Performing Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Interaction between decentralized financial services and the traditional banking system: A comparative analysis

This paper investigates the interaction between decentralized financial services and the traditional banking system by building VAR models, conducting Granger causality tests, building impulse response functions, and performing variance analysis. To implement the model, banking indicators of the USA, India, and Great Britain were selected: the volume of commercial and industrial loans, interest rate, consumer price index, total liabilities and capital of banks, aggregate deposits, federal funds rate (for the USA), and repo rate (for India). The study examined central bank data of the specified countries from July 2018 to January 2024 with the TVL indicator, which measures the sum of all assets locked in DeFi protocols. The results of the impulse response function (IRF) for countries demonstrate different interactions between TVL and bank indicators. The US response to TVL shocks demonstrates a stimulative monetary policy, with significant Fed rate reductions and increased commercial lending to boost economic activity. In contrast, India’s monetary stimulus, marked by declining repo rates and growth in banking sector liabilities and deposits, aims to enhance economic resilience. The UK, however, adopts a conservative monetary approach, with sharp bank rate increases and mixed lending and deposit responses, prioritizing financial stability. Analysis across these nations highlights different impacts of financial indicators on TVL. In the US, the evolving relationship between TVL and bank indicators reflects the financial system’s complexity. India’s sensitivity to monetary policy, credit conditions, and inflation significantly influences TVL. In the UK, central bank decisions, particularly the bank rate, play a crucial role in financial market dynamics. AcknowledgmentThe authors appreciate the assistance in the preparation of the article provided by the University of Debrecen Program for Scientific Publication and the János Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

Immunogenic cell death-based prognostic model for predicting the response to immunotherapy and common therapy in lung adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a malignant tumor in the respiratory system. The efficacy of current treatment modalities varies greatly, and individualization is evident. Therefore, finding biomarkers for predicting treatment prognosis and providing reference and guidance for formulating treatment options is urgent. Cancer immunotherapy has made distinct progress in the past decades and has a significant effect on LUAD. Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD) can reshape the tumor’s immune microenvironment, contributing to immunotherapy. Thus, exploring ICD biomarkers to construct a prognostic model might help individualized treatments. We used a lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) dataset to identify ICD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, these DEGs were clustered and divided into subgroups. We also performed variance analysis in different dimensions. Further, we established and validated a prognostic model by LASSO Cox regression analysis. The risk score in this model was used to evaluate prognostic differences by survival analysis. The treatment prognosis of various therapies were also predicted. LUAD samples were divided into two subgroups. The ICD-high subgroup was related to an immune-hot phenotype more sensitive to immunotherapy. The prognostic model was constructed based on six ICD-related DEGs. We found that high-risk score patients responded better to immunotherapy. The ICD prognostic model was validated as a standalone factor to evaluate the ICD subtype of individual LUAD patients, which might contribute to more effective therapies.

Covid-19 Pandemic and Its Effects on Social Life and Reflections on Spatial Preferences

The Covid-19 pandemic, which emerged in Wuhan city of China's Hubei province in December 2019, affected the whole world in a short period of 3 months. The Covid-19 outbreak, which was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization as of March 12, 2020; was imposed significant restrictions on the use of open spaces, which adversely affected the daily life of individuals physically, mentally and socially. Apart from the health problems experienced by people, it has also created many spatial choices and changes. New preferences, where social distance is at the forefront, have started new venue organizations along with new requests. Although the changes experienced with the Covid-19 pandemic may seem negative, they contain opportunities that allow change and development. Making people's living environments more functional, remembering the importance of nature and reviewing social relations can be evaluated in this context. Looking from history to the present, the Covid-19 pandemic is not the first and will not be the last. For this reason, the study aims to investigate the change in the spatial preferences in the society with the pandemic and to create an idea for the next pandemics. In this context, 289 people were reached by using the online survey method and various questions were asked. Various results were obtained and interpreted by performing variance analysis, factor analysis, correlation analysis, crosstabs test and frequency analysis (P˂0.01) on the obtained data. As a result of the study, from the statistical data, it has been observed that 'people are more oriented to nature' due to the Covid-19 pandemic and that open green spaces suitable for social distance are sought in spatial preferences. These findings shed new light on the value of urban nature as resilience infrastructure during a time of crisis.

