Significant Regression Effect Research Articles

Strategic Management Practices and Accessibility of Non-Governmental Organizations to Donor Funding in Turkana County, Kenya

Non-governmental organizations exist in international development to offer services to vulnerable persons and communities, and as policy advocate’s campaigners. The contemporary environment in which non-governmental organizations operate is increasingly becoming uncertain and unpredictable, with an increased inability to meet budget allocation due to inadequate funds. This study examined strategic management practices and accessibility of non-governmental organizations’ to donor funding in Turkana County, Kenya. The study specifically examined the influence of strategy implementation and strategy evaluation and accessibility of non-governmental organizations’ donor funding in Turkana County, Kenya. The study was grounded on theories that included: Strategic fit theory and Resource dependency theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. The study targeted the low-level, middle-level and senior managers of the 30 non-governmental organizations operating in Turkana County. The research relied on structured questionnaires in the data collection process. Inferential statistics and descriptive statistics were utilized in data analysis. The study also relied on frequencies, mean and standard deviation in presenting descriptive results. The inferential statistics used were correlation analysis, regression analysis and analysis of variances. The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant regression effect and indicative of accomplished prediction of accessibility of Non-governmental organizations to donor funding through the F-calculated value which showed that the model was significant. Strategy implementation explained 49.1%, and strategy evaluation 44.3% the variations in accessibility of Non-governmental organizations to donor funding in Turkana County, Kenya. The study recommended for further research work to be conducted to review the influence of other variables on accessibility of non-governmental organizations to donor funding in Turkana county and other counties in Kenya. Keywords: Strategy implementation, Strategy Evaluation, Accessibility of NGO’s to Donor Funding

Credit Risk Management and Financial Performance of Listed Commercial Banks in Kenya

Commercial banks are concerned with the provision of credit facilities in form of loans and advances to customers. These loans and advances are expected to be repaid by customers in line with the agreement reached with their bankers. Customers’ default in the repayment of loans and advances at the agreed period may lead to bad and doubtful debts and this can affect the financial health, profitability and going concern status of the bank. This study empirically explored the effect of credit risk management on the financial performance of nine listed commercial banks in Kenya for the period, 2018-2022. Credit risk management as the independent variable, was surrogated by two parameters- loans to deposit ratio and Non-performing Loans ratio. Return on Assets was used as a proxy for financial performance of the listed commercial banks in Kenya. The study utilized the information asymmetry theory and the theory of moral hazard and adverse selection. A correlational research design, using secondary data derived from listed commercial banks’ annual audited reports and information from Nairobi Securities Exchange was used in this study. The target population of the study was the nine listed commercial banks in Kenya. A pilot study was carried by performing the normality and multi-collinearity tests from the sample data collected for purposes of assessing the reliability and validity of the model. A census method was adopted in data collection since the target population was manageable. Collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 28 where both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to describe and depict the results (Mean, Standard Deviation, Correlation, Regression and Analysis of variances). The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant regression effect and indicative of accomplished prediction of financial performance of the listed commercial banks through the F-calculated value which showed that the model was significant. Loan to deposit ratio explained .4% (r =.280) of financial performance of listed commercial banks in Kenya and non-performing loans ratio -36.5% (r=-.681) of financial performance of the listed commercial banks in Kenya. The study will be expected to add to the existing literature in the finance field and more importantly, the credit risk management in commercial banks and other related sectors. The study recommended that; management balance the ratio of financing between equity, debt and customer deposits to extend lending capacity, and generate high earnings volume; desist from holding capital without investing for improved financial achievement; management should maintain a moderate level of Loans and advances to deposit ratio since it is a measure of the banks’ ability to survive withdrawals, because higher rates lead to liquidity problems; give credit-risk management prominence in their strategic policies and finally, due to the continuous deterioration and accumulation of the nonperforming loans, management ought to strengthen loan recovery measures. Keywords: Credit Risk Management, Financial Performance, Listed Banks, Equity Multiplier Ratio, Capital Adequacy Ratio, Nonperforming Loans

