Mean Life Research Articles

Determination and economic design of repetitive group sampling plan under two parameter Lindley distribution

ABSTRACT A designing procedure of repetitive group sampling plan for assuring mean life under a two-parameter Lindley distribution is proposed, and the optimization model is developed for finding the optimal plan parameters such that the demands of both supplier and buyer are satisfied simultaneously. A real-time data set of ball bearings is used to explain the application of the proposed plan. A comparison between the proposed plan and the single sampling plan is done to reveal the better performance of the proposed plan based on operating characteristic function and average sample number. Applying the proposed plan to provide lifetime assurance reduces the inspection effort and related costs. We discuss the design of the proposed plan with an economic aspect. In addition, the sensitivity of the optimal sampling plans concerning the failure probability and cost parameters is analyzed. Finally, it is evident from the study that the proposed plan will be preferable to a single sampling plan for providing quality assurance with a minimum cost of the inspection.

Probabilistic Weibull reliability of a shaft design subjected to bending and torsion stress

The circular shaft serves as the axis of rotation for the components. It is subjected to flexion and tearing, indicating that fatigue is the mode of failure. The range of stresses resulting from the mean and alternating loads determines the occurrence of fatigue failure. The deterministic fatigue analysis, calculated using the stress average obtained from SN curves, can only represent the mean life. This is because the stress range is not a single number, and therefore it cannot provide the reliability level for the stress. The study employs the Weibull distribution to estimate loads and parameters for a probabilistic shaft design under bending and torsion. The minimum strength is assessed using corresponding stress analysis to determine the reliability index for the designed shaft.

Piloting a Measure of Segregation at the Census Tract Level: Associations with Place and Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Life Expectancy.

This study considers residential segregation as a critical driver of racial/ethnic health disparities and introduces a proxy measure of segregation that estimates the degree of segregation at the census tract level with a metric capturing the overrepresentation of a racialized/ethnic group in a census tract in relation to that group's representation at the city level. Using Dallas, Texas as a pilot city, the measure is used to investigate mean life expectancy at birth for relatively overrepresented Hispanic, non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian census tracts and examine for significant differences between mean life expectancy in relatively overrepresented census tracts and that group's mean life expectancy at the state level. Multivariable linear regression analysis was utilized to assess how segregation measured at the census tract level associates with life expectancy across different racialized/ethnic groups, controlling for socioeconomic disparities. This study aimed to expose the need to consider the possibility of neighborhood mechanisms beyond socioeconomic characteristics as an important determinant of health and draw attention to the importance of critically engaging the experience of place in examinations of racial and ethnic health disparities. Multivariable linear regression modeling resulted in significant findings for non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic white, and Asian groups, indicating increased census tract-level life expectancy for Black and white residents in highly segregated census tracts and decreased life expectancy for residents of tracts in which the Asian community is overrepresented when compared to state means. Unadjusted models demonstrated socioeconomic inequities between first and fourth quartile census tracts and pointed to the importance of mixed methods in health disparities research and the importance of including the voice of community members to account for places of daily lived experience and people's relationships with them.

Age-related shifts in mental health determinants from a deprived area in the European Union: informing the national healthy aging program of Hungary

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, disproportionately affecting older people. This study aims to assess the mental health of elderly individuals living in a deprived region of Hungary, and to identify and estimate the weight of different determinants of mental health across different age groups. A cross-sectional study was conducted with randomly selected samples of individuals (n = 860) aged 18 years and older in Northeast Hungary. The World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), the single-item Life Satisfaction Scale, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were used to measure mental health of the participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to measure the association between sociodemographic and health-related variables and mental health. Overall, the mean WHO-5 score was 69.2 ± 18.1 and it showed a significant decrease by age (p < 0.001), with the lowest score observed in aged 75 years and above (p < 0.001). The mean life satisfaction score was 7.5 ± 1.9 and it showed a significant decreasing trend over the life course (p < 0.001). The highest level of psychological distress as assessed by GHQ-12 was observed in the group aged 75 years or older (11.5 ± 6.0, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression indicated that self-reported financial status, social support, sense of control over their health, activity limitation and pain intensity were the most important determinants of mental health among older adults. Interventions to improve the mental health of older adults should focus on the positive impact of social support, the reduction of financial insecurity and the use of effective pain relief medications.

Disparities in positive mental health of sexual and gender minority adults in Canada.

