Principal Component Factor Analysis Research Articles

학교 부적응 청소년이 인식한 부모-자녀 의사소통에 관한 주관성 연구

Objectives The purpose of this study is to find out the types and characteristics of subjective perceptions of parent-child communication experiences perceived by school maladjusted adolescents using the Q methodology. Methods For this purpose, a Q population was formed through prior research and interviews, and 33 Q samples were confirmed. And for purposive sampling, a P sample was selected from 30 middle and high school students who were being educated at an entrusted educational institution due to school maladaptive behavior, and principal component factor analysis was conducted using the classification process of the Q sample and the PC-QUANL program. Results As a result of the study, by applying Satir's communication model, the characteristics of each type were classified into four types : Type 1 is ‘congruent type’, Type 2 is ‘blaming type’, Type 3 is ‘placating type’, and Type 4 is ‘super-reasonable type’. The characteristics could be examined from the perspective of maladjusted youth. Conclusions This study examined the types and characteristics of subjective perception from the perspective of children on the subject of parent-child communication through the Q methodology. If research subjects(parent's perspective, etc.) and research area(school, friends, etc.) are expanded in the future, and related research results are integrated and subdivided by type, it is expected to serve as basic data for solving practical problems of adolescents' school maladjustment and dysfunctional communication.

Human biomonitoring of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in women living in a Northern Italy industrial area.

In Brescia, a highly industrialized city in the Lombardy Region (Northern Italy) classified as a SIN (Contaminated Site of National Interest), a human biomonitoring study was carried out on breast milk of two groups of women residing in areas with presumably different levels of exposure to polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls. This study was aimed at evaluating the possible difference between women living in Brescia and women living far from it but in the same Region. Between 2016 and 2018, 82 women were enrolled (41 "exposed" subjects and 41 "not exposed"), breast milk samples were collected, and a specific questionnaire was administered to the donors. Data obtained were processed by robust regression and Principal Component Factor Analysis. The differences in concentration between the two groups were significant for all the classes of analytes (except for PCDDs). The concentration increase rates from the not exposed to the exposed group resulted highly significant: some PCB congeners showed increase rates more than 1000 ng/g lb per one-unit change of the independent variable. Among the variables significantly associated with the observed concentrations, age showed the greatest influence, while BMI showed a counteracting effect. Consumption of vegetable oil and fruit resulted to possibly influence the chemicals body burden. For the not exposed group, the levels appear to be in line with the decreasing trend (2001-2018) observed for these contaminants in Italy.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and potential pollution factors of water quality in the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China

The eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP-ER) in China, an open-channel cross-basin project, is exposed to multiple potential pollution sources and has changing hydrodynamic conditions between diversion and non-diversion periods. After a decade of pollution control efforts, it is imperative to perceive the water quality conditions and identify potential pollution factors for further maintenance. Combining the water quality identification index (WQII) and multivariate statistical techniques (MSTs), this study conducted an exploratory analysis in SNWDP-ER, based on the monitoring data in 2020–2021. The monitoring and WQII results show that the overall water quality in SNWDP-ER is satisfactory and meets the Class III requirements in China Environmental Quality Standard for Surface Water, except for total nitrogen (TN) which falls into Class V or even worse. The periodic alternations of flow direction between diversion and non-diversion periods tend to deteriorate water quality, particularly in the initial stage of alternations. Water quality appears more stable during the diversion period, and impounding lakes along the project are crucial to water environment restoration in this period. Due to the positive influence brought by the self-purification and environmental carrying in the Luoma Lake, Nansi Lake, and Dongping Lake, water quality exhibits an enhancing trend from upstream to downstream in the Lianghu and Jiaodong reaches. Besides, the monitoring stations in Shandong reach exhibit significant divisional heterogeneity under hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) with the Nansi Lake and Dongping Lake as the demarcation points, and the results of factor analysis/principal component analysis (FA/PCA) further identified the contributions of mining, shipping, and land use to each section. Based on the findings, the study recommends implementing wastewater discharge control, abandoned mines remediation, and continued water quality monitoring for further maintenance and improvement in SNWDP-ER.