Business Financing and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of business financing on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. Specifically, the study: examined the effect of commercial loan financing on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises; established the effect of trade credit financing on the financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Turkana County. A descriptive survey research design was used. The study was anchored on the information asymmetry theory and the financial intermediation theory. The target population comprised 325 small and medium enterprises in Turkana County. Stratified random sampling was used to select 83 small and medium enterprises for the study. The study used questionnaires as survey instruments for data collection which were administered to group chairpersons/ managers. Analysis of data was done using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings revealed the existence of a statistically significant regression effect of independent variables on financial performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Turkana County. The study employed the F-distribution (F = 32.980) in predicting the dependent variable which indicated that the model significantly predicted how the independent variables affected the dependent variable (Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Turkana County) which indicated an overall statistically significant model with commercial loan financing 54.9%, (t~3.056) of financial performance; and trade credit financing 67.2% (t~4.381) of financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Turkana County, Kenya. The study further recommended on each of the variables for management and policy consideration in future decision-making processes. The findings were expected to be of great assistance to management of other businesses. The study was also expected to add to existing literature in the finance field. Keywords: Business Financing, Financial Performance, Commercial Loan Financing, Trade Credit Financing

Risk Management Techniques on Financial Performance of State-Owned Sugar Companies in Kenya

Financial performance of sugar companies in Kenya is generally poor and has been fluctuating over a long period. The state-owned sugar companies are worse compared to the privately owned companies. The sugar sector has been orbiting around sugar scarcity, inefficiencies, failure to pay farmers, failure to renovate and modernize production unit, failure to battle with imported sugar, recurrent losses and political interference. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of risk management techniques on financial performance of state-owned sugar companies in Kenya. The specific objectives guiding the study were; to establish the effect of risk avoidance on financial performance of state-owned sugar companies in Kenya, and to assess the effect of risk acceptance on financial performance of state-owned sugar companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on the risk management theory, model risk management and the theory of financial control. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of fifty four respondents being employees from the six state-owned sugar companies in Kenya. Questionnaires were the main data collection tool. Data was analyzed with the help of statistical package for social science version 28, Analysis of Variances, Correlation and regression analysis tools were used to establish the relationship between the variables. The findings of the study revealed a statistically significant regression effect and indicative of accomplished prediction of financial performance of state-owned sugar factories through the F-calculated value which showed that the model was significant. Risk avoidance explained 53.9% of financial performance and risk acceptance explained 61.9% of financial performance of state-owned sugar factories in western Kenya. The findings of the study will provide an insight to finance practitioners on the risk management techniques and their relationship with organizational financial performance as well as contributing to the scholarly literature on risk management techniques in other sectors of the economy. Keywords: Risk, Risk Avoidance, Risk Acceptance, Financial Performance, Risk management Techniques

An empirical analysis of the demand for family planning satisfied by modern methods among married or in-union women in Nigeria: Application of multilevel binomial logistic modelling technique.

