Variance Of Variables Research Articles

Effects of peroxidized soybean oil on growth and energy digestibility in broilers.

Peroxidized lipids have been shown to reduce broiler performance whereupon it was theorized that dietary peroxide value (PV) plus anisidine value (AnV) may be predictive of broiler performance. In experiment (EXP) 1, 64 pens (8 broilers/pen) were fed diets containing 8 levels of peroxidized soybean oil (SO). Broilers were fed diets from 7 to 35 d of age with 8 replications per dietary treatment. Broilers fed diets containing SO processed at 135°C resulted in a reduction in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P ≤ 0.05) compared to birds fed diets containing the unheated SO while birds fed diets containing SO processed at 90°C resulted in a reduction in gain to feed (GF, P ≤ 0.05) compared to birds fed diets containing the unheated SO. Summarization of this data with published data resulted in significant (P ≤ 0.01) regression models for relative ADG [ADG, % = 101.9 - (0.05 × PV) - (0.30 × AnV), SE = 4.1, R2 = 0.43], ADFI [ADFI, % = 101.7 - (0.09 × PV) - (0.19 × AnV), SE = 3.3, R2 = 0.32], and GF [GF, % = 100.4 + (0.05 × PV) - (0.14 × AnV), SE = 2.6, R2 = 0.27], albeit PV was not a significant regression parameter (P ≥ 0.36) for any equation. In EXP 2, the TMEn of four different SO was determined using the precision-fed rooster assay. Diets consisted of ground corn with SO added at 0, 7.5 or 15 % of the diet at the expense of ground corn with 4 roosters per treatment. Relative bioavailability (RBV) was determined using slope-ratio methodology where it was determined that the reduction in the RBV of peroxidized SO ranged from 12 to 29 percent compared to the unheated SO sample. These data suggests that bird performance relative to birds consuming unperoxidized lipids can be predicted based on dietary levels of PV and AnV, although the slopes for performance decline are relatively flat with the combination of PV and AnV accounting for 27 to 43 % of the response variable variance.

LES combustion model for premixed turbulent hydrogen flames with thermodiffusive instabilities: a priori and a posteriori analysis

Premixed hydrogen flames are prone to thermodiffusive instabilities due to strong differential diffusion effects. Reproducing these instabilities in large eddy simulations (LES), where their effects are only partially resolved, is challenging. Combustion models that account for differential diffusion effects have been developed for laminar flames, but to use them in LES, models for the turbulence/flame subfilter interactions are required. Modelling of the subfilter interactions is particularly challenging as instabilities synergistically interact with turbulence resulting in a strong enhancement of the turbulent flame speed. In this work, a combustion model for LES, which accounts for thermodiffusive instabilities and their interactions with turbulence, is presented. In the first part, an a priori analysis based on a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of a turbulent hydrogen/air jet flame is discussed. Progress variable, progress variable variance and mixture fraction are rigorously identified as suitable model input parameters, and an LES combustion model based on pre-tabulated unstretched premixed flamelets with varying equivalence ratio is formulated. Subfilter closure is achieved via a presumed probability density function and a significant reduction of modelling errors is achieved with the presented model. In the second part, LES of the DNS configuration are performed for an a posteriori analysis. The presented combustion model shows significant improvements in predicting the flame length and local phenomena, such as super-adiabatic temperature, compared with combustion models that either neglect differential diffusion effects or consider these effects but neglect the subfilter closure. Two variants of the model formulation with a water- or hydrogen-based progress variable have been tested, yielding overall similar predictions.

Racial disparities in timing and outcomes for patients undergoing staged single ventricle palliation: a single institution report.