Caracterización del sistema caprino de producción extensiva en el Altiplano de Tamaulipas, México

In Tamaulipas extensive goat production systems in the semi-arid region of the Altiplano contribute annually with the production of 41% of live animals and 87% of milk in the state. The objective of the study was to characterize the goat production units in the municipalities of Jaumave, Bustamante and Tula, in which a significant number of production units are located. Through the application of structured surveys conducted in December 2021 and January 2022, socioeconomic, nutritional, productive, reproductive, and sanitary information was obtained from 40 goat production units. Data was analyzed using principal component factor analysis and a cluster analysis with the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS version 24). Four factors (management, production, grazing and reproduction) explained most of the total variation of the data and four groups of production units were determined. The characterization of the extensive goat production system in the Altiplano of Tamaulipas is described in general terms with management and production variables. However, the analysis of the typologies of production units showed heterogeneity in the system, in this sense, the differences between the means of the groupings that stood out the most were zootechnical purpose, reproduction, production and annual income. Underfeeding, scarce water sources and poor reproductive management are associated with low productivity and high animal mortality.

Nutritional Quality Assessment of Miscellaneous Cassava Tubers Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis.

Cassava is a staple crop in developing countries because its starchy roots provide essential dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and scientific evaluation of the nutritional value of cassava tubers. Eight nutritional characteristics were examined in native and imported cassava variants: starch, reduced sugar, anthocyanins, protein, dietary fiber, quinic acid, vitamin C, and dry matter content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to minimize the dimensionality of the nutritional markers. A scientific assessment technique was developed to calculate a composite score for the various cassava samples. Analysis of the data revealed noticeable variance among the samples' nutritional indicators, suggesting varying degrees of association. Starch had a substantial positive link with lower sugar, protein, and dry matter content (p < 0.01). Anthocyanins and quinic acid interacted favorably (p < 0.05), and a positive link between protein and dry matter content was observed (p < 0.05); however, protein and dietary fiber interacted negatively (p < 0.05). The contribution rate of the top three PCA factors was over 76%, demonstrating that these factors incorporated the primary information acquired from the eight original nutritional indices, while maintaining excellent representativeness and impartiality. The experimental results showed a preliminary nutritional grade for 22 cassava tuber samples. The top five types were Guangxi Muci, Gui Cassava 4, Glutinous Rice Cassava, Huifeng 60, and Dongguan Hongwei. In the cluster analysis, the levels of similarity between the data showed that the 22 types of cassava tubers could be grouped into five categories, each with their own set of nutrients. This study promotes the directed breeding of cassava species and offers a theoretical foundation for creating and using various cassava varieties. Furthermore, this work lays the groundwork for a systematic and dependable technique for the quality assessment, comprehensive evaluation, and reasonable classification of cassava species and similar crops.

Item-reduced Forgotten Joint Score provides adequate psychometric properties in ACLR patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate content validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, responsiveness and floor/ceiling effects of Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) for assessing functions in activities of daily living (ADL) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and perform an item reduction of FJS. Swedish-speaking ACLR patients in one surgical clinic were eligible. Content validity was evaluated through patient responses and patient and expert clinician relevance ratings, omitting items with low relevance. Principal component factor analysis, Cronbach's ⍺, paired t test, correlations between FJS and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Cohen's d effect sizes (ESs) andstandardized response mean (SRM) were used to evaluate internal consistency, test-retest reliability, construct validity andresponsiveness. Floor/ceiling effects were calculated. FJS was expected to reveal one dominant factor, a Cronbach's ⍺ between 0.70 and 0.95, correlations >0.50 to all KOOS subscores, highest for ADL, moderate ES and SRM, floor/ceiling effects <15%. One hundred and seventy-six participants (103 for assessing internal consistency, construct validity, responsivenessand floor/ceiling effects; 73 for assessing test-retest reliabilityand content validity) were included. Item reduction yielded a nine-item FJS (FJS-9). FJS-12 and FJS-9 demonstrated sufficient content validity (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-3.1, respectively, 2.9-3.3). FJS-9 was found unidimensional, and FJS-12 was multidimensional. Cronbach's ⍺ was 0.94 for FJS, and the intraclass correlation coefficient > 0.90. FJS showed significant correlations >0.65 to all KOOS subscales, moderate ES and SRM > 0.50. No floor/ceiling effects were found. FJS-9 demonstrated adequate validity for the evaluation of joint awareness in ACLR patients and can be a valuable tool to assess ADL and joint awareness. Level III.