The goal of this study was to examine potential disparities in positive mental health (PMH) among adults in Canada by sexual orientation and gender modality. Using 2019 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) Annual Component data (N = 57 034), we compared mean life satisfaction and the prevalence of high self-rated mental health (SRMH), happiness and community belonging between heterosexual and sexual minority adults, and between cisgender and gender minority adults. We used 2019 CCHS Rapid Response on PMH data (N = 11 486) to compare the prevalence of high psychological well-being between heterosexual and sexual minority adults. Linear and logistic regression analyses examined the between-group differences in mean life satisfaction and the other PMH outcomes, respectively. Sexual minority (vs. heterosexual) adults reported lower mean life satisfaction (B = -0.7, 95% CI: -0.8, -0.5) and were less likely to report high SRMH (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5), happiness (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5), community belonging (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.7) and psychological well-being (OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3, 0.6). Differences were not always significant for specific sexual minority groups in sexstratified analyses. Gender minority adults reported lower mean life satisfaction and were less likely to report high SRMH and happiness than cisgender adults. Future research could investigate how these PMH disparities arise, risk and protective factors in these populations, how other sociodemographic factors interact with sexual orientation and gender identity to influence PMH and changes in disparities over time.

An analysis of the effects of chronic low dose-rate radiation exposure on cancer focusing on the differences among cancer types

Purpose The effect of chronic low dose-rate radiation exposure on cancers was investigated by analyzing the data of mice experiments conducted at the Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES). This analysis focuses on the differences between malignant lymphomas and solid cancers. Materials and methods The analysis is conducted based on the mathematical model introduced in our previous work. The model is expanded to analyze malignant lymphomas and solid cancers separately. Using the expanded model, the effect of chronic low dose-rate radiation on malignant lymphomas and solid cancers are discussed based on their occurrences, progressions, and mortalities. Results Non-irradiated control group and 20 mGy/day × 400 days irradiated groups are analyzed. The analysis showed that radiation exposure shortened mean life expectancy for both malignant lymphomas and solid cancers (shorter by 89.6 days for malignant lymphomas and 149.3 days for solid cancers). For malignant lymphomas, both the occurrence and the progression are affected by radiation exposure. The mean age at which malignant lymphoma developed in mice was shortened by 32.7 days and the mean progression period was shortened by 57.3 days. The occurrence of solid cancer is also affected by radiation exposure, wherein the mean age at which solid cancer develops was shortened by 147.9 days. However, no significant change in progression period of solid cancers was seen in the analysis. Conclusions The analysis showed that the occurrence and mean lifespan are affected in both malignant lymphomas and solid cancers. The shortening of the progression period is only seen in malignant lymphoma, no significant change was observed in solid cancers.

Comparative Analysis of Life Satisfaction of Patients before and after Diagnosis of Eye Pathologies

Aim: To compare the life satisfaction of patients before and after diagnosis of eye pathologies. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional survey amongst eye patients at Guinness Eye Centre, Onitsha, South East, Nigeria using pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Data collected included the socio -demographics and the life satisfaction scores of the patients before, and 4-6 weeks after diagnosis. Results: A total of 137 patients in the age range 18 to 88years, and with disease duration ranging from 1 to 23 years were enrolled. There was equal male to female ratio with mean age of 54.6 years. There was significant decreased mean life satisfaction scores from 25.9 before diagnosis to 24.3 after diagnosis among participants with eye pathology. Conclusion: The diagnosis of a vision threatening eye pathology is associated with lowering of life satisfaction hence the need to incorporate psychotherapy in the long term management of these patients.

Temporal vortex tracking in isotropic turbulence

An algorithm to allow the temporal vortex tracking of the intense vorticity structures is introduced and applied to direct numerical simulations (DNS) of homogeneous isotropic turbulence (HIT). The algorithm allows the identification of the individual life events of the worms, including events of splits into several structures and of merging between different structures. Results obtained from a relatively small DNS, with Taylor based Reynolds number equal to Reλ = 54, for a simulation lasting more than 6 integral time scales, shows that the complement of the CDF of the life time of the IVS is well approximated by an exponential distribution function. The mean life time of the IVS which is approximately 3.6τη , where τη is the Kolmogorov time, and the birth rate of these structures is close to 4.5/τη (number of new structures per Kolmogorov time). A population model is built to predict the number of existing structures at any time, which gives a number of existing IVS equal to ≈ 16, which agrees well with the results from the DNS.

