating driving errors, lapses, unintentional violations, and intentional violations. The DBQ questions exhibited a clear factor structure, demonstrating high factor loadings and satisfactory internal stability. The findings indicated that advertising signages notably influenced drivers' behavior, particularly in instances of neglecting the behavior of the leading vehicle's driver (Lapse), disregarding pedestrian crossings (Error), disregarding red lights (Intentional violation), and overtaking without considering traffic flow behind (Unintentional violation). Subsequently, participants engaged in an Instrumented Vehicle Study (IVS) to explore observed driver behavior when encountering DBs (899 samples). Four factors were identified as significantly influencing the likelihood of driver distraction: the driver's crash history, time of day, driver's age, and road type. A logistic regression analysis was conducted using the IVS data, revealing that drivers with prior crash experience approached DBs with 8.8 times more caution than those without such a history. Moreover, young adults were 8.25 times more susceptible to distraction from DBs compared to their older counterparts. Notably, the findings suggested that drivers were nearly four times more prone to distraction at night compared to daytime. Additionally, drivers were twice as likely to be distracted at intersections compared to other road types. The outcomes of this study can offer insights for policy interventions regarding the content and placement of DBs, aiming to minimize their impact on road safety while still enabling advertisers to target their intended audience.

Development and Standardization of an Adaptation Index to Assess the Climate Resilient Practices by Paddy Growers

India is prominently recognized as the foremost producer of paddy, cultivating this crop over 47.83 million hectares and generating 135.75 million tonnes of paddy, thus playing a substantial role in the worldwide paddy output. However, there is an anticipated decline in paddy production yields due to the projected effects of climate change, estimated to range from 10% to 30% by 2030. In recent times, adaptation to climate change has become a major concern to farmers, policy makers and researchers. Climate resilient rice production practices need to be enhanced at the farm level in order to aid rural residents in improving their household food security. Against this backdrop, the proposed research seeks to fill this crucial knowledge gap by developing and constructing adaptation index tailored specifically for paddy growers in India. Through a literature review and discussions with experts, we have identified indicators and sub-indicators using the indicator approach method. These indicators will help us understand how paddy growers are adapting to climate change and implementing climate resilient practices. The relevancy rating score was obtained from 30 experts in the concerned area. Based on the relevancy score, 8 indicators and 23 sub-indicators of 0.80 and above were considered for inclusion in the adaptation index. To compute the index values for each of the identified indicators, their relative importance in the adaptation practices was worked out by assignment of index values to indicators through Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the high factor loadings exceeded 0.5 of sub-indicators were considered and the findings revealed that disease and management had highest index value of 3.461, followed by methods of paddy establishment (2.195), crop rejuvenation techniques (2.10), altered planting dates (2.049), water saving and management techniques (1.987), nursery management (1.562), paddy varieties (1.342) and spacing (1.214).

Blood periostin/procalcitonin index and glomerular filtration rate in various types of bronchial asthma

Introduction. The possibility of co-existence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and bronchial asthma (BA) was shown earlier and we found that the mechanisms of the CKD development differ depending on the variant of the disease (allergic and nonallergic). New biomarkers of the activity of allergic (periostin) and infectious (procalcitonin) inflammation in BA have appeared. Evidence of the involvement of the periostin in the pathogenesis of the CKD was obtained, and an increase in the level of procalcitoninin CKD was also found. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the possible influence of periostin and procalcitonin on progression of creatinine clearance decrease regarding different BA phenotypes. Methods. 19 patients with BA (13 patients with an allergic variant, 6 patients with a nonallergic variant of the disease) were examined.The determination of blood periostin and blood procalcitonin was carried out by ELISA. The periostin/procalciton index was calculated, the resulting dimensionless value was subject to logarithming on the basis of 10. Results. It was found that the levels of periostin differ depending on the BA variant. With an allergic variant, the level of periostin is significantly higher than in nonallergic variant. The level of procalcitonin is much higher in a nonallergic variant of the disease, although the levels of this protein are on average within normal values in both variants of the disease. The glomerular filtration rate in the examined group of patients as a whole is within normal values. Factor analysis revealed that factor 1 reflects the relationship of the component characterizing the biomarkers of infectious inflammation (procalcitonin, ESR) with a negative factor load for bronchial asthma and the glomerular filtration rate with a positive factor load. The component of such an integral indicator as the periostin/procalcitonin index has the highest factor load; factor 2 reflects the negative impact of both biomarkers on the glomerular filtration rate; factor 3 reflects the characteristics of the eosinophilic IgE-mediated inflammation in bronchial asthma. Conclusion. Periostin and procalcitonin as biomarkers of allergic and infectious inflammation possibly influence the glomerular filtration rate in different variants of bronchial asthma. The activity of each biomarker may vary depending on BA type (allergic or nonallergic).