Given the health and economic benefits of family planning (FP), Nigeria's very low demand for FP satisfied by modern methods (mDFPS) of less than 50% is therefore a major public health concern, especially considering the global target aimed at achieving an mDFPS of at least 75% by year 2030 for all countries. In view of this, together with recognising the possible contextual nature of health outcomes, this study aimed to empirically analyse the mDFPS among married or in-union women of reproductive age (WRA) in Nigeria. A multilevel binomial logistic model with two levels of analysis was used: individual and community levels. Secondary cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, and analyses were performed using Stata 15.0. The analytical sample size was 9,122 WRA nested in a total of 1,072 communities. The mDFPS was approximately 31.0%. The median odds ratio (MOR) estimated from the final multilevel model was 2.245, which was greater than the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for most of the individual-level variables, suggesting that the unexplained/residual between-community variation in terms of the odds of women having their mDFPS was more relevant than the regression effect of most of the individual-level variables. This was with the exception of the regression effects of the following individual-level variables: women's husbands that had higher education level in comparison to their counterparts who had husbands with no formal education (aOR = 2.539; 95% CI = 1.896 to 3.399; p<0.001); and women from the Yoruba ethnic group in comparison to their counterparts from the Hausa/Fulani/Kanuri ethnic group (aOR = 2.484; 95% CI = 1.654 to 3.731; p value<0.001). However, other individual-level variables with positive statistically significant regression effects on mDFPS were: women who mentioned that money for accessing health care was not a problem; women's empowerment in relation to the visitation of family and relatives; and women being exposed to FP messages through various media sources, all in comparison to their respective counterparts. On the other hand, at the community level, women in communities where a high percentage of them had at least a secondary education had statistically significant greater odds of having mDFPS than women in communities with lower education levels (aOR = 1.584; 95% CI = 1.259 to 1.991; p<0.001). We found similar findings regarding women residing in communities with exposure to FP messages through various media sources. However, using the 80% interval ORs (80% IORs) as a supplemental statistical measure for further understanding the regression effects of community-level variables showed that all of the 80% IORs had a value of '1', signifying considerable uncertainty in the regression effects of all community-level variables due to the substantial residual variation existing between communities. Our study showed that to achieve the dire increase in mDFPS in Nigeria, policy interventions aimed at improving the education level of both females and males, especially beyond the secondary school level, should be implemented. Additionally, all of the various media sources should be extensively utilised, both at the individual and the community level, by the Nigerian government to spread information on the importance of women having their mDFPS.

Drivers of Green Procurement Eco-Innovation and Performance of Manufacturing Firms in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya

The study is aimed at exploring drivers of Green Procurement eco-innovation and performance of manufacturing firms in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to evaluate the effect of reverse logistics on performance of manufacturing firms in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, and to find out the effect of supplier selection on performance of manufacturing firms in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The study was anchored on stakeholder theory, Institutional theory. The study adopted descriptive Research Design while adopting a census method for data collection. The target population in this study was 200 respondents from manufacturing firms in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The research instrument used was a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed with the help of statistical package for social science version 26, Correlation and regression analysis tools were used establishing the relationship between the variables. The F-test (F=10.0449) which was greater than the critical value. The F-test indicated an overall statistically significant model with reverse logistics explained 59.1% (t~1.350); and supplier selection explained 64.2% (t~2.191). The findings therefore revealed statistically significant regression effect among the variables. The study was significant to both the leadership of Trans Nzoia County and management of the manufacturing firms and other firms in the county, procurement fraternity, and academicians in general. The study recommended that a replica of the study be performed in other counties for the manufacturing firms to determine whether the same variables derived from this study affects performance of manufacturers. Keywords: [Eco-innovation, Environmental laws, Green Procurement, Reverse Logistics]

The Effect of Public Perception on the Quality of Covid-19 Vaccination Services at the Lakologou Health Center, Baubau, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze the effect of public perception on the quality of Covid-19 vaccination services at the Lakologou Health Center, Baubau City, Indonesia. The research uses a quantitative research design with a survey approach. Data collection techniques in this study were distributing questionnaires, and collecting secondary data. The results showed that public perception had a positive and significant effect on the quality of the Covid-19 vaccination service at the Lakologou Health Center. This was shown through the results of the regression significance test. The level of closeness of the relationship and the influence of public perception on the quality of the Covid-19 vaccination service at the Lakologou Health Center. This means that changes that occur in the quality of Covid-19 vaccination services are influenced by public perception factors, the rest is determined by other factors not observed in this study. There is a significant regression effect and relationship between public perceptions of the quality of Covid-19 vaccination services at the Lakologou Public Health Center. This effect means that the increasing public perseption will have an effect on improving the quality of Covid-19 vaccination services.

