Principal Component Factor Analysis Research Articles

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.

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.

Turkish cultural adaptation, validity, and reliability of the stroke activity scale in individuals with Hemiparesis

ABSTRACT Aim The aim of this study was to make the Turkish cultural adaptation of the the Stroke Activity Scale (SAS). Method This study was designed as a methodological research. The psychometric properties of the SAS scale were evaluated by validity and reliability analyses. Results The average age of 84 stroke patients (mean ± SD) was 59.52 ± 14.03 years. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (0.816) and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity (χ2 = 288.968, df = 10, p < 0.001) showed that the data set can be factored. A one-factor structure was obtained with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The factor loads of the items obtained with PCA and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were found to be statistically significant. The obtained chi-square statistics (χ2 = 2.227, p = 0.694), normalized chi-square/freedom (χ2/sd) value (0 ≤ 0.557 ≤ 2) and other goodness of fit indices showed good compliance. The positive highly significant correlation (r = 0.846, p < 0.001) between the SAS and Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) scales confirmed the Concurrent validity. Cronbach’s alpha (0.864) value showed high reliability and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) value (0.983, p < 0.001) showed excellent agreement. Conclusions In this study, which was conducted for the Turkish adaptation of the SAS scale, the 5-item and 1-factor structure was evaluated as a valid and reliable scale for evaluating the balance abilities of stroke patients living in Turkey.

Surface runoff in six years of rehabilitation of two areas after bauxite mining in Southeastern Brazil

The analysis of surface runoff pre-mining and during six years of rehabilitation with Eucalyptus plantation, post-mining, in bauxite mining areas was the central objective of this work. Surface runoff was monitored from January to May before mining and in the same months from the first to the sixth year of rehabilitation, being collected in seven plots in two bauxite mining areas in southeastern Brazil. The factors that interfere with runoff were characterized in all periods, statistically compared by the Wilcoxon test and submitted to principal component analysis (PCA). The total surface runoff in the five months before mining was 1.74 to 14.06 times greater than the runoff in the same months in the six years of rehabilitation. The average percentage runoff was <1% of the precipitation in all rehabilitation periods, in contrast before mining 1.3% of the precipitation of 556 mm became surface runoff. The highest slopes of the regression were for the first year of rehabilitation and for the pre-mining period, showing a greater influence of precipitation on the generation of surface runoff. Soil, litter and vegetation characteristics were the most explanatory factors in the six-year PCA. Specific factors must be viewed with caution on micro scale in each year of rehabilitation of surface bauxite mines, due to soil heterogeneity and consequent vegetation, seeking to minimize the negative effects on surface runoff. Gap in knowledge about surface runoff percentages in six years of rehabilitation in Brazil and tropical areas was filled. Mine managers can more clearly define the priority factors in strategies to mitigate the effects of mining on the environment from the first to the sixth year of rehabilitation in surface mined areas.

Evaluating the key competency skills of construction professionals for the attainment of circular construction in developing economies

Climate change has become a global problem, and the construction industry (CI) contributes significantly to this challenge. To circumvent these effects, the circular economy (CE) concept should be implemented in the CI. Developing economies could possess significant potential for implementing CE principles to attain sustainability, particularly in the CI. However, achieving this would require professionals in the CI to adopt some key competencies that should propel success in circular construction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the key competencies required by professionals in the CI to attain circular construction using Ghana as a case study. A quantitative research approach and purposive sampling technique were adopted. After an extensive literature review which showed several key competencies, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among five large construction firms and fifty-two responses from experienced professionals in the industry were obtained. Relative importance index and principal component factor analysis (PCFA) were adopted to evaluate the obtained data. Key significant competency skills for construction professionals to propel circular construction were identified such as specification writing for components and materials, designing for multiple-use cycles, and designing for near-zero energy buildings, among others. Three components were extracted from the PCFA which served as the guidelines for enhancing the competency skills of construction professionals namely, implementing sustainable circular practices, embracing sustainable operations management techniques, and adopting sustainable design principles. In addition, to enhance its practical implications, a competency implementation framework was also developed for construction professionals of developing economies to propel the adoption and evaluation of their competency skills toward circular construction.

Development of a quality of work life scale for Japanese community pharmacists: a questionnaire survey mostly in large companies

BackgroundHuman resource management may become complex for community pharmacists owing to recent changes in work volume and content. Few studies have examined job satisfaction, well-being, and quality of work life (QWL) among community pharmacists in Japan. This study focused on QWL, a more comprehensive concept than job satisfaction, and aimed to develop the QWL questionnaire for Japanese community pharmacists (the QWLQ for JCP) and assess its reliability and validity.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among 2027 pharmacists who worked in pharmacies with the cooperation of 20 corporations running pharmacies. Collected data were subjected to principal component factor analysis with Promax rotation via SPSS Windows version 28.ResultsThe factor analysis used data from 1966 pharmacists. In total, five significant components, which formed the basis of the QWLQ for JCP, were identified. These included “Influence of work on mind and body,” “Relationships with colleagues,” “Relationship with the boss,” “Meaning of existence in the workplace,” and “Pride in work.” Cronbach’s alpha, which expressed reliability, ranged from 0.585 to 0.854 for all the subscales.ConclusionThe QWLQ for the JCP significantly explained the concept of QWL, which indicated that its validity was sufficient.

Market Sentiment and High-Rise Housing Prices in Hong Kong

Classical finance theories fall short of explaining volatile housing prices in Hong Kong. Employing principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis, this study constructs a unique Sentiment Index that integrates 11 market variables tailored to Hong Kong’s high-rise residential properties. Covering 2002Q1 to 2021Q2, including pivotal events such as the SARS epidemic, the Global Financial Crisis, stock downturns, political instability, and Covid-19, our analysis reveals the significant predictive capability of the Sentiment Index for property prices. A discernible relationship exists between housing prices and the Sentiment Index. While policies addressing smaller-sized flats (HPI40) should focus on demand-supply imbalances, those for larger apartments (HPI100 and HPI160) must consider speculative investments. An adaptive policy response with periodic assessments and measures responsive to market conditions, economic shifts, and geopolitical events is imperative for the robust and stable development of Hong Kong's housing market.

Groundwater quality characterization using an integrated water quality index and multivariate statistical techniques.

This study attempts to characterize and interpret the groundwater quality (GWQ) using a GIS environment and multivariate statistical approach (MSA) for the Jakham River Basin (JRB) in Southern Rajasthan. In this paper, analysis of various statistical indicators such as the Water Quality Index (WQI) and multivariate statistical methods, i.e., principal component analysis and correspondence analysis (PCA and CA), were implemented on the pre and post-monsoon water quality datasets. All these methods help identify the most critical factor in controlling GWQ for potable water. In pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) seasons, the computed value of WQI has ranged between 28.28 to 116.74 and from 29.49 to 111.98, respectively. As per the GIS-based WQI findings, 63.42 percent of the groundwater samples during the PRM season and 42.02 percent during the POM were classed as 'good' and could be consumed for drinking. The Principal component analysis (PCA) is a suitable tool for simplification of the evaluation process in water quality analysis. The PCA correlation matrix defines the relation among the water quality parameters, which helps to detect the natural or anthropogenic influence on sub-surface water. The finding of PCA's factor analysis shows the impact of geological and human intervention, as increased levels of EC, TDS, Na+, Cl-, HCO3-, F-, and SO42- on potable water. In this study, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to categories the WQ parameters for PRM and POR seasons using the Ward technique. The research outcomes of this study can be used as baseline data for GWQ development activities and protect human health from water-borne diseases in the southern region of Rajasthan.

The Prader-Willi syndrome Profile: validation of a new measure of behavioral and emotional problems in Prader-Willi syndrome.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare, neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the lack of expression of paternally imprinted genes on chromosome 15q11-13. PWS features a complex behavioral phenotype, including hyperphagia, anxiety, compulsivity, rigidity, repetitive speech, temper outbursts, aggressivity, and skin-picking. Questionnaires exist for measuring hyperphagia, but not for the aggregation of other problems that are distinctive to PWS. A PWS-specific tool is needed for phenotypic research, and to help evaluate treatment efficacy in future clinical trials aimed at attenuating PWS's hyperphagia and related problems. In this 4-phase study, we leveraged our expertise in PWS with feedback from families and specialists to validate the PWS Profile, a novel, informant-based measure of behavioral and emotional problems in this syndrome. The authors developed a bank of 73 items that tapped both common and less frequent but clinically significant problems in PWS (Phase 1). An iterative feedback process with families and stakeholders was used to ensure content and construct validity (Phase 2). After adding, omitting, or revising items, in Phase 3, we pilot tested the measure in 112 participants. Results were reviewed by an international team of PWS specialists and revised again (Phase 3). The final, 57-item Profile was then administered to 761 participants (Phase 4). Principal component factor analyses (n = 873) revealed eight conceptually meaningful factors, accounting for 60.52% of test variance, and were readily interpretated as: Rigidity, Insistence; Aggressive Behaviors; Repetitive Questioning, Speech; Compulsive Behaviors; Depression, Anxiety; Hoarding; Negative Distorted Thinking; and Magical Distorted Thinking. Factors were internally consistent and showed good test-retest reliability and convergent validity with existent measures of behavioral problems. Profile factors were not related to IQ, BMI, or parental SES. Three Profile factors differed across PWS genetic subtypes. Age and gender differences were found in only one Profile factor, Hoarding. The PWS Profile is a valid, psychometrically-sound questionnaire that already has shown responsivity to treatment in a previous clinical trial. The Profile can extend the reach of future clinical trials by evaluating the impact of novel agents not only on hyperphagia, but also on the emotional and behavioral problems that characterize PWS.

Strategic Planning on Productivity through Leadership Commitment and Employee Involvement

Empirical research studies that have examined the relationship between strategic planning and productivity have produced mixed results, with some studies presenting that strategic planning has a significant impact on productivity, while other studies have failed to find the relationship between strategic planning and productivity. This study attempted to clarify and understand the relationship between strategic planning and productivity by including some contingency variables considered relevant in the implementation of strategic planning namely leadership commitment and employee involvement using 156 sample data collected through questionnaire from management employees of Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority. Model fit, validity and reliability were tested using regression analysis, principal component analysis and factor analysis using Jamovi software. The study presents that strategic planning and leadership commitment have a significant impact on productivity and that leadership commitment mediates the association between strategic planning and productivity. This study provides empirical evidence on the nature of the relationship between strategic planning and productivity. This study also gives evidence that leadership commitment is very relevant in strategic planning process at all stages and that no manager should isolate him/herself from strategic planning process.

Cultural moderation in sports impact: exploring sports-induced effects on educational progress, cognitive focus, and social development in Chinese higher education

BackgroundThis research examines the nuanced challenges confronting Chinese university students within the dynamic milieu of Chinese education. The study comprehensively investigates factors encompassing educational progress, social development, cognitive focus, and Psychological Well-being (PWB), specifically emphasizing the role of sports participation.MethodsTo scrutinize the moderation-mediation nexus between cultural context and social development, a distribution of 500 questionnaires was administered to Chinese university students, yielding 413 responses, corresponding to an 82.6% response rate. Methodologically, this study employed moderation and mediation analyses, incorporating statistical techniques such as a principal component matrix, factor analysis, and hierarchical regression.FindingsProminent findings underscore the significant impact of age on educational progress, shaping the trajectory of academic advancement. Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) emerges as a promising metric, establishing a link between academic performance and educational progress. Active involvement in sports and physical activities (PSPA) positively affects academic performance and study habits. Participation in sports teams and clubs (ISTC) enriches social development by nurturing interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and leadership skills. Sports activities (ESA) correlate with enhanced cognitive focus and improved psychological well-being. Significantly, the findings unveil a nuanced association between Perceived Social Development Through Sports (PSDTS) and educational progress.ConclusionsCultural Context (CC) moderates PSDTS, Sport-induced Cognitive Focus (SICF), and PWB, influencing educational progress. This study emphasizes the need for enhanced support systems—academic guidance, awareness, sports programs, and cultural competence training—to advance student well-being and academic achievement in China, fostering an empowering educational environment for societal progress.

Evolution of adolescents' dietary patterns in Northeast Brazil from 2008 to 2018.

To evaluate the evolution of the dietary patterns of adolescents in the northeast region of Brazil. Secondary analysis of data from the Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF - Household Budget Surveys), collected by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) in the years 2008-2009 and 2017-2018. A total of 3,095 adolescents were evaluated in 2008-2009 and 3,015 in 2017-2018. Food consumption was assessed using two dietary records in 2008-2009 and two 24-hour recalls in 2017-2018, applied on non-consecutive days. Based on these data, principal components factor analysis (PCFA) was performed, followed by orthogonal rotation of the varimax type, to derive dietary patterns, stratified by sex. The results were described as means or percentage frequencies, with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Three main dietary patterns were identified among adolescents from the northeast region of Brazil. Among boys, in 2008-2009, the patterns were called snacks, traditional Brazilian, and coffee; and in 2017-2018, traditional Brazilian, snacks, and mixed, in this order of representativeness of the group's eating habits. Among female adolescents, in 2008-2009, the patterns were snacks, traditional Brazilian, and coffee; and in 2017-2018, traditional Brazilian, snacks, and processed meats. The dietary patterns identified in 2008-2009 and 2017-2018 were similar in both genders; however, the snacks pattern, which explained most of the data variability in 2008-2009, was replaced by the traditional Brazilian.

Geology and Geochemistry of Lead-Zinc Mineralization in Ameri, Southeastern Nigeria

The Geology and geochemistry of Lead-Zinc Mineralization has been carried out in parts of Ameri, South eastern Nigeria. The study area was mapped and lithological units and structural features were identified and studied. A total of twenty-seven (27) samples from five (5) wells (AMR 014, AMR 036, AMR 038, AMR 048, and AMR 049) of the study area were collected, prepared and subjected to geochemical analysis for both major and trace elements using EDX3600B X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The analytical data were statistically computed using principal component factor analysis PCFA, statical package for social science SPSS, descriptive statistics DS, correlation matrix CM and were also adopted for various geochemical plots using Excel Microsoft office, geochemical data kid GCD Kid and Suffer software for geological map digitization, to determine the geochemical characteristics of the Lead-Zinc ore, the host rock and the environment of formation. The geology of the study area is strategically part of the Lower Benue Trough of Nigeria, it is made up of shale intruded by several small to medium sized mesocratic – melanocratic, phaneritic intrusives which are alkaline in nature with a slight variation in their mineralogical and textural characteristics. Structurally, the fractured zones or veins marked along the Enyigba and Ameka lodes could also be responsible for the mineralization of the Ameri Lead-Zinc. The Lead-Zinc in Ameri is associated with other gangue minerals such as marcasite, pyrite, quartz veins, carbonate materials, chalcopyrite, siderites, sphalerites and it shows that the Lead-Zinc mineralization in the study area is hosted by shales, which are probably parts of the slightly deformed cretaceous sedimentary rocks made up of essentially Albian shales and subordinate siltstones. Values of lead within this shear zone ranges from 0.06% - 64.58%, 0.02% - 64.35%, 0.01% –0.14%, 0.03% - 0.11% for AMR 036, AMR 038, AMR 048, AMR 049 respectively, while Zn ranges in value from; 0.09% - 53.98%, 0.08% - 1.11%, 0.19% - 58.64%, 0.08% - 56.11%. The value of lead and zinc within the hanging wall are 0.06% and 0.08%, 0.03% and 0.06%, 0.04% and 0.12%, 0.04% and 0.13% for AMR 036, AMR 038, AMR 048, AMR 049 respectively. Paleo-redox condition of Low Cu/Zn ratios from 0.001-0324, 0.001 – 0.307, 0.075-0.424, 0.001-0.309 and 0.001-0.321 for AMR 014, AMR 036, AMR 038, AMR 048, AMR 049 indicate more oxidizing conditions. This is confirmed by the Ni/Co ratio of 0.00-58.50, 0.00- 43.625, 0.00- 35.333, 0.00-1.704, 0.211- 1.472 for AMR 014, AMR 036, AMR 038, AMR 048, AMR 049 respectively mostly below the ratio indicated to be oxidic with little anoxic environmental affinity. The total Alkalis versus Silica plot from the intrusaive revealed their basic to ultrabasic nature, as the bivariate plots of the analyzed samples shows positive and /or strong relationship between the trace elements in the Ameri lodes and their respective certified concentration values which is also an indicator that the elements are probably from same hydrothermal source with the Lead-Zinc of the study area.

SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS`MOTIVATION TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTING ACTIVITIES IN GHANA

COVID-19 disrupted education and school sports which resumed after the pandemic. This study explores motivational factors influencing college students' participation in sports after the pandemic with reference to gender. The study employed a rigorous descriptive methodology and simple random sampling, with four hundred (400) college student-athletes. Principal Component Factor Analysis (PCFA) identified distinct motivational factors driving student sports engagement. Mean calculations revealed the most influential factors promoting sports re-engagement. The results indicated intrinsic motivation as the foremost factor, followed by the facility and equipment factor. To determine if gender differences exist in relation to motivation to partake in sports, an independent sample t-test was used. Male students showed slightly higher intrinsic motivation and lower facility and equipment motivation than female students. Conversely, female students exhibited higher motivation regarding facilities and equipment, but greater amotivation and external regulation compared to males. It was recommended that promotion and intervention strategies consider barriers and tailor interventions to specific needs to reduce participants' limitations to sports participation.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Multi-layered physical factors govern mercury release from soil: Implications for predicting the environmental fate of mercury

Despite the recognised risks of human exposure to mercury (Hg), the drivers of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) emissions from the soil remain understudied. In this study, we aimed to identify the environmental parameters that affect the GEM flux from soil and derive the correlations between environmental parameters and GEM flux. Principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed on samples from forest and non-forest sites. The associated results revealed the impact of each environmental parameter on GEM flux, either due to the interaction between the parameters or as a coherent set of parameters. An introductory correlation matrix examining the relationship between two components showed a negative correlation between GEM flux and atmospheric pressure at the two sites, as well as strong correlations between atmospheric pressure and soil temperature. In cases of non-forest open sites with no trees, the PCA and FA results were consistent, indicating that atmospheric pressure, solar irradiance, and soil moisture—defined as primary causality—are largely independent drivers of GEM flux. In contrast, the PCA and FA results for the forest areas with high humidity, tree coverage, and shade were inconsistent, confirming the hypothesis that primary causality affects GEM flux rather than consequent parameters driven by primary causality, such as air and soil temperature and atmospheric humidity. The SEM results provided further evidence for primary and consequent causality as crucial drivers of the GEM flux. This study demonstrates the importance of key primary parameters, such as atmospheric pressure, solar irradiance, and soil moisture content, that can be used to predict mercury release from soils, as well as the importance of consequent parameters, such as air and soil temperature and atmospheric humidity. Monitoring the magnitude of these environmental parameters alone may facilitate the estimation of mercury release from soils and be useful for detailed modelling of soil–air Hg exchange.