Racial disparities in healthcare have been well documented in the United States. We hypothesise that there will be a racial variance in different clinical variables in single-ventricle patients through stages of palliation. Retrospective single-centre study stratified all single-ventricle patients who reached stage 2 palliation by race: Black and White. Other races were excluded. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared, alongside follow-up survival data. Primary outcomes were progression to Fontan and overall survival. Among 526 patients, 325 (61.8%) were White, and 201 (38.2%) were Black. Median age at stage 2 palliation was 150 days for White and 165 for Black patients (p = 0.005), with similar weights. Black patients exhibited higher median cardiopulmonary bypass times (87 vs. 74 minutes, p = 0.001) and a greater frequency of genetic syndromes (30.1% vs. 22.1%, p = 0.044). No significant differences were observed in outcomes between groups from stage 2 to stage 3, pre-stage 3 cardiac catheterisation variables, or perioperative outcomes. Multivariable regression analysis identified hypoplastic pulmonary arteries as the risk factor for mortality after stage 2. Survival analysis showed no difference in survival by race; however, occurrence of combined cardiovascular event was significantly higher in Black race. Significant racial disparities exist among single-ventricle patients regarding the timing of stage 2 palliation, cardiopulmonary bypass duration, and frequency of genetic syndromes. Black race was a risk factor for sub-optimal long-term outcome, although perioperative mortality was similar. These race-related factors warrant further studies to improve our understanding of the impact of race on outcomes.

Comparison of Partial Endoscopic vs Surgical Fundoplication after Hiatal Hernia Repair.

The concomitant hiatal hernia repair with endoscopic fundoplication (c-TIF) is a novel anti-reflux procedure that addresses the hiatus and the gastro-esophageal flap valve for surgical candidates with GERD. We aim to compare the outcomes of a hiatal hernia repair with endoscopic fundoplication (TIF) vs surgical partial fundoplication (anterior and posterior) with regards to quality-of-life scores at 12 months after surgery. Following IRB approval, a prospectively maintained anti-reflux database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent a c-TIF procedure or a surgical hiatal hernia repair with partial fundoplication. The primary endpoint was QoL scores at 2, 6, and 12 months from surgery with attention to bloating and dysphagia scores. Secondary endpoints were PPI use, 30-day outcomes, OR time and costs, re-operation within 1 year. The three groups were compared using analysis of variance for continuous variables and Pearson's Chi-square test for categorical variables. P-values < 0.05 were considered indicative of statistical significance. Demographics between groups were similar except for age, PPI use, and presenting symptoms. There was no difference between the three groups with regards to post-operative QoL scores, PPI use, dysphagia, or bloating. All three types of fundoplication are associated with significant improvement of all symptom types and 65-80% of patients are no longer using a PPI at 12 months. There are no differences in outcomes between the c-TIF and a surgical partial fundoplication. QoL scores significantly decrease with all partial fundoplications and there are no differences in dysphagia or bloating between the three types of fundoplication. Long term data is necessary to see if either technique provides superior control of symptoms while minimizing dysphagia and bloating.

Examination of Strategic Planning of Banks to the Context of India

Aim: This research is a modest effort to explore strategic analysis tools and growth aspects of the Indian banking sector. The objective of this research is to assess bank employees’ perceptions current stage of banks and identify sustainable growth strategies for the future. Study Design: I purposively selected Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states. Multi-stage sampling (MSS) used for data collection. Statistical tools such as Correlation and Regression analysis, and Balance score-card were performed using advanced Excel. Financial ratios include DuPont model (Asset Turnover, Profit Margin, Return on Equity-ROE, and Return on Assets-ROA), were calculated. Methodology: The study analyzing a combination of financial ratios and employing strategic tools, to evaluate the sector’s progress. Primary data was collected from the employees in the banking sector, secondary data were obtained from research articles, and magazines. The total samples covered are 50. Findings and Results: The past two decades, the industry has transitioned from offering subsidized services with limited facilities to becoming more competitive. Key focus areas include achieving global standards like the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), reducing liability and servicing costs, and fostering product differentiation. ‘P’ value 0.370, there is no significant relationship between net banking and UPI transactions, and ‘r’ value 0.938, therefore there is a highly positive correlation between them, and so to increase the growth of the banking sector, a focus on enhancing net banking and UPI transactions is recommended to achieve the target. The adjusted R-square value is 82.70; therefore, 82% of the variance of the dependent variable is explained by the independent variable in regression analysis. Y=a+bx: Positive intercept in banking transactions suggests baseline activity regardless influencing factors. Negative slope means factors like features, services, size of transactions, and volume might decrease. Policy Recommendations: Enhance resource utilization, global standards compliance, product differentiation, strategic implementation and cost management.