Changes in the main dental parameters of preschoolers with caries affected by long-term probiotic intake

Relevance. For several decades, they have added bacteria called probiotics to some foods for their positive effects on human health. In dental practice, probiotics may help fight caries and inflammatory periodontal diseases. Dentists are interested in probiotics because of the latter’s ability to adhere to and colonize various oral tissues.Purpose. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of S. salivarius M18 probiotic in preschool children.Material and methods. The study formed 2 groups (45 children in each) of children aged 3 to 6 years with multiple dental caries who underwent dental treatment and 4-fold fluoride varnish application. The main group took 2 courses of S. salivarius M18 probiotic lozenges (the 1st course from February 16 to May 16, 2021, and the 2nd course from October 26, 2021, to January 26, 2022). The children of the comparison group did not use the probiotic. We evaluated the Hygiene Index by Fedorov-Volodkina, dmf(t) rate, ICDAS-II index, and PMA index in children of both groups at the baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Additionally, both groups kept food diaries. The statistical data processing was performed variance analysis of using the Friedman test (significant differences were at p ≤ 0.05).Results. The year of observation in preschool children showed that two 3-month courses of an S. salivarius M18 probiotic intake led to a signifcant improvement in the hygiene index by 2.2 times, 2.3-fold stabilization of initial caries according to the ICDAS II index, caries decrease by 81%, gingivitis prevalence reduction (PMA index decrease by 72.9%).Conclusion. The study results confirm the effectiveness of S. salivarius M18 probiotic in preschoolers with caries as a means of dental status correction and stabilization.

Investigation of the effect of JP-8 fuel and biodiesel fuel mixture on engine performance and emissions by experimental and statistical methods

In this study, the effects of JP-8 military aviation fuel and biodiesel sunflower oil on the performance and emissions of the internal combustion engine were investigated by creating a mixture of fuel in different concentrations. Experimental and statistical methods were used in the study process. All of the experiments were carried out on an experimental setup with a single-cylinder compression-ignition engine at 7.5, 12.5 and 17.5 Nm engine load conditions. A total of 5 different fuels were used, including pure JP-8 fuel, 3 different blended fuels and pure biodiesel fuel. The design of the Response Surface Method, which is used as a statistical method, was carried out with Central Composite Design in the Design Exper 11 program environment. After the created design, 13 different experiments were carried out. With the tests performed, the values of IMEP, BSFC, COVimep, ignition delay, equivalence ratio, exhaust gas temperature, CO, and NOx emission response parameters were determined. Quadratic models were created by performing variance analysis for the response parameters obtained. After the optimization, it was concluded that the engine load should be 14.49 Nm and the JP-8 fuel biodiesel ratio should be 2.47%. In case the internal combustion engine is operated with optimum input parameters, IMEP value is 3.71 bar, BSFC value is 193.46 g/kWh, COVimep value is 5.99 bar, CO value is 724 ppm and NOx value is 168.62 ppm.

Surface roughness optimization in milling operation for aluminum alloy (Al 6061-T6) in aviation manufacturing elements

PurposeThis paper aims that optimization parameters depending on machining processes examine to define for the milling process of AL 6061-T6 aluminum alloy used in the aviation industry.Design/methodology/approachThe Taguchi method was used to study the optimal parameters. Furthermore, the effects of machining parameters on surface roughness were also evaluated by performing variance analysis. Optimum parameter levels were determined by Signal/Noise analysis.FindingsIt was determined that the parameter levels that optimize the surface roughness were “4000 rev/min for the rotational speed of the cutting tool, 0.4 mm for the cutting depth and the optimum value for the feedrate 500 mm/min.”Research limitations/implicationsIt is limited by the precision of the manufacturing processes, the desired geometry and the exactness of the measurement make the machine productivity valuable in the production of parts.Practical implicationsBy improving the optimal production parameters, reducing part production costs and waste amount in aviation has been seen as an important gain.Social implicationsImproving production methods and optimization parameters in production technologies will ensure the minimization of loss and waste. These developed parameters with optimizing the surface roughness will add value in this context.Originality/valueIt was determined that the parameter levels that optimize the surface roughness of aluminum considering manufacturing processes. Especially as process parameters, optimum feed rate has been developed for effective rotation speed and cutting depth for cutting tools.

