Behavior Index Research Articles

Assessing Rheology Effects and Pore Space Complexity in Polymer Flow Through Porous Media: A Pore‐Scale Simulation Study

AbstractNon‐Newtonian fluid flow within porous media, exemplified by polymer remediation of contaminated groundwater/aquifer systems, presents complex challenges due to the fluids' complex rheological behavior within 3D tortuous pore structures. This paper introduces a pore‐scale flow simulator based on the OpenFOAM open‐source library, designed to model shear‐thinning flow within porous media. Leveraging this developed solver, extensive pore‐scale flow simulations were conducted on μ‐CT images of various real and synthetic porous media with varying complexity for both power‐law and Cross‐fluid models. We focused on the macroscale‐averaged deviation between bulk viscosity and the in‐situ viscosity, commonly denoted by a shift factor. We provided an in‐depth evaluation of the shift factor's dependency on the fluid's rheological attributes and the rock's pore space complexity. The least‐squares fitted values of the shift factor fell in the range of 1.6–9.5. Notably, the most pronounced shift factor emerged for extreme flow behavior indices. Our findings highlight not just the critical role of rheological parameters, but also demonstrate how the shift factor fluctuates based on tortuosity, characteristic pore length, and the cementation exponent. In particular, less porous/permeable systems with smaller characteristic pore lengths exhibited larger shift factors due to higher variations of shear rate and local viscosity in narrower flow paths. Additionally, the shift factor increased as rock became more tortuous and heterogeneous. The introduced pore‐scale simulation proves instrumental in determining the macroscopic averaged shift factor. This, in consequence, is vital for precise computations of viscosity and pressure drop when dealing with non‐Newtonian fluid flow in porous media.

Laminar convective heat transfer combining buoyancy and thermal radiation of Carreau fluid within a concentric and eccentric annulus

The present study concerns a steady-state laminar combined thermal radiation and buoyancy-driven conjugate magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convective flow and heat transfer inside a fully porous medium eccentric circular annulus bounded by two infinite horizontal cylinders occupied by a Carreau fluid permeated by a uniform transverse magnetic field (B0 ) and inclined by an angle (α). The convective and thermal radiation are approximated by the Boussinesq and Roseland models, respectively. The numerical integration was performed using the implicit finite volume method. The convective terms in the momentum and energy equations were Discretized using the second-order upwind method. On the other hand, the diffusive terms were Discretized using the central difference scheme. The pressure-velocity coupling was solved using the SIMPLE approach. The findings suggest a clear trend of enhancement in the heat transfer rate when the aspect ratio and annulus eccentricity increase. This pattern is more pronounced in the negative vertical eccentricities. It is worth noting that the eccentric annulus, which has an annulus aspect ratio of 1.6 and a vertical eccentricity of −0.8, offers the best performance regarding the heat transfer mechanism inside the annulus gap. The heat transfer mechanism turns out to be strongly affected by thermal radiation, Hartmann number, and magnetic field inclination angle. The increased thermal radiation parameter and the decreased flow behavior index improve the heat transfer mechanism between the Carreau fluid and the inner cylinder in the annular gap. Furthermore, the average Nusselt number increases considerably as the induced magnetic field inclines.

Study of The Technical Index of Online Learning Behavior Analysis of Nursing Majors on The Superstar Platform Based on The Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model

Objective: To analyze the technical indexes of students’ online learning behavior analysis based on Kirkman’s evaluation model, sort out the basic indexes of online learning behavior, and extract scientific and efficient evaluation indexes of online learning effect through statistical analysis. Methods: The online learning behavior data of Physiology of nursing students from 2021–2023 and the first semester of 22 nursing classes (3 and 4) were collected and analyzed. The preset learning behavior indexes were analyzed by multi-dimensional analysis and a correlation analysis was conducted between the indexes and the final examination scores to screen for the dominant important indexes for online learning effect evaluation. Results: The study found that the demand for online learning of nursing students from 2021–2023 increased and the effect was statistically significant. Compared with the stage assessment results, the online learning effect was statistically significant. Conclusion: The main indicators for evaluating and classifying online learning behaviors were summarized. These two indicators can help teachers predict which part of students need learning intervention, optimize the teaching process, and help students improve their learning behavior and academic performance.

