Multivariate Analysis Of Variance Test Research Articles

The Mediating Role of Organizational Reputation and Trust in the Intention to Use Wearable Health Devices: Cross-Country Study.

BackgroundThe use of consumer wearable health devices for fitness tracking has seen an upward trend across the globe. Previous studies have shown that trust is an important factor in the adoption and use of new technologies. However, little is known about the influence of organizational reputation and trust on the intention to use wearable health devices.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the mediating role of organizational reputation and trust in the intention to use wearable health devices and to examine the extent to which the country of residence influenced the effect of organizational reputation on consumers’ trust in and intention to use wearable health devices.MethodsWe conducted a cross-country survey with participants from Kenya and South Africa using a Google Forms questionnaire derived from previously validated items. A series of mediation regression analyses were carried out using the PROCESS macro with the bootstrap CI procedure. A one-way, between-group multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was also used to determine the key factors that distinguish Kenyans and South Africans in their intention to use wearable health devices.ResultsA total of 232 questionnaire responses were collected. The results revealed that organizational reputation significantly mediates the relationship between trust propensity and trust, with an indirect effect of 0.22 (95% CI 0.143-0.309). Organizational reputation also plays a significant direct role in the intention to use a wearable health device, with a direct effect of 0.32 (95% CI 0.175-0.483). This role is regardless of participants’ country of residence. Furthermore, there is a significant mediating effect of trust on the relationship between trust propensity and the intention to use a wearable health device, with an indirect effect of 0.26 (95% CI 0.172-0.349); between perceived security and the intention to use a wearable health device, with an indirect effect of 0.36 (95% CI 0.255-0.461); and between perceived privacy and the intention to use a wearable health device, with an indirect effect of 0.42 (95% CI 0.282-0.557). The MANOVA test shows statistically significant differences in all variables for both groups, with the exception of organizational reputation where there is no significant difference between the two cohorts.ConclusionsOrganizational reputation has a significant direct influence on participants’ trust in and the intention to use a wearable health device irrespective of their country of residence. Even in the presence of perceived security and perceived privacy, trust has a significant mediating effect on the intention to use a wearable health device.

COMPORTAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO E DESEMPENHO ECONÔMICO-FINANCEIRO DAS ORGANIZAÇÕES DO AGRONEGÓCIO LISTADAS NA B3

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o comportamento estratégico, tipificada de acordo com a tipologia de Miles e Snow (1978) e Porter (1980), no desempenho econômico-financeiro das organizações do agronegócio brasileiro listadas na B3. Foram analisadas 18 empresas do setor não-cíclico ligadas ao agronegócio. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste de Análise Multivariada de Variância e Teste de Tuckey. Os resultados indicam que as empresas com comportamento estratégico Prospector tem maiores índices de Liquidez Geral ao serem comparadas com as companhias dos demais comportamentos estratégicos. Os resultados sugerem que as empresas com comportamento estratégico Híbrido apresentam maior Rentabilidade do Ativo e tem menor Tamanho, no momento em que estas são comparadas com as companhias que adotaram apenas um comportamento estratégico, isto é, Diferenciação, Liderança em Custos e Foco.

The Effect of SSCS Learning Model on Reflective Thinking Skills and Problem Solving Ability

<p style="text-align:justify">This study aims to determine the effect of the application of the Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) learning model to the mathematical reflective thinking skills and the students' mathematical problem-solving abilities. This research is a type of Quasi-Experimental Design research with a 2x2 factorial research design. Data collection techniques in this study in the form of documentation and tests at Private school in Bandar Lampung with 28 students of experiment classes and 28 students of control classes. Data analysis techniques used are the normality test and homogeneity test. Testing the hypothesis in this study using the Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) test. Based on the results of the study, The calculation of the MANOVA test, it was concluded that there was an influence on the application of the SSCS learning model to students' mathematical reflective thinking skills. The application of the SSCS learning model to the mathematical reflective thinking ability has an influence percentage of 91.9%. The application of the SSCS learning model to mathematical reflective thinking skills and mathematical problem solving abilities has a relatively high level of effectiveness.</p>

Forensic discrimination of black laser prints by a combination of chemometric methods and μ-ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

The combination of spectral and chemometric methods to obtain information of the samples appears to be useful in forensic analysis of questioned documents. In this paper, the application of non-destructive method including FTIR spectroscopy in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to differentiate black laser prints was investigated. A set of 49 types of laser printers of 10 brands was investigated. PCA was applied to identify the differences between the laser toner samples. PCA of laser prints spectra was used as a base of the method for toner identification. The difference between the spectra of the unknown print and the spectra of the database was tested. The method was confirmed by the analysis of four test prints. A model document printed on three different printers was prepared. The MANOVA test together with PCA scatter diagram confirmed that the model document was printed on three different printers.

