Structural Coefficients Research Articles

Effect of Soil Amendments on the Aggregate Stability, Biological Activity, and Yield of Canola (Brassica napus L.) in Degraded Soils

ABSTRACT Recycling organic waste and water treatment residues in nanoform is a promising technology in various farming systems, and its effect on aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola production in degraded soils is largely unknown. Hence, we evaluated the effect of nano-biochar (nB) and nano-water treatment residues (nWTR) at levels 50, 100, and 250 mg kg−1 as compared to soil without amendments on the aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola yield in degraded soil. The results showed that the structure coefficient (SC) values are higher when nB and nWTR are added at 100 mg kg−1 soil than at levels 50 and 250 mg kg−1. In our study, the high aggregate stability in the soil treated with nB and nWTR is likely due to their higher content of nutrients, organic carbon, clay, and CEC. The seed weight of the canola plant increased with increasing nB by more than 64%, while it decreased with increasing nWTR. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and the activity of dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) increased significantly in the treated pots with the addition of nB and nWTR at various rates. The results of the pot experiment recommended that the applications of nWTR and nB could be used as a promising strategy to improve soil quality and crop yield while also increasing the recycled efficiency of WTR and rice straw.

Match-Related Statistics Differentiating Winning and Losing Teams at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Soccer Championship.

This study investigated game-related statistics differentiating the winning and losings teams of matches during the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer tournament. The sample consisted of 38 games, with the data obtained from the InStat Scout platform. Data were analyzed using mean (M), SD, effect size (ES), structure coefficients (SCs), and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that the winning teams performed significantly better than the losing teams in terms of shots (M = 12.13, SD = 4.67, Z = −2.26, ES = 0.62), shots on target (M = 5.05, SD = 2.54, Z = −4.22, ES = 1.13), and shots from counter-attacks (M = 2.24, SD = 1.42, Z = −2.48, ES = 0.57). Shots on target (SC = 1.22), shots (SC = −0.73), fouls (SC = 0.60), total passes (SC = 0.44), and yellow cards (SC = −0.32) presented the highest discriminatory power. These findings highlight the key match performance variables which influence the game results and may assist coaches in developing and implementing team strategies to improve the likelihood of winning the AFCON championship.

Determinants of Basketball Match Outcome Based on Game-related Statistics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aimed to systematically review the current scientific literature on game-related statistics (GRS) that better discriminate between basketball winning and losing teams, and to identify the magnitude of the difference of the most frequently cited GRS between winning and losing teams via meta-analysis. A systematic search of the databases Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Science Direct, Latindex, Scholar Google, and Scielo was performed. Keywords addressed discriminant analysis, game-related statistics, discriminant factors, determinant factors, game outcome, match analysis, winning and losing,and basketball. Data from 20 out of 533articles were eligible to be extracted. Structural Coefficients (SC)values were considered relevant for analysis when ≥0.32. Results indicated that defensive rebounds and assists were classified as good (SC ≥ 0.46) or very good (SC ≥ 0.56) discriminant factors. Both were the most frequently GRS cited as discriminant factors, regardless of location, phase of the competition, or opponent’s level. Based on these indicators, eight studies were included for meta-analysis.Meta-analyses showed that winning teams have at least six more defensive rebounds (95% CI = 4.22 -7.99; p < 0.0001) and around four more assists than losing teams (95% CI = 3.14 -4.50; p < 0.0001). Coaches should emphasize defensive rebounding and assisting drills intheir practice planning to improve the likelihood of winning games.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННОГО РАБОЧЕГО ОРГАНА КОМБИНИРОВАННОЙ РОТАЦИОННОЙ КОСИЛКИ