Alternative Models for Calculation of Static Overturning Angle and Lateral Stability Analysis of Subcompact and Universal Tractors

Vehicle lateral stability is evaluated using the static overturning angle. The correct value of this parameter depends on the calculation method. The aim of this study was to compare the latest standard with previously published methodology, to propose two alternative methodologies (Models 1 and 2) and to analyze the influence of various levels of rear wheel ballast weights and overall tire widths on the stability of universal and subcompact tractors. The results showed a significant regression effect of the rear wheel ballast weight on static overturning angle. The influence of the rear wheel ballast weight was higher in the subcompact tractor than in the universal tractor due to a larger distance between the height of the center of gravity and the center of the rear axle. Comparing the latest standard with the previously published methodology, the highest difference values were 13.82% and 7.30%. Both models are based on the previously published methodology and differ from each other in rolling and slope lines. The methodology proposed in Model 2 differed from the standard similarly to the previously published methodology; therefore, it is irrelevant. Model 1 reached differences of only −1.81% and −1.63%, representing a minimal difference from the standard.

Efektivitas Kegiatan Inter Terminal Transfer Terhadap Throughput di KSO Tpk Koja

Inter Terminal Transfer activities must be supported by Effective loading and unloading activities in order to maximize Throughput. The research objective in this study was to determine the effect of Inter Terminal Transfer and loading and unloading activities on Throughput at KSO TPK KOJA in 2019. This study uses primary data obtained from the results of respondents' answers by distributing questionnaires to employees. This research is a quantitative research by collecting The data is using the Likert scale, regression analysis, correlation coefficient analysis, determination coefficient analysis, and hypothesis testing, both simple and multiple. Then the results obtained are if the Inter Terminal Transfer variable has a partial effect on Throughput, loading and unloading variables on Throughput, and the effect of Inter Terminal Transfer variables and loading and unloading variables jointly on Throughput variables. The results of the F test show that there is a significant regression effect of the Inter Terminal Transfer Variable (X1) and Loading and Unloading (X2) on the Variable Throughput (Y) KSO TPK KOJA in 2019.

The Evaluation of the Effect of ICT in HIV Prevention in the General Population in China Based on an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill Model.

Objectives With an increase in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the application of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered as a helpful solution. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ICT in HIV prevention in the general population based on an information-motivation-behavioral skill (IMB) model. Methods A national follow-up study on the evaluation of ICT on HIV health education effects before and after large sample intervention was conducted in 16 provinces of China. ICT was used to carry out a six-month educational program on the prevention of HIV for participants using the WeChat platform. The research group conducted a second questionnaire for participants to collect data and built the IMB model using Mplus 7.0 analysis software. Results A total of 997 questionnaires were sent, and 957 effective questionnaires were recovered, a recovery rate of 96.0%. Before the ICT intervention, the scores of information was 15.68 ± 3.28, of motivation was 14.47 ± 4.26, of behavior skills was 2.26 ± 1.08, and of condom use was 2.19 ± 1.15. After the ICT intervention, the scores for information (18.54 ± 2.48), motivation (16.06 ± 4.11), behavior skills (4.74 ± 1.04), and condom use (2.64 ± 1.15) improved significantly. ICT use had a significant regression effect on motivation (β = 0.237, P < 0.001), behavior skills (β = 0.997, P < 0.001), and information (β = 0.441, P < 0.001), while motivation (β = 0.196, P < 0.001), behavior skills (β = 0.207, P < 0.001), and information (β = 0.092, P < 0.001) had a significant regression effect on condom use. Conclusions The ICT intervention can not only improve information about HIV prevention, motivation, and behavior skills but also promote the use of condoms, so as to achieve the result of promoting behaviors that act to prevent AIDS within the general population.