Studies on Smilax perfoliata and Breynia retusa against Experimentally Induced Cancer in Swiss Albino Mice

The anticancer effect of methanolic extracts of Smilax perfoliata roots and Breynia retusa bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was investigated in the present study. The procured plant material was subjected to soxhlet extraction using methanol. Albino mice were divided into 7 groups of 6 mice (n = 6) in each group. Group I served as a control for about 14 days, and groups II to VII were administered EAC cells and the standard drug doxorubicin (0.3, i. p.) and test extracts at two doses 200 &amp; 400 mg/kg daily. On last day of the experiment, mice were sacrificed for antitumor activity, tumor volume, cell viability, mean survival time and life span. Hematological and biochemical parameters were estimated. Liver sections were prepared and examined for histological changes. The antitumor effect of both the test extracts was dose-dependent. The volume of the tumor and cell viability were significantly reduced (**p &amp;LT; 0.001), whereas the mean survival time and life span were raised in a significant manner (**p &amp;LT; 0.001). The hematological parameters such as hemoglobin content, RBC, monocytes and lymphocytes were raised while WBC and neutrophils were reduced significantly (**p &amp;LT; 0.001) and the levels of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (SALP), and bilirubin were reduced significantly after the treatment with the test drugs. Histopathological study revealed the restoration of the structure of the liver in the post-treatment animals. It was concluded that the methanolic extract of S. perfoliata roots and B. retusa bark exhibited antitumor activity, which might be due to the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phytosterols, phenolic compounds phytosterols, carbohydrates and tannins. Further investigation of bioactive compounds is needed to confirm the anticancer properties thoroughly.

Migratory history of the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus in western Ireland

Microchemical analysis of trace elements in otoliths and bio-mineralised earstones of teleost fishes is an emerging approach to analysing the environmental migratoryand life histories of fish species. The migration history of the three-spine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) collected in western Ireland was examined using calcium (Ca) and strontium (Sr) concentrations in otoliths. The otolith Sr:Ca values fluctuated with the habitat. The habitat use and migration history of G. aculeatus can be categorised into two types, as determined by the mean value and life history transect of the otolith Sr:Ca; that is, freshwater and estuarine residents, whereas there were no anadromous sticklebacks which is believed to be a typical migration pattern in the species. The otolith Sr:Ca profiles of the freshwater resident fishes exhibited constantly low Sr:Ca values, averaging 0.41–0.58 × 10−3 from the core towards the edge. However, the otolith Sr:Ca profiles of the estuarine resident fishes exhibited constantly high Sr:Ca values from the core towards the edge without a clear transition point from low to high Sr:Ca values, as found in the anadromous fish, averaging 1.82–4.26 × 10−3. The present study is the first published confirmation that 100 % of sticklebacks living in coastal habitats in Ireland > have an estuarine resident migratory pattern, constantly residing in marine environments or brackish water throughout their lifespan and not in freshwater environments in Ireland.

Nonparametric analysis of delayed treatment effects using single-crossing constraints.

Clinical trials involving novel immuno-oncology therapies frequently exhibit survival profiles which violate the proportional hazards assumption due to a delay in treatment effect, and, in such settings, the survival curves in the two treatment arms may have a crossing before the two curves eventually separate. To flexibly model such scenarios, we describe a nonparametric approach for estimating the treatment arm-specific survival functions which constrains these two survival functions to cross at most once without making any additional assumptions about how the survival curves are related. A main advantage of our approach is that it provides an estimate of a crossing time if such a crossing exists, and, moreover, our method generates interpretable measures of treatment benefit including crossing-conditional survival probabilities and crossing-conditional estimates of restricted residual mean life. Our estimates of these measures may be used together with efficacy measures from a primary analysis to provide further insight into differences in survival across treatment arms. We demonstrate the use and effectiveness of our approach with a large simulation study and an analysis of reconstructed outcomes from a recent combination therapytrial.

