Statistical Linear Regression Research Articles

Induction experiences of novice teachers and their coaches

ABSTRACT This mixed-methods study explores the experiences and influence of induction on novice teachers. The authors quantitatively analyze survey data from over two thousand novice teachers and a thousand of their coaches through statistical comparisons and multiple linear regression analyses to explore whether structures of induction are associated with how teachers learn and develop in their pedagogy. Qualitative analyses of respondents’ open-ended responses guided by word cluster formations indicate a positive feeling about this induction program but revealed differing areas of focus between novice teachers and their coaches. Results indicate the importance of coaches, curriculum, and the learning management system in creating positive induction experiences. Findings from this study have implications for the influence and structural design of induction programs for novice teacher development.

EXTENT TO WHICH RISK TRANSFER STRATEGIES AFFECT TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE OF FOOTBALL EVENTS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Football organizations have been facing various challenges in Kenya ranging from management problems and event security threats which have been addressed in various continents. However limited has been done to address these challenges in Kenya. Triple bottom line (TBL) measures are critical to any organization and paramount for successful planning and organizing of sports events in today’s world. The link between risk management strategies and TBL measures of football events seems to be unclear in Kenya. The study therefore sought to investigate the risk transfer strategies employed by the Footbal events in Kenya. The study hypothesized that the risk transfer strategies do not significantly affect TBL of football events in Nairobi, Kenya. The target population was 882 football stakeholders that comprised Federation of Kenya Football (FKF) organizers, Kenya Premier League (KPL) organizers, officiators, footballers and cheer leaders/fans out of which 268 formed the sample size. Instruments for collecting data included self-administered questionnaires, interview schedules and observation check list. Ten (10) managers of sports management bodies and administrative bodies were interviewed. The study employed both descriptive and explanatory research designs. Simple random sampling and stratified sampling techniques were used to select respondents to participate in the study. Data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (linear multiple regression). The study, therefore, recommends the need for football organizations to invest in risk control measures such as providing security in entry and exit points as well as insurance covers for both participants and spectators in order to transfer risks and attain TBL of football events. In addition sports management bodies need to sensitize football stakeholders on various risks that arise in football events. The findings from this study may benefit the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Arts, Football organizing bodies such as Federation of Kenya Football, Kenya Premier League and other football stakeholders in formulation of policies aimed at managing and minimizing risks of football events.

Faktor-faktor yang Mempengaruhi Profitabilitas Bank Syariah Indonesia dan Malaysia

One of the benchmarks for state progress in banking which affects economic activity (Khasanah, 2016) . This study aims to determine the factors that influence profitability included CAR, BOPO, FDR, on ROA with NPF as a moderating variable for Indonesian and Malaysian Islamic banking listed in the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for the 2014-2019 period. This type of quantitative research with secondary data is in the form of panel data. The sample includes 11 Indonesian Islamic banks and 7 Malaysian Islamic banks. The collection method is to access the annual report on the bank's website. Multiple Linear Regression analysis tool with the Eviews 10 Version application. The analysis used the Descriptive Statistical Test, Stationarity Test, and Multiple Linear Regression Test. The test results include: 1) CAR is not significant to ROA; 2) BOPO is not significant to ROA; 3) FDR is not significant to ROA; 4) CAR with NPF as a moderating variable has a positive and significant effect on ROA; 5) BOPO with NPF as a moderating variable has a negative and significant effect on ROA; 6) FDR with NPF as a moderating variable has a negative and significant effect on ROA.

Computational Aesthetics of APP Icons

<p indent="0mm">In recent years, computational aesthetics has become an active research field. Mobile device applications (APP) have covered every aspect of life and become an indispensable part of people’s daily life. Unfortunately, few attempts have been made toward the computational evaluation of APP icon aesthetics. A framework for computational aesthetic evaluation of APP icons is proposed. A set of feature variables is defined to evaluate some aspects of APP icons, such as colorfulness, harmony and contrast. The human subjective ratings of 60 volunteers on the colorfulness, harmony, contrast and aesthetics of APP icons are also collected, and the statistical linear regression models are constructed. The results show that proposed regression models can explain 84%‒91% of human judgments on colorfulness, harmony, contrast and aesthetics of APP icons, and the evaluation scores of proposed models are highly correlated with manual evaluation scores.