Self-compassion and cognitive flexibility in trauma-exposed individuals with and without PTSD

Considering the importance of cognitive processes in controlling behavior and emotion, and also individuals’ different reactions toward traumatic events; the current study was carried out to compare self-compassion and cognitive flexibility in trauma-exposed individuals with and without post-traumatic stress disorder. In this cross-sectional study, subjects were recruited among individuals exposed to at least one traumatic event in Gilan-Gharb city (Iran). Through the available sampling method, the numbers of 400 people were selected, and after exerting inclusion and exclusion criterions, 252 individuals concluded the final sample of the study. Subjects were divided into two groups of with and without post-traumatic stress disorder based on clinical interview and the cut-off scores higher than 103 in the Civilian Mississippi Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder scale; Then responded to the demographic questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale and Cognitive Abilities Questionnaire individually. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Multivariate Analysis of Variance test. Results revealed that the mean scores of the group with post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly lower than the group without post-traumatic stress disorder in variables of Cognitive Flexibility, Self-Compassion, and components of self-compassion including Self-Kindness, Common Humanity, and Mindfulness; the mean scores of the group with post-traumatic stress disorder were significantly higher than the group without post-traumatic stress disorder in components of self-compassion including Self-judgment, Isolation, and Over-Identification. Findings of the present study suggest that self-compassionate attitude toward shortcomings and failures of self, and cognitive flexibility is lower in people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder than those trauma-exposed individuals without post-traumatic stress disorder.

Facial soft tissue thickness in Yangtze River delta Han population: Accurate assessment and comparative analysis utilizing Cone-Beam CT.

Facial approximation plays a vital role in personal identification when other methods cannot be applied, and the study on facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT) is important to allow more accurate facial approximation. The Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) is considered to be an accurate approach in assessing FSTT, however only few studies have assessed the FSTT norms by CBCT in Chinese populations. The aim of this study was to (1) establish forensic measurement approach on a 3D model reconstructed by CBCT image; (2) obtain FSTT norms from the adults of Yangtze River delta Han population; (3) determine the impacts of sex, age, BMI as well as malocclusion type on FSTT and (4) form a FSTT database through CBCT. A total of 60 facial landmarks were primarily established from 3D reconstructed models from CBCT images of 424 healthy Han adults (130 males and 294 females) aged from 21 to 50years in Yangtze River delta region and measurements were carried out. The multivariate analysis of variance test and multiple linear regressions test showed that the FSTT values on most landmarks were significantly different between sexes and BMI, and males showed greater values, expect for the landmarks distributed in malarzygomatic areas. Simultaneously, BMI mostly affected the landmarks located in zygomatic region. Besides, only a few landmarks were influenced by age. Interestingly, several periodontal landmarks were influenced by malocclusion types, thus the impact of malocclusion types on FSTT requires attention. Finally, the validation analysis suggested that measurement approach is an important factor for FSTT.

Short Communication: Preliminary characterization of groundcherry (Physalis angulata) from East Java Province, Indonesia based on morpho-agronomic traits

Abstract. Sadiyah H, Soegianto A, Waluyo B, Ashari S. 2020. Short Communication: Preliminary characterization of groundcherry (Physalis angulata) from East Java Province, Indonesia based on morpho-agronomic traits. Biodiversitas 21: 759-769. Accurate knowledge of the genetic relationships between different germplasms is important for successful crop improvement programs through breeding. This work aimed to i) characterize the groundcherry germplasm collected from the field of eastern Java and Madura Island based on their morpho-agronomic performance, ii) investigate the relationships among the different germplasms, and iii) verify whether simultaneous analysis of quantitative-qualitative data (joint analysis) can reveal new clustering patterns. A total of 26 quantitative and 31 qualitative traits were measured and evaluated for 28 accessions. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to select variables that had significant loading, based on a t-test, for inclusion in cluster analysis. The first clustering method was the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), which only involved quantitative variables using the Manhattan distance. This method was followed by a joint analysis using Gower dissimilarity. Nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance test showed that four clusters were the optimum number for both methods, but the clusters for each method had different members. The coefficient of variation ranged from 3.9 (fruit pH) to 45.5 (productivity per plant), indicating that improvement in the productivity in groundcherry was promising. The mean values of the morpho-agronomic traits for accessions from eastern Java and Madura Island were not significantly different, except for fruit firmness and the mean length of two internodes. In general, geographic isolation did not have much influence on the characteristics of an accession, since there were accessions from these two regions that were members of the same group, identified by the clustering analysis.