The effect of a training program on family stress and life satisfaction: A randomized controlled study of mothers of children with disabilities

ObjectiveThis randomized controlled study focused on mothers of children with disabilities to determine the effect of a training program on family stress and life satisfaction. MethodThe sample consisted of 52 mothers of children with disabilities (intervention group = 26 and control group = 26). The intervention group participated in a five-session training program on coping mechanisms and life satisfaction. Data were collected using the Questionnaire On Resource And Stress (QRS-FT) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). ResultsAfter the intervention, the mean life satisfaction scores of the intervention group participants increased (p < 0.05), while their mean total score of family stress decreased (p > 0.05). In the control group, the mean life satisfaction scores decreased (p > 0.05), while the mean total score of family stress increased (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe intervention helped mothers of children with disabilities experience more satisfaction with life and less family stress. Authorities should consider the outcomes of educational intervention studies and formulate training programs for mothers of children with disabilities. Practical implicationsNurses can use interactive educational programs as nursing interventions to help mothers of children with disabilities experience less family stress and more life satisfaction.

The long mean-life-time-controlled and potentially scalable qubits composed of electric dipolar molecules based on graphene

We propose a new kind of qubits composed of electric dipolar molecules. The electric dipolar molecules in an external electric field will take simple harmonic oscillations, whose quantum states belonging to the two lowest energy levels act as the states |0〉\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$|0\\rangle$\\end{document}, |1〉\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$|1\\rangle$\\end{document} of a qubit. The qubits’ excited states have a very long controlled mean life time about several seconds. We can perform quantum computations by manipulating the qubits of electric dipolar molecules just like those of neutral atoms. When the qubits are used for quantum computations, the dipolar moments’ orientations will harmonically oscillate along an external electric field and they will not change the directions: along or against the electric field, so the qubits can be large-scalely manufactured in graphene system. The radius of Rydberg blockade is about 100 nm.

Outcome of continuous renal replacement therapy in critically ill children.

Objective: To determine the outcome of critically ill children undergoing CRRT. Study Design: Prospective Observational Study. Setting: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Aga Khan University Hospital. Period: Jan 2021 to Dec 2022. Material &amp; Methods: The study comprised of collection of data of critically ill children from the age 1-18 years who were subjected to CRRT from Jan 2021 to December 2022. We reported primary diagnosis, demographics, indications, modality, and outcomes of CRRT. Statistical analyses were utilized to relate risk factors correlating with mortality among patients who underwent CRRT. Our main outcome measures were mortality among critically ill pediatric patients who were subjected to CRRT and its associated risk factors. Results: 42 patients underwent CRRT from Jan 2021 to December 2022. Mean age was 11.97 ± 4.3 years, with 64% male population. Most common primary diagnosis was infectious etiology (36%) followed by genitourinary system (27%). 83% patients were in failure according to pRIFLE criteria. 81% patients had multiorgan dysfunction (MODS) with renal, cardiovascular, and respiratory dysfunction sequentially being most common. The mean ionotropic score before &amp; after CRRT was 38.57 &amp; 49.71 respectively. Mean ICU duration of admission was 11.6 days. The most common indication for CRRT was fluid overload (85.71%). Median length of CRRT was 62 hours with a mean circuit life of 47.87 hours. Most common CRRT catheter site was the femoral vein (83%) followed by the internal jugular vein (14%). CVVHDF was the most used modality (64%) followed by CVVH (19%). We report an overall mortality of 71.4%, with a positive correlation with use of norepinephrine post CRRT, presence of multiorgan dysfunction, presence of cardiovascular dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, and low platelet count (&lt;150,000 per microliter) on univariate analysis. Only respiratory dysfunction was statistically significantly associated with mortality on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The gross mortality in patients who underwent CRRT was high (71.4%). Norepinephrine use post-CRRT, multi-organ dysfunction, cardiovascular system, respiratory system dysfunction and low platelet counts were associated with high mortality while association of respiratory dysfunction with mortality was independently statistically significant.

Comparing Survival Extrapolation within All-Cause and Relative Survival Frameworks by Standard Parametric Models and Flexible Parametric Spline Models Using the Swedish Cancer Registry.