Advancing a revised UB-DBQ: A new insight into driver behaviour and older passenger injuries in urban buses

IntroductionOlder individuals in China face a heightened risk of injuries on urban buses. While the Driving Behaviour Questionnaire (DBQ) effectively gauges drivers' behaviours and predicts injury involvement, the link between aberrant driving and older passenger injuries among urban bus drivers remains underexplored. This study refines the UB-DBQ for urban bus drivers, probing its association with older passenger injuries. MethodsThe Urban Bus Driving Behaviour Questionnaire (UB-DBQ) was adapted, incorporating unique aspects of urban bus driving. An online survey, based on this revised UB-DBQ, was administered to 710 Chinese urban bus drivers in August 2022. Using principal component factor analysis and oblique rotation-promax, a four-factor UB-DBQ emerged. Correlation and difference tests analysed the relationship between driving behaviours and older passenger injury incidents. ResultsThe four-factor UB-DBQ offers a robust fit for Chinese urban bus drivers. Analysis revealed a prevalence of positive driving behaviours, offset by fewer aberrant actions, including aggression, errors, and violations. Notably, higher numbers of older passengers heightened aggressive and erroneous driving behaviours. A notable trend emerged: drivers largely attributed injuries to older passengers, a sentiment growing with more older passengers aboard. Crucially, driver self-assurance in safety and aggressive behaviour were key predictors of injuries involving older adult passengers. ConclusionsThe revised UB-DBQ serves as an effective tool for assessing urban bus driver behaviour and older passenger injury incidents in China. These insights emphasize the need for tailored driver training and risk strategies in line with the unique demands of urban bus driving in China. The UB-DBQ holds potential for shaping more precise and effective transport safety policies.

Measuring the psychological burden of women with pelvic floor complaints: The psychometric characteristics of a new instrument.

To be able to optimize pelvic healthcare, it would be helpful to specifically assess women's psychological burden with pelvic floor complaints. In the absence of such an instrument, a new instrument was developed to measure this burden in women who seek help. In previous research, a comprehensive overview was yielded of women's restrictions and distress with pelvic floor complaints, and a conceptual model was developed of seven types of distress that were reflected by 33 statements. The present study was performed to investigate the psychometric properties of the new instrument, termed the Pelvic Floor Complaint-related Psychological Burden Inventory (PFC-PBI). In an online survey data was collected from women with and without pelvic floor complaints on the 33 statements. The internal consistency of the types of distress was tested using item-total correlation analysis, Principal Component and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were performed, and the convergent and divergent validity of the types of distress was examined against existing questionnaires using the Multi-Trait Multi-Method methodology. Based on the factor analyses, a 10-item instrument was tested. Outcomes show excellent internal consistency of this instrument, comprising a single component. The PFC-PBI demonstrated satisfactory convergent and divergent validity. This new measure appears to be a promising tool to inventory the psychological burden of women suffering from pelvic floor complaints. Research into its further development, implementation, and clinical use appears warranted.