Assessment of nutritional status and health behaviors in yoga-trained women versus exercisers.

Recreational physical activity is becoming more popular due to the increased public awareness about the beneficial effects on health status and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status and health behaviors of women who regularly practice yoga as a form of physical recreation and to compare them with those who had not practiced before and had just signed up for yoga classes. A total of 143 women took part in this study. The nutritional status was assessed based on the obtained anthropometric measurements. The following indicators were calculated: Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), determining the visceral accumulation of fat tissue. Health behaviors were assessed using a standardized five-point scale Health Behavior Inventory (HBI). There were significant differences in the value of the general health behavior index, the sten scale, and the subscale regarding proper eating habits in the study groups compared to women who had not practiced yoga before (control group). Health behaviors indicators, particularly proper eating habits, are significantly higher in women participating regularly in yoga exercises, indicating a higher awareness among yoga practitioners. It can be suggested that yoga participation as a recreational physical activity can be an appropriate option for pursuing healthy habits.

Quality Evaluation of Fermented Pre Gelatinized Unripe Plantain and Soybean Based Complementary Foods 1: Physicochemical, Sensory and Rheological Properties

Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the effect of the degree (%) of starch gelatinization (G) and fermentation (F) on the physicochemical characteristics of the flours and also the sensory and flow properties of the gruels of unripe plantain fruits and soybean seeds based complementary foods. Study Design: Completely randomized design Place and duration of the Study: This study was carried out in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, between January and November 2023. Methodology: Plantain slices heated to obtain 10% to 100% starch gelatinization were subjected to accelerated natural fermentation followed by drying and milling to yield fermented (F) flours. Non-gelatinized (NG) and nonfermented (NF) lots served as controls. The flours were each combined with soybean flour to obtain 16 g protein/100 g of each mixture based on the proximate compositions of the inputs using material balancing technique. The flours’ oil absorption capacities (OAC), water absorption capacities (WAC), packed bulk densities (PBD), sensory attributes (taste, mouth feel, appearance, overall acceptability) and flow properties of their gruels were evaluated using standard methods. Significant differences and separation of the data means were achieved by Duncan multiple range and Turkey’s tests using an SPSS package, respectively. Results: Gelatinization and fermentation increased WAC and OAC, but decreased packed bulk density (PBD) of the flours with concomitant reduction in pH, viscosities and improved sensory attributes of the gruels. Generally, viscosities increased with increase in slurry concentration and decreased with increase in temperature and shear rates. The flow behavior indices ranged from 0.27 to 0.64, with lower values in gelatinized and fermented samples, showing more pseudoplastic behavior in pretreated samples. Conclusion: Gelatinization and natural fermentation are therefore adaptable technologies, especially at rural levels, to improve acceptability and bulk reduction of resistant starch-based complementary foods.

Numerical Investigation on the Seismic Behavior of Novel Precast Beam–Column Joints with Mechanical Connections

Traditional cast-in-place beam–column joints have the defects of high complexity and high construction difficulty, which seriously affect the efficiency and safety of the building construction line, and precast beam–column joints (PBCJs) can greatly improve the construction efficiency and quality. At present, the investigations on the seismic behavior of precast reinforced concrete structures are still mainly focused on experiments, while the numerical simulations for their own characteristics are still relatively lacking. In the present study, the seismic behavior of novel precast beam–column joints with mechanical connections (PBCJs-MCs) is investigated numerically. Based on the available experimental data, fiber models for four PBCJs-MCs are developed. Then, the simulated and experimental seismic behaviors of the prefabricated BCJs are compared and discussed. Finally, the factors influencing the seismic behavior of the PBCJs-MCs are further investigated numerically. The numerical results indicate that the fiber models can consider the effect of the bond–slip relationship of concrete and reinforcement under reciprocating loads. The relative errors of the simulated seismic behavior indexes are about 15%. The bearing capacity and displacement ductility coefficients of the PBCJs-MCs decrease rapidly as the shear-to-span ratio (λ) increases. It is recommended that the optimum λ for PBCJs-MCs is 2.0–2.5. The effect of the axial load ratio on the seismic behavior of PBCJs-MCs can be negligible in the case of the PBCJs-MCs with a moderate value of λ.