In health technology assessment, restricted mean survival time and life expectancy are commonly evaluated. Parametric models are typically used for extrapolation. Spline models using a relative survival framework have been shown to estimate life expectancy of cancer patients more reliably; however, more research is needed to assess spline models using an all-cause survival framework and standard parametric models using a relative survival framework. To assess survival extrapolation using standard parametric models and spline models within relative survival and all-cause survival frameworks. From the Swedish Cancer Registry, we identified patients diagnosed with 5 types of cancer (colon, breast, melanoma, prostate, and chronic myeloid leukemia) between 1981 and 1990 with follow-up until 2020. Patients were categorized into 15 cancer cohorts by cancer and age group (18-59, 60-69, and 70-99 y). We right-censored the follow-up at 2, 3, 5, and 10 y and fitted the parametric models within an all-cause and a relative survival framework to extrapolate to 10 y and lifetime in comparison with the observed Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. All cohorts were modeled with 6 standard parametric models (exponential, Weibull, Gompertz, log-logistic, log-normal, and generalized gamma) and 3 spline models (on hazard, odds, and normal scales). For predicting 10-y survival, spline models generally performed better than standard parametric models. However, using an all-cause or a relative survival framework did not show any distinct difference. For lifetime survival, extrapolating from a relative survival framework agreed better with the observed survival, particularly using spline models. For extrapolation to 10 y, we recommend spline models. For extrapolation to lifetime, we suggest extrapolating in a relative survival framework, especially using spline models. For survival extrapolation to 10 y, spline models generally performed better than standard parametric models did. However, using an all-cause or a relative survival framework showed no distinct difference under the same parametric model.Survival extrapolation to lifetime within a relative survival framework agreed well with the observed data, especially using spline models.Extrapolating parametric models within an all-cause survival framework may overestimate survival proportions at lifetime; models for the relative survival approach may underestimate instead.

Smart connected insulin dose monitoring technologies versus standard of care: a Canadian cost-effectiveness analysis.

Aim: There is growing interest in novel insulin management systems that improve glycemic control. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of smart connected insulin re-usable pens or caps for disposable insulin pens versus pens without connected capabilities in the management of adult patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) from a Canadian societal perspective. Materials & methods: The IQVIA Core Diabetes Model was utilized to conduct the analyses. Applying data from a non-interventional study, the connected insulin device arm was assumed to result in greater reductions (-0.67%) in glycated hemoglobin from baseline and fewer non-severe hypoglycemic events (-32.87 events/patient annually). Macro- and micro-vascular risks were predicted using the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study data. Direct and indirect costs and utilities were sourced from literature. Key model outcomes included life years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Both costs and effects were annually discounted at 1.5% over a 60-year time horizon. Uncertainty was explored in scenario and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA). Results: The connected insulin pen device was associated with lower mean discounted total costs (CAD221,943 vs 266,199; -CAD44,256), improvement in mean life expectancy (25.78 vs 24.29; +1.49years) and gains in QALYs (18.48 vs 16.74; +1.75 QALYs) over the patient's lifetime. Most scenario analyses confirmed the base case results. The PSA showed dominance in 99.5% of cases. Conclusion: For adults with T1DM in Canada, a connected insulin pen device is likely to be a cost-effective treatment option associated with greater clinical benefits and lower costs relative to a standard re-usable or disposable pen.

ТЕХНОЛОГИЯ ВОССТАНОВЛЕНИЯ БЛОКОВ ЦИЛИНДРОВ С ДЕФЕКТОМ КРЫШКИ КОРЕННОЙ ОПОРЫ И ОЦЕНКА КАЧЕСТВА ИХ РЕМОНТА С ПОМОЩЬЮ СТАТИСТИЧЕСКОЙ МОДЕЛИ НАДЕЖНОСТИ

Currently, the reconditioning of engine blocks featuring ‘split joint’ main bearing caps is challenging since there is no basic technology for the rebuilding process. The paper introduces a method for restoring engine blocks with and without the described design feature and discusses the possibility of using a mathematical distribution of the engine life to assess the repair quality. Methods of the mathematical planning theory were used to assess the quality of an overhauled engine. A multifactorial experiment was conducted to obtain experimental data. The overhaul quality properties were analysed to identify indicators and parameters which are critical for assessing the quality of engine repairs. The study established indices of the engine life, namely, the mean life, for assessing the quality of an overhauled engine. For determining the engine reliability, the distribution law of indices for sampling the engine lifetime data was established. Currently, engine blocks featuring ‘split joint’ main bearing caps are not repaired. The technological solution to reconditioning the described engine blocks involves milling the contact surface of the main bearing cap and working it up to exclude lateral displacement during operation. Computations used the reliability index, the mean life between overhauls for assessing the quality of an overhauled engine. The authors came up with a statistical model of the engine life distribution with a confidence coefficient of 91 %.