Morphological characterization of wild populations of Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme in the tomato domestication area

Wild tomatoes Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme are found in regions with wide environmental diversity, in the state of Veracruz, México, which has originated morphological variations within this group leading to his adaptation to different environments. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological variations of S. l. var. cerasiforme in his domestication area. We collected plants and fruits during the field trips, and we extracted seeds from these fruits to sow them later, under the greenhouse. We evaluated 35 characters according to the IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) descriptors in 10 collections of S. l. var. cerasiforme, we used a completely random design. In order to compare de collections and analyze the variables we performed variance analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis with euclidean distance (UPGMA clustering method). We found significant differences between the variables (Tukey, P≤ 0.05), except for the style length and flower number per plant variables. We found that 91 % of the collections have a pistil inserted and 9 % exert. The first two components explained 78 % of the total variation. The dispersion of the collections in the four quadrants of the first two components indicated great phenotypic diversity. We found four groups and we observed the greatest variation in the yield and reproductive variables. This study shows intraspecific morphological differences between wild tomato populations in the state of Veracruz, a state with a wide environmental and ecosystem diversity. It can be said that in terms of morphological characterization of wild tomato species and cultivated tomatoes for both the pattern of variability is the same. The populations we have studied could constitute a valuable germplasm bank for genetic improvement programs.

Hematological and blood metabolite response in relation to the conception rate of Pasundan cows with synchronized estrous and ovulation

Twenty pasundan cows were divided into two treatments int his study aims to determine the correlation between hematological and blood metabolite on the conception rate of Pasundan cows with synchronized estrus and ovulation. Twenty pasundan cows were divided into two treatments 1) estrus synchronization through double injection 5 ml PGF2α , 2)combination of 5 ml PGF2α per cow and 2.5 ml GnRH per cow intramuscularly. The heat of cow is immediately inseminated 2 times with an interval of 6 hours. The observed variables were estrus percentage, conception rate, erythrocyte, leucocyte, hemoglobin, β-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and non esterificated acid (NEFA). Data were processed by analysis of variance and correlation- regression. The result showed that PGF2α with GnRH injection resulted in a better conception rate than that of PGF2α (70% vs 60%), the average plasma concentration of erythrocyte, leucocyte, hemoglobin, NEFA, BUN, and BHBA levels respectively was 6.61±0.19 million/µl, 11.30±0.35 thousand/µl, 10.63±0.35 g/dL, 1.65±018 mmol/L, 10.28±1.50 mg/dL, 21.46±1.96 mg/dL. The data obtained were performed variance analysis and correlation regression analysis using SPSS 16.0. The results of the regression analysis showed that the concentration of erythrocytes, leucocytes, hemoglobin, NEFA, BUN, and BHBA had a significant relationship (P<0.05) with pregnancy, and coefficient of determination were 86.4%, 69.1%, 98.3%, -11.7%, -8.2%, -7.0%, respectively. It was concluded that the pregnancy of Pasundan cows has a strong relation between the conception rates with hematological, however blood metabolites showed a weak relation and inversely proportional.

Sense of community in poverty contexts in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico: A transcultural study.

The aim of this article is to analyze the sense of community of three communities in conditions of poverty in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. The general sample was composed of 533 people: 124 from Bogotá (Colombia), 200 from Mérida (Mexico), and 209 from Porto Alegre (Brazil). The scale applied was the Sense of Community Index, performing variance analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance. The results conclude that there are significant differences between the general averages of the Sense of Community Index between the countries, observing the largest differences between the samples of Brazil and Mexico. The interaction between the factors has significant differences, particularly in the factors of influence and emotional connection in account of specific cultural aspects in each country and community. The sense of community derives from the encounter of transcultural and contextual aspects linked to poverty.

P1117EXPLORATORY COMPARISON OF DIALYSIS EFFICIENCY AT DIFFERENT DIALYSATE FLOW (QD) IN EXPANDED HEMODIALYSIS IN TWO CENTERS IN COLOMBIA