Assessment of mixing behaviors of non-Newtonian pseudoplastic fluids in short microdevices

Efficient chaotic microdevices have major importance across many potential applications in industrial processes and operations, which form essential parts of microfluidic devices. In microfluidics, The Two-Layer Crossing Channels Micromixer (TLCCM)exhibits notable characteristics in terms of mixing of Newtonian fluids which motivated us to compare it with other micromixers using pseudoplastic fluids. The examined micromixers are: L-Shape, OH, and OX. CFD code is utilized to numerically solve Navier-Stokes, the mass conservation and species transport equations. Therefore, the species transport model was selected to analyze the mixing process. The pseudoplastic fluids consist of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions, which are characterized using the power-law model, the flow behavior index ranging from 0.49 to 1 and generalized Reynolds number (Reg) varies from 0.2 to 70. The effectiveness of mixing was assessed through the mixing degree across various cross-sectional areas. To address this, the analysis encompassed mass fraction contours, velocity profiles, streamlines, flow rates, and the associated mixing energy costs. Our findings report that the TLCCM micromixer presents the elevated mixing degree, where their obtained values vary between 0.80526 and 0.99765. It appears that the occurrence of secondary flows has an additional benefit to improve the mixing performances. Moreover, it requires less mixing energy costs versus other micromixers, where their values vary between 0.00036 and 0.49 W.

Properties experimental investigation of water-based drilling mud contained tragacanth gum and synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles

Drilling fluids play crucial role in the oil and gas production industry, consequently the optimization of flow behavior of these fluids has received remarkable attention from the beginning of this process. The objective of this study is to improve the rheological and filtration characteristics of water-based mud (WBM) by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and affordable tragacanth gum (TG) polymer. Initially, ZnO NPs were synthesized through a facile and straightforward sol–gel method and subjected to comprehensive characterization. Subsequently, these NPs were incorporated into TG polymer solutions to formulate drilling mud samples. The selection of optimal samples involved meticulously determining of ZnO NPs and TG polymer concentrations as influential parameters facilitated by the Design Expert software. The responses taken into consideration in this methodology included flow behavior index (n), consistency index (K), plastic viscosity (PV), and yield point (YP). The investigating rheological parameters entailed utilizing both the Power-law and Bingham-plastic models, underscoring the scholarly refinement of the study’s analytical approach. Subsequently, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to assess the significance of the model and its parameters. Three optimal samples were carefully selected based on the results obtained from the modeling and analysis of the rheological parameters. The next phase involved utilizing these optimal samples to investigate their filtration properties in detail. The final step led to selecting the optimal sample composition, which was determined to be 0.25 wt% ZnO NPs and 750 ppm TG polymer based on the optimization results provided by the Design Expert software. Remarkably, this specific combination yielded significant improvements in PV (22.2 %), YP (109.5 %), mud cake thickness (20 %), and fluid loss (2.87 %). Moreover, the resulting mud exhibited desirable rheological properties, including a K of 31.20 (cp) and an n of 0.21. This specific combination was identified as the most favorable composition for achieving the desired rheological and filtration properties.