Validating and Shortening the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) for Measuring Positive Emotions in Foreign Language Learning and Classroom Settings

Motivated by the ‘emotional turn’ in applied linguistics and the recent introduction of positive psychology in L2 studies, the present study aimed to validate and shorten the Achievement Emotions Questionnaire (AEQ) for measuring positive emotions in foreign language learning and classroom settings. To this end, data were collected from 442 Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students from several major state universities using the adapted sub-scales of positive classroom- and learning-related emotions of the AEQ. To prepare the short version, five items with the highest factor loadings in each of the six sub-scales were retained, which resulted in a total of 30 items. A six-factor model of this short version called Foreign Language Positive Emotions Questionnaire (FL-PEQ) was corroborated, which indicated that this measure could adequately differentiate between enjoyment, hope, and pride in foreign language ‘learning’ and ‘classroom’. Additionally, internal validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the FL-PEQ were confirmed.

Analysis of in-vehicle air quality and load factor as environmental and social dimensions of sustainable urban mobility: A case study from Kathmandu valley, Nepal

Introduction: Assessing in-vehicle air pollution and load factor is crucial in developing countries like Nepal within the environmental and social aspects of sustainable urban mobility. Materials and methods: In this study in-vehicle air quality of public vehicles in Kathmandu valley was monitored for three road sections based on vehicle density i.e. Ring Road Section (RRS), Urban Commercial Route 1 (UCR1), and Urban Commercial Route 2 (UCR2) using Air Visual Pro N1 Model for which validationand was done with reference Particulate Matter (PM) values obtained from the GRIMM EDM 180 analyzer. The quantitative count method was used to sample passenger load. Particulate Matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) were monitored along with indoor-outdoor ratio for PM2.5 to know therelationship between indoor and outdoor air quality Results: A higher positive correlation between PM 2.5 and PM10 showed common sources of pollution such as road dust, and vehicle exhaust and a ratio study between them showed the dominance of coarser particles in both ambient and in-vehicle environments. RRS recorded the highest PM10 and PM2.5 exposure, possibly due to the inadequate road conditions from Kalanki to Gongabu and loose sediment deposition from roadside activities. A significant difference is observed for peak and non-peak hours due to the difference in mobility of vehicles on two different hours. Higher load factors on UCR1 and UCR2 showed the higher transportation demand on urban commercial sections for both weekdays and weekends in comparison to RRS. Conclusion: Both in-vehicle air quality and load factor for sections under study were not satisfactory and cannot be counted under sustainable urban mobility practices.

Constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies to climate change effects by small-scale rice farmers in Northeastern, Nigeria

This study ascertained the constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies to climate change effects amongst rice farmers in Northeastern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 rice farmers. The analytical tools used to analyze the data obtained were descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows the used and unused adaptation strategies for drought resistant rice variety were 33.0% and 67.0%, heat resistant rice variety were 30.7% and 69.3%, short rice cycle seeds were 2.3% and 97.7%, early maturing rice variety were 32.7% and 67.3%, early planting were 32.0% and 68.0%, late planting were 33.0% and 67.0%, early harvesting were 32.7% and 67.3%, late harvesting were 31.7% and 68.3. The result on constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies shows that the constraints with higher loading factors were low level of income (λ=0.799), low literacy level (λ=0.727), inadequate knowledge on how to cope with climate change related issues (λ=0.761), poor response to climate related issues (λ=0.782), poor financial support from NGOs (0.648), inadequate agricultural loans (0.655) and high administrative charges on loan (λ=0.555). Other constraints included inadequate extension workers (λ=0.583), inadequate extension contacts (λ=0.550), long bureaucracy in getting formal credit (λ=0.588), lack of reliable sources of information on climate change (λ=0.708), loans not readily available during farming season (λ=0.752), and inadequate financial support from government (0.428). Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that low users of adaptation strategies were evident in the zone. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should encourage the use of adaptation strategies in the zone.

Development of a short form of the Japanese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA-J-10) among informal caregivers of older adults.