Genetic analysis of layer performances in a selected line of Rhode Island Red chicken

The study aimed to estimate genetic parameters of layer performance traits in a selected line of Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken maintained at this institute. The performance traits were recorded on 433 pedigreed pullet progenies, offsprings of 48 sires and 113 dams; and data were analyzed by least squares analysis of variance. Heritability and correlations were estimated using full-sib correlation method. The least squares means of age at first egg (AFE), body weights (BW20, BW40), egg weights (EW28, EW40) and egg production up to 40 weeks of age (EP40) were estimated. Almost all the traits were significantly affected by sires and hatch, whereas dam within sire could not affect any trait. Birds’ housing weight demonstrated significant regression effect on the above traits. The heritability estimates from sire component of variance ranged from 0.003 to 0.241 in different traits. The heritability estimates from dam component and sire plus dam component ranged from 0.011 to 0.670 and 0.061 to 0.379, respectively. The ranges of genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits were 0.130 to 0.918 and 0.015 to 0.542, respectively. The varied direction of correlations revealed that selection for earlier age at first egg would favour moderately lower body weights and egg production. Again selection for heavier EW28 would favour late AFE and lower egg production. Present findings would serve as the pre-requisites for chalking out the breeding strategies for genetic improvement of RIR chicken.

Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Other Staphylococcus Species in Raw Meat Samples Intended for Human Consumption in Benin City, Nigeria: Implications for Public Health.

The present study was designed to characterize methicillin-resistant staphylococci from raw meat. A total of 126 meat samples were obtained from open markets between February and April, 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disc diffusion method. Molecular profiling was conducted using 16S rRNA, mecA, nuc, and PVL gene signatures were detected by polymerase chain reaction assay. Fifty isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. were detected in 26 (52%) pork, 14 (28%) beef and 10 (20%) chicken samples. The staphylococcal isolates were identified through partial 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (16S rRNA) nucleotide sequencing, and BLAST analysis of the gene sequence revealed 98%–100% staphylococcal similarity. All isolates from beef and chicken samples amplified the mecA gene, while 100% of the MRSA isolates amplified the PVL gene. The multidrug resistance profile (resistant to ≥1 antimicrobial agent in ≥3 classes of antimicrobial agents) of the staphylococcal isolates showed that 7 isolates were resistant to methicillin, penicillin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, kanamycin, amoxicillin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, vancomycin, and gentamycin. There was a significant regression effect from the multidrug-resistant profile on the number of isolates (p < 0.05) suggesting a consequence of the dissemination of resistant strains within bacterial populations. The findings of the present study indicate that raw meats in the Benin metropolis were possibly contaminated with pathogenic and multi-drug resistant staphylococci strains and therefore could constitute a risk to public health communities.

Genetic parameters of some layer performance traits in a control line of Rhode Island Red chicken

The study aimed to assess genetics of some layer performance traits in a control line of Rhode Island Red (RIR) chicken maintained at Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar. A total of 193 pedigreed pullet progenies of 30 sires mated with 41 dams in two hatches were investigated. Data were analyzed by least squares analysis of variance, and heritability and correlation parameters of different traits were estimated using full-sib correlation method. The least squares means of age at first egg, body weights at 20th and 40th week, egg weights at 28th and 40th week and part period egg production upto 40 weeks of age were estimated. Sires significantly (P<0.05) affected the estimates of body weights, but dam within sire could not affect (P<0.05) any estimate. Hatch influenced (P<0.05) the estimates of age at first egg and body weight at 40th week of age. Birds’ housing weight demonstrated significant regression effect on the estimates of age at first egg, body weight and egg weight at 40th week of age. The heritability estimates from sire component of variance of the traits ranged from 0.018 to 0.438. Corresponding estimates from dam component and sire plus dam component ranged from 0.060 to 0.643 and 0.102 to 0.355. The genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits were low to high in magnitude when estimated from sire plus dam component. The investigation generated some valuable genetic information of layer performances which might be used as the pre-requisites for chalking out of breeding strategies for its genetic improvement.