Abstract Background and Aims Dialysate flow rate (Qd) has minimal effect in removal of molecules in hemodialysis, allowing to use lower amounts of dialysate with no effect in clearance of molecules. According to recent literature, Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) improves the clearance of middle size molecules, diminishing the effect of Qd in adequacy. We found no data about clearance at different dialysate flow rates in HDx. Our aim is to evaluate the clearance of middle molecules (beta 2 microglobuline [Mβ2], interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-10 [IL-10 light chains (CLL-κ -λ) with HDx at different Qd using membranes TheranovaMR in patients with body weight less than 70 Kg. Method We performed an observational retrospective analysis of clearance of Mβ2, IL-6, IL-10, CLL-κ; CLL-λ in HDx using TheranovaMR filters with Qd 400 mL/min and 500 mL/min. We performed variance analysis, T student test and Wilcoxon test. Data were extracted from an HDx multicentric trial performed in Bogotá, Colombia in 2018. Results 11 (47%) patients received Qd 400 mL/min and 12 (52.1%) patients with Qd 500ml/min. Demographic data are included in table 1. We found no differences in reduction rate of mid-molecules. (Table 2) We found that lower water consume in the Qd 400 mL/min group, with water savings of 24 Liters/patient (13824 L in 12 weeks of follow up). (Table 3) Conclusion Expanded hemodialysis seems to allow diminishing Qd rate without changes in mid-size molecules clearance.

Development Knacks Implementation Of Analysis Of Variance At Sport-Pedagogical And Biomedical Studies

Development variance analytical knacks at sports-pedagogical, medical andbiological studies. Research is actively working to improve the training processof athletes. Demonstrating theory and correctly interpreting the results providean opportunity to be advance about the effectiveness of the proposals. Importanttests are based on variance analysis. The purpose of the research is to develop amethod for the training of practical knacks using variance analysis to analyze theresults of sports, pedagogy and biomedical research for students in the field ofeducation physical and sport. Results a method of forming students' practicalknacks to perform variance analysis of sports-pedagogical and biomedical datais proposed. The implementation of the method involves focusing students'attention on performing variance analysis using computer programs.Automating the calculation process allows students of the Department ofPhysical Education and Sports to perform high-level statistical data processing.Keywords: training, analysis, factors, statistics, research.

Fourier Analysis of Correlated Monte Carlo Importance Sampling

AbstractFourier analysis is gaining popularity in image synthesis as a tool for the analysis of error in Monte Carlo (MC) integration. Still, existing tools are only able to analyse convergence under simplifying assumptions (such as randomized shifts) which are not applied in practice during rendering. We reformulate the expressions for bias and variance of sampling‐based integrators to unify non‐uniform sample distributions [importance sampling (IS)] as well as correlations between samples while respecting finite sampling domains. Our unified formulation hints at fundamental limitations of Fourier‐based tools in performing variance analysis for MC integration. At the same time, it reveals that, when combined with correlated sampling, IS can impact convergence rate by introducing or inhibiting discontinuities in the integrand. We demonstrate that the convergence of multiple importance sampling (MIS) is determined by the strategy which converges slowest and propose several simple approaches to overcome this limitation. We show that smoothing light boundaries (as commonly done in production to reduce variance) can improve (M)IS convergence (at a cost of introducing a small amount of bias) since it removes C0 discontinuities within the integration domain. We also propose practical integrand‐ and sample‐mirroring approaches which cancel the impact of boundary discontinuities on the convergence rate of estimators.

Performance vs prospectus = transparency in German closed-ended real estate funds?

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to close the transparency gap by comparing ex ante and ex post performance disclosure, thus providing important conclusions regarding the transparency of this important German market segment.Design/methodology/approachClosed-ended real estate funds (CEREFs) are one of the biggest segments of unlisted private equity funds in Germany. CEREFs have a central “profitability promise” that is based on ex ante forecasts given in the prospectus. Typically, equity is tied to these investments for up to 20-30 years, leaving investors highly insecure whether their expectations will be fulfilled and fund managers actually achieve prospected performances ex post.FindingsThe performance variance analysis of all German CEREFs outstanding during the global financial crisis reveals that prospect-performance disclosures as well as prospect-performance variances cause substantial problems in Germany due to overestimation biases of many fund managers.Research limitations/implicationsAs typical for the recent scholarly debate, also the past disclosure practice in Germany prohibits a long-term performance analysis, unless researchers apply instruments of modern investment analysis like comprehensive financial plans (“Visualisation of Financial Implications)”.Practical implicationsThe transparency developments in CEREF-reporting of the last decade deliver precise recommendations regarding the internal and external performance variance analysis, risk-profiles and stress tests for the future fund management.Social implicationsThe introduced methodology would increase transparency in the segment of CEREF and, thus, improve investor protection. Since private households in Germany mainly acquire these funds, this is a contribution to sustainability in private asset management.Originality/valueThe paper develops a new methodological framework for performance measurement of unlisted funds. It then assesses for the first time the impact of transparency and trust on fund performances by applying a performance variance analysis.