To support informal caregivers, a simple assessment tool capturing the multidimensional nature of caregiving experiences, including negative and positive aspects, is required. We developed a short form of the Japanese version of the Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA-J), a multidimensional assessment scale for caregiver experiences. The internet survey involved 934 Japanese informal caregivers aged 20-79 years (mean age = 58.8 years; 50.2% women) who completed questionnaires, including the CRA-J 18 items (CRA-J-18), consisting of five domains, such as impacts on schedule and finances and positive experiences of caregiving. A 10-item short version of the CRA-J (CRA-J-10; 0-50 points), which was prepared by selecting the two items with the highest factor loadings from each domain, was tested for model fit by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and was analyzed for correlations with the CRA-J-18, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale (PACS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and WHO-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The area under the curve (AUC) in the receiver operating characteristic was evaluated as discriminability for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10 points). The CFA indicated a good model fit in the CRA-J-10. The CRA-J-10 correlated well with the CRA-J-18 and other variables (CRA-J-18, r = 0.970; ZBI, r = 0.747; PACS, r = -0.467; PHQ-9, r = 0.582; WHO-5, r = -0.588) and showed good discriminant performance for the presence of depressive symptoms (AUC = 0.793, 95% confidence interval = 0.762-0.823). The CRA-J-10 allows a simple assessment of caregiver experiences, helping support informal caregivers. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 290-296.

Psychometric validation of the Psoriasis Symptom Scale, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue and pain-Visual Analogue Scale in patients with generalized pustular psoriasis.

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a rare, chronic, inflammatory skin disease associated with considerable patient burden. The Psoriasis Symptom Scale (PSS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) and pain-Visual Analogue Scale (pain-VAS) are patient-reported outcomes (PROs) that have not yet been validated in patients with GPP. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS using data from Effisayil 1, a randomised trial of spesolimab in patients with moderate-to-severe GPP. Inter-item correlations and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed using Week 1 data. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach's α coefficient using baseline and Week 1 data. Test-retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs); change data for the GPP Physician Global Assessment total score and pustulation subscore were used to define a stable population. Convergent validity was assessed at baseline and Week 1 using Spearman's rank-order correlations. Known-groups validity was measured by analysis of variance using Week 1 data. Ability to detect change from baseline to Week 1 was evaluated by analysis of covariance. Inter-item and item-to-total correlations were moderate or strong for most PSS and FACIT-Fatigue items. CFA demonstrated the unidimensionality of the PSS and FACIT-Fatigue, with high factor loadings for most items (PSS range, 0.75-0.94; FACIT-Fatigue range, 0.11-0.93) and acceptable fit statistics. Both scores demonstrated internal consistency (Cronbach's α, 0.71 and 0.95, respectively). The PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS demonstrated test-retest reliability (ICCs ≥0.70) and good evidence of convergent validity. Furthermore, the PROs could differentiate between known groups of varying symptom severity (range, p < 0.0001-0.0225) and detect changes in symptom severity from baseline to Week 1 (range, p < 0.0001-0.0002). Overall, these results support the reliability, validity and ability to detect change of the PSS, FACIT-Fatigue and pain-VAS as PROs in patients with GPP.

Influence of Soft Skills on Employability in Large Companies in the Processing Industry, from a Management Perspective

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to identify the relationship between soft skills and employability in large companies in the transformation sector in the state of Hidalgo. It was a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research. Owners or managers of 117 large companies in the transformation sector from 27 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo were interviewed. The results showed that managers perceive two types of soft skills related to employability: 1) analytical ability and reasoning and 2) intuition and experience. The factors that influence the first are the same reasonable and innovative thinking, however, it was also found that knowing one's own emotions is significant. Theoretical Framework: Soft skills must be understood as the ability to carry out processes and be able to use knowledge in a responsible way to achieve an objective. Skills are part of a holistic concept of competence, which involves the mobilization of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to meet complex demands (OECD, 2018). There are different types of skills, such as; cognitive and metacognitive skills, including critical thinking, creative thinking, learning to learn, and self-regulation. Social and emotional skills are defined, which include empathy, self-efficacy, responsibility and collaboration, as well as practical and physical skills, among others (OECD, 2018). The study references various authors who have addressed the relationship between these and employability. The literature review delves into the various studies on the matter. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research was carried out. The object of the study were large companies in the transformation sector of 27 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo. Findings: A factor analysis was carried out to determine the soft skills with the highest factor loading, as well as those of employability. Through multiple regression analysis, it was identified that soft skills showed a significant relationship with each of the two factors found in employability (Anderson et al., 2012; Hair et al., 2019; Lind et al., 2012). The factors “Understanding the feelings of others and towards others and reasonable and innovative thinking” and “Knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others” obtained a positive coefficient, that is, both the understanding of the feelings of others, Reasonable and innovative thinking, as well as knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others, have a direct positive relationship with employability. Given that the coefficient of factor 2 is greater than that of factor 3 (0.388 &gt; 0.133), superiors perceive that understanding the feelings of others and having reasonable and innovative thinking contributes more to employability, analytical capacity, reasoning and socialization, more than knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others. Also the “recognition, control and consequences of one's own emotions and creative thinking” was significant. The soft skills summarized in the factor defined as “creating assertive relationships and understanding the needs of others” were not significant for employability in either of the two multiple regression models. Research, Practical &amp; Social Implications: This research allows us to confirm, through inferential analysis, the influence of soft skills on employability, understood as transferable skills and qualifications that reinforce people's ability to take advantage of the education and training opportunities presented to them with a view to to find and keep decent work (International Labor Organization, 2019). Originality/Value: The study provides a statistical model that confirms the relationship between soft skills and employability. Which benefits both employers and professionals in search of professional development.

Influence of Soft Skills on Employability in Large Companies in the Processing Industry, from a Management Perspective

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to identify the relationship between soft skills and employability in large companies in the transformation sector in the state of Hidalgo. It was a quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research. Owners or managers of 117 large companies in the transformation sector from 27 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo were interviewed. The results showed that managers perceive two types of soft skills related to employability: 1) analytical ability and reasoning and 2) intuition and experience. The factors that influence the first are the same reasonable and innovative thinking, however, it was also found that knowing one's own emotions is significant. Theoretical Framework: Soft skills must be understood as the ability to carry out processes and be able to use knowledge in a responsible way to achieve an objective. Skills are part of a holistic concept of competence, which involves the mobilization of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to meet complex demands (OECD, 2018). There are different types of skills, such as; cognitive and metacognitive skills, including critical thinking, creative thinking, learning to learn, and self-regulation. Social and emotional skills are defined, which include empathy, self-efficacy, responsibility and collaboration, as well as practical and physical skills, among others (OECD, 2018). The study references various authors who have addressed the relationship between these and employability. The literature review delves into the various studies on the matter. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative, correlational, cross-sectional research was carried out. The object of the study were large companies in the transformation sector of 27 municipalities in the state of Hidalgo. Findings: A factor analysis was carried out to determine the soft skills with the highest factor loading, as well as those of employability. Through multiple regression analysis, it was identified that soft skills showed a significant relationship with each of the two factors found in employability (Anderson et al., 2012; Hair et al., 2019; Lind et al., 2012). The factors “Understanding the feelings of others and towards others and reasonable and innovative thinking” and “Knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others” obtained a positive coefficient, that is, both the understanding of the feelings of others, Reasonable and innovative thinking, as well as knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others, have a direct positive relationship with employability. Given that the coefficient of factor 2 is greater than that of factor 3 (0.388 &gt; 0.133), superiors perceive that understanding the feelings of others and having reasonable and innovative thinking contributes more to employability, analytical capacity, reasoning and socialization, more than knowing one's own emotions and feelings of others. Also the “recognition, control and consequences of one's own emotions and creative thinking” was significant. The soft skills summarized in the factor defined as “creating assertive relationships and understanding the needs of others” were not significant for employability in either of the two multiple regression models. Research, Practical &amp; Social Implications: This research allows us to confirm, through inferential analysis, the influence of soft skills on employability, understood as transferable skills and qualifications that reinforce people's ability to take advantage of the education and training opportunities presented to them with a view to to find and keep decent work (International Labor Organization, 2019). Originality/Value: The study provides a statistical model that confirms the relationship between soft skills and employability. Which benefits both employers and professionals in search of professional development.

Fear of Missing Out: A Scale Development with Focus on Hallyu Phenomenon

Hallyu that is marked by the proliferation of entering South Korean culture into Indonesia has become a phenomenon for especially young Indonesian people. This culture includes Korean films and dramas, Korean music and songs, as well as the use of South Korean artists as brand ambassadors for local products. The influence of South Korean culture thoughtfully results in psychological changes of the generation Z in Indonesia especially those who are in the development from adolescence to adulthood. The purpose of this research is to develop a measurement scale on the aspects that are considered to have a significant influence on the psychological condition of fear of being outdated in young women of the generation Z in Indonesia. This research started by looking for the results of relevant studies. Upon the collection of the references, items that were tested for validity and reliability were formulated. The pre-test was conducted by involving 50 young women of the generation Z in Indonesia. After being declared valid and reliable, further tests was conducted to find indicators that have high loading factor values by involving 100 respondents. The study results in three constructs comprising interest on the Korean culture, social circle acceptance, and intention to consume Korean cultural products. Business people can use the questionnaire for increasing the sales figure.

“Forecasting particulate matter concentrations by combining statistical models”

Air pollutants have adverse effects on human health and play significant roles in urban planning and specifying air quality ranges. Atmospheric particulate matter is one of the criteria air pollutants that may have a dominant effect on air pollution. The present analysis was made using data collected over five years (2011–2015) in an urban area. Air pollutant concentrations and climate data are analyzed using four models: a multiple linear regression model, a principle component regression model, a logarithmic architecture, a principle component regression model with the variables that only have the highest factor loadings in each principal component. Thus, the proposed model combines both methods the multiple linear regression and the principal component analysis to obtain clearer and more reliable predictions. The prediction model’s accuracy has been verified operating several performance indicators, which revealed acceptable values, demonstrating that the proposed model can be used to predict pollutant concentrations. According to statistical indicators (RMSE, NMSE, CV, FB and IOA), the best prediction models were Model 3 for winter (0.06, 0.001, 0.03, −0.000, and 0.69), Model 4 for spring (0.08, 0.002, 0.04, −0.019, and 0.99), Model1 for summer (3.41, 0.005, 0.07, 0.000, and 0.98), and Model 2 for autumn (11.71, 0.018, 0.13, −0.000, and 0.57). In addition, Model2 generally gave appropirate values for all seasons and can be used as a common model. Finally, combined models based on principal component analysis and multiple linear regression outperformed models with only multiple linear regression in terms of error.

Effect of trace element mixtures on the outcome of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a prospective cohort study in Fujian, China

BackgroundThe evidence about the effects of trace elements on overall survival(OS) of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) is limited. This study aims to evaluate mixed effects of plasma trace elements on OS of ESCC.MethodsThis prospective cohort analysis included 497 ESCC patients with a median follow-up of 52.3 months. The concentrations of 17 trace elements were measured. We fitted Cox’s proportional hazards regression, factor analysis and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models to estimate the association between trace elements and OS.ResultsOur analysis found that in the single-element model, Co, Ni, and Cd were associated with an increased risk of death, while Ga, Rb, and Ba were associated with a decreased risk. Cd had the strongest risk effect among all elements. As many elements were found to be mutually correlated, we conducted a factor analysis to identify common factors and investigate their associations with survival time. The factor analysis indicated that the factor with high factor loadings in Ga, Ba and B was linked to a decreased risk of death, while the factor with high factor loadings in Co, Ti, Cd and Pb was associated with a borderline significantly increased risk. Using BKMR analysis to disentangle the interaction between elements in significant factors, we discovered that Ga interacted with Ba and both elements had U-shaped effects with OS. Cd, on the other hand, had no interaction with other elements and independently increased the risk of death.ConclusionsOur analysis revealed that Ga, Ba and Cd were associated with ESCC outcome, with Ga and Ba demonstrating an interaction. These findings provide new insights into the impact of trace elements on the survival of patients with ESCC.

Identification of relevant anthropometric indicators in youth male soccer players

This study aimed to identify key body composition traits that differentiate young soccer players. Fifty-nine male athletes (age: 15.97 ± 0.49 years) from a soccer academy participated in this research. The selected participants underwent standardized physical and anthropometric assessments. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to identify the most essential physical variables relevant to the sport, with a recommended factor loading of &gt; 0.7. To refine factor selection, a Parallel Analysis (PA) was conducted. The reliability of the extracted factors was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Following Varimax rotation, the PCA revealed three principal components (PCs) with eigenvalues greater than 1. However, the PA further reduced the number of extracted PCs to two. The retained components accounted for 71.23% of the total variance. Each of the two components contained variables selected based on their high factor loadings. The first PC demonstrated strong loadings from mid-thigh girth (0.867), body fat percentage (0.851), thigh girth (0.848), and calf girth (0.825). The second PC highlighted lower limb length (0.896), standing height (0.782), sitting height (0.773), and thigh length (0.736). The reliability of the extracted PCs was confirmed, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.866 and 0.789 for the first and second PCs, respectively.

Factor Structure and Reliability of Big Five Inventory: A Study on Indian Tribal Population

The Current study aimed to investigate the structural organization of the Big Five Personality Inventory developed by John &amp; Srivastava. The study comprises of 140 tribal students belonging to various tribal communities and groups making a composition of Adi, Galo, Nyshii, and Apattani to be found mostly in the University’s premises. The primary data has been collected by administering a Big Five Personality Inventory. The reliability and factor structure of the inventory were measured. Among the total of 44 items, the total five major factors were extracted, representing only three main items in each factor with high factor loading, these five factors collectively accounted for 66.88% of total variance in personality traits on the sample of tribal students. The correlation matrix table revealed that extraversion exhibited strong inter correlations with agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.

Impacts of forest age on soil characteristics and fertility quality of Populus simonii shelter forest at the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land, China.

The sand fixing shelter forests in the Horqin Sandy Land are a key area in the "3-North" Shelter Forest Program in China, which has a history of over 50 years of artificial afforestation. Populus simonii Carr is one of the most dominant silvicultural species in the region. The aim of this study is to understand the soil characteristics and soil fertility of Populus simonii shelter forests at different growth stages and to establish a scientific basis for soil nutrient regulation and sustainable management of Populus simonii shelter forests at the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land. Sample plots were selected for young (≤15 a), middle-aged (16-25 a), near-mature (26-30 a), mature (31-40 a), and over-mature (≥41 a) forests. Each forest studied was in a state of natural restoration with uniform stand conditions and no artificial fertilizer was applied. These sites were selected to study changes in the soil characteristics in soil depths of 0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm. In order to avoid the problem of multicollinearity between soil variables and to reduce redundancy, principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlation analysis, and Norm value calculation were used to select the least correlated indicators with the highest factor loadings. This was used to establish the minimum data set. The soil fertility quality of these shelterbelts in different forest ages was quantified using the soil quality index (SQI). In the growth stage from young to nearly mature forests, the soil bulk weight and pH decreased with increasing forest age. Soil capillary porosity, noncapillary porosity, total porosity, water content, field water holding capacity, and organic carbon content increased with increasing forest age and soil nutrient content gradually improved. At the stage of near-mature to over-mature forests, the effect of forest age on soil bulk density was not significant and all other soil characteristics decreased to varying degrees as the forest age increased. The soil also developed from alkaline to neutral. The SQI of the total data set and the SQI of the minimum data set consistently showed that near-mature forests (NMF) > middle-aged forests (MAF) > mature forests (MF) > over-mature forests (OMF) > young forests (YF). The results of the two evaluation systems showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05, R 2 = 0.8263) indicating that it is feasible to use the minimum data set to evaluate the soil fertility of shelter forests of different forest ages. The age of the forest has an obvious effect on the soil characteristics and overall soil fertility of shelter forests. The Populus simonii shelter forests on the southern edge of the Horqin Sandy Land have great soil development at the early stage of afforestation and the soil nutrient content gradually increases. The soil fertility reaches a peak when the forest is nearly mature and the soil fertility declines after the age of the forest reaches 30 years.

ENERGY EFFICIENT OPERATION FOR NEXT GENERATION MASSIVE MIMO NETWORK

For the next generation of wireless networks, massive multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) is regarded as a potential technique. Base stations (BS) are provided with a relatively large number of antenna components in massive MIMO in order to increase spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). Meanwhile, EE of BSs are becoming an increasingly important concern for communications operators in order to maintain profitability and reduce the overall negative impact on the environment and economic concerns for wireless network users. In this paper, an energy-aware, load-adaptive operation approach is proposed for massive MIMO for the next generation of wireless communication systems. Energy-aware, load-adaptive network operation has been identified as a promising method for improving the energy efficiency of telecommunication networks. Our research indicates that at optimal sumSE, fully load-adaptive massive MIMO may greatly increase network EE by up to 8.666&amp;#37;, 43.317&amp;#37;, and 69.367&amp;#37; for high, medium, and low load factors, respectively, when compared to traditional non-load-adaptive massive MIMO.

Strengthening pharmacy practice: Development and validation of the resilience scale

Background/Aim. Despite the demanding nature of their roles in community pharmacies and their critical importance to patient safety, healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, are often not covered by the Resilience Scale. Therefore, the aim of the study was to develop and validate a resilience scale specifically tailored for pharmacists working in community pharmacies. Methods. The study involved the development and validation of a scale aimed at assessing psychological resilience among community pharmacists. The domains and items of the scale were considered from the aspect of review-ing the available literature. Content validation by subject matter experts and subsequent computation of the content validity index ensured the scale?s content validity. Face validity assessment ensured alignment with the in-tended construct. The final scale was distributed to a sample of 504 community pharmacists, after which the scale was analyzed using statistical methods such as factor analysis, multiple regression, and reliability analysis. Additionally, test-retest reliability analysis was performed on 80 community pharmacists. Results. During the brainstorming sessions and focus groups, 95 items were generated within five domains - Confidence, Agility, Coping with stress, Interpersonal relations, and Developmental thinking. Following expert review and rigorous content and face validity analyses, 30 items with Content Validity Index and Face Validity Index values surpassing 0.80 were retained. The scale exhibited strong internal consistency, with Cronbach?s alpha exceeding 0.9. Factor analysis confirmed the five-factor structure, with each component displaying high factor loadings and significant variable loadings on only one component. Conclusion. The Resilience Scale emerged as a promising tool for assessing community pharmacists? resilience, demonstrating robust psychometric properties. The study contributed validity evidence concerning content and internal structure, thereby enhancing the scale?s credibility in evaluating resilience domains within the pharmacy profession.

Morphological Patterns of the Long Limb Bones in the Lesser Bandicoot Rat, Bandicota Bengalensis (Rodentia: Muridae)

We examined the morphological patterns of long limb bones in the Lesser Bandicoot rat (Bandicota bengalensis) using univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses. A total of 18 morphometric measurements were taken using 30 adult specimens (11 males and 19 females) of B. bengalensis. The univariate analysis revealed non-significant right-left difference in the longest limb bones. Therefore, right side limb bones were used for further analyses. For most of the limb bone measurements, the mean values of the males were slightly larger than that of the females. However, the coefficient of variation did not differ significantly between the sexes. Most measurements of the fore limb and hind limb bones were significantly correlated with the length of respective bones. Allometric analysis exhibited isometry for many of the variables of humerus, ulna, femur, and tibia against the length of respective bones. These trends were also implied by the principal component analysis, as high factor loadings were observed for 80% and 75% variables of the forelimb and hindlimb, respectively. The epicondylar regions of the stylopodial bones (humerus and femur) and the width of radius showed non-significant correlation and/or negative allometry. Finally, our results suggest slightly male-biased sexual size dimorphism in the long limb bones and the growth patterns of the bone parts are greatly variable might be linked to the individual bone functions. Bangladesh J. Zool. 51(2): 191-203, 2023

The additional consumption and savings of paid energy of traction substations when using on-board and stationary storage devices

In traction power supply systems for city electric transport without storage devices, a significant part of the recovery energy is usefully reused for the load in the process of inter-train flows along the contact network. The excess part of the recuperation is dissipated by heat in the braking resistors. The use of on-board storage devices makes it possible to redirect all recovery energy from the car's traction drive to them. The remaining amount of no more than two-thirds of the received recuperation energy is supplied back to the traction drive from the storage device, excluding internal losses, since due to ohmic resistance, the actual efficiency of any type of storage device does not exceed 64 %. The on-board storage device consumes a significant amount of paid energy from the traction substation for its transportation by car, compensation for self-discharge, etc. The total balance of recovery energy returned to traction and losses from additional energy consumption for on-board storage devices is negative. When stationary storage devices operate in the contact network, useful recuperation flows are completely preserved. The excess part of the recovery is redirected to the contact network, where one part of it powers a low-power non-traction load while charging the storage device, and the other goes to the storage device, charging it. After a short period of storage in the storage device, the remainder of the excess recovery is released into the network for the load that appears in it. A stationary storage device has no energy consumption for transportation, and the consumption of paid energy for its own needs and compensation for self-discharge is significantly less than that of an on-board storage device due to its higher load factor. The stationary storage device has a positive balance of recovery energy which allows additional savings of paid energy from the traction substation in the amount of up to 10 % relative to such consumption during useful recovery flows without the use of storage devices.