Homogeneous Group Research Articles

Groundwaters in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, France: Grouping Homogeneous Groundwater Bodies for Optimized Monitoring and Protection

The number and diversity of groundwater bodies (GWBs) in large French administrative regions pose challenges to their monitoring and protection by regional health agencies. To overcome this obstacle, we propose, for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region (about 70,000 km2), a grouping of GWBs into homogeneous groups based on the sources of variability within a large dataset of groundwater physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics (8078 observations and 13 parameters). This grouping involved a dimensional reduction in the data hyperspace by principal component analysis (PCA) and a clustering based on the mean values of each GWB on the factorial axes. The information lost when clustering from the sample point scale to the GWB scale and then to that of the GWB group was quantified by analysis of variance and showed that grouping GWBs is accompanied by a small loss of information. A discriminant analysis confirmed the high spatial and temporal variability within the dataset, as well as the effectiveness of the proposed method for establishing homogeneous sets. Some roadmaps for more targeted monitoring of water resources were briefly proposed.

Semi-linear parabolic equations on homogenous Lie groups arising from mean field games

The existence and the uniqueness of solutions to some semilinear parabolic equations on homogeneous Lie groups, namely, the Fokker–Planck equation and the Hamilton–Jacobi equation, are addressed. The anisotropic geometry of the state space plays a crucial role in our analysis and creates several issues that need to be overcome. Indeed, the ellipticity directions span, at any point, subspaces of dimension strictly less than the dimension of the state space. Finally, the above results are used to obtain the short-time existence of classical solutions to the mean field games system defined on an homogenous Lie group.

The use of statistical methods in the system of monitoring the qualimetry of level language tests

This paper examines the problem of using statistical methods in the quality monitoring system of level language tests based on TOEFL, FCE and CAE materials. The majority of teachers and experts in qualimetry in general and educational qualimetry in particular are inexperienced which makes the use of test diagnostics at all stages of the learning process extremely challenging. The proposed approach involves the use of test diagnostics at every stage of the learning process to ensure accurate results. The quality of test tasks can be determined and the reliability coefficient of the tests can be calculated by employing experimental verification data and probabilistic factors. The statistical analysis of the results allows for the identification of qualitative characteristics of the test and provides insights into the heterogeneity of the subjects. This approach enables the grouping of subjects into homogeneous groups and ensures the adequacy of tests in a specific educational environment. This research employs the control cross-sectional analysis technique to identify areas of deficiency in understanding, ascertain the educational attainment of students and gauge their requirements. This method creates strategies to fill in any knowledge gaps and provides personalized support. Statistical methods are used in this research to collect, assess and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data.

Phenotypes of patients with systemic sclerosis in the Chinese Han population: a cluster analysis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous connective tissue disease that is commonly subdivided into limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) based on the extent of skin involvement. This subclassification may not reflect the full range of clinical phenotypic variation. This study aimed to investigate clinical features and aggregation of patients with SSc in Chinese based on SSc manifestations and organ involvements, in order to achieve precise treatment of SSc early prevention of complications. In total 287 SSc patients were included in this study. A cluster analysis was applied according to 13 clinical and serologic variables to determine subgroups of patients. Survival rates between obtained clusters and risk factors affecting prognosis were also compared. In this study, six clusters were observed: cluster 1 (n = 66) represented the skin type, with all patients showing skin thickening. In cluster 2 (n = 56), most patients had vascular and articular involvement. Cluster 3 (n = 14) individuals mostly had cardiac and pulmonary involvement. In cluster 4 (n = 52), the gastrointestinal type, 50 patients presented with stomach symptoms and 28 patients presented with esophageal symptoms. In cluster 5 (n = 50), patients barely had any major organ involvement. Cluster 6 (n = 49) included 46% of all patients presenting with renal crisis. The results of our cluster analysis study implied that limiting SSc patient subgroups to those based only on skin involvement might not capture the full heterogeneity of the disease. Organ damage and antibody profiles should be considered when identifying homogeneous patient groups with a specific prognosis. Key Points • Provides a new method of categorizing SSc patients. • Can better explain disease progression and guide subsequent treatment.