Gaussian Tracking With Kent-Distributed Direction-of-Arrival Measurements

This paper presents a Gaussian tracking algorithm with direction-of-arrival (DOA) measurements modelled via the Kent distribution. The key aspect of the algorithm is that the Kent distribution directly models the specific characteristics of DOA measurements in the 3-D space, and can account for different uncertainties in azimuth and elevation, which the von Mises-Fisher distribution cannot. At each update step, the algorithm performs iterated statistical linear regressions. We provide two implementations of the algorithms, one based on sigma-points and the other on analytical linearisation. The effectiveness of the approach is evaluated via numerical simulations.

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN BALANCE SCORECARD TERHADAP KINERJA USAHA MIKRO DI SURABAYA

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) managerial practice is generally used by large companies. As the education level of micro business actors increases, the implementation of BSC in micro business management is increasing. BSC to help businesses in the face two fundamental problems, which measures the performance of the organization effectively and implement strategies to improve performance. This study explores the effect of using the BSC on the performance of micro-enterprises, as well as knowing the relationship between firm size and the ability to implement the BSC in micro-enterprises through descriptive statistical approaches and linear regression analysis. The study was conducted on micro-enterprises in Surabaya with the category of having assets or net worth of up to IDR 50 million (not including land or building for business premises) and annual sales turnover of up to IDR 300 million. Total respondents in this study is as much as 153 respondents. The study confirmed that the size of the company has an influence on the readiness of the implementation of the BSC, these results are consistent with research Kimberly &amp; Evanisko, (1981); Nord &amp; Tucker, (1987); Hoque, (2000) and Sherma (2020). This research also shows that the greater the level of BSC implementation of a business, the higher the performance of business achieved in line with the findings by Hoque, (2000); Ondieki, (2017); Dhaifallah, (2018). Company size affects the readiness of micro-enterprises in implementing the BSC. BSC managerial practices proven to improve the performance of micro-enterprises. BSC practice requires readiness with the support of increasing company size; micro businesses should involve labor in the operations. With an adequate company size, the BSC implementation practice can run optimally and have an impact on achieving better business performance. Keywords: BSC, Business Performance, Firm Size, Micro Enterprise

How precise are oral splints for frameless stereotaxy in guided ear, nose, throat, and maxillofacial surgery: a cadaver study

BackgroundComputer-assisted surgery optimises accuracy and serves to improve precise surgical procedures. We validated oral splints with fiducial markers by testing them against rigid bone markers.MethodsWe screwed twenty bone anchors as fiducial markers into different regions of a dried skull and measured the distances. After computed tomography (CT) scanning, the accuracy was evaluated by determining the markers’ position using frameless stereotaxy on a dry cadaver and indicated on the CT scan. We compared the accuracy of chairside fabricated oral splints to standard registration with bone markers immediately after fabrication and after a ten-time use. Accuracy was calculated as deviation (mean ± standard deviation). For statistical analysis, t test, Kruskal-Wallis, Tukey's, and various linear regression models, such as the Pearson's product–moment correlation coefficient, were used.ResultsOral splints showed an accuracy of 0.90 mm ± 0.27 for viscerocranium, 1.10 mm ± 0.39 for skull base, and 1.45 mm ± 0.59 for neurocranium. We found an accuracy of less than 2 mm for both splints for a distance of up to 152 mm. The accuracy persisted even after ten times removing and reattaching the splints.ConclusionsOral splints offer a non-invasive indicator to improve the accuracy of image-guided surgery. The precision is dependent on the distance to the target. Up to 150-mm distance, a precision of fewer than 2 mm is possible. Dental splints provide sufficient accuracy than bone markers and may opt for higher precision combined with other non-invasive registration methods.

Investigating the association of quality of life and addiction in students of Urmia University of Medical Sciences.

Introduction: Addiction to tobacco products such as cigarettes, hookahs, etc. can be caused by psychosocial abnormalities that cause physical and psychological dependence of a person who is affected by various factors. This study was conducted in 2017 to investigate the association of addiction and quality of life in students of Urmia University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was on 630 students of Urmia University of Medical Sciences in 2016-2017. Data were collected using demographic information questionnaire, identification of people at risk of Anise addiction and WHO quality of life questionnaire. Data were collected by SPSS18 and analyzed using linear regression, correlation test and descriptive statistics. Finding: In this study, the average age of the participants was 22± 13/3 years and (44.4) 280 were male participants, Most of the students participated in the entrance study in 2016-2017 and (91.7%) 578 were single participants, most of the students participating in the study were The School of Medicine (48.3) was 304 and the lowest of the School of Health (11) was 69 The highest average in the sub-abuse tendency to addiction, depression, and helplessness 692 (23.87) was. Results: The results showed that the highest quality of life for women and men had the highest drug abuse trend and the tendency to drug abuse and there was a significant relationship between quality of life. Keywords: Abuse tendency to addiction, Quality of Life, Medical Students, Urmia, depression, helplessness.

Implementation of Minimum Nutrition Standards and Best Practices in Childcare Centers

BackgroundThe federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursable meals to 4.6 million children annually and sets nutrition standards for foods served. Licensing regulations in many states extend these rules to nonparticipating programs. ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of meals and snacks served in Connecticut licensed childcare centers in 2019 and assess implementation of a state licensing requirement to adhere to CACFP minimum nutrition standards in all centers. DesignCross-sectional survey. Participants/settingTwo hundred licensed childcare centers in Connecticut in 2019. Main outcome measuresMeal/snack quality was assessed based on menus. Foods/beverages listed were compared to the minimum CACFP nutrition standards and optional best practices. Surveys completed by center directors measured center characteristics. Statistical analysisLogistic and linear multivariable regression models tested differences in centers’ adherence to nutrition standards and best practices by CACFP participation status. ResultsCACFP centers complied with more required nutrition standards than non-CACFP centers (an adjusted mean of 4.7 vs 3.4 standards among programs serving meals, P < 0.001), with particularly large mean differences for whole grains and low-fat milk. Implementation of optional best practices, except for beverages, was relatively low among all centers, especially for snacks. Compliance (adjusted mean number of minimum nutrition standards met) was greater among centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and those using a registered dietitian or a sponsoring agency to prepare menus and receiving food from a vendor. Recent completion of nutrition training was associated with greater mean implementation of best practices. Conclusions and implicationsBetter adherence to minimum nutrition standards and best practices among CACFP-participating childcare centers contributed to higher nutritional quality of meals and snacks offered. Snack quality would benefit most from greater compliance with nutrition standards. Providers outside of CACFP need additional supports in the implementation of licensing regulations to improve the food environment for young children.

Pengaruh Motivasi, Kreativitas, Inovasi dan Modal Usaha terhadap Minat Berwirausaha

Entrepreneurial interest is believed to be the most powerful solution in solving labor problems among students. However, the phenomenon that occurs in UNESA Economic Education Study Program students is still not optimal in interpreting this solution. This study identifies the influence of motivation, creativity, innovation and venture capital on interest in entrepreneurship. The data analysis technique used multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics. A sample of 60 students used purposive sampling technique. The results of the study show that motivation, creativity and venture capital partially significant effect on entrepreneurial interest. Only innovation shows that there is no significant influence on entrepreneurial interest.

Streaming mindfulness: Well-being and mindfulness among subscribers to a video streaming service

ObjectiveInternet and smartphone technology have advanced the dissemination of mindfulness practices and philosophy. This study explored how individuals interact with Spectiv, a subscription-based video streaming service (VSS) that advertises content for meditation, and measured levels of mindfulness and well-being. We hypothesized that users engaging with Spectiv for longer sessions and on a regular basis would report higher levels of mindfulness and well-being. MethodA 46-question online survey was developed and distributed to all active subscribers of Spectiv (N = 119). The survey included two validated scales: (1) The Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale, and (2) The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. A series of one-way ANOVAs were performed, along with a simple linear regression and descriptive statistics. ResultsUsers reported relaxation as the most common activity. Levels of mindfulness and well-being were significantly higher for users whose session-duration lasted 2 hours (p = .01) and 3 hours (p = .03). Users engaging with the VSS daily had significant levels of both mindfulness (p < .001) and well-being (p < .001). There was no difference between subscription length and mindfulness and well-being. Mindfulness was found to be a significant positive predictor of well-being (p < .0001). ConclusionVSS could be valuable to facilitating mindfulness. Users engaging with a VSS for longer durations and more frequently may be more likely to experience benefits. Future research using controlled designs such as randomized control trials and feasibility studies should be conducted to determine if VSS can maintain or increase levels of mindfulness and well-being.

Deep desiccation of soils observed by long-term high-resolution measurements on a large inclined lysimeter

Abstract. Availability of long-term and high-resolution measurements of soil moisture is crucial when it comes to understanding all sorts of changes to past soil moisture variations and the prediction of future dynamics. This is particularly true in a world struggling against climate change and its impacts on ecology and the economy. Feedback mechanisms between soil moisture dynamics and meteorological influences are key factors when it comes to understanding the occurrence of drought events. We used long-term high-resolution measurements of soil moisture on a large inclined lysimeter at a test site near Karlsruhe, Germany. The measurements indicate (i) a seasonal evaporation depth of over 2 m. Statistical analysis and linear regressions indicate (ii) a significant decrease in soil moisture levels over the past 2 decades. This decrease is most pronounced at the start and the end of the vegetation period. Furthermore, Bayesian change-point detection revealed (iii) that this decrease is not uniformly distributed over the complete observation period. The largest changes occur at tipping points during years of extreme drought, with significant changes to the subsequent soil moisture levels. This change affects not only the overall trend in soil moisture, but also the seasonal dynamics. A comparison to modeled data showed (iv) that the occurrence of deep desiccation is not merely dependent on the properties of the soil but is spatially heterogeneous. The study highlights the importance of soil moisture measurements for the understanding of moisture fluxes in the vadose zone.

Managerial competencies and competitive advantage in pharmaceutical blockbusters

The study empirically tested the relationship between managerial competencies and competitive advantage in pharmaceutical blockbusters. According to the literature, blockbuster models and competitive strategies are significant determinants in organisational performance in the pharmaceutical industry context. However, the focus of this study is to determine whether efforts to combine managerial competence and the blockbuster model will reorient pharmaceutical companies to better competitive advantage by creating blockbuster drugs for the companies. This competitive advantage will position pharmaceutical companies in the face of increasing labour turnover, daunting economic challenges and perceived customer benefits that characterise this industry. A quantitative research design was adopted for this study, and primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to 22 managers of two major pharmaceutical firms in Lagos, Nigeria. The data obtained revealed a strong positive relationship between managerial competencies, blockbuster models and competitive advantage and three out of four hypotheses were accepted. The hypotheses were tested through Pearson’s product-moment correlation and regression product of determination. Descriptive statistical tools, ANOVA and multiple linear regressions were used to assess perceptions of managerial competencies and blockbuster models on SPSS (version 23.0). Cronbach’s alpha was extracted as a reliability coefficient for the data analysis (α = 0.851). Several implications for management and policy are also discussed in light of the findings of this study. It was concluded that a deep knowledge of managerial competencies and blockbuster models are highly needed in the selected pharmaceutical companies to gain business expansion, maintain low average costs and achieve significant market share while improving on their level of service delivery and capacity to support groups or teams through training, coaching and sharing specialist knowledge. This study recommends developing strategies and deploying blockbuster models across all industries for a distinctive advantage of ineffective organisational performance and greater productivity.

Maximum mixture correntropy based outlier-robust nonlinear filter and smoother

In this paper, we are dedicated to studying the robust filtering and smoothing problem for a nonlinear non-Gaussian system. Considering the advantage of mixture correntropy with two kernel bandwidths in dealing with non-Gaussian noise, we propose the novel robust recursive filter and smoother based on the cost functions induced by the maximum mixture correntropy criterion, where the nonlinear dynamic model function and measurement model function are linearized by using the statistical linear regression (SLR) method. In the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother, we apply a third-order spherical cubature rule to obtain the prior estimation of the state and covariance matrix, and approximate the multi-dimensional Gaussian integrals encountered in the SLR method. Furthermore, two additional weights are introduced into the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother to modify the filtering and smoothing gains, respectively. The simulation results of manoeuvring target tracking under different non-Gaussian noise scenarios illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust recursive filter and smoother.

Consensus‐based nonlinear smoother for distributed continuous‐discrete systems

AbstractIn order to estimate the state of general distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear system, a new consensus on the measurement and information cubature smoothing method is proposed in this article. The distributed continuous‐discrete nonlinear dynamic system refers to a system whose process is described as a stochastic differential equation (SDE) and whose measurements are provided by a wireless sensor network (WSN) at discrete times. First, the cubature rule is embedded into the consensus on measurements and information extended Kalman filter (CMIEKF) architecture by using the statistical linear regression (SLR) method, and then the presented consensus‐based method is obtained according to the Rauch–Tung–Striebel (RTS) smoothing methodology. In a numerical simulation, the performances of the presented smoothing method and the conventional nonlinear estimating methods are compared and analyzed. The numerical results show that, compared with other distributed estimation methods, the newly proposed smoothing algorithm enjoys not only higher accuracy but also stronger robustness.

Later chronotype is associated with unhealthful plant-based diet quality in young Japanese women

BackgroundHaving a late chronotype, that is, the tendency to go to sleep and wake up at later hours, influences an individual's physical and mental health. Despite a few studies noting the association of chronotype with healthy dietary patterns, this relationship remains unclear. PurposeThis study aimed to describe the association of chronotype with healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet quality in female Japanese undergraduate students. DesignCross-sectional. Participants and settingA total of 218 female university students in Tokyo, Japan. Main outcome measuresHealthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary index-Japanese version (hPDI-J and uPDI-J), calculated using the validated brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Statistical analyses performedA five-model stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. Independent variables were hPDI-J and uPDI-J scores, and dependent variables were various lifestyle habits related to the circadian rhythm and demographic characteristics. ResultsMean (standard deviation) sleep duration, midpoint of sleep, sleep latency time, and social jetlag were 411 (60) min, 03:56 (00:57), 21 (27) min, and 50 (39) min, respectively. Chronotype and several variables, such as residential status, energy and alcohol intake, and nutritional knowledge, were associated with healthful and unhealthful plant-based diet quality. Individuals who had higher hPDI-J scores were more likely to have an earlier chronotype (β = −0.168, P = 0.019) and better nutritional knowledge (β = 0.164, P = 0.022) than those with lower hPDI-J scores. Individuals were more likely to have higher uPDI-J scores if they were living alone (β = −0.301, P < 0.001), had a later chronotype (β = 0.181, P = 0.001), higher frequency of snacking (β = 0.164, P = 0.019), lower total energy (β = −0.445, P < 0.001), and worse nutritional knowledge (β = −0.172, P = 0.001). ConclusionThis study provided new evidence as to the relationship between sleep and dietary habits, the interaction of which may affect women's health.

The Analysis of Liquidity and Its Effect on Profitability, Sales and Working Capital Policy in Manufacturing Companies Listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study aims to analyze the liquidity through cash conversion cycle management and to examine the effect of liquidity on profitability, sales and working capital policy in manufacturing companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange in the period 2014-2018. Profitability is proxied by return on asset, sales (Total Sales) and working capital policy (Short-term debt to assets and current assets to total assets). The population of the study is manufacturing companies listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange. Purposive sampling method used as the sampling method. There are 21 manufacturing companies as the samples of the study. The type of data used in this study is quantitative and data sources of this study is secondary data. Descriptive statistic and simple linear regression analysis used as the research methodology. The result of descriptive analysis shows CCC benchmark of manufacturing companies is 95.0590 days with the highest value at 408.98 days and the lowest at -19.62 days. It is found that CCC has negative and significant effect on return on asset and total sales as well it has positive effect and significant on short-term debt to assets nevertheless CCC has positive but insignificant effect on current assets to total assets.

FACTORS INFLUENCING BEHAVIOR INTENTION TOWARDS ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM: A STUDY OF SMES IN MALAYSIA

This study focuses on the investigation of the main challenges that affect SME users towards the adoption of accounting information system. The conceptual framework was designed base on the technology acceptance model, technology organization environment model and stakeholder theory. The framework is developed from four major factors: organizational factor, stakeholder factor, technological factor, and external factor. The respective factors are addressed in the sub-section. Organizational readiness and compatibility are included in the organizational factors, management support and accountants are included in stakeholder factors, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are included in technological factors, whereas for external factors it contains government agencies and regulations, competitive pressure, and vendor section. Non-probability method is applied in this study, while questionnaires are distributed through email and 106 sets of data are collected from management committees /owners of SME located in Klang Valley, Malaysia. SPSS software tool is used to analyze the data. Descriptive, reliability, correlation and multiple linear regression statistics are employed to test the conceptual framework. The results show that only two factors, namely management support and competitive pressure have significant impact on accounting information system adoption. The finding of this study is useful for government agents, accountants, system vendors and managers in assisting accounting information system adoption.

EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXTUAL FEATURES ON SERVICE QUALITY OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS AIRLINE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

Service quality provides an incentive for customers to come back to make repeat demand. Studies have shown that Nigeria aviation industry has failed to put into proper perspective the service quality specific dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, assurance, and empathy in its service delivery. The study therefore examined the effect of organisational contextual features on the service quality of Airline companies in Nigeria. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted and the population was 2881 regular employees of Arik airline, Aero Contractors airline, Med View airline and Air Peace airline. The sample was 441 determined using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formulain addition to an attrition rate of 30%. The study used the proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using an adapted, structured, and validated questionnaire. The Cronbachs Alpha coefficients for the constructs ranged from 0.798 to 0.853. The response rate was 78.8%. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential (multiple linear regression) statistics. The finding revealed that organisational contextual features through organisational culture and organisational structure have statistically significant effect on service quality of the selected indigenous airline companies in Nigeria. The study recommended that Indigenous airline companies in Nigeria should ensure establishment of organic structure and sustenance of people oriented corporate culture that promote customer satisfaction, customer loyalty and customer delight through service quality that guarantee patronage from air travelers in Nigeria and overseas.

Assessment of the external contribution to Olea pollen levels in southeastern Spain

The province of Alicante (southeastern Spain) has a low density of olive trees; however, a substantial increase in the number of patients with allergic sensitization to Olea has been observed in recent years. The present work seeks to identify and quantify the transport of Olea pollen from other source regions, defining a new parameter called External Pollen Index (EPI). The second objective of the study was to determine Olea pollen exposure levels in Alicante city using a new method based on statistical percentiles and linear regression analysis. For these purposes, a study of daily and 2-hour average concentrations of Olea pollen combined with cluster analysis of 2-hour back-trajectories was carried out during the pollination period of 2010–2015.The annual levels of olive pollen recorded in Alicante showed a significant contribution from the Western Iberian Peninsula. Thus, the EPI is defined as the sum of the contributions of pollen transported by air masses from southwestern and northwestern Spain. The good linear correlation beetween the EPI and the APIn (R2 = 0.818; p-value 0.013) suggests that the total contribution of pollen from western regions may be a good predictor of the annual concentration of Olea pollen registered in Alicante. It has been estimated that, in the absence of external contributions, the Olea pollen concentration at the study area would be around 1300 pollen grains⋅m−3. Olea pollen exposure levels determined in Alicante were: Low (<20 pollen grains⋅m−3), Moderate (20–50 pollen grains⋅m−3), High (51–100 pollen grains⋅m−3) and Very High (>100 pollen grains⋅m−3). High and very high exposure levels were associated with northwestern and southwestern contributions, respectively. Future research should consider external contributions (EPI) in prediction models in order to get a better estimation of pollen levels and, consequently, improve the information provided to the allergic population.