The Impact of Multiple Crises on the Economy. A Comparative Analysis of GFC, COVID-19 and the Ukraine War Period

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the correlation between the gross domestic product (GDP) and its components as well as the Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HICP) total, electricity and gas by deploying principal components analysis and factor analysis on wards linkage and compare the results for GFC period, COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine period for EU27, Romania, Greece, Italy and Hungary. The result obtained show that each crisis has its specificity given their different source, GFC was borne in the financial system the COVID-19 crisis in the medical crisis and the war in Ukraine a military one and that starting with 2020 the economy has faced multiple crisis. Government consumption is found to be one of the significant variables for all crisis as a result of the efforts made by the governments to limit the negative effects of the GFC, pandemic and the war in Ukraine and HICP electricity and HICP gas due to the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain prior to the war in Ukraine and the shortage of personnel, as well due to the sanctions applied to Russia and the fact that it is the main exporter for the European Union.

스포츠 안전사고 중요요인에 대한 참여자와 지도자의 인식유형 분석 및 비교

This study aimed to identify the types of perceptions of sports participants and instructors on major factors of sports safety accidents using the Q methodology and to compare the perspectives of the two groups. A total of 25 Q-samples were constructed through various prior studies and interviews, and 10 sports participants and 10 sports instructors were selected as P-samples. The collected data were analyzed using Q Methodology Software, and principal component factor analysis and varimax factor rotation were conducted. As a result, three types of sports participants (prioritizing institutional responsibility, prioritizing advanced prevention, and prioritizing the role of participant) and three types of sports instructor (prioritizing the role of instructor, prioritizing the active role of participants, and prioritizing environmental factors) were identified. In addition, similarities between the two types of perceptions were found between the institutional responsibility type - prioritizing the role of instructor type and between prioritizing the role of participant type and prioritizing the active role of participants type.

Are sun exposure time, dietary patterns, and vitamin D intake related to the socioeconomic status of Portuguese children?

To investigate the association among sun exposure time, vitamin D intake, dietary patterns, and socioeconomic status in Portuguese children. Participants aged 3-11 years (50.1% females) were recruited from public and private schools (n = 118) in the districts of Coimbra (n = 2980), Lisbon (n = 3066), and Porto (n = 2426). Parents reported their children's daily sun exposure time during the summer season and reported children's food consumption, including vitamin D food sources, using standardized questionnaires. Parents' education level was used as a proxy measure to the socioeconomic status (SES). The principal component factor analysis (PCA) method was used to identify dietary patterns. The eight dietary patterns identified were labeled in: "fast food", "rich in vitamin D", "sugary drinks", "vitamin D", "candies", "supplements", "rich in calcium" and "vegetables/healthy". Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between sun exposure time and dietary patterns according to SES. A total of 4755 children were included. Children from high SES had significantly longer sun exposure time (p < .001) and more frequently consumed vitamin D supplements (p < .001). "Fast food" pattern showed a negative association with sun exposure time in medium and high SES (p = .014 and p < .001, respectively). Children with lower SES spend less time exposed to the sun, consume fewer dietary sources of vitamin D, and consume more foods rich in fat and sugar.

C-reactive protein concentrations diverge as a function of substance use disorder: A pre-registered replication in a clinical sample

BackgroundInflammatory biomarkers may differentiate clinical disorders, which could lead to more targeted interventions. Analyses within a clinical sample (May et al., 2021) revealed that females with substance use disorders (SUD) exhibited lower C-reactive protein (CRP) and higher interleukin (IL)-8 and −10 concentrations than females without SUD who met criteria for mood/anxiety disorders. We aimed to replicate these findings in a new sample. MethodsHypotheses and analyses were preregistered. Treatment-seeking individuals with mood/anxiety disorders and/or SUD (N = 184) completed a blood draw, clinical interview, and questionnaires. Participants were categorized as SUD+ (45F, 43M) and SUD- (78F, 18M). Principal component analysis (PCA) of questionnaire data resulted in two factors reflecting appetitive and aversive emotional states. SUD group and nuisance covariates (PCA factors, age, body mass index [BMI], medication, nicotine [and hormones in females]) predicted biomarker concentrations (CRP, IL-8, and IL-10) in regressions. ResultsIn females, the omnibus CRP model [F(8, 114) = 8.02, p <.001, R²-adjusted =.32] indicated that SUD+ exhibited lower CRP concentrations than SUD- (β = −.33, t = −3.09, p =.002, 95% CI [-.54, −.12]) and greater BMI was associated with higher CRP levels (β =.58, t = 7.17, p <.001, 95% CI [.42,.74]). SUD+ exhibited higher IL-8 levels than SUD- in simple but not omnibus regression models. ConclusionFindings across two samples bolster confidence that females with SUD show attenuated CRP-indexed inflammation. As SUD+ comorbidity was high, replication is warranted with respect to specific SUD classes (i.e., stimulants versus cannabis).