A MATHEMATICAL APPROACH TO INVESTMENT WITH CHARGE ON BALANCE AND VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER WEIBULL MORTALITY FORCE FUNCTION

One of the many challenges encountered by most pension fund administrators (PFAs) in the Defined Contribution (DC) pension plan is the determination of a sustainable and suitable investment plan for their members under mortality risk. To achieve this, there is need to develop an optimal portfolio which considers the volatility of the stock market price consisting of one risk-free asset and a risky asset which follows the Heston volatility model (HVM). Also, the portfolio considers additional voluntary contributions (AVC) by members, tax on the stock market price, charge on balance (CB), and the mortality risk of the pension scheme members (PSM) modeled by the Weibull mortality force function. Furthermore, an optimization problem is established from the extended Hamilton Jacobi Bellman (EHJB) equation using variational method. By applying the variable separation technique and mean variance utility, the optimal control strategy (OCS) and the efficient frontier are obtained. Finally, some numerical simulations are presented to study the behavior of the OCS with respect to some sensitive parameters. It was discovered that the composition of the OCS depends on the instantaneous volatility, tax on investment, AVC, risk aversion coefficient (RAC), CB and the correlation coefficient. Hence, the understanding of the behaviour these parameters are very crucial in the determination of OCS.

Characteristics and outcomes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest among students under school supervision in Japan: a descriptive epidemiological study (2008-2021).

A comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurring under school supervision is lacking. We aimed to comprehensively describe the characteristics and outcomes of OHCA among students in elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools, and technical colleges in Japan. OHCA data from 2008-2021 were obtained from the SPIRITS study, which provides a nationwide database of OHCAs occurring under school supervision across Japan. We included cases in which resuscitation was attempted by emergency medical service personnel or bystanders. The cases were classified into three groups based on their etiology: cardiac, non-cardiac, and traumatic origin. The primary outcome was one-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes, defined as a Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category of 1 or 2. The demographic characteristics, event details, and outcomes were compared across the three groups by using χ2 tests for categorical variables and one-way analyses of variance for continuous variables. During the 14-year study period, 602 OHCA cases were confirmed, with 430 (71.4%) classified as cardiac, 91 (15.1%) as non-cardiac, and 81 (13.5%) as traumatic origin. Non-cardiac and traumatic cases were less likely to be witnessed at the time of arrest (46.2% and 42.0%, respectively) than cardiac cases (82.6%; p < 0.001). Initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by bystanders was less common in non-cardiac and traumatic cases (62.6% and 42.0%, respectively) than that in cardiac cases (82.8%; p < 0.001). The delivery of defibrillation using public-access automated external defibrillators was also significantly less frequent in non-cardiac (3.3%) and traumatic cases (6.2%) than that in cardiac cases (59.8%; p < 0.001). Ventricular fibrillation (VF) as the first documented rhythm was observed in 77.9% of cardiac cases but was much less common in non-cardiac (5.5%) and traumatic cases (8.6%; p < 0.001). One-month survival with favorable neurological outcomes was significantly lower in non-cardiac (6.6%) and traumatic cases (0%) than that in cardiac cases (50.2%; p < 0.001). OHCAs of cardiac origin were more frequently associated with VF and had relatively good prognoses. In contrast, OHCAs of non-cardiac and traumatic origins consistently resulted in poor outcomes, highlighting the critical importance of prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of these incidents.

Secure Base Leadership in military training: enhancing organizational identification and resilience through work engagement.