Effect on anterior chamber bevacizumab injection combined with seton implantation in treatment of rubeosis iridis in Neovascular Glaucoma

Objective: To evaluate the effect of anti-VEGF (bevacizumab) injection to the posterior chamber (BIPC) behind the iris combined with seton implantation in treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG).Methods: Twenty-eight eyes with NVG who underwent BIPC, prospectively evaluated. Anterior segment photographs were taken for grading of neovascularization on anterior segment in pretreatment period and at each follow-up. Grading and regression of rubeosis iridis was classified according to Teich and Walsh grading system and glaucoma filtration surgery with drainage device was performed following BIPC.Results: The mean pre-BIPC IOP was 39.71 ± 7.09 mmHg, post-BIPC IOP in the 1st, 2nd day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd, 6th month were 19.7 ± 8.9 mmHg, 13.5 ± 6.7 mmHg, 9.9 ± 3.4 mmHg, 13.07 ± 5.3 mmHg, 16.6 ± 5.03 mmHg, 18.5 ± 3.8 mmHg, respectively. Twenty seven eyes underwent seton implantation surgery. No one had anterior segment bleeding during surgery. The pre-BIPC grades were Grade 4: 67.58%, Grade 3: 28.57%, Grade 2: 3.57%, no one had Grade 1or Grade 0, while post BIPC grade were at the 1st week Grade 1: 64.28%, Grade 0: 35.71%, no one had Grade 2 or more, at 1st month Grade 2: 3.57%, Grade 1: 39.28%, Grade 0: 57.14%, at 3rd month Grade 2: 17.85% Grade 1: 28.57%, Grade 0: 53.57%, no one had Grade 3 or more both in first and the third month, at 6th month Grade 3: 7.14%, Grade 2: 28.57%, Grade 1: 42.85%, Grade 0: 21.42%. and no one had Grade 4.Conclusion: Significant reduction of NV was observed during the first week. Minimal increasement was seen in third month, significant regression effect persisted for 6 months. BIPC inhibited the peroperative risk of anterior segment bleeding, increased the surgical comfort and prevented the failure of filtration procedure by inhibiting reproliferation.

Leucoaraiosis, nigrostriatal denervation and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease

Leucoaraiosis is associated with motor symptoms in otherwise normal older adults. Comorbid leucoaraiosis is predicted to contribute also to motor features in Parkinson's disease but previous studies of white matter changes in Parkinson's disease show variable results. No prior studies have compared directly the effects of both leucoaraiosis and the degree of nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation on motor features. We investigated the effect of leucoaraiosis severity on motor impairment independent of the degree of nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation in Parkinson's disease. Seventy-three subjects with Parkinson's disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) underwent brain magnetic resonance and [(11)C]dihydrotetrabenazine vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 positron emission tomography imaging. Automated assessment of supratentorial fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance hyperintense white matter voxels was performed using cerebellar white matter as the intensity reference. White matter signal hyperintensity burden was log-transformed and normalized for brain volume. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale total and subscore ratings were assessed to determine motor impairment. Subjects receiving dopaminergic medications were examined in the clinically defined 'OFF' state. Multivariate regression analysis with measures of white matter signal hyperintensity burden and nigrostriatal denervation as independent variables demonstrated a significant overall model for total motor Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores (F = 11.4, P < 0.0001) with significant regression effects for both white matter signal hyperintensity burden (t = 2.0, β = 0.22, P = 0.045) and striatal monoaminergic binding (t = -3.5, β = -0.38, P = 0.0008). Axial motor impairment demonstrated a robust association with white matter signal hyperintensity burden (t = 4.0, β = 0.43, P =0.0001) compared with striatal monoaminergic binding (t = -2.1, β = 0.22, P = 0.043). White matter signal hyperintensity burden regression effects for bradykinesia had borderline significance. No significant white matter signal hyperintensity burden effects were found for rigidity or tremor subscores. White matter signal hyperintensity burden was significantly higher in the subgroup with postural instability and gait difficulties compared with the tremor-predominant subgroup despite no significant differences in age or duration of disease. These findings indicate that increased white matter signal hyperintensity burden is associated with worse motor performance independent of the degree of nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation in Parkinson's disease. Comorbid white matter disease is a greater determinant of axial motor impairment than nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation.