Sport Education and Sportsmanship Orientations: An Intervention in High School Students.

One of the main goals for physical education is to develop the students’ moral and ethical domain, where sportsmanship promotion is considered a key curricular component to tackle the achievement of this goal. This research aims to examine the influence of sport education on sportsmanship orientations in high school students. The participants were 148 (52.70% female; Mage = 17.04, SDage = 0.99) high school students who were randomized into an experimental group (n = 74), which received 16 basketball lessons under sport education conditions, and a control group (n = 74), which received 16 basketball lessons following a traditional teaching approach. Pre-intervention and post-intervention measures on sportsmanship orientations were collected in both groups. A 2 (time: pre-test and post-test) x 2 (group: Sport Education and Traditional Teaching) multivariate analysis of variance test was performed on the five sportsmanship orientations. The results showed, for time x group interactions, the absence of significant multivariate effects in the level of the five sportsmanship orientations among both groups at pre-test (Pillai’s trace = 0.06, p = 0.145). At post-test, significant multivariate effects were found in the level of each sportsmanship orientation between both groups in favor of the Sport Education group (Pillai’s trace = 0.38, p < 0.001). Furthermore, regarding within-group pre-test to post-test differences, while there were nonsignificant multivariate effects (Pillai’s trace = 0.03, p = 0.469) for the Traditional Teaching group; significant multivariate effects (Pillai’s trace = 0.43, p < 0.001) were found for the Sport Education group, showing an increase in the level of respect for social conventions, respect for rules and referees, and full commitment and respect for opponents. There were also nonsignificant effects across gender (inter-group analysis: Pillai’s trace = 0.08, p = 0.068; time x gender interaction: Pillai’s trace = 0.03, p = 0.497) and after-school sports (inter-group analysis: Pillai’s trace = 0.02, p = 0.776; time x after-school interaction: Pillai’s trace = 0.01, p = 0.981). In conclusion, sport education is an effective pedagogical model to be taken into consideration by physical education teachers in order to optimally promote the high school student’s moral and ethical education via the development of sportsmanship orientations in the context of school physical education.

The Effects of The Presence of Tutor in The Learning Video on Cognitive Load and Academic Achievement

This study was intended to determine the effect of the presence of tutors in the learning video on cognitive load and academic achievement. The design used in this study was the posttest control group design. The subjects of this study were 30 students of eleventh-grade science of senior high school number 1 Ungaran. The measurements of the data were carried out using cognitive load questionnaires, eye-tracking measurements, and biological matter of reproductive materials (prior knowledge and posttest teaching). The result of analysis using the Multivariate analysis of variance test showed that the presence of tutors in the learning video did not have a significant effect on extraneous load (F(2.27)=2.6, p&gt;0.05), the presence of tutors in the learning video did not have a significant effect on germane load in the subjective measurements (F(2.27)=0.06, p&gt;0.05), however, the presence of tutors in the learning video has a significant effect on the objective measurements (F(2.27)=24.47, p&lt;0.05) and (F(2.27)=28.14, p&lt;0.05). Furthermore, the presence of tutors in the learning video has a significant effect on academic achievement with (F(2.27)=3.38, p&lt;0.05). The findings of this study proved that there were effects of the presence of tutor in the learning video on germane load and academic achievement.

Cohort differences on the CVLT-II and CVLT3: Evidence of a negative Flynn effect on the attention/working memory and learning trials

Objective Although cohort effects on IQ measures have been investigated extensively, studies exploring cohort differences on verbal memory tests, and the extent to which they are influenced by socioenvironmental changes across decades (e.g. educational attainment; ethnic makeup), have been limited. Method We examined differences in performance between the normative samples of the CVLT-II from 1999 and the CVLT3 from 2016 to 2017 on the immediate- and delayed-recall trials, and we explored the degree to which verbal learning and memory skills might be influenced by the cohort year in which norms were collected versus demographic factors (e.g. education level). Results Multivariate analysis of variance tests and follow-up univariate tests yielded evidence for a negative cohort effect (also referred to as negative Flynn effect) on performance, controlling for demographic factors (p = .001). In particular, findings revealed evidence of a negative Flynn effect on the attention/working memory and learning trials (Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3, Trials 1–5 Total, List B; ps < .007), with no significant cohort differences found on the delayed-recall trials. As expected, education level, age group, and ethnicity were significant predictors of CVLT performance (ps < .01). Importantly, however, there were no interactions between cohort year of norms collection and education level, age group, or ethnicity on performance. Conclusions The clinical implications of the present findings for using word list learning and memory tests like the CVLT, and the potential role of socioenvironmental factors on the observed negative Flynn effect on the attention/working memory and learning trials, are discussed.

A COMPARISON OF COACHING LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR PREFERENCES BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE PAKISTANI INTERVARSITY LEVEL BASKETBALL PLAYERS

The aim of the current study is to examine the coaching leadership behavior preferences at intervarsity level by Pakistani basketball players. A total of 150 players participated in the study. The preferred version of leadership scale for sports (LSS) developed by Chelladurai &amp; Saleh (1980) has been used to investigate the five dimensions of coaching leadership behavior. The statistical test Multivariate analysis is used to check the gender differences in coaching leadership behavior. Distinctly, training and instructions coaching leadership behavior was found most preferred coaching leadership behavior by male and female athletes. The results of the present study will be helpful for the coaches in order to understand about most preferred coaching leadership behavior for the desired results.

The Multilevel Inquiry Approach to Achieving Meaningful Learning in Biochemistry Course

Biochemistry learning in higher education not only aims to allow students to remember the concepts learned, but also to achieve meaningful learning. This study examines the implementation of the multilevel inquiry approach in order to achieve meaningful biochemistry learning. Such as approach begins with a structured inquiry, leading to a guided inquiry, and ending with an open inquiry on topics that are connected to each other. A posttest-only control group design was employed, with a total sample of 87 students taking biochemistry courses. The control class consisted of 43 students, with 44 students in the experimental class. The variables tested were learning outcomes, practical skills, and attitudes toward biochemistry, while the effect of the implementation of multilevel inquiry on these three variables was analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). The results show that the class that applied the multilevel inquiry approach achieved higher scores in all three variables than the control class. The MANOVA test shows that the implementation of this approach has a positive effect on the three variables, which represent the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains, and that multilevel inquiry was able to foster meaningful learning in biochemistry courses. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 48(1):28-37, 2020.

Victimization Experiences and Executive Dysfunction as Discriminating Risk Indicators for Youth Offender Typologies.

Research is becoming increasingly nuanced in its examination of offenders, and thus typological distinctions according to generalist and/or specialization offense profiles may be notable for targeted intervention efforts within and between classifications of offenders. There is a significant body of evidence identifying early-life victimization and executive function deficits as critical developmental antecedents to sexual and non-sexual offending alike, but they have not been exhaustively evaluated as a discernable experience among criminally versatile offenders (youth who commit both sexual and non-sexual crimes). This study aims to address gaps by examining associations between early-life victimization, other traumatic experiences in the home, and executive functioning deficits and then test how disparate offending groups differentially experience these early risks. Using a sample of juvenile-justice-involved youth (N = 200), who committed sexual only offenses (n = 41), non-sexual only offenses (n = 124), and criminally versatile offenders (n = 27), multivariate analysis of variance tests and bivariate correlations were conducted. Results revealed that there were statistically significant correlations between measures of executive functioning and specific incidents of victimization, particularly sexual, physical, and emotional. There were also significant group differences in measures of sexual abuse, physical and emotional abuse, and executive functioning with criminally versatile offenders showing higher rates of physical and emotional abuse and sexual only offenders showing higher rates of sexual abuse and some executive functioning deficits. Practice and research implications are discussed.

Efficacy of Aloe vera Gel and Water-leaf Extracts for Removal of Egg Adhesiveness during Artificial Propagation of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchel 1822)

The paper aims to study the best immersion period and concentration of the plant extracts under study (water-leaf and Aloe vera gel) that can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness of Clarias gariepinus. Data generated were subjected to Multivariate Analysis of Variance Test, Tukey multiple range tests was used as a follow up procedure. Third order Polynomial regression analysis was then used to determine the best concentration and immersion period that neutralizes adhesiveness in eggs of C. gariepinus. The experiment was carried out at The Teaching and Research Fish Farm, Federal University of Technology, Akure, between October 2018 to December 2018. One male and one female C. gariepinus brood stock weighing 1.0 kg and 1.3 kg, respectively were used for the experiment. Three different concentrations (1, 3, and 5)% of the plant extracts were used. 2 g of urea diluted in 4 g NaCl/L of water was used as reference de-adhesion agent, while water without urea solution nor plant extracts was used as control. The fish eggs were rinsed with the solutions at different durations of 1, 3 and 5 minutes. Each concentration and rinsing time was recorded in duplicates. Results of the study showed that there were no significant differences (p=0.05) in the non-adhesive egg hatching of eggs immersed in Aloe vera gel and Urea solution. Number of non-adhesive egg and hatching increased in waterleaf extract which was significantly different (P=0.05) from eggs immersed in Aloe vera gel and water but not significantly different from urea solution. Therefore this study shows that waterleaf extract at 1% concentration and 1 minute immersion period can efficiently remove egg adhesiveness and increase hatching in C. gariepinus.

Core Gut Bacteria Analysis of Healthy Mice.

Previous studies revealed that there existed great individual variations of gut microbiota in mice, and the gut bacteria of mice were changed with the occurrence and development of diseases. To identify the core gut bacteria in healthy mice and explore their relationships with the host phenotypes would help to understand the underlying mechanisms. In this study, we identified 37 genus-level core bacteria from feces of 101 healthy mice with different ages, sexes, and mouse strains in three previous studies. They collectively represented nearly half of the total sequences, and predominantly included carbohydrate- and amino acids-metabolizing bacteria and immunomodulatory bacteria. Among them, Anaerostipes indwelt the gut of all healthy mice. Co-abundance analysis showed that these core genera were clustered into five groups (Group C1–C5), which were ecologically related. For example, the abundances of Group C2 including probiotics Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus slightly positively correlated with those of Group C1. Principal component analysis (PCA) and multivariate analysis of variance test revealed that these core gut genera were distinguished with age and sex, and also associated with their health/disease state. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) method showed that bacteria in Group C1 and C2/C3 increased with the age in infancy and early adulthood, and were more abundant in female mice than in male ones. The metabolic syndrome (MS) induced by high fat diet (HFD) and accelerated postnatal growth would decrease Group C2 genera, whereas probiotics intervention would reverse HFD-induced reduction of Group C2. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the principal components based on the abundance of the 37 core genera were significantly correlated with host characteristic parameters of MS. These results demonstrated that the 37 core genera in five co-abundance groups from healthy mice were related to host phenotypes. It was indicated that these prevalent gut bacterial genera could be representative of the healthy gut microbiome in gnotobiotic animal models, and might also be candidates of probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation.

Stratified chemical and microbial characteristics between anode and cathode after long-term operation of plant microbial fuel cells for remediation of metal contaminated soils

The plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC) is considered as a sustainable technology in which plants, microbes, and electrochemical cells are the major components and have the synergistic effect on electricity generation. Recent study has demonstrated the use of the PMFC system for remediation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contaminated soils; however, the electrokinetic effects, fate of Cr and microbial community shift after long-term operation of PMFCs still need to be unveiled. In this study, PMFCs with spiking 50 mg/kg Cr(VI) were operated over 10 months and chemical and microbial characteristics of different locations of PMFC systems were investigated. Distinct chemical and microbial properties for different locations of soil samples were observed within PMFCs. For instance, the pH values of soils around the cathode and anode (cathode and anode soils) in PMFCs with Chinese pennisetum (Chinese pennisetum PMFCs) were 7.03 ± 0.15 and 6.09 ± 0.05 respectively, showing significantly higher pH values of cathode soils than those of anode soils. The electrical conductivity (EC) of cathode and anode soils in Chinese pennisetum PMFCs was 78.00 ± 5.61 and 156.25 ± 7.89 μs/cm respectively, showing significantly lower ECs of cathode soils than those of anode soils. The total Cr of cathode and anode soils in Chinese pennisetum PMFCs was 65.75 ± 3.77 and 84.29 ± 2.87 mg/kg respectively, showing significantly lower total Cr of cathode soils than that of anode soils. The permutational multivariate analysis of variance test of results of 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing revealed that microbial communities in anode and cathode samples had significant difference in compositions. The stratified chemical and microbial characteristics between anode and cathode were primarily driven by the bioelectrochemical processes and electrokinetic effects within PMFCs. The findings in this study help to better understand the underlying effects of operating PMFCs and will be beneficial for future application of PMFCs in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils.