This study examines the relationships between secure base leadership, organizational identification, and resilience among military cadets, utilizing the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model as a theoretical framework. Specifically, it explores the mediating role of work engagement in these associations within the context of military training. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 363 cadets from the General Military Academy of the Army in Zaragoza, Spain. The sample comprised second-year cadets (n = 170; 46.8%) and third-year cadets (n = 193; 53.2%), with a gender distribution of 84% male and 16% female. Participants evaluated their section chief captains using the Leader as Security Provider Scale and completed validated questionnaires measuring work engagement, organizational identification, and resilience. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships and mediation effects. The findings revealed that secure base leadership is positively associated with work engagement among cadets. Work engagement significantly mediated the relationships between secure base leadership and both organizational identification and resilience. The structural model explained a substantial proportion of variance in the outcome variables, supporting the applicability of the JD-R model in this context. These results underscore the importance of secure base leadership in promoting work engagement, which in turn enhances organizational identification and resilience among military cadets. The study highlights the role of leaders as secure bases in fostering personal and organizational well-being. Implications suggest that incorporating secure base leadership principles in military training programs could contribute to the professional development and overall well-being of military personnel.

Response Surface Methodology for Modelling and Optimizing Efficiency in Deep Well Pumping Systems

This study presents research on modelling the efficiency and flow rate of deep well pumping facilities using the response surface method, evaluating the models, and assessing optimization based on target flow rate. Regression and variance analysis techniques have been successfully employed to evaluate the relationship between input factors (input pressure and power drawn from the grid) and responses (system efficiency and flow rate). ANOVA analysis has been used to examine the effects of linear and quadratic terms, and the results have shown that pressure and power drawn from the grid have a significant effect on pump system efficiency. Additionally, the performance of the regression models has been evaluated using error metrics such as R2 value, RMSE, and MAPE. These values for the pumping facility system efficiency model were found to be 0.9993, 0.292%, and 0.71%, respectively, and for the flow rate model, they were 0.9997, 0.69 m3h-1, and 1.07%. The results obtained demonstrate that the model operates with high accuracy and explains a large part of the variance in the response variables. An optimization study was conducted to maximize pump system efficiency by maintaining the flow rate at a certain target value. According to the experimental results obtained, the target flow rate was predicted with an error rate of 1.49%, and the pump system efficiency was predicted with an error rate of 2.14%. This study highlights the effective use of various analytical and experimental methods to improve the efficiency of pump systems. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct similar analyses on a larger scale and under different operating conditions. Furthermore, evaluating different optimization strategies to improve the energy efficiency of pump systems, which can lead to significant energy savings in industrial applications, is recommended.

Personality determinants, love attitudes and self-efficacy in people using dating sites

The Internet can provide an alternative space to the real world. Among these opportunities is making new acquaintances with the intention of creating a romantic relationship via portals designed for this purpose. With the growing popularity of dating sites, it was decided to study the relationship between personality determinants (independent and interdependent self-construal, communion and agency), love attitudes, attachment styles and self-efficacy in a group of people using dating sites. The study included 350 respondents. Dating site users comprised 39% of the sample (135 respondents), whereas non-users accounted for 61% of the sample (215 respondents). The following tools were used in the study: Self-Construal Scale (SCS), Self-Description Questionnaire 30, The Love Attitudes Scale: Short Form (LAS: SF), Attachment Styles Questionnaire (KSP) and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). The results of the correlation analyses conducted for the entire study sample showed the existence of relationships between independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love attitude, Mania love attitude, secure attachment style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style and self-efficacy, while the linear regression analysis showed the significance of independent self-construal, agency, Ludus love attitude and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style for self-efficacy. By comparing the obtained correlation and regression results, intergroup differences were shown for the variables studied. Differences in the correlations of the independent variables with the dependent variable between the control group and the research group are found for the relationships of communion and avoidant attachment style. In the experimental group, higher correlation coefficients were observed for the relationship with self-efficacy for the independent self-construal and communion. The level of explanation of the dependent variable by the independent variables is 43% for non-users of dating sites, while it is 36% for users of dating sites. In the experimental group, the predictors were statistically significant in explaining the variance of the dependent variable: independent self-construal, agency, communion, Ludus love style, Agape love style, anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. In the control group: agency and anxiety-ambivalent attachment style. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test showed statistically significant differences between the groups with high median differences observed for anxiety-ambivalent attachment style and avoidant attachment style.