Effects of Some Properties of Drive Tires Used in Horticultural Tractors on Tractive Performance

Many studies on tractive performance of tractor tires have been carried out to solve soil-wheel interaction problems in the last decades. The purpose of this study is to experimentally determine effects on tractive performance of radial and bias-ply drive tires at three different tire lug heights, axle loads and inflation pressures. The experiments were carried out in stubble field conditions. To obtain sufficient performance data, a new single wheel tester was designed and manufactured. Travel reduction, net traction ratio and tractive efficiency varied from 3.3% to 34.1%, 0.24 to 0.93 and from 0.27 to 0.78 respectively depending on drawbar pull. The effects of tire type, lug height, dynamic axle load and inflation pressure on tractive efficiency were found significant (P<0.01) by the performed variance analysis and LSD tests. Radial tires provide better tractive performance compared with bias-ply tires. The tractive efficiency increased especially with increasing dynamic axle load and decreased with increasing tire inflation pressure. Tire dynamic axle load was the major contributory factor on tractive performance as compared with other independent variables. For a given drawbar pull, it was observed that tractive efficiency of radial tire can be maximized by selecting appropriate levels of lug height, dynamic axle load and inflation pressure.

Teaching practice of CPC in PCMC pathology experiment course

Objective To investigate the teaching effect of the PCMC-type (problem-originated clinical medical curriculum) pathology experiment course and clinical pathological conference (CPC) by using microscope digital system. Methods 384 undergraduates of second grade in clinical medicine major and imaging diagnosis major were chosen for the teaching reform project, all of whom were divided into experi-mental group (192) and control group (192), randomly, and they were taught by PCMC pathological experi-ment teaching and the traditional pathological experiment teaching separately. After the curriculum, statistic analysis of test score was used to analyze the teaching effect. SPSS 13.0 software diagram method was used to perform Levene variance analysis and t test to the achievement of two groups of students and the students' ability of self evaluation was investigated through questionnaire. Results The average score of the students in the experimental group (86.16±3.28) in the theory exam was significantly higher than that of control group (75.63±2.24) (P=0.000). And the average score of the students in the experimental group in experi-ment (27.10±0.61) was significantly higher than that in control group (19.87± 0.25) (P=0.000). The questionnaire showed that compared with control group, the comprehensive ability of the students in the experi-mental group was obviously enhanced. Conclusion The PCMC pathology teaching is beneficial to improv-ing the students' ability of linking theory with practice and enhancing their ability to analyze and solve problems, and obviously stimulate their interest in learning. It is worth promoting. Key words: Problem-originated clinical medical curriculum (PCMC); The pathological experiment; Clinical pathological conference (CPC); Digital interactive system

Multivariate analysis of the blood pressure variability in Bedouin tribes of South Sinai

Objective: to study intertribal and age-related variability of blood pressure values relative to the body mass index (hereinafter – BMI) in Bedouin tribes of the South Sinai using variance analysis and canonical discriminant analysis. Materials and methods. The samples based on physiological parameters (systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and grip strength of the right and left hands) included 304 male and 68 female adults of Gebeliya, Muzeina, and Hamada tribes, and a combined group of representatives of various small tribes referred to as “Others”. Body length, body weight, grip strength of the right and the left hands of 482 adult males and 96 adult females were studied. Results. The studied Bedouin group, with its reduced weight and height values, stands out against the homogenous Middle East background. The performed variance analysis for the male sample revealed significant (p<0.05) intertribal differences in such parameters as grip strength of the right and the left hands, diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, and BMI. The increased hypertension rate was found in the age cohort of 19–29, probably due to their increased exposure to the stress associated with the ongoing social changes. According to the canonical discriminant analysis of the male sample, the Wilks’ lambda value was 0.72, and the intergroup variability was comparable to the intragroup variability. Conclusions. The problem of obesity is non-existent in the Bedouins residing in the South of Sinai. In the South Sinai Bedouin group, no significant correlation was revealed between the blood pressure and body mass index values. This fact is accounted for by the emaciation of the population. The authors tend to explain the low pulse pressure value in men (39.2 mm Hg) by the increased peripheral vascular resistance. With the significant degree of transgression in the tribal population, the canonical discriminant analysis showed a minor incongruity in the first canonical variable. The result of the multivariate study of physiological parameters is consistent with our primary hypothesis on the ambiguity of intertribal differences in the groups living under similar environmental conditions. While not denying the existence of some individual mosaic distinctions in the Bedouin tribes, the results of the performed multivariate analysis prove the intertribal differences in the current set of physiological parameters to be insignificant.

Amiodarone, good, bad and mean

Objective: Obesity paradox holds the improved survival of obese elderly or diseased patients. Obesity paradox has been extensively studied in heart failure. Although, in the last ten years, many studies have shown a better survival rate related to obesity, the reasons of the paradox are poorly explained. It is not clear why obese heart failure patients have a better survival rate being overweight as a well know vascular risk factor. Moreover, coronary disease is the first cause of heart failure and obesity is a long term risk factor to develop heart failure. Most studies about obesity paradox, even those including multivariate analysis, consider body mass index (BMI) as the only nutritional parameter, and prognosis is controlled by other vascular risk factors. The goal of our study was to investigate the prognostic value of changes in anthropometrics in a cohort of heart failure elderly patients. Methods: We studied a cohort of 244 patients hospitalized with heart failure (diagnosed according to Framingham criteria) at the Internal Medicine unit of a country hospital of Cantabria (Tres Mares Hospital at Reinosa); 115 were men and 129 women with an age range of 55 to 100 years (median age and quartiles of 85 and 79–89 years). Fourteen (5.7%) patients died during hospitalization. All patients were followed up by telephone with a median survival of 984 days. In order to assess prognostic value of changes in anthropometrics (body mass index (BMI), mid arm circumference (MAC), the triceps skinfold (TSF) by a Holtain lipocaliper and calculated the mid arm muscle area (MAMA)), we performed variance analysis with repeated measures of three clinical assessments performed in 6 month intervals.Results:We found that those patients who finally died showed significantly decreased BMI, MAC and MAMA when compared with those who survived, whereas the variations of TSF regarding final survival were not significant. Those patients who died during follow-up showed a progressive and significant decrease in BMI (27.39 kg/m to 26.01 kg/m) compared with those who survived and maintained their weight (27.80 kg/m to 27.86 kg/m). The same occurred with MAC and MAMA, whereas the variations in the TSF in relation to final survival were not significant. Conclusion: Our results stressed the importance of muscle mass regarding survival, which is probably higher than of fat in elderly heart failure patients.

COCPIT: a tool for integrated care pathway variance analysis.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) data has the potential to track patients' journeys through healthcare systems. Many of those journeys are supposed to follow Integrated Care Pathways (ICPs) built on evidence based guidelines. An ICP for a particular condition sets out "what should happen", whereas the EHR records "what did happen". Variance analysis is the process by which the difference between expected and actual care is identified. By performing variance analysis over multiple patients, patterns of deviation from idealised care are revealed. The use of ICP variance analysis, however, is not as widespread as it could be in healthcare quality improvement processes - we argue that this is due to the difficulty of combining the required specialist knowledge and skills from different disciplines. COCPIT (Collaborative Online Care Pathway Investigation Tool) was developed to overcome this difficulty and provides clinicians and health service managers with a web-based tool for Care Pathway Variance Analysis.

How does sampling protocol affect the richness and abundance of small mammals recorded in tropical forest? An example from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Small mammals are important elements of tropical forests but there is not a protocol for sampling these animals. In this study, we aimed at evaluating which sampling design maximizes the richness and/or the abundance of small mammals in a given area. We used data available in studies carried out in the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The variables analyzed for each study were number of marsupial species, number of rodent species, number of marsupial individuals and number of rodent individuals (dependent variables), sampling effort (trap-nights), design (grid or transect), number of strata sampled, number of nights and number of trap types used (independent variables). We did an analysis of covariance using the type of forest (evergreen or semideciduous) as the co-factor and factoring out the sampling effort to verify if the patterns of richness and abundance of species changed between these types of forests. The same analysis was done using the design as the cofactor in different forest types. Therefore, we performed analyses of variance in each forest type using the number of strata sampled, number of traps types and number of nights as factors to verify the effects of these factors on richness and abundance of the species. The capture effort was the most important variable to explain the richness and abundance of small mammals. The forest type influenced the abundance of species. Marsupials seemed to be more abundant in the semideciduous forest and rodents in the evergreen forest. RJ, Brazil.

Baier Building Products, Inc.: Performance Incentives and Variance Analysis in Sales Distribution

Baier Building Products, Inc.: Performance Incentives and Variance Analysis in Sales Distribution