Properties of Oxidized Potato Starch–Potassium Alum Mixtures, and Their Application in Starch Noodles

AbstractThis study explores the effects of potassium alum (PA) on oxidized potato starch (OS) with a carboxyl content of 0.0186%, in terms of their pasting and rheological properties. Furthermore, the application of oxidized starch in the manufacturing of starch noodles is investigated. The results indicate a positive correlation between pasting temperature and PA content (65.6–67.7 °C), while showing a negative correlation with peak viscosity (409–236 BU). The addition of PA leads to reduced dynamic moduli (G′' and G″), consistency coefficient (K), and hysteresis area, accompanied by an elevated fluid behavior index (n). Shear recovery assays demonstrate a positive correlation between PA content and shear resistance, with recovery rates escalating from 76% to 84%. The mouthfeel of starch noodles produced using oxidized starch exhibit comparable to commercial counterparts (PA content 0.35%), but with lower PA levels (at 0.2%). Additionally, these starch noodles have a higher whiteness compared to starch noodles made with potato starch.

Deerly departed: Using motor-vehicle accidents to determine factors influencing white-tailed deer rut timing in Ontario, Canada

In seasonal environments conception is timed such that offspring are born at the peak of resource abundance. Although largely determined by photoperiod, reproductive timing can also be modulated by fluctuating environmental conditions. Some studies show that reproduction is occurring earlier, coinciding with an earlier spring as the climate warms. A failure to synchronize parturition with the advancing spring flush of resources can lower reproductive fitness; on the other hand, a longer growing season could be beneficial to some species. We asked whether breeding phenology of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has changed with changing environmental conditions. Using 29 years of wildlife motor-vehicle accident data (1988–2016) as an index of deer rut behaviour in southern Ontario, Canada, we assessed four deer management areas (DMAs) to determine: 1) whether timing of the white-tailed deer rut has changed; 2) whether the growing season has changed; and 3) whether changes in growing season and rut are correlated. We found that in the southwestern-most DMA the peak of the rut is 9 days earlier than in the northeastern-most DMA. The peak of the rut did not change over three decades. We detected an increase in the number of growing degree days, signifying both an earlier start to spring green-up and a later end to fall. The trend toward a longer growing season could have positive impacts on deer populations throughout the province.

Brain stimulation over the left DLPFC enhances motivation for effortful rewards in patients with major depressive disorder

BackgroundAmotivation is a typical feature in major depressive disorder (MDD), which produces reduced willingness to exert effort. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is a crucial structure in goal-directed actions and therefore is a potential target in modulating effortful motivation. However, it remains unclear whether the intervention is effective for patients with MDD. MethodsWe employed transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), computational modelling and event-related potentials (ERPs) to reveal the causal relationship between the left DLPFC and motivation for effortful rewards in MDD. Fifty patients underwent both active and sham TMS sessions, each followed by performing an Effort-Expenditure for Rewards Task, during which participants chose and implemented between low-effort/low-reward and high-effort/high-reward options. ResultsThe patients showed increased willingness to exert effort for rewards during the DLPFC facilitated session, compared with the sham session. They also had a trend in larger P3 amplitude for motivated attention toward chosen options, larger CNV during preparing for effort exertion, and larger SPN during anticipating a high reward. Besides, while behavior indexes for effortful choices were negatively related to depression severity in the sham session, this correlation was weakened in the active stimulation session. ConclusionsThese findings provide behavioral, computational, and neural evidence for the left DLPFC on effortful motivation for rewards. Facilitated DLPFC improves motor preparation and value anticipation after making decisions especially for highly effortful rewards in MDD. Facilitated DLPFC also has a potential function in enhancing motivated attention during cost-benefit trade-off. This neuromodulation effect provides a potential treatment for improving motivation in clinics.

Technological quality, bioactive features, and glycemic index of gluten-free cakes formulated with lyophilized wild Prunus spinosa fruit