The Effect of Educational Religious Intervention on Improving Life Expectancy in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background and Purpose: The main problem of cancer patients is the feeling of despair and hopelessness. Religious beliefs can boost the morale of cancer patients. This study aimed to determine the effect of religious interventions on life expectancy in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: The present clinical trial study was conducted on 128 patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy referred to the oncology unit of a teaching hospital in Khorramabad, Iran. After selecting the sample size, the patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. In addition to routine care, religious intervention sessions were performed for the intervention group, and the control group received only routine care. For the intervention group, training sessions focused on trust in God, good morals, patience, gratitude, and remembrance of God. After 3 weeks and 6 sessions (after finishing the sessions), the post-test was done. Data collection tools were the demographic and Miller’s standard life expectancy questionnaires. Analysis of covariance was used to compare life expectancy after the intervention. SPSS software, version 23 was employed for data analysis. A significance level of 0.05 was considered for all tests. Results: There were 64 men and 64 women in both groups. Also, 111 people were married in both groups. The most frequent cancer seen in both intervention and control groups was gastric cancer (n=37). The mean life expectancy scores of the experimental and control groups before the intervention were not statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in life expectancy scores before and after the intervention in the experimental group (P&lt;0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in life expectancy scores after the intervention in the experimental and control groups (P=0.000). Conclusion: Religious intervention increases the life expectancy of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Medical staff, especially nurses, can, along with other routine care, guide patients undergoing chemotherapy to spirituality and help them accept the disease and its complications better.

Electrochemical Metallic Ion Migration Property of Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor for Car Electronics

As the use of electrical components in automobiles increases, the occurrence of electorchemical metallic ion migration (ECM), which is one of the causes of various failures in electrical components, is also increasing. Therefore, in this study, 1608 MLCC chip components were used for temperature-humidity-bias (THB) tests at 65℃/85%R.H., 65℃/95%R.H., and 85℃/85%R.H. Three types of THB tests were conducted for 2,934 h. For the THB test, voltages of 3.3, 12 and 24 V were applied, and real-time resistance of MLCCs were measured at every 40 mms intervals. During the ECM test, the ECM occurrence time was measured by monitoring the insulation resistance of between the electrode of MLCC under each THB test conditions. The failure criteria for ECM occurrence were 106 Ω or less, and the time when it occurred more than twice was judged as the ECM failure criteria. Based on the ECM occurrence time, the mean life time of ECM occurrence according to temperature, humidity and applied voltage conditions was derived through Weibull statistical analysis. Finally, we compared and analyzed the sensitivity of MLCC components to ECM generation under use environment of automotive electronics.

Change in life space is associated with cognitive decline and increased risk of incident Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in older men

AbstractBackgroundLife space measures the range of geospatial movement through one’s environment during daily functioning. Prior studies on the association of life space and cognitive change are mostly cross‐sectional and have mixed results. To clarify this association, we prospectively evaluated change in life space with cognitive decline and incident Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD).MethodWe studied 1,684 men enrolled in a prospective study of aging. We excluded individuals with probable dementia or PD at baseline (Study Year 7). Life space was evaluated with the self‐reported University of Alabama at Birmingham Life Space Assessment at Year 7 and Year 14. The composite life space score ranges from 0 (most restricted) to 120 (least restricted). Incident AD or PD was defined as a self‐reported physician diagnosis or medication use at Year 14. We conducted logistic regression analyses examining change in life space with the odds of our outcomes unadjusted and adjusted for age, clinic site, race, education, living arrangement, vascular risk factors, and depression. We also conducted mixed linear effects models to evaluate the association between change in life space and change in 3MS and Trails B score.ResultOf 1,684 men (mean age 77.1 +/‐ 18.7 SD) in our analytic cohort, 80 (4.8%) developed incident AD and 23 (1.4%) developed PD over 7 years. The mean (SD) life space score at baseline was 92.9 (18.7) and change over 7 years was ‐9.9 (22.3). In the fully adjusted model, each 1 SD decrement in life space was associated with increased odds of AD (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3, 2.0) and PD (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1, 2.5). For each 1 SD decline in life space, men worsened by 20.6 seconds in their Trails B score and 1.15 points in their 3MS score over 7 years (p&lt;0.001 for both).ConclusionIn this novel longitudinal analysis, decline in life space is associated with cognitive decline and incident AD and PD. Future studies should examine whether decline in life space is a sensitive and practical way to identify older individuals at risk for cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease.