Significant Discriminant Function Research Articles

Different cropping systems impact soil health by improving soil biological activities and total organic carbon content

ABSTRACT This study assesses the impact of different cropping systems on changes in total organic carbon (TOC), its fractions and biological activities to evaluate the changes in soil health. The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) had significantly higher total organic carbon (TOC) (38.8%) and soil organic carbon (SOC, 43.6%) compared to the pearl millet-mustard cropping system (PMCS). Active C pools were significantly higher in soils under cotton-wheat (CW) and pearl millet-wheat cropping systems (PWCS) than RWCS, whereas passive C pools (63% of TOC), the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) were highest under RWCS than other systems. Soils under these cropping systems exhibited a significant polynomial relationship of TOC with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Two significant canonical discriminant functions involving TOC, SOC, DOC, very labile carbon (CVL), labile carbon (CL), less labile carbon (CLL), recalcitrant carbon (CR), MBC and DHA could distinguish the different cropping systems and contributed 94.7%. The principal component analysis identified that TOC, SOC, pH and EC were the most reliable and contributing variables for assessing soil health under different cropping systems. Three PCs explained the 79.2% variability of the total variance of the original data set.

The Predictors of the Consequences of Secondary Exposure to Trauma Among Professionals Working With Trauma Victims

Helping those who have experienced trauma exposes the helpers to secondary traumatization. The mechanisms of its development are most often explained using the cognitive model of trauma processing. The aim of the research is to determine how disturbances of core beliefs and cognitive processing in the form of coping with stress are associated with secondary traumatic stress (STS) and secondary posttraumatic growth (SPTG). The study was conducted among psychologists and social workers (N = 240), working with people after traumatic experiences. Four standardized measurement tools were used. Based on the differential diagnosis, four types of consequences were identified. Discriminant analysis was used to establish the optimal configuration of predictors explaining the differences between the four subgroups. Two significant discriminant functions were significant, each identifies different beliefs and coping strategies. The first is associated with the disruptions of core beliefs about the world and cognitive processing in the form of a non-adaptive strategy; the second—with disturbed beliefs about oneself and adaptation strategies. Our results show a much greater exposure of social workers to the negative consequences of secondary traumatic stress disorder. A system of constant monitoring should be introduced, and the principles of prevention and therapy should be implemented.

Eucalyptus clones respond differentially for heavy-metals phytoextraction and carbon sequestration in tree biomass and soil with distillery effluents irrigation in north-western India

Forest ecology has significant potential for carbon (C) and heavy-metals’ accumulation, and is considered important for mitigating environmental impacts within the ecosystem. Heavy-metals enter the soil–plant system via different anthropogenic activities per se industrialization, which has huge contribution through the discharge of heavy-metals enriched effluents. Although, irrigation with effluents to large biomass producing forestry plantation e.g. Eucalyptus sp. with high net primary production (NPP) are considered ecologically and environmentally safe, yet the information on differential response of diverse clones towards applied effluents is scares. We therefore, performed field evaluation of nine Eucalyptus clones originated from diverse agro-ecological environments irrigated with distillery effluents to investigate their growth attributes, heavy-metals (e.g. As, Cr, Cd and Ni) and micro-nutrients (e.g. Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) uptake potential, and C storage in above-and below-ground biomass and sequestration in soil C pool. The diameter at breast height (DBH), tree volume, fresh and dry biomass of stems, leaves, branches and roots of C-316 clone was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, lowest for PE-6, whilst the C-411, C-2045, PE-5, PE-7, PE-8, PE-11 and C-413 were in-between. The Cr uptake was significantly higher for PE-8 and C-413, Ni uptake in PE-6 and C-413 and Pb uptake in clone C-2045. Among micro-nutrients, Zn, Mn and Fe uptake was significantly higher for C-316, compared with other clones. However, the metal content in surface (0–15 cm) soil layer was well below the threshold level. The partitioning of NPP among different above-and below-ground biomass components revealed that dry stem biomass comprised ~ 54.8–56.7%, branches ~ 15.8–17.1%, while leaves ~ 5.6–7.5% of total dry tree biomass. Root biomass comprised ~ 21.3% of total tree biomass. Carbon stocks in dry above-ground biomass (stems + branches + leaves) varied between 33.9 and 59.5 kg C tree−1, and were significantly higher for C-316, and lowest for PE-6 clones. The total C sequestration in tree biomass varied between 229.7 and 450.9 Mg C ha−1 in different clones; with significantly higher in C-316 and lowest in PE-6. Carbon sequestration rate varied between 57.4 and 112.7 Mg C ha−1 year−1 for different Eucalyptus clones. Total organic C (TOC) stocks in surface soil layer under C-413, C-411 and C-316 clones were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. The discriminant function analysis (DFA) showed that two significant canonical discriminant functions (DFs) viz. DF-1 and DF-2 involving total tree biomass, total uptake of As, Pb, Zn, Mn and Fe in above-ground biomass of Eucalyptus clones distinguished different cones, appropriately grouping 97.5% of the tested clones. These results underpin overwhelming significance of C-316 plantation for increased heavy-metals’ uptake with co-benefits of C sequestration in tree biomass as well as in soils. Therefore, a stringent policy framework for large scale C-316 clone plantation in regions with availability of distillery effluents is required for restoring the forest ecosystem on sustainability basis.

Association of disease outcomes with physical activity in multiple sclerosis: A cross-sectional study.

This study included 213 participants who completed walking and cognitive function tests and self-report measures of symptoms and physical activity. Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant function analysis identified combinations of MS outcomes associated with physical activity. The sample had a mean age of 49.6 years (SD = 13.2), a 3:1 female:male ratio, and a Patient Determined Disease Steps median (interquartile range) score of 1.0 (3.0). Multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated that MS outcome clusters were significantly associated with physical activity, namely walking (i.e., Six-Minute Walk, Timed Up and Go, and MS Walking Scale), Pillai's trace V = .16, F(3, 180) = 11.43, η² = .16; cognition (i.e., Symbol Digits Modalities Test, California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised), Pillai's trace V = .04, F(3, 204) = 2.79, η² = .04; and symptoms (i.e., fatigue, anxiety, depression, and pain), Pillai's trace V = .16, F(4, 199) = 9.30, η² = .16. Discriminant function analysis indicated that a significant discriminant function of walking endurance and walking limitations, depression, fatigue, and processing speed was associated with physical activity subgroups. The findings identified walking endurance and limitations, processing speed, depression, and fatigue as primary correlates of physical activity differences in persons with MS. These results may inform researchers and health care providers to consider these factors in behavior change interventions and clinical practices for promoting adequate physical activity levels in MS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Morphometric Variations of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758) (Perciformes, Cichlidae) Collected from Three Rift Valley Lakes in Ethiopia

The pattern of morphometric differentiation among three populations of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) sited in Koka, Ziway, and Langano lakes in the Ethiopian rift valley was examined. Morphometric differentiation was examined, compared and quantified by the use of twelve different body measurements in 391 specimens to generate baseline information for conservation and product improvement plans. The result revealed that comparisons of mean values of morphometric measurements in the three studied tilapia populations statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05). The Fulton’s condition factor (K) of Oreochromi niloticus samples collected from Lakes Koka, Ziway, and Langano was 1.48, 1.2, and 0.66, respectively. The Discriminant Function Analysis performed on seven variables led to a correct classification in 90.5 % of cases. Differences observed between samples in this study indicated that there is important morphometric variation between the studied tilapia populations. Plotting the two significant canonical discriminant functions separated the Lake Langano population from the other two.

Discriminant Analysis: How Accurately The Processes Of Change Classify Exercise Levels?

PURPOSE: Based on Transtheoretical Model, exercise stages (ES) are associated with processes of change (POC), which are strategies that individuals use to change and improve their exercise level, such as enlisting social support or setting a goal for exercise. But how the POC would classify exercise levels remains unaddressed. This study examined this unclear aspect. METHODS: Exercise Stages of Change survey and POC survey (Marcus & Forsyth, 2009) were administered to 161 university students in the US. The former survey classified participants into five ESs: No participant was identified in Stage 1 (precontemplation): no exercise and no intention to change; 27 were in stage 2 (S2, contemplation): no exercise but considering a change; 27 in stage 3 (S3, preparation): having some change/exercise; 49 in stage 4 (S4, action): performing regular exercise recently; and 58 in stage 5 (S5, maintenance): performing regular exercise as a habit. The POC survey produced 10 predictors (i.e., 10 exercise promotion strategies). Discriminant analysis was run to examine how accurately the predictors could classify the exercise stages for participants. Further, kappa was computed to assess classification accuracy as well for correcting chance agreement. RESULTS: “Substituting alternatives” (i.e., replacing sedentary time with some type of PA) was the only identified significant discriminant function (DF) among the 10 predictors with its DF coefficient = .79 and discriminant loading = .84, and the significant tests showed Λ = .40, χ2(30) = 142.08, and p < .001. The eigenvalue of this DF = 1.36, and its % of variance = 94.9, accounting for 94.9% of the discriminating ability of the predictors. As for classification accuracy, 74.1%, 37.0%, 40.8%, 72.4%, and 57.1% of participants were correctly classified in S2, S3, S4, S5, and all Stages, respectively. Additionally, a kappa value of .40 showed a moderate agreement in classification. CONCLUSIONS: “Substituting alternatives” is the only significant DF of the predictors and occupies 94.5% of the total discriminating ability in differentiating the exercise levels. It makes sense that acting to exercise is the major aspect differentiating the exercise levels. The predictors, as a whole, demonstrate a moderate classification function, with 57.1% of overall classification accuracy.

Motivation and Barriers for Business Start-Up among Graduates: A Gender Difference

The gender issue in entrepreneurship has been researched from different views and dimensions. Some of the studies have focused on distinguishing between male and female entrepreneurs in terms of their personal skills and socio-demographic characteristics and others have attempted to determine individual intention and behavior toward entrepreneurship. The study analyzes gender difference on the perception of motivational factors and barriers for business start- up among graduates. The study is conducted in Kano metropolitan using a cross sectional/survey design. The population of the study composes of graduates who are either unemployed or employed for not more than three years and have obtained a Bachelor degree or Higher National Diploma qualification as the basis for selection. Discriminant analysis (DA) is used to investigate gender difference on the basis of perception about the selected variables on business start-up. Discriminant analysis is useful in creating an equation that will minimize the possibility of misclassifying cases in their respective groups or categories. The result shows highly significant discriminant function (p &lt; .000) and indicates that the proportion of the total variability not explained is about 37.7%. The Box?s M is 14.012 with F = 4.638, which is highly significant at p &lt; 0.003. There is evidence to reject the null hypothesis, which states that the groups do not differ on their perception about motivation and barriers for business start-up. It is recommended for future studies to explore the moderating effect of religiosity and culture on business start-up.

Anthropometric and Motor Competence Classifiers of Swimming Ability in Preschool Children-A Pilot Study.

Swimming is a form of physical activity and a life-saving skill. However, only a few studies have identified swimming ability classifiers in preschool children. This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to find anthropometric (AM) and motor competence (MC) predictors of swimming ability in preschool children, by building classifiers of swimming ability group (SAG) membership. We recruited 92 children (girls n = 45) aged 5–6 years and took the AM and MC measurements in accordance with the reference manual and using the KTK battery test (motor quotient, MQ), respectively. A linear discriminant analysis tested a classification model of preschoolers’ swimming ability (SAG: POOR, GOOD, EXCELLENT) based on gender, age, AM, and MC variables and extracted one significant canonical discriminant function (model fit: 61.2%) that can differentiate (group centroids) POOR (−1.507), GOOD (0.032), and EXCELLENT (1.524). The MQ total was identified as a significant classifier, which absolutely contributed to the discriminant function that classifies children’s swimming ability as POOR (standardized canonical coefficient: 1.186), GOOD (1.363), or EXCELLENT (1.535) with an accuracy of 64.1%. Children with higher MQ total ought to be classified into higher SAG; thus, the classification model of SAG based on the MQ total is presented.

Performance characteristics of selected/deselected under 11 players from a professional youth football academy

This study aimed to determine whether players selected for the under 11 team of a professional youth football academy outperform their deselected peers in physical, technical and gross motor coordination skills, or in psycho-social capacities. Of the young players active at different amateur clubs yearly 2% were scouted to participate at trainings and matches from an academy before the first objective baseline testing (season 1 n = 54 boys, season 2 n = 49, age: 9.25 ± 0.46). Most of the scouted players ( n = 103) were born in the first quarter of the year (47.6%) and started playing football at a young age (4.80 ± 0.84). Mann–Whitney U tests showed that the selected under 11 players ( n = 31) from the reduced pool outperformed their deselected peers ( n = 72) in the 30-m slalom sprint, dribble test and Loughborough soccer passing test, and on sport learning-, motor-, creative- and interpersonal capacity ( P &lt; 0.05). A discriminant analysis resulted in a significant discriminant function (Wilks’ Λ = 0.673, df = 16 and P = 0.002) with 69.6% of players classified correctly. In sum, the current system, tends to scout 9-year old soccer players with multiple years of soccer experience, and well-developed motor skills, who are predominantly born in the first quarter of the year. Of those players, the ones with better physical and technical skills, who are believed to have most potential to become elite in the future are selected. However, 25 of the players with a high probability of being selected were deselected. Whether this system is appropriate serves a broader ethical discussion within contemporary society.

Weightage of Mature Leaf in Eucalyptus Clones in Characterization and Variability Assessment for DUS Testing (Distinct, Uniform and Stable) using MuInvariant Analysis

The studies were undertaken to develop DUS testing guidelines of selected 25 Eucalyptus clones from commonly available 82 clones from Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB). The results revealed that all individual clones showed considerable variation in qualitative, pseudo-qualitative and quantitative characteristic traits (17 morpho-metric traits) of Mature leaves and were grouped into different categories. The traits like leaf shape, base shape, apex shape, margin, symmetry, petiole length, lamina area, length, breadth, perimeter, convex perimeter, curve length, curve width, roundness, aspect ratio, convex area and full ratio were identified as grouping traits. The weightage of the quantitative traits were proven by Multi-variant analysis. In Canonical Discriminant analysis, three significant discriminant functions, which had Eigen value &gt;1 and this 3 values accounted for a cumulative variation of 76.2%. In Principal Component Analysis, two significant principal components (PCs) extracted had Eigen value &gt;1 and out of 12 this two values accounted for a cumulative variation of 89.47%. In Eucalyptus clones the dendrogram drawn depicted three distinct clusters based on the similarity using Pearson correlation coefficient method. The dendrogram drawn depicted three distinct clusters based on the euclidean distances grouped them by dissimilarity using agglomerative hierarchical clustering technique (Ward’s method).

Upper and Lower Body Power Are Strong Predictors for Selection of Male Junior National Volleyball Team Players.

Tsoukos, A, Drikos, S, Brown, LE, Sotiropoulos, K, Veligekas, P, and Bogdanis, GC. Upper and lower body power are strong predictors for selection of male junior National volleyball team players. J Strength Cond Res 33(10): 2760-2767, 2019-The purpose of this study was to determine whether a battery of anthropometric and lower and upper body strength and speed and power tests predicted selection of young volleyball players for a Junior National Team by expert coaches. Fifty-two male junior volleyball players (14.8 ± 0.5 years, height: 1.84 ± 0.05 m, body mass: 72.5 ± 7.1 kg) took part in a training camp and underwent a selection procedure by expert coaches' of the junior national team. Anthropometric data and fitness tests results were obtained and players were graded on a scale from 0 to 100 on the basis of their performance in a volleyball tournament. Selected players were superior in the majority of measured variables (p ≤ 0.017) and had higher grading scores compared with nonselected players (85.3 ± 4.1 vs. 70.5 ± 5.6, respectively, p < 0.01). The combination of spike jump and reach (SJR) test and 3-kg medicine ball throw (MB3) velocity explained 63.5% of the variance in expert coaches' grading (p < 0.001). A multivariate discriminant analysis yielded a significant discriminant function (Wilk's lambda = 0.55, χ = 29.324, p < 0.001, η = 0.82). Spike jump and reach and MB3 were the only variables that contributed to the discriminant function (standardized function coefficients: SJR = 0.68, MB3 = 0.67). Cross-validation results showed that selection was correctly predicted in 14 of the 16 selected players (predictive accuracy: 87.5%) and in 32 of the 36 nonselected players (predictive accuracy: 88.9%). The SJR and MB3 fitness tests can predict a large portion of the variance of expert coaches' grading and successfully discriminate elite young male volleyball players for selection vs. nonselection for a junior national team. This result is very important as performance testing during a selection process may be reduced to only 2 measurements.

Comparison of Emotional Dispositions Between Street Gang and Non-Gang Prisoners.

Effectively recognizing, identifying, and utilizing emotional stimuli is essential for successful social interactions, with deficits in these robustly identified as risk factors for offending. Psychological understanding of street gang membership is limited, particularly surrounding emotional dispositions distinguishing street gang from non-gang offenders. This study examined how street gang members compare with non-gang offenders on trait emotional intelligence (TEI), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), callous-unemotional traits, anger rumination, and aggression. Recruited through volunteer sampling, participants included 73 (44 street gang and 29 non-gang) male offenders incarcerated at a U.K. Category C prison. Participants completed seven questionnaires assessing emotional dispositions, social desirability, and, consistent with the Eurogang definition, street gang membership. To compare participants' demographics and identify the predictors of street gang membership, chi-square and discriminant function analyses were conducted. With a significant discriminant function, Λ = .80, χ2(6) = 14.96, p = .021, high levels of ASPD, anger rumination, and aggression and low levels of TEI predict street gang membership. Compared with non-gang prisoners, street gang prisoners did not differ on callous-unemotional traits, age, or ethnicity. Results suggest that, compared with non-gang prisoners, street gang members were more likely to possess dysfunctional emotional dispositions. Findings from this research have important implications in terms of developing interventions for street gang membership. Specifically, this research supports the need for gang-specific early intervention and prevention programs, with emotion-focused components. Ideas for future research are discussed, including the identification of further sociocognitive, personality, and emotional traits distinguishing street gang from non-gang offenders.

Factors contributing to financial literacy levels among a migrant group

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether differences in the characteristics, financial knowledge and financial attitudes of a migrant group exert significant influence on the likelihood of their financial literacy level.Design/methodology/approachA multiple discriminant analysis incorporating post-estimation analyses is employed, where the financial literacy level is used to identify a priori clusters.FindingsThe results showed that a significant discriminant function could be estimated to classify the study cohort into three financial literacy groupings. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research to address financial literacy, taking into account differences in characteristics, financial attitudes and financial knowledge of different cohort groups.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the research targets Vietnamese migrants, no claims can be made regarding the representation of other migrant groups as a whole. The research has implications with respect to programs to improve financial literacy levels of those most at need. This paper provides recommendations for future research in this area.Originality/valueThe paper provides one of the few studies of an Australian migrant cohort with respect to financial literacy. The study utilises a multiple discriminant analysis incorporating post-estimation analysis to examine, and compare, the factors that influence a person’s financial literacy level.

Modeling specialty store customers’ buy/no-buy decisions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop, test, and validate a model in a specialty retail environment to assess the influence of a salesperson’s sales- or customer-orientation and customer characteristics related to buy/no-buy decisions. Design/methodology/approach Backward stepwise discriminant analysis was used to identify variables that most differentiated buyers from non-buyers. The discriminant model was estimated with survey data provided by a judgment sample of consumers asked to recall details about a recent in-store purchase experience (n=240). One significant discriminant function emerged. The model correctly classified 87.5 percent of buy/no-buy decisions by consumers in a separate validation sample (n=40). Findings Customers who believe a salesperson is sales oriented (i.e. only interested in closing) are more likely to make a no-buy decision even when retailer-related attributes – such as positive prior experience with the retailer, susceptibility to normative interpersonal influence, and positive attitude toward retailing – suggest otherwise. Surprisingly, neither customer orientation nor susceptibility to interpersonal informational influence relates significantly to making a buy/no-buy decision. Practical implications Specialty retailers should avoid a sales-outcome-based orientation. To add value in a competitive marketplace where buyers can avoid salespeople, the focus of a sales interaction should be on identifying customer needs and characteristics. Originality/value Adaptations of sales people’s personas and selling efforts – fostered by new managerial training practices – and the need for specialty retailers to adopt behavior-based control systems are suggested. In addition, sales or customer orientation typically is reported by the salesperson. Here, customers’ belief – which is more germane to modeling buy/no-buy decisions – designates the salesperson’s orientation.

Parental and Infant Gender Factors in Parent-Infant Interaction: State-Space Dynamic Analysis.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of parental gender on their interaction with their infants, considering, as well, the role of the infant’s gender. The State Space Grid (SSG) method, a graphical tool based on the non-linear dynamic system (NDS) approach was used to analyze the interaction, in Free-Play setting, of 52 infants, aged 6 to 10 months, divided into two groups: half of the infants interacted with their fathers and half with their mothers. There were 50% boys in each group. MANOVA results showed no differential parenting of boys and girls. Additionally, mothers and fathers showed no differences in the Diversity of behavioral dyadic states nor in Predictability. However, differences associated with parent’s gender were found in that the paternal dyads were more “active” than the maternal dyads: they were faster in the rates per second of behavioral events and transitions or change of state. In contrast, maternal dyads were more repetitive because, once they visited a certain dyadic state, they tend to be involved in more events. Results showed a significant discriminant function on the parental groups, fathers and mothers. Specifically, the content analyses carried out for the three NDS variables, that previously showed differences between groups, showed particular dyadic behavioral states associated with the rate of Transitions and the Events per Visit ratio. Thus, the transitions involving ‘in–out’ of ‘Child Social Approach neutral – Sensitive Approach neutral’ state and the repetitions of events in the dyadic state ‘Child Play-Sensitive Approach neutral’ distinguished fathers from mothers. The classification of dyads (with fathers and mothers) based on this discriminant function identified 73.10% (19/26) of the father–infant dyads and 88.5% (23/26) of the mother–infant dyads. The study of father-infant interaction using the SSG approach offers interesting possibilities because it characterizes and quantifies the actual moment-to-moment flow of parent–infant interactive dynamics. Our findings showed how observational methods applied to natural contexts offer new facets in father vs. mother interactive behavior with their infants that can inform further developments in this field.

Application of cluster and discriminant analyses to diagnose lithological heterogeneity of the parent material according to its particle-size distribution

Particle-size distribution in soddy-podzolic and light gray forest soils of the Botanical Garden of Kazan Federal University has been studied. The cluster analysis of data on the samples from genetic soil horizons attests to the lithological heterogeneity of the profiles of all the studied soils. It is probable that they are developed from the two-layered sediments with the upper colluvial layer underlain by the alluvial layer. According to the discriminant analysis, the major contribution to the discrimination of colluvial and alluvial layers is that of the fraction >0.25 mm. The results of canonical analysis show that there is only one significant discriminant function that separates alluvial and colluvial sediments on the investigated territory. The discriminant function correlates with the contents of fractions 0.05–0.01, 0.25–0.05, and >0.25 mm. Classification functions making it possible to distinguish between alluvial and colluvial sediments have been calculated. Statistical assessment of particle-size distribution data obtained for the plow horizons on ten plowed fields within the garden indicates that this horizon is formed from colluvial sediments. We conclude that the contents of separate fractions and their ratios cannot be used as a universal criterion of the lithological heterogeneity. However, adequate combination of the cluster and discriminant analyses makes it possible to give a comprehensive assessment of the lithology of soil samples from data on the contents of sand and silt fractions, which considerably increases the information value and reliability of the results.

Green and Sustainable Commercial Property Supply in Malaysia and Nigeria

The aim of this study is to identify the predictive factors and variables that motivate decisions to supply sustainable or green commercial properties, and to apply discriminant analysis technique to assess if there are significant differences in perception between real estate developers in Malaysia and Nigeria based on the identified variables. The result revealed a significant discriminant function differentiating the two countries based on their perception of the variables. The motivational components and attributes were found to be in favor of Malaysia. The Wilks' lambda F‐test and the standardized discriminant function coefficients, showed that there were significant differences between developers in both countries as assessed by the life‐cycle cost motivations, green policies and certification, market strategy, developers expected rate of return, green tax incentive, and available green skills. However, the variables with the most predictive power in accounting for the differences were found to be within the measures of life‐cycle, cost‐saving motivations.

Sense of Presence and Anxiety Depending on the Daily Schedules in Junior High Schools

In the present study, a questionnaire for easily assessing class adjustment depending on the daily schedule was developed, and characteristics of each setting were examined. Criteria for detecting such students were also developed depending on the daily schedule settings. All the students enrolled in a public junior high school participated in the survey. The number of participants was 331. The sense of presence and anxiety felt in relationships with others were inquired depending on the eight daily schedules below: school arrival/entering classrooms, morning meetings/morning studies, lessons, breaks, lunch, cleaning, end-of-day meetings, and club activities. Aiming to detect students that needed secondary or tertiary support, criteria were examined, with regard to whether a student belonged to the unsatisfied group or not as an objective variable (1: unsatisfied 0: not unsatisfied), with the scores of the sense of presence and anxiety in eight schedules as explanatory variables. Stepwise discriminant analysis was conducted to select the explanatory variable that was the most effective. The results indicated that the sense of presence in the morning meetings and breaks, as well as anxiety in lessons, were selected and significant discriminant function was obtained (Wilks’ λ = .723, p < .01). The discriminant function was below z = -0.18 × presence in morning meetings -0.32 × presence in breaks + 0.64 × anxiety in lessons + 1.10 and the positive discriminant ratio was 80.4%. Providing student guidance based on daily schedules is considered effective for teachers to understand students and identify students that need secondary support at an early stage.

Attributions to Academic Achievements in the Transition to Higher Education

The perceived causes of success in academic learning play a decisive role in students’ goals, behaviours and emotional reactions towards similar situations in the future. The purpose of this study was to identify the perceived causes of academic achievement in the transition to higher education and to relate them to the academic outcomes. The participants, 204 college students, were asked to rate the importance of a list of attributions to their academic outcomes. Those ratings were related to a measure of academic success. The results have revealed that the most important perceived causes of success are internal and controllable. Discriminant analysis permitted the estimation of a significant discriminant function that distinguishes between successful and non-successful students. A one-way ANOVA has revealed significantly higher means of internal and controllable attributions in more successful students. These results suggest the importance of interventions to help students assume control over their success and engage intentionally in more effective learning processes.

Differences in Functional Fitness Among Older Adults With and Without Risk of Falling

This study aimed to identify the differences in functional fitness between older adults who were at risk of falling and those who were not. A total of 104 older adults aged 65-74 years were recruited from a local community senior center. They were independent older adults without a history of falls in the preceding 12 months. Falling risk status was assessed using the Fall Risk Test. Five dimensions of functional fitness with seven testing parameters (i.e., 30-second chair stand test, 30-second arm curl test, 2-minute step test, chair sit and reach test, back scratch test, 8-foot up and go test, and body mass index) were evaluated by the Senior Fitness Test. Only 78 participants completed all the tests, of which 48 participants were identified with risk of falling, and 30 participants were free from risk of falling. Results from multivariate analysis of variance found significant differences on the combined outcome variables, especially in the 8-foot up and go test, 2-minute step test, and 30-second arm curl test. Results from discriminant analysis found a significant discriminant function among all the seven testing parameters, where the 8-foot up and go test, and the 2-minute step test contributed most. Older adults who are at the early stage of risk of falling tend to have lower functional fitness capacities, especially in agility and dynamic balance, aerobic endurance as well as in a combined relationship among all the testing parameters.