Currently, there are practically no mechanization tools on the market that combine grass removal (mowing) and the levelling loosening of the upper soil layer, while cutting the root systems contained in the soil in one pass. The purpose of the study was to provide a theoretical rationale of the modifi ed design of the working tool of the combined rotary mower, as well as to conduct its laboratory and fi eld studies. Complex theoretical, laboratory and fi eld studies were carried out using the equipment of the Department of Technological and Transport Machines and Complexes, the Department of Technology of Processing and Storage of Agricultural Products of Tver State Agricultural Academy and recognized methods of experimental research. In the course of theoretical studies, the main parameters of the new working tool were determined, which enabled two technological processes to be carried out in one pass: grass mowing and cutting with loosening of the top soil layer (0…10 cm). On the basis of the obtained data, a workable model of the working tool was designed. When tested in laboratory conditions, regardless of the operating modes and the initial state of the cultivated soil, improved agrophysical properties were observed in terms of absolute humidity and saturation with root residues. It was found that the most optimal level of absolute humidity for the impact of the working tool on soils of light-loamy granulometric composition was 20%, while the best structural and density indicators were observed at all values of soil saturation with root residues; thgey averaged 2.24 units and 1.26 g/cm3. It has been established that at low operating speeds, it is advisable to use a higher rotation speed of the working tool (at 150 rpm), at the same time, with an increase in speed, the speed of rotation should be reduced (to 110 rpm). As a result of fi eld experiments, convincing data were obtained on the feasibility of using a new working tool that provides eff ective mowing of grassland vegetation (the purity of the stem cut is 95.6%) and loosening of the surface layer of the soil (0…10 cm), increasing the structural coeffi cient by 26.8% while optimizing the density and grinding of root systems. The next stages of the study include developing and manufacturing a workable design of a combined rotary mower prototype that ensures the optimal energy intensity of performance and the required quality of technological processes.

Game Related Statistics Discriminate National and Foreign Players According to Playing Position and Team Ability in the Women's Basketball EuroLeague.

The aim of the present study was to examine the differences in game-related statistics between national and foreign female basketball players in the Women’s EuroLeague, according to playing positions and team ability. The official box-scores of 112 games from the 2016–2017 season of the Women’s EuroLeague (FIBA) were examined. Players were categorised based upon country of nationality versus competition (i.e., foreign or national), playing positions (i.e., Guards, Forwards, Centers), and team ability (i.e., four groups using a cluster of k-means analysis according to the winning percentage of each team during the competition). A structural coefficient (SC) above |0.30| was used to identify the variables that best differentiated the national and foreign players. Results showed that foreign players had a better performance according to team ability and playing position for most of the performance indicators, with higher values for minutes played, percentage of successful 2-point field-goals, percentage of successful free-throws, and percentage of assists. Moreover, foreign players performed better in variables associated with offensive situations, while national players were prevailing with indicators associated with defensive actions. These results have highlighted the unique contributions of foreign and national players, based upon playing position and team ability, to team success in the Euroleague. This information will assist the recruitment process of national and foreign athletes for coaches to develop successful elite female basketball teams.

Basketball Game-Related Statistics that Discriminate Between European Players Competing in the NBA and In the Euroleague.

This study aimed to identify the game-related statistics that discriminated between Euroleague basketball players and European basketball players playing in the NBA, when competing in the same event (EuroBasket 2015). There was a total of 78 matches played by 24 teams in two groups of analysis: NBA, participants in the European Championship who played in the NBA season of 2014-2015 (n = 26); Euroleague, participants in the European Championship who played in the Euroleague season of 2014-2015 (n = 82). The players’ performance variables were normalized to the time they spent on the court. To identify which variables best discriminated between the NBA and the Euroleague performance profiles, a descriptive discriminant analysis was conducted. Structure coefficients (SC) from the matrix greater than |0.30| were interpreted as meaningful contributors to discriminating between the groups. The results revealed a significant function (p = 0.008, canonical correlation of 0.51, Λ = 0.74, reclassification = 84.2%) and substantial performance differences in game-related statistics much related to the influence of body size (body height and mass), such as two-point field goals made (SC = 0.42) and missed (SC = 0.40), free-throws made (SC = 0.55), defensive rebounds (SC = 0.62), blocks (SC = 0.48) and suffered fouls (SC = 0.34). No differences were found at the level of game-related statistics indirectly related to perception, such as assists, turnovers or steals. Also, the greater body size in NBA players was likely related to higher variability in performance, thus, being an important topic for coaches and recruiters to analyse.