Genetic and environmental effects on exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness in a population-based sample of twins

Elevated levels of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) and airway hyperresponsiveness are intermediate phenotypes of asthma. Using population-based data collected from a sample of twins, the present authors estimated the relative contribution of genes, family environment and nonshared environmental influences to variations in eNO and airway responsiveness (AR). In addition, the genetic and environmental sources of covariation between these two asthma-related phenotypes were investigated. The study population comprised a random sample of 377 adult twins identified through the Norwegian Twin Registry. The main outcome variables were eNO and AR to methacholine. Genetic effects accounted for 60% of the variation in eNO. Family environment accounted for 30% of the variation in AR, while nonshared environmental influences explained the remaining variation for both measures. For both eNO and AR, there were significant regression effects for atopy and smoking. The small, but significant association between eNO and AR was primarily explained by genetic factors. Sub-analyses restricted to atopic and nonsmoking twins strengthened the observation. In conclusion, variations in exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness appear to be explained by different genetic and environmental variance structures. Variation in exhaled nitric oxide is explained by genetic and nonshared environmental effects, whereas an environmental model best explains the variation in airway responsiveness. Common genetic effects explain the small but significant association between exhaled nitric oxide and airway responsiveness.

EEG power spectra and cognitive change in geriatric psychiatry: a longitudinal study

Elderly patients with senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT), multi-infarct dementia (MID) and functional psychiatric illness, along with elderly control subjects, were studied longitudinally at 6 monthly intervals over a 2 year period, with cognitive testing and EEG power spectral analyses being carried out on each occasion. There was no significant change in the EEG power over time although a significant regression effect was noted for cognitive performance in the SDAT group. A number of between-group differences were apparent. The SDAT patients had more delta and theta power and less alpha power than those with MID and the latter group had a higher percentage of delta and theta power than the functional patients. The functional patients and normal subjects were differentiated from each other by a number of EEG power variables. The implications of these findings with respect to differential diagnosis in geriatric psychiatric are discussed.

Coping with urban crime: women's use of precautionary behaviors.

This investigation examines the impact of three sets of variables, neighborhood conditions, psychological factors, and life circumstances, on women's use of behaviors designed to protect themselves from criminal victimization. Participants in the study were 299 women living in Philadelphia, Chicago, and San Francisco. Two types of precautionary behaviors were identified: avoiding dangerous situations (e.g., by not going out alone at night) and managing risks in the face of possible danger (e.g., by asking repairmen for identification). The three sets of variables were better able to predict avoidance than risk-management behavior. Commonality analyses revealed that psychological factors uniquely accounted for the largest proportion of the variance in the use of both types of precautions. In multiple regression analyses, fear, perceived physical competence, race, and education were significant predictors of avoidance, while fear and perceptions of local social disorder had significant regression effects on risk-management. Implications of the results for research and social policies regarding the impact of crime on communities are discussed, and this area is suggested as a rich context for the exploration of styles of coping with environmental stressors.

Transportation, stress, and community psychology.

Conditions of transportation were investigated as sources of psychological stress as they affect the physiology, task performance, and mood of commuters. Participants in the study were 100 employees of industrial firms. Traffic congestion was construed as a behavioral constraint in terms of the concept of impedance which is defined by the parameters of distance and time. It was expected that the effects of impedance would be mediated by personality factors, such as locus of control. Multivariate tests of the internal validity of the impedance factor were significant. However, significant main effects for impedance were obtained only for mood and residential adaptation. The predicted interactions of impedance with locus of control were obtained across task performance indices. In multiple regression analyses, the distance and speed of the commute to work were found to account for significant proportions of variation in blood pressure, while several indices of personal control had significant regression effects on the task measures. The implications of the results for research in community psychology are discussed.