A Comparison of Intergenerational Service-Learning and Traditional Pedagogy among Undergraduate Psychology Students

This study examined student outcomes of participating in a semester-long, intergenerational service-learning course compared to a traditional pedagogy course. At the beginning and end of the semester, students ( N = 161) voluntarily completed a series of measures assessing six outcomes across four domains: personal, social, citizenship, and academic. Results from mixed analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance tests suggest service-learning students only outperformed the traditional pedagogy group on self-efficacy for community service (i.e., a personal outcome). Service-learning students maintained a high level of self-efficacy across the semester, while the self-efficacy of those in traditional pedagogy courses declined. There were no significant group differences over time in social, citizenship, or academic outcomes. These results suggest more tempered support for service-learning than many previous studies. Factors potentially affecting the results include the service-learning dosage, broader educational context, and methodological rigor. Future studies may further illuminate possible effects of the educational context.

Swallowing thin liquids from the rim of the cup and through the straw in healthy geriatrics

Context: Literature suggests geriatrics with swallowing difficulty to use straw as a compensatory strategy to drink thin liquids. However, in India, drinking through the straw is traditionally not etiquette of dining and in our observation this practice is changing. Aim: This study aimed to measure the swallowing of thin liquids through the straw in healthy elderly adults (HEAs). Settings and Design: A crossover comparative design with nonrandom sampling was adopted. Subjects and Methods: Fifty volunteers (25 healthy young adults [HYAs] and 25 HEAs) consumed 100 ml lukewarm water from two medium: (a) rim of the cup and (b) through the straw, across four different straw capacities. Swallowing performance was measured by volume/swallow, time/swallow, and swallow capacity. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics along with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate ANOVA test were administered on the data. Results: Results revealed HYAs swallowing from rim of the cup to be better than elderly participants that yielded increased volume/swallow. Likewise, in through the straw condition, healthy elderly participants had better swallowing performance. The study also highlights an inverse relationship between straw length and volume. Conclusions: The conclusion drawn is using straw results in decreased swallowing performance and this can be an effective strategy to improve thin liquid swallowing in healthy elders.

Integrated Analysis of Young Swimmers' Sprint Performance.

To analyze young swimmers' performance regarding sex and skill level, 23 boys and 26 girls (15.7 ± 0.8 and 14.5 ± 0.8 years old, respectively) were assessed for anthropometry, flexibility, strength, drag, coordination, and biomechanical variables. During a 50-m maximal front-crawl bout, seven aerial and six underwater Qualisys cameras assessed kinematics, and a load cell was used to measure drag (Tedea, United Kingdom) and tethered swimming force. A multivariate analysis of variance test (p < .05) enabled us to observe differences between skill levels in speed, stroke frequency, stroke index, and intracyclic velocity variations, but most relevant differences were noticed when comparing sexes, particularly for anthropometrics, shoulder flexibility, speed, stroke frequency, stroke length, drag, mechanical power, power per stroke, and maximal and mean force. Considering the included variables, only male swimmers' performance could be predicted through multiple linear regression, with stroke index, left shoulder flexion, and intracycle velocity variations showing great importance in achieving better results.

Synergistic Effect of Integrated Project Delivery, Lean Construction, and Building Information Modeling on Project Performance Measures: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

In the recent years, owners and construction management companies have shown an increasingly more interest in adopting approaches that result in enhanced quality and less risks, conflicts, and wastes on their projects despite potentially higher initial cost. Implementing advanced technology trends and incorporating more integrated methods of delivering projects have proven to be highly value‐adding and forward‐thinking approaches. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of and the synergy between three of such trending concepts in the construction industry, namely, integrated project delivery (IPD), lean principles, and building information modeling (BIM) in terms of cost and schedule performance measures. Data analysis was conducted on 72 vertical projects through interviews and study of the published articles, reports, and case studies. Qualitative analysis was performed through grounded theory while quantitative analysis was implemented using univariate and multivariate analysis of variance tests on schedule performance and cost performance. Results of the grounded theory analysis summarize six crucial characteristics required for an effective coordination between IPD, lean construction, and BIM. Statistical analysis on different combination of these three components revealed considerable effectiveness in terms of schedule performance while the effect on cost performance was not as much significant. This study contributes to the body of knowledge and practice in the field of construction by demonstrating the cost and schedule benefits realized through the use of IPD, lean construction, and BIM and identifying their collective conceptual advantages.