Similarities of the Latin Countries in Relation to Customer Expectations about Service Dimensions of the Hotel Service

This research delves into the alignment of service dimensions with customer expectations in Latin countries, exploring the presence of homogeneity within this diverse group. Utilizing unidirectional ANOVA for individual service dimensions, comparisons were made between the means of the Latin cluster, the Latin European cluster, and the Latin American cluster to evaluate the uniformity of country averages. The results revealthat Latin countries do not form a homogeneous group concerning service dimensions; at least one country demonstrates distinct expectations, indicating varying customer preferences. Additionally, disparities were identified between the Latin-European cluster and the Latin American cluster. This challenges the reliance of Latin companies on cultural and historical proximity for internationalization, as customer expectations for the same service vary. Managers are urged to conduct country-specific analyses and tailor marketing strategies and service offerings to each Latin country. The cross-cultural research spans ten largely unexplored Latin countries, where the absence of consensus among authors in cultural dimension clustering underscores an incongruity in labeling Latin customers as equals with identical service expectations.

The Professorenroman – a New Phenomenon in Bulgarian Literature

The article presents a phenomenon that until now has not been the subject of an independent and systematic study in Bulgarian literary studies. Tracing the development of the Bulgarian novel over the last three decades, it brings out the presence of a relatively homogeneous group of works that share common literary characteristics and ways of communicating with the reading audience. Systematizing and summarizing observations on more than ten novels published by contemporary Bulgarian writers, all of them university professors, the paper defines several specific features that are common to them. The phenomenon of the Professorenroman is examined briefly in the historical context of its emergence in the 19 th century, and in more detail as an effect and consequence of the development of Postmodernism in Bulgaria since the end of the 20 th century. Novels published most recently, including in 2022, are in focus.

Overlap of International League of Associations for Rheumatology and Preliminary Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization Classification Criteria for Nonsystemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in an Established UK Multicentre Inception Cohort.

The goal was to assess the degree of overlap between existing International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) and preliminary Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation (PRINTO) classification criteria for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Participants from the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study, a multicenter UK JIA inception cohort, were classified using the PRINTO and ILAR classification criteria into distinct categories. Systemic JIA was excluded because several classification items were not collected in this cohort. Adaptations to PRINTO criteria were required to apply to a UK health care setting, including limiting the number of blood biomarker tests required. The overlap between categories under the two systems was determined, and any differences in characteristics between groups were described. A total of 1,223 children and young people with a physician's diagnosis of JIA were included. Using PRINTO criteria, the majority of the patients had "other JIA" (69.5%). There was a high degree of overlap (91%) between the PRINTO enthesitis/spondylitis- and ILAR enthesitis-related JIA categories. The PRINTO rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive category was composed of 48% ILAR RF-positive polyarthritis and 52% undifferentiated JIA. The early-onset antinuclear antibodies-positive PRINTO category was largely composed of ILAR oligoarthritis (50%), RF-negative polyarthritis (24%), and undifferentiated JIA (23%). A few patients were unclassified under PRINTO (n=3) and would previously have been classified as enthesitis-related JIA (n=1) and undifferentiated JIA (n=2) under ILAR. Under the preliminary PRINTO classification criteria for childhood arthritis, most children are not yet classified into a named category. These data can help support further delineation of the PRINTO criteria to ensure homogenous groups of children can be identified.

Homogeneous regions of precipitation trends across the Amazon River Basin, determined from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre - GPCC

Space-temporal patterns of precipitation are influenced by complex interactions between changes in climate and land cover. The Amazon River Basin has local and global impacts regarding the hydrological cycle; therefore, it is critical to understand how precipitation patterns and intensity are changing. The objective of this study was to analyze precipitation trends and form homogeneous regions of precipitation trends in the Amazon River Basin using the data set of precipitation data from the meteorological satellite Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC), applying non-parametric methods (Mann-Kendall, Spearman and Sen slope) and fuzzy C-means to identify specific regions that are experiencing changes in hydrological patterns. The results show changes in rainfall behavior over time and in the intensity of events. The statistics applied to form clusters resulted in 6 well-divided homogeneous groups, each with unique characteristics. Specifically, the central-southern areas of the basin showed negative trends in precipitation (-1.17 mm/year) forming a homogeneous region (HR1), while in the northern region there was an increasing trend in precipitation (2.73 mm/year). In general, over the 37 years studied, the wetlands tended to become wetter and the dry areas drier. Other homogeneous regions presented their own results and unique characteristics, which agree with other studies

Heuristic reoptimization of time‐extended multi‐robot task allocation problems

AbstractProviding high quality solutions is crucial when solving NP‐hard time‐extended multi‐robot task allocation (MRTA) problems. Reoptimization, that is, the concept of making use of a known solution to an optimization problem instance when the solution to a similar problem instance is sought, is a promising and rather new research field in this application domain. However, so far no approximative time‐extended MRTA solution approaches exist for which guarantees on the resulting solution's quality can be given. We investigate the reoptimization problems of inserting as well as deleting a task to/from a time‐extended MRTA problem instance. For both problems, we can give performance guarantees in the form of an upper bound of 2 on the resulting approximation ratio for all heuristics fulfilling a mild assumption. We furthermore introduce specific solution heuristics and prove that smaller and tight upper bounds on the approximation ratio can be given for these heuristics if only temporal unconstrained tasks and homogeneous groups of robots are considered. A conclusory evaluation of the reoptimization heuristic demonstrates a near‐to‐optimal performance in application.

Regional differences in the biological variability of plantar pressure as a basis for refining diagnostic gait analysis.

The variability of movement plays a crucial role in shaping individual's gait pattern and could, therefore, potentially serve diagnostic purposes. Nevertheless, existing concepts for the use of variability in diagnosing gait present a challenge due to the lack of adequate benchmarks and methods for comparison. We assessed the individuality of contribution of foot parts that directly mediate the transmission of forces between the foot and the ground in body weight shifting during walking based on 200 pedobarometric measurements corresponding to the analysed foot parts for each of 19 individuals in a homogeneous study group. Our results show a degree of individualisation of the contribution of particular foot parts in the weight-shift high enough to justify the need to consider it in the diagnostic analysis. Furthermore they reveal noticeable, functionally driven differences between plantar areas most apparent between the lowest individuality for the first foot ray and the highest for second one and metatarsus. The diagnostic reference standard in pedobarometry should describe the contribution in the shift of body weight during walking for each area of the foot separately and include information on the intra-individual variation and individualisation of descriptors of the contribution. Such a comprehensive standard has the potential to increase the diagnostic value of pedobarometry through enrichment of the assessment description.

Estimation of a Population Total Under Nonresponse Using Follow-up

Abstract In this article, we propose methods to minimize bias due to unit nonresponse. We consider a two-phase sampling design where the second phase is a probability subsample of nonrespondents from the first phase. In this context, we propose three weighting procedures to estimate the total when not all units in the subsample respond. The weighting is based on the response homogeneity group (RHG) model. Given the RHG model, theoretical results on bias and variance estimation are obtained for all estimators. In a simulation study, we evaluate the empirical properties of the three estimators as well as of estimators based on two commonly used procedures to handle unit nonresponse in single-phase sampling design. These two procedures include: (i) nonresponse calibration weighting, also known as the one-step approach, and (ii) nonresponse probability weighting followed by calibration, also known as the two-step approach. Our results indicate that when there is significant deviation from the assumed RHG model, the nonresponse follow-up estimators perform better in terms of bias and coverage.

Promoting student success in online post-graduate studies at a South African University: The role of professional and administrative support

Post-graduate online students studying in cohorts are expected to collaborate effectively with their peers and instructors in the virtual environment and are presumed to have the necessary skills needed for self-directed online learning. However, studies have shown that the low retention and success rates in online learning could be attributed to individual students experiencing a sense of isolation in a community of online students. Providing various non-academic support is as crucial for ensuring success as academic support services. More importantly, the support should acknowledge and address the unique set of skills, experiences, and expectations of the individual student in the community of online learners. This study aimed to ascertain whether professional and administrative student support that focused on the individual needs of the post-graduate student promotes retention and success in online studies. A qualitative case study at a business school at a South African higher education institution evaluated the professional and administrative support types, range and timing in promoting success in online post-graduate studies. This included the content analysis of key documents such as the self-evaluation report and the survey report on evaluation, impact and lifelong learning of a post-graduate qualification, followed by a focus-group session to ascertain staff perceptions of the professional and administrative services and resources in promoting success in online post-graduate studies. Using Simpson’s Proactive Motivational Support model (PaMS) as a lens, the study revealed a lack of motivational aspects of student support for online post-graduate students. Furthermore, the results affirmed the presumption of post-graduate students as a homogenous group prepared to succeed in online learning communities. Moreover, that limited provision was made to support online post-graduate students from remote areas and for those with disabilities. The study concludes that a more personalised approach to student support will motivate post-graduate students to become successful self-directed students in a community of online learners. Moreover, a focused school, college and institutional approach and an integrated inter- and intra-institutional collaboration are needed to enhance self-directed learning, foster a sense of belonging, and promote success in online post-graduate studies.

"But at a certain point, the lights literally went out": A qualitative study exploring midlife women's experiences of health, wellbeing, and functioning in relation to paid work.

In the Netherlands, the fact that midlife women constitute a considerable segment of the working population is relatively new. Generally paid work contributes to midlife women's wellbeing, but they also report health challenges, such as work-related fatigue and the menopause. The objective of this study is to understand how midlife women themselves perceive their health, wellbeing, and functioning in relation to paid work. In this exploratory qualitative study, 28 women participated in five ethnically homogeneous focus group discussions (FGDs). De FGDs were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using MAXQDA. We identified exhaustion as central to our analysis. During midlife, exhaustion seems to occur once a certain limit has been reached, both physically and mentally, with women feeling to have reached the end of their rope. Besides obvious physiological challenges, we identified two major themes in which we discuss challenges both in paid work and private life: (1) work environment and working conditions, and (2) burdens in private life. Participants took various measures to manage and try to reduce exhaustion, including finding a new job or negotiating different job tasks, and reducing work hours. This study indicates that the extent to which women experience exhaustion is associated with challenges in both paid work and private life. The underlying processes do not seem to reflect individual problems, but reflect a complex set of factors at the structural level. Nevertheless, women take several individual measures to reduce their exhaustion, including reducing their participation in paid work.

Sorting of Carbon Nanotubes Based on Dispersant Binding Affinities

Sorting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) that are heterogeneous into homogeneous groups based on their electronic type, chirality, and handedness is crucial for optoelectronic and biological applications. To achieve this, researchers have utilized dispersants with different binding affinities to sort SWNTs according to their chiralities. This review article provides an overview of the methods developed for sorting SWNTs using dispersants, with a particular focus on the role played by dispersant binding affinities. The article is organized into six sections, including an introduction, a background on SWNTs and dispersant‐based individualization of SWNTs, information on dispersants and their binding affinities, separation methods for SWNTs based on controlling the dispersant binding affinity, parameters used to control dispersant binding affinity, and a conclusion. It is hoped that this review will enhance understanding of the intricate interactions between dispersants and SWNTs, leading to the development of new SWNT sorting methods for future applications.

Exploring the Varying Interest in Rural Medicine and Associated Factors Among Medical Students in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Examining the factors influencing the career aspirations of medical students is imperative for understanding their orientation towardrural medicine. Such an investigation can serve as a basis for shaping medical education curricula dedicated to nurturing rural focus. Although previous studies have categorized students based on the presence or absence of orientation toward rural medicine and explored their sociodemographic characteristics, thesestudents may not constitute a homogeneous group; their interests can range from aspiring to establish residence and professional practice in a specific region to being merely willing to endure brief regional placements. There is a scarcity of comprehensive examination of the extent and potential variations of rural orientation in the literature. Our survey addresses this gap by exploring the variations in rural orientation among medical students and the differences in their sociodemographic characteristics and preferred specialties based on their degree of rural orientation. Methods We classified medical students into four groups according to their levels of rural orientation: demonstrating proactive engagement towards it, considering it for a defined duration, indicating a preference for avoiding it, and considering it unfeasible. The distribution within each group was investigated. A subsequent analysis of rural orientation and its associated sociodemographic characteristics was performed: a conventional dichotomous study was conducted based on the presence or absence of rural orientation, and a focused study compared students actively interested in rural healthcare with other students. This approach enabled us to explore differences in the degree of rural orientation and associated factors. Results The studyincluded 531 students, with 89 participants demonstrating proactive engagement towards rural medicine, 283 considering it for a defined period, 95 indicating an inclination to avoid it, and 63 students stating that it is unfeasible for them. Associated sociodemographic characteristics were explored based on the presence or absence of rural orientation and included recommendations for admission by a designated high school, the presence of a physician role model, and aspirations for obstetrics and gynecology departments. Conversely, when exclusively focusing on students with a desire for proactive engagement in rural medicine, positive correlations were observed withcharacteristics such as being from the same non-urban prefecture as that of the university where the study was conducted, having a history of residing in a rural area, having a physician role model, and expressing aspirations for general practice or family medicine. Aspiring to be an organ-specific specialist showed a negative correlation with high levels of rural orientation. Conclusions Based on our findings, rural orientation is not uniform among medical students; distinct levels of this aspectwere observed, each associated with different sociodemographic factors.

Neurological soft signs and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics among patients with schizophrenia with and without a history of violence

Neurological soft signs, considered to be an endophenotype in schizophrenia patients, have also been investigated in patients with schizophrenia as a clinical correlate of violent/aggressive behavior. We aimed to establish a homogeneous group in the context of violent behavior by including patients with schizophrenia who were admitted to a forensic psychiatry service and who were under protection. The pre-criminal employment rate for the case group was lower than that for the control group, and the history of substance abuse was significantly higher in criminal schizophrenia patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups when the neurological soft symptoms, PANSS scores, Stroop test scores, and other sociodemographic factors were compared.

Shrouded in history: Unveiling the ways of life of an early Muslim population in Santarém, Portugal (8th- 10th century AD).

In around 716 AD, the city of Santarém, Portugal, was conquered by the Berber and Arab armies that swept the Iberian Peninsula and went on to rule the region until the 12th century. Archaeological excavations in 2007/08 discovered an Islamic necropolis (Avenida 5 de Outubro #2-8) that appears to contain the remains of an early Muslim population in Santarém (8th- 10th century). In this study, skeletal material from 58 adult individuals was analysed for stable carbon (δ13Ccol; δ13Cap), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) isotope ratios in bones, and stable oxygen (δ18O), carbon (δ13Cen) and radiogenic strontium (87Sr/86Sr) isotopes in tooth enamel. The results of this study revealed a dietary pattern of predominantly C3-plant and domestic C3-fed herbivore consumption during adulthood (δ13Ccol and δ15N, respectively) but a higher proportion of C4-plant input during childhood (δ13Cen) for some individuals-interpreted as possible childhood consumption of millet porridge, a common practice in North Africa-in those with unorthodox burial types (Groups 1 and 2) that was not practiced in the individuals with canonical burials (Group 3). In this first mobility study of a medieval Muslim population in Portugal, δ18ODW values revealed greater heterogeneity in Groups 1 and 2, consistent with diverse origins, some in more humid regions than Santarém when compared to regional precipitation δ18O data, contrasting the more homogenous Group 3, consistent with the local precipitation δ18O range. Ancient DNA analysis conducted on three individuals revealed maternal (mtDNA) and paternal (Y-chromosome) lineages compatible with a North African origin for (at least) some of the individuals. Additionally, mobility of females in this population was higher than males, potentially resulting from a patrilocal social system, practiced in Berber and Arab communities. These results serve to offer a more detailed insight into the ancestry and cultural practices of early Muslim populations in Iberia.

Classification in physical education


 Classification in physical educationIt is not surprising to say that the phenomenon of individual differences between people is one of the most influential phenomena in our practical life. Since dealing with people and passing judgments on individuals, as well as learning, guidance, behavior, treatment, behavior, ... to other human activities, are subject in the general view to individual differences.The difference of people among themselves in many abilities (mental, motor, and physical) in personal traits, tendencies and psychological tendencies, as well as physical measures provides the opportunity to explain these differences, and then measure and classify them on the basis of homogeneous or similar groups, and this also allows us to subject this phenomenon (differences to Individual) for study and research.. Thus, it is considered one of the sciences with foundations, theories and principles that many scientific institutes have been interested in, and many scholars and experts specialize in it.
 

Paranormal belief, psychopathological symptoms, and well-being: Latent profile analysis and longitudinal assessment of relationships.

Within non-clinical samples the relationship between paranormal belief (PB) and well-being varies as a function of level of psychopathology. Accordingly, believers are best conceptualised as a heterogeneous set of sub-groups. The usefulness of previous findings has been restricted by conceptual methodological limitations. Specifically, overreliance on cross-sectional design, the assumption that believers constitute a homogeneous group, and consideration of direct effects. Acknowledging these limitations, the present study investigated whether profile membership derived from PB and psychopathology (schizotypy and manic-depressive experience) predicted well-being (i.e., stress, somatic complaints, life satisfaction and meaning in life) across time. Concurrently, analysis assessed the mediating effect of theoretically important variables (transliminality, happiness orientation, fearful and skeptical attitude). A sample of 1736 (Mage = 52, range = 18 to 88; 883 females, 845 males, eight non-binary) completed self-report measures indexing study constructs across time points. Latent profile analysis at baseline, identified three sub-groups varying in level of PB and psychopathology at baseline: Profile 1, moderate PB and high psychopathology; Profile 2, moderate PB and psychopathology; and Profile 3, moderate PB and low psychopathology. Path analysis demonstrated that Profile 1 (the highest psychopathology scoring profile) predicted higher negative and lower positive well-being over time in comparison with the other profiles. Moreover, Transliminality and Fearful Attitude positively mediated this relationship, whereas Skeptical Attitude produced negative mediation. These outcomes supported the presence of a sophisticated process underpinning the PB and well-being relationship. Overall, PB in the absence of psychopathology had no significant influence on well-being.

IPVAW male perpetrators convicted in Spain: a typology and characterization based on latent class analysis.

Men who assault their partners present deficits in the social skills necessary for adequate interpersonal interaction. Not all of them have the same difficulties, thus they do not constitute a homogeneous group. Various studies have proposed different typologies of abusers based on their sociodemographic characteristics, criminal history, intensity and extent of violent or psychopathological traits. The majority of these investigations have been conducted in community samples, prompting the question of their validity in samples of men convicted of gender violence. The aim of this study was to establish a typology of men convicted in Spain for a gender violences crimes. A total of 365 men participated and were subdivided into three classes of abusers based on their childhood, family experiences with violence, criminal history, sexist attitudes and attitudes toward violence, intensity and type of violence, psychopathological state and attachment style. Coinciding with the results found in other research, 30% of the participants were classified as generally violent. They engaged in severe forms of physical, psychological and sexual violence and were more likely to do so than the rest. Additionally, they are more likely to present psychopathological problems and an antisocial character. Twenty-one percent were classified as dysphoric/borderline. They are characterized by minor forms of psychological violence, borderline or depressive symptomatology and an anxious attachment style. The remaining 49% were classified as familial or normalized abusers. This group exhibits moderate attitudes toward violence and sexism, resulting in less psychological and physical aggression. They do not present psychopathological problems and are likely to present a secure attachment style. It is argued that determining the psychological characteristics of each type of abuser would contribute to improving and adapting intervention protocols in Spain, leading to a significant improvement in the current issue of abuse.