This study evaluated the effects of rice flour cakes enriched with wild fruit Prunus spinosa powder (PS) on techno-functional, nutrition, and eating quality. PS increases the cakes’ ash, protein, and moisture values. Total phenolic content increased from 35.91±0.25 to 73.39±0.58 mg GAE g-1, and gluten-free cakes’ antioxidant capacity markedly increased with the increasing level of PS powder addition (p<0.05). The increase in PS decreased the glycemic index (eGI), and the lowest eGI was determined as 69.38±1.21 in cake samples containing 4% PS. Except for the 1% PS added sample, the increase in PS caused a decrease in specific volume, % porosity, and increase in hardness, including four days of storage. The addition of PS increased the redness (a*) and decreased the yellow (b*) and brightness (L*) values. The flow behavior index (n) of cake batters containing 1% and 2% PS were similar to the control group. Cakes containing 1% PS received the highest scores in sensory analysis. Although the increase in PS amount negatively affects the textural properties of gluten-free rice flour cakes, it is crucial to increase its bioactive properties and nutritional values and positively contribute to health by reducing the glycemic index.

Plant-Based Emulsions as Dairy Cream Alternatives: Comparison of Viscoelastic Properties and Colloidal Stability of Various Model Products.

In the context of growing interest in plant-based food products for their potential health benefits and sustainability, this study investigates the effect of mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids application on physico-chemical properties of various plant-based cream products, compared to lecithin application in rice cream. Rheological and textural parameters, colour profile, and colloidal stability were analysed. The application of mono- and diglycerides modified the creams' viscoelastic behaviour, showing a decrease in viscoelasticity across the samples; although in oat-coconut cream resulted in a higher viscoelasticity, indicating the formation of a gel-like structure. Rice cream with lecithin emulsifier showed lower viscoelastic properties characterised by higher phase angle (tan δ). All samples behaved as pseudoplastic materials (with a flow behaviour index n < 1). For coconut and almond creams, the consistency coefficient increased and flow behaviour index decreased after emulsifier application. Interestingly, the emulsifier addition did not significantly affect the cream's colour profile, characterised by yellow hue angle (h*) as a dominant spectral component. The colloidal stability, indicated by a stability index (SI), was determined as well.

Mesoscale modelling on shear behavior of RC beams at low temperature: Influences of structural size and shear span-to-depth ratio

The low-temperature brittle failure of materials could aggravate the brittle characteristics of shear failure of RC beams, which urgently needs scientific research. This paper aims to investigate the shear behavior and corresponding size effect of reinforced concrete (RC) beams at low temperature by numerical analysis. Firstly, a two-stage thermo-mechanical coupled mesoscale simulation method was developed, which considered the meso-structure characteristics of concrete as well as the ice-strengthening effect. Based on the mesoscale simulation method validated through a series of tests, the progressive shear failure process of RC beams at room and low temperatures was captured. The influences of temperature (T = 20, −30, −60 and −90 °C), structural size (cross-sectional height H = 300, 600, and 1200 mm) and shear span-to-depth ratio (a/h0 = 1.0, 1.6, and 2.3) on key indexes of shear behavior were quantitatively analysed. The results indicate that compared to that at room temperature, the shear failure process of RC beams at low temperature is more rapid, exhibiting more obvious brittle characteristic. When the temperature drops from 20 °C to −90 °C, the nominal shear strength of RC beams is enhanced with a maximum increase of 57.0 % (for H = 300 mm) while the mid-span displacement is reduced with a maximum decrease of 46.8 % (for H = 300 mm). Compared to that at room temperature, the size effect on nominal shear strength of RC beams at low temperature is enhanced, with a maximum increase of 20.4 %. Finally, considering the influences of low temperature and shear span-to-depth ratio on the nominal shear strength, an improved size effect analytical model for was established, which can predict the shear capacity of different sized RC beams at low temperatures. This paper can provide a reference for the safe application of reinforced concrete structures in low temperature environments, and lay a foundation for the formulation of reinforced concrete structure design specifications at low temperature.

Treatment Nonadherence among Multimorbid Chronic Disease Patients: Evidence from 3515 Subjects in Indonesia.

Background and Objectives: Multimorbid patients require intensive treatment for their diseases. However, little research has been given to their treatment adherence as part of its management. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characteristics of chronic disease multimorbidity in Indonesia, alongside its treatment nonadherence. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the fifth Indonesian Family Life Survey database among adult subjects aged ≥ 15 years with multimorbidity. Our descriptive and multivariate analyses include sex, age, formal education, ethnicity, geographic residence, demographic residence, household size, insurance ownership, annual income, current self-perceived health status, missing active days, smoking behavior, and body mass index. Results: We identified 3515 multimorbid patients, constituting 30.8% prevalence across chronic disease patients. Hypertension was found to be a prevalent component of multimorbidity (61.2%), followed by digestive diseases (44.5%) and arthritis (30.3%). We identified that 36.4% of the subjects were nonadherent to their chronic disease treatment. Characteristics associated with nonadherence were found to be a good self-perception of health (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.54-2.08), active smoking behavior (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.14-1.99), no smoking behavior (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.90), missing seven active/productive days or less in the past month due to poor health (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.68), no insurance ownership (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04-1.39), age of 15-65 years (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.55), income below IDR 40 million (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46), and household size of 2-6 people (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.01-1.36). Conclusions: While the prevalence of multimorbidity in Indonesia is generally similar to that observed in previous studies, we have identified patient characteristics related to nonadherence. We suggest that patient's nonadherence was primarily dictated by their self-perception of health and treatment complexity. With the longstanding issue of nonadherence, this study indicated the need to consider creating patient-tailored treatment programs in clinical practice to improve adherence by considering individual patients' characteristics.

Hunter risk sensitivity to ticks and tick-borne disease in Illinois

ABSTRACT Tick-borne disease (TBD) is a public health issue, especially for hunters. Data were obtained from a mailed survey (n = 2,948, response rate = 59%) of Illinois adult resident hunters. Consistent with earlier work, hunter perception of vector-borne diseases could be categorized into an overall risk sensitivity index consisting of three clusters of respondents: no risk (40%), slight risk (45%), and moderate risk (15%). As predicted, individuals in the no-risk cluster consistently reported the lowest mean scores for the awareness of ticks, prior experience with ticks, perceived risks with ticks, and protective behavior indices. People in the moderate risk cluster reported the highest means on these indices. In contrast, means for those in the slight risk cluster were consistently between individuals in the no-risk and moderate risk clusters. Results underscore the need for identifying strategies to improve personal protective adoption measures by hunters with low-risk perception.

Effects of lubricant rheology and flow turbulence on the dynamic properties of hydrodynamic bearing

The present numerical investigation, which takes into account the coexisted consequence of the turbulence domain and non-Newtonian flow rheology, predicts the dynamic properties of a finite hydrodynamic bearing. Under the proper flow boundary conditions, the turbulence (linear) and non-Newtonian hypotheses have revised the Continuity and Navier–Stokes equation. The finite element approach is acclimated to calculate the clearance extent of the finite hydrodynamic bearing using the Galerkin approach and a sturdy iteration strategy. The cylindrical coordinate's versions of continuity and momentum equations are bestowed for the lubricant field of the finite hydrodynamic bearing, postulating the turbulence domain and non-Newtonian flow rheology. Dynamic properties of a finite hydrodynamic bearing have been enumerated using cross-coupled and direct lubricant-film bearing coefficients, whirl ratio and critical mass at various eccentricity ratios for different ranges of Reynolds numbers and different values of flow behavior index of the non-Newtonian rheological model. In comparison to perfect turbulence and non-Newtonian rheological status, the mixed regime demonstrated improved properties. The direct and cross-coupled lubricant-film bearing coefficients are improved by 12.28% and 20.85% respectively while critical mass is enhanced by 20.55% at selected values of Reynolds number and power-law index. The proposed severe fluid film domain improves the stability of finite hydrodynamic bearings significantly.

Predicting nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidal risk: A comparison between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Section II personality disorder and alternative model of personality disorders dimensions.

The clinical relevance of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has received growing recognition, and NSSI represents a relevant risk factor for suicide. The present study aimed at running a head-to-head comparison between interview scores of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Section II personality disorders (PDs) criteria, and DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorder (AMPD) Criterion A and Criterion B measures in providing significant and relevant information for understanding NSSI and suicidal ideation and behavior among psychotherapy participants. To this aim, a clinical sample of 103 adult participants was administered the Clinician-Administered Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Index (CANDI), the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), as well as the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Personality Disorders, the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Module I, and a self-report measure of dysfunctional personality traits (i.e., the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 [PID-5]). Logistic ordinal regression dominance analysis results showed that, when compared to the 10 DSM-5 Section II PD symptom counts, the DSM-5 Section III PD measure scores provided the same amount of information in the CANDI Global Severity Index scores (Nagelkerke pseudo-R² value = .41), and a markedly larger information quantity in the case of the C-SSRS Suicidal Ideation (+35.1%), and Suicidal Behavior Index (+35.9%) levels. As a whole, our data suggested the clinical usefulness of the DSM-5 AMPD in understanding NSSI and suicidal ideation and behavior. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A Statistical Forecasting Model for Extremes of the Fire Behaviour Index in Australia

The increasing frequency and duration of severe fire events in Australia further necessitate accurate and timely forecasting to mitigate their consequences. This study evaluated the performance of two distinct approaches to forecasting extreme fire danger at two- to three-week lead times for the period 2003 to 2017: the official Australian climate simulation dynamical model and a statistical model based on climate drivers. We employed linear logistic regression to develop the statistical model, assessing the influence of individual climate drivers using single linear regression. The performance of both models was evaluated through case studies of three significant extreme fire events in Australia: the Canberra (2003), Black Saturday (2009), and Pinery (2015) fires. The results revealed that ACCESS-S2 generally underestimated the spatial extent of all three extreme FBI events, but with accuracy scores ranging from 0.66 to 0.86 across the case studies. Conversely, the statistical model tended to overpredict the area affected by extreme FBI, with high false alarm ratios between 0.44 and 0.66. However, the statistical model demonstrated higher probability of detection scores, ranging from 0.57 to 0.87 compared with 0.03 to 0.57 for the dynamic model. These findings highlight the complementary strengths and limitations of both forecasting approaches. Integrating dynamical and statistical models with transparent communication of their uncertainties could potentially improve accuracy and reduce false alarms. This can be achieved through hybrid forecasting, combined with visual inspection and comparison between the statistical and dynamical forecasts. Hybrid forecasting also has the potential to increase forecast lead times to up to several months, ultimately aiding in decision-making and resource allocation for fire management.

Satisfaction with Life and Health Behaviours in Pre-Seniors and Seniors: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Background: Satisfaction with life is considered the best indicator of the quality of life of older people and is commonly used as an indicator of adaptation and successful aging. The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life and health among pre-seniors and seniors in Płock, Poland, focusing specifically on the interplay between life satisfaction and health outcomes. Methods: The study encompassed a total of 2040 individuals, categorized as pre-seniors and seniors. A diagnostic survey method was employed, utilizing a questionnaire that gathered sociodemographic data and incorporated two standardized psychometric scales: the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Health Behaviours Inventory (HBI). Results: A majority of respondents demonstrated high levels of life satisfaction, with 1272 people (62.4%) scoring in the high range. In contrast, a smaller group, consisting of 299 respondents (14.7%), reported low satisfaction levels. Notably, men exhibited higher life satisfaction than women (p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant but low correlation was found between the age of respondents and various aspects of the health behaviour index. This includes preventive behaviours (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.105), health practices (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.243), proper eating habits (p = 0.004, r = 0.063), and a positive mental attitude (p &lt; 0.001, r = 0.098). These findings underline the complex interplay between age, life satisfaction, and health behaviours among the senior population. Conclusions: High life satisfaction and average to high levels of health behaviours were observed in our study, varying with gender and age. Individuals aged 61–75 reported the highest life satisfaction, whereas those aged 76–90 exhibited the most robust health behaviours. These results underscore the need for age- and gender-specific health policies and programs supporting sustainable aging, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals. Further national research is essential to comprehensively explore these trends and support global well-being initiatives for aging populations.