Lipoprotein subclasses are associated with Hepatic steatosis: insights from the prospective multicenter imaging study for the evaluation of chest pain (PROMISE) clinical trial

ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between lipoprotein particle size/number with hepatic steatosis (HS), given its association with traditional lipoproteins and coronary atherosclerosis. MethodsIndividuals with available CT data and blood samples enrolled in the PROMISE trial were studied. HS was defined based on CT attenuation. Lipoprotein particle size/number were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used for dimensionality reduction. The association of PCA factors and individual lipoprotein particle size/number with HS were assessed in multivariable regression models. Associations were validated in an independent cohort of 59 individuals with histopathology defined HS. ResultsIndividuals with HS (n=410/1,509) vs those without (n=1,099/1,509), were younger (59±8 vs 61±8 years) and less often females (47.6 % vs 55.9 %). All PCA factors were associated with HS: factor 1 (OR:1.36, 95 %CI:1.21–1.53), factor 3 (OR:1.75, 95 %CI:1.53–2.02) and factor 4 (OR:1.49; 95 %CI:1.32–1.68) were weighted heavily with small low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride-rich (TRL) particles, while factor 2 (OR:0.86, 95 %CI:0.77–0.97) and factor 5 (OR:0.74, 95 %CI:0.65–0.84) were heavily loaded with high density lipoprotein (HDL) and larger LDL particles. These observations were confirmed with the analysis of individual lipoprotein particles in PROMISE. In the validation cohort, association between HS and large TRL (OR: 8.16, 95 %CI:1.82–61.98), and mean sizes of TRL- (OR: 2.82, 95 %CI:1.14–9.29) and HDL (OR:0.35, 95 %CI:0.13–0.72) were confirmed. ConclusionsLarge TRL, mean sizes of TRL-, and HDL were associated with radiographic and histopathologic HS. The use of lipoprotein particle size/number could improve cardiovascular risk assessment in HS.

Morphological variation in Schizothorax oconnori, Schizothorax waltoni (Teleostei: Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae), and their natural hybrids from the middle Yarlung Zangbo River, Tibet.

The morphological variation in Schizothorax oconnori, Schizothorax waltoni, and their natural hybrids was examined using conventional and image-based analysis approaches. In total, 38 specimens of S. oconnori, 35 of S. waltoni, and 37 natural hybrids were collected from the Shigatse to the Lhasa section of the Yarlung Zangbo River during June and July 2021. A total of 21 morphometric, 4 meristic, and 27 truss variables were employed for the classification of S. oconnori, S. waltoni, and natural hybrids. Principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA), as well as discriminant function analysis (DFA) and cluster analysis (CA), were conducted to identify differences based on traditional and truss measurements. Four principal components explained 75.92% of the variation among the morphometric characters, while five principal components accounted for 79.69% of the variation among the truss distances. FA results showed that factor 1 was associated with head shape, and factor 2 was associated with fins based on morphometric characters. Among the truss characters, factor 1 was related to head shape, and factor 2 was related to chest shape. In DFA, morphometric measurements achieved higher accuracy (100%) compared to truss distances (94.55%). The head morphology of hybrids exhibited intermediate traits between S. oconnori and S. waltoni. Both morphometry-based and truss-based clustering indicated that the morphology of natural hybrids leaned toward S. oconnori. In conclusion, the combination of morphometric and truss analysis is beneficial for classifying S. oconnori, S. waltoni, and their natural hybrids. The presence of natural hybrids could be considered an evolutionary response to the differentiation of nutritional and spatial niches in the middle Yarlung Zangbo River.