Game-related statistics which discriminate elite senior Gaelic football teams according to game outcome and final score difference

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to investigate the game-related statistics that discriminate winning and losing teams, and examine the influence of technical performance markers on final score margin in men’s senior Gaelic football. The sample comprised 28 games from 3 years (2015–2017) of the All Ireland Senior Football Championships. This sample was subdivided into close (n = 14) and unbalanced (n = 14) games and analysed using structure coefficients (SC). Across all games, fouls committed (SC = 0.56), goals (SC = 0.39) and total attacks (SC = 0.31) presented the highest discriminatory power. In close games (final score difference <6 points), total attacks (SC = 0.47), shot efficiency (SC = 0.56), goals (SC = 0.50), fouls committed (SC = 0.37) and black cards (SC = 0.43) contributed to winning. Unbalanced games yielded 8 statistics which discriminated winners from losers. In close games, attack efficiency (SC = 0.34), percentage of opposition kick-outs won (SC = 0.37) and yellow cards (SC = 0.32) were associated with winning and red cards (SC = −0.46) with losing. Total attacks and goals discriminated teams across all game contexts. The findings provide performance norms which can be utilised to evaluate and predict performance and inform in-game tactical decisions.

Administrative Discourse: Structure, Volume, Production Practices and Legitimation of Texts

The article is devoted to study of the basic characteristics of the administrative discourse of modern Russia: its structure, volume and basic discursive practices. Methods of research were documentary analysis and ethnographic observation. The empirical basis for the analysis of documents was the database of Russian legislation at the federal, regional and municipal levels. The included unstructured observation was carried out in the federal executive body in the period from 2013 to 2016 in Moscow. As a theoretical and methodological basis for the study, the concept of critical discourse analysis by N. Fairclough was adopted. The author’s definition of administrative discourse, as well as an understanding of the logic of the institution and autonomization of the bureaucratic space of modern Russia, is proposed. Along with autonomization, two other trends of administrative discourse have also been revealed: standardization and self-reproduction. The structure and volume of the formal basis of administrative discourse are shown, statistical data are provided on the number of federal, regional and municipal regulatory legal acts, of which there are more than 8 million units. Structural coeffi cients that reflect the elaboration and variability of the legal field have been developed. It is shown that the most stable and elaborated legal field is formed at the municipal level; least - at the regional level. The federal level of thoroughness and stability of laws and operational regulation occupies an intermediate position between the municipal and regional levels. The example of four basic discursive practices of administrative life: institution, control, assignment (resolution), reconciliation (visa) - shows how the production and legitimation of texts are carried out within departments, as a result of which they are enriched with history, gain administrative weight, acquire a conventional form, force and scale of action; and, in the end, become the influential actors of the administrative space. The role of discourse in the broader context of the struggle for power and resources within the bureaucratic environment is presented.

Defensive Rebounds Discriminate Winners from Losers in European but not in Asian Women’s Basketball Championships

Background: Asian national teams have not performed well compared to American and European teams at international competitions in basketball, possibly due in part to anthropometric disadvantages such as shorter height and wingspan. However, although anthropometric disadvantages exist in women as well as in men, Asian women have shown better performances in international competitions than Asian men. Therefore, Asian women might have developed unique strategy and tactics which would be reflected in game-related statistics. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in women’s basketball differ between Asian and European competitions. Methods: A total of 108 games from the 2011, 2013 and 2015 FIBA Asia Women’s Championships were analyzed for Asian competitions, and a total of 178 games from the 2011, 2013 and 2015 FIBA EuroBasket Women were analyzed for European competitions. All games were classified into three types (balanced, unbalanced and very unbalanced) according to point differential by a k-means cluster analysis. A discriminant analysis was performed to identify game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in each game type. An absolute value of a structural coefficient (SC) equal to or above 0.30 was considered relevant for the discrimination. Results: Successful 2-point field goals discriminated winners from losers independent of the region or game type. Assists discriminated winners from losers except balanced games in Europe. Defensive rebounds discriminated winners from losers only in Europe. Conclusions: The most notable difference between Asian and European women’s basketball was that defensive rebounds discriminated winners from losers in European but not in Asian competitions. It was suggested that losers in Asian games tended to lose ball possession before attempting field goals, and thus reducing opportunities for winners to get defensive rebounds.

Age and sex differences in game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in elite basketball games

Abstract AIMS To advance knowledge of long-term development of basketball players, this study investigated age and sex differences in game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in World Basketball Championships held after the 2010 rule change. METHODS A total of 935 games from six categories (under-17, under-19 and open age for both men and women) were analyzed. All games were classified into three types (balanced, unbalanced and very unbalanced) according to point differential by a k-means cluster analysis. A discriminant analysis was performed to identify game-related statistics which discriminate winners from losers in each game type. An absolute value of a structural coefficient (SC) equal to or above 0.30 was considered relevant for the discrimination. RESULTS In balanced games, assists discriminated winners from losers in open games (men, |SC| = 0.32; women, |SC| = 0.34), whereas successful free throws did so in under-17 games (men, |SC| = 0.30; women, |SC| = 0.31). Successful 2-point field goals discriminated winners from losers only in women’s games (under-19, |SC| = 0.38; open, |SC| = 0.36). CONCLUSION There were three novel findings in balanced games: 1) successful free throws but not assists discriminated winners from losers in under-17 games; 2) successful 2-point field goals discriminated winners from losers in women’s games but not in men’s games; and 3) discriminating power of successful 3-point field goals was extremely small in women’s games. These results may be related to the new rules for the shot clock and the 3-point distance.

Performance Assessment in Water Polo Using Compositional Data Analysis.

The aim of the present study was to identify groups of offensive performance indicators which best discriminated between a match score (favourable, balanced or unfavourable) in water polo. The sample comprised 88 regular season games (2011-2014) from the Spanish Professional Water Polo League. The offensive performance indicators were clustered in five groups: Attacks in relation to the different playing situations; Shots in relation to the different playing situations; Attacks outcome; Origin of shots; Technical execution of shots. The variables of each group had a constant sum which equalled 100%. The data were compositional data, therefore the variables were changed by means of the additive log-ratio (alr) transformation. Multivariate discriminant analyses to compare the match scores were calculated using the transformed variables. With regard to the percentage of right classification, the results showed the group that discriminated the most between the match scores was “Attacks outcome” (60.4% for the original sample and 52.2% for cross-validation). The performance indicators that discriminated the most between the match scores in games with penalties were goals (structure coefficient (SC) = .761), counterattack shots (SC = .541) and counterattacks (SC = .481). In matches without penalties, goals were the primary discriminating factor (SC = .576). This approach provides a new tool to compare the importance of the offensive performance groups and their effect on the match score discrimination.

Net Indirect Taxes and Sectoral Structure of Economy

Usually, the sectoral structure of economy is measured either a) as weights of the main branches in the total gross value added (wvi) or b) as the respective weights in the gross domestic product (wgi). The differences between vectors a) and b) infer from the distribution of the net indirect taxes rates (rniti), calculated as ratios of the sectoral net indirect taxes to the corresponding gross value added.This issue has been explored using the Input-Output Tables of Romania for almost a quarter of a century, which offers a double advantage. On one hand, the exercise can be considered relevant because the series are annual and methodologically homogenized for the entire period (years 1989-2011) according to the last Eurostat classification. On the other hand, such an application is interesting because the data relate to a very dynamic structural process, as the one registered by the Romanian economy during transition from the centrally planned system to the functional market mechanisms. The primary information that resulted from the extended branch nomenclatures (from 90 to 105 positions in different years) has been aggregated into ten sectors.The comparative analysis of the mentioned sectoral vectors involves five structural coefficients (SC) derived from the Euclidean 1-norm distance, Bhattacharyya coefficient, Hellinger distance, Cosine similarity coefficient, and the so-called Jaccard index.Some computational problems of estimating — as autoregressive processes — the sectoral rates of the net indirect taxes are also examined.Several concluding statements end the paper.

Discriminating Factors between Successful and Unsuccessful Elite Youth Olympic Female Basketball Teams

The purpose of the present study was to examine the differences in game-related statistics in discriminating successful from the unsuccessful female basketball teams that took part in the 1st Youth Olympic Games (YOG) FIBA33 games held in Singapore from 15 to 23 August 2010. A total of 70 games played by the 20 participating countries were used for data analysis. The game-related statistics analysed were: free-throws awarded, successful 2- and 3-points field goals, fouls (team and personal), assists, turnovers, steals, blocks and player’s physical height. Results of the present study with reference to the structure coefficients (SC) showed that having taller players (SC=.38) with higher successful field goal percentage (2 points, SC=.45), less turnovers (SC=.51), more team assists (SC=.32), aggressive offensive style that could draw more fouls on opponents (SC=.58) and be awarded more free throws (SC=.40), were the significant key variables that discriminated successful from the unsuccessful teams. Ninety-five percent of the cases were correctly classified using discriminant analysis and in the cross-validation (leave-one-out method) the correct re-classification was 70%. The results can be used to inform coaches in player’s recruitment and development process for FIBA 33 modified basketball game.

The importance of rugby game-related statistics to discriminate winners and losers at the elite level competitions in close and balanced games

The aim of the current study was to identify the Rugby game-related statistics that discriminated between winning and losing teams in International Rugby Board (IRB) competitions (World Cup and Six Nations) and Super Twelve Tournament (S12) in close and balanced games. A cluster analysis was conducted to establish, according to game final score differences, three different match groups. Only the close and balanced games group was selected for further analysis. An analysis of the structure coefficients (SC) obtained through a discriminant analysis allowed the identification of the most powerful game-related statistics in discriminating between winning and losing teams. The results showed that when compared, IRB and S12 close and balanced games were evident, although significant between-games differences were found for all of the analysed group clusters. This suggests that for close and balanced games a general profile may be created, which is probably specific to each team, and may indicate the strengths and weaknesses of that specific competition groups.

Identification of Variables Associated With Group Separation in Descriptive Discriminant Analysis: Comparison of Methods for Interpreting Structure Coefficients

Discriminant Analysis (DA) is a tool commonly used for differentiating among 2 or more groups based on 2 or more predictor variables. DA works by finding 1 or more linear combinations of the predictors that yield maximal difference among the groups. One common goal of researchers using DA is to characterize the nature of group difference by interpreting the contributions of the individual predictors to this linear combination, often using structure coefficients (SC). The authors of this simulation study examine the utility of several methods for interpreting SCs. Results indicate that with samples greater than 100, a bootstrap confidence interval may be optimal, whereas with smaller samples, common rules of thumb may work best. Furthermore, nonnormal data and unequal covariance matrixes diminish the effectiveness of SCs as an interpretive tool.

Discriminative Game-Related Statistics between Basketball Starters and Nonstarters When Related to Team Quality and Game Outcome

The aim of the present paper was to examine the differences in game-related statistics between basketball players who are selected for the starting five of the team (starters) and those who are not (nonstarters) when related to game outcome (winning and losing) and team quality (best teams, teams classified for the playoffs; and worst teams, teams who miss playoff classification). Archival data were gathered for all 2002-2003 regular season games from the Portuguese Professional League (N = 156). Discriminant analysis was used to identify the game-related statistics that differentiate between starters and nonstarters and interpreted by the examination of the structure coefficients (SC). When the best teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on defensive rebounds (SC = .32), assists (SC = .32) and committed fouls (SC = -.68). When the worst teams won the games, results described differences between starters and nonstarters with an emphasis on 2-point field goals successful (SC = .47) and unsuccessful (SC = .48), defensive rebounds (SC =.39), successful free throws (SC =.32), and committed fouls (SC = -.55). An also important finding was that, in best teams, the nonstarters' performance was worse in the games that the team lost, whereas in worst teams, it was the starters' performance that was worse in the games that the team lost.

EFFECT OF SOIL STRUCTURAL INDICES AND DISPERSION COEFFICIENT ON SATURATED HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY

Soils from two major subgroups viz, Typic Chromusterts and Typic haplustalf were evaluated for establishing the relationship between soil structural indices such as Percentage Aggregate Stability (AS). Structural Coefficient (SC). Mean Weight Diameter (MWD) and Dispersion Coefficient of Silt + Clay (DCSC) and clay alone (DCC) with saturated hydraulic conductivity. AS and SC were observed to influence Ks directly, MWD which is a measure of the stable pore geometry also directly influenced Ks. DCSC and DCC were significantly negatively correlated with Ks, perhaps influenced by ESP and SAR..