Red Blood Cell Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Mortality Following Breast Cancer.

Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may affect mortality following breast cancer; however, epidemiological studies have relied on the self-reported assessment of PUFA intake. Herein, we examined the associations between red blood cell (RBC) PUFAs and mortality. This nested case-control study included 1,104 women from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living study, a multistate randomized controlled trial. Cases (n = 290) comprised women who died from 1995 to 2006. Matched controls (n = 814) comprised women who were alive at the end of follow-up. PUFAs were measured in baseline RBC samples and included four ω-3 and seven ω-6 PUFAs. We examined each PUFA individually and principal components factor analysis (PCFA)-derived scores in association with all-cause mortality (ACM) and breast cancer-specific mortality (BCM) using conditional logistic regression to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). In fully adjusted models, ACM ORs were elevated among women with PUFAs above the median (>median) versus at the median or below (≤median) for α-linolenic acid (ALA; OR = 1.63, 95% CI, 1.18-2.24) and linolenic acid (LA; OR = 1.56, 95% CI, 1.16-2.09). BCM ORs were elevated for ALA (OR = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.27-2.63), LA (OR = 1.70, 95% CI, 1.23-2.37), and γ-linolenic acid (GLA; OR = 1.50, 95% CI, 1.04-2.16). PCFA Factor 1 (arachidonic acid-adrenic acid-docosapentaenoic acid) scores above the median (vs. ≤median) were associated with lower odds of ACM (OR = 0.71, 95% CI, 0.52-0.97) and BCM (OR = 0.69, 95% CI, 0.49-0.97). PCFA Factor 4 (ALA/GLA) scores above the median (vs. ≤median) were associated with increased odds of BCM (OR = 1.47, 95% CI, 1.04-2.09). RBC ALA, LA, and GLA may be prognostic indicators among breast cancer survivors. These results are important for understanding the associations between a biomarker of PUFA intake and mortality among BC survivors.

Physicians' Knowledge and Attitude about Generic Drugs in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

One of the most effective measures to reduce the cost of medicines for both the healthcare system and patients is the use of generic drugs (GDs). The objective of this study was to identify the physicians' level of knowledge and attitude toward GDs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a specially designed validated questionnaire of 19 items. The survey was attended by doctors of various specialties working in polyclinics in six regions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Construct validity was assessed through principal component factor analysis, whereas reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Group differences were assessed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests when comparing two and more than two groups, respectively. The study involved 450 physicians. Only 260 (57.8%) believed that GDs are bioequivalent to the brand name drug (strongly agree and agree). About 202 (45%) of respondents doubt the effectiveness of GDs, and 144 (32%) assumed that they cause more side effects compared to similar branded drugs. Also, the majority of the respondents 320 (71.2%) felt that branded drugs should be held to higher safety standards than GDs. Approximately 338 (75%) of the physicians positively expressed that both physicians and pharmacists need standardized guidelines for the brand name substitution process. Further, 372 (82.7%) proposed that more information about the safety and efficacy of GD is needed. Also, 326 (72.4%), 314 (88.2%), and 85 (18.9%) of the respondents assumed that patients' socio-economic factors, trust in manufacturers/suppliers, and bonuses on products respectively influence the prescribing of medicines. Although the study indicated that physicians in the Republic of Kazakhstan are acknowledging the use of GDs, concerns about the effectiveness and safety of GDs remain high. To enhance the use of GDs, physicians' targeted educational programs on GDs' bioequivalence, safety, and efficacy should be implemented.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Common Wealth Level in 30 Provinces Based on Factor Analysis-Cluster Analysis

This paper takes the development level of common prosperity of 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government of China as the research object, selects 18 economic indicators that can reflect the development (including the degree of wealth and sharing), innovation and sustainability of each province, and uses the principal component factor analysis (FA) and system cluster analysis to comprehensively evaluate the common prosperity level of 30 provinces and municipalities.

Psychometric properties of the German version of the Pre-loss Grief Questionnaire (PG-12-R)

This study aimed to develop a German version of the revised Pre-loss Grief Questionnaire (PG-12-R) and examine its factor structure, reliability and validity. The PG-12-R was assessed in a representative German sample (N = 2,515). Of these, 362 (14.4%) reported to have a loved one suffering from an incurable disease and 352 provided full data sets. Principal component factor analysis, scree-plot and parallel analysis were conducted. Results supported a one-factor model of PG-12-R with high internal consistency. Convergent validity was confirmed by negative correlations with psychological well-being and time since diagnosis and positive correlations with a more difficult perception of circumstances surrounding the illness and unpreparedness. The German version of the PG-12-R represents a reliable and valid measurement tool of pre-loss grief. It may be used as a screening measure for high levels of pre-loss grief to identify individuals who may need additional support.

Assessment of the Sustainability of Productive Systems in Nariño, Colombia

Human development must ensure the welfare and survival of an ever-growing population. To assess the impact of agroecosystems on sustainability in Nariño (Colombia), variables related to sustainable development were evaluated through a semi-structured survey conducted with 122 producers from 6 municipalities in the Nariño department. The association between the categorical variables associated with the pillars of sustainability was analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA). From the MCA, 23 indicators were selected, representing quantitative information on the economic, social, and environmental characteristics of the participants. The municipalities were characterized according to the needs and strengths of the producers. Five groups encompass most characteristics of the producers, which are largely independent of geopolitical conditions. On the other hand, the population characterization indicates that the economic well-being of fruit growers can promote the conservation of natural resources. Finally, a principal component factor analysis (PCFA) was conducted to construct the General Sustainability Index (GSI). A network graph for each municipality revealed that the indicators of the production systems are in an unfavorable environment in almost all aspects related to sustainability. The GSI values reveal unstable agroecological conditions that are causing environmental deterioration, with critical levels in the municipalities of Arboleda, Sandoná, and Providencia. Social investment and public policies must be implemented to improve the economic conditions of the producers, accompanied by legislation on the proper management of natural resources.

Spatiotemporal comprehensive evaluation of water quality based on enhanced variable fuzzy set theory: A case study of a landfill in karst area

Water quality assessment is a crucial step in water resource management and pollution prevention, and is essential for achieving sustainable development. Current methods for evaluating water quality often fall short of meeting the needs of water resource management due to the lacks of accuracy and applicability. In this paper, an enhanced water quality evaluation system was established by Principal Component Analysis / Factor Analysis (PCA/FA), Analytic Hierarchy Process / Entropy Weight Method / Game Theory (AHP/EWM/GT) and Variable Fuzzy Set Theory (VFST). The accuracy of this method was verified by evaluating the water quality of a landfill in a karst area and comparing with the conventional evaluation models. The results indicated that the highest influence on groundwater quality in the study area came from human factor, dissolved solid factor, biological factor, and nutritional factor. The quality of surface water and groundwater in the study area was primarily Grade Ⅱ, accounting for 62.5% and 75%, respectively. The predominant groundwater type was HCO3-Ca·Mg, which was strongly affected by karstification. The NH3-N and TP in the surface water had the highest variability, and the variation coefficients of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl−, NH3-N, NO3−, TDS, and TH in the groundwater were greater than 1. The surface water quality gradually improved between 2018 and 2019. Overall, the groundwater quality in the southern and central regions was inferior to that in the northern and surrounding areas. There could be a hydraulic link between the surface water and landfill in the research location, while karstification and leachate primarily impacted the groundwater. The water quality evaluation method established in this study can make a significant contribution to water resource management, which has important practical significance for environmental protection and indirect social value to the public.