FAKTOR PERAMAL TERHADAP NIAT UNTUK BERHENTI SEKOLAH

Student dropout has become a critical issue that has garnered global attention, with profound implications for the social and economic development of a nation in the future. If not effectively addressed, this issue can lead to long-term negative consequences. This study aims to identify key predictor factors such as life purpose, interest in learning, and academic self-efficacy in influencing students' intention to drop out of school. A fully quantitative approach was employed to test the formulated hypotheses. A total of 386 fourth-year secondary school students were selected as the study sample, using cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Four adapted instruments were used, namely the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Prospective Life Course Questionnaire, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Intention to Leave Instrument. Data analysis was conducted using IBM Statistics version 29 for descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including independent sample t-tests and multiple regression, to address the research questions. The findings revealed significant differences in dropout intention, purpose in life, academic self-efficacy, and interest in learning based on gender. Additionally, the study found that 22% of the variance in predictor variables significantly contributed to students' intention to drop out. These findings provide valuable insights into the field of educational psychology, particularly in developing more effective intervention strategies to reduce the rate of student dropout in schools.

A comprehensive multi-objective framework for the estimation of crash frequency models

A common and challenging data and modeling aspect in crash analysis is unobserved heterogeneity, which is often handled using random parameters and special distributions such as Lindley. Random parameters can be estimated with respect to each observation for the entire dataset, and grouped across segments of the dataset, with variable means, or variable variances. The selection of the best approach to handle unobserved heterogeneity depends on the data characteristics and requires the corresponding hypothesis testing. In addition to dealing with unobserved heterogeneity, crash frequency modeling often requires explicit consideration of functional forms, transformations, and identification of likely contributing factors. During model estimation, it is important to consider multiple objectives such as in- and out-of-sample goodness-of-fit to generate reliable and transferable insights. Taking all of these aspects and objectives into account simultaneously represents a very large number of modeling decisions and hypothesis testing. Limited testing and model development may lead to bias and missing relevant specifications with important insights. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a comprehensive optimization framework, underpinned by a mathematical programming formulation, for systematic hypothesis testing considering simultaneously multiple objectives, unobserved heterogeneity, grouped random parameters, functional forms, transformations, heterogeneity in means, and the identification of likely contributing factors. The proposed framework employs a variety of metaheuristic solution algorithms to address the complexity and non-convexity of the estimation and optimization problem. Several metaheuristics were tested including Simulated Annealing, Differential Evolution and Harmony Search. Harmony Search provided convergence with low sensitivity to the choice of hyperparameters. The effectiveness of the framework was evaluated using three real-world data sets, generating sound and consistent results compared to the corresponding published models. These results demonstrate the ability of the proposed framework to efficiently estimate sound and parsimonious crash data count models while reducing costs associated with time and required knowledge, bias, and sub-optimal solutions due to limited testing. To support experimental testing for analysts and modelers, the Python package “MetaCountRegressor,” which includes algorithms and software, is available on PyPi.

A Multicenter Study of Pulmonary Critical Care Trainees' Perception of Airway Management Training during Fellowship.

There is significant variability in airway management training among pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) fellows. To assess the airway management training of PCCM fellows, specifically evaluating the role of the institutional approach to intubations (anesthesia-predominant primary operators vs. PCCM-predominant) to the overall fellows' educational experience. We performed a survey of PCCM fellows at 14 institutions to assess the perceptions of airway management training. Summary statistics were used to analyze the Likert scale responses. Based on our hypothesis of a relationship of a fellow's experience to the institutional approach to intubations, we stratified responses based on whether the primary operator for airway management for critically ill patients was generally anesthesiology or PCCM providers. Statistical significance was determined using either t testing (after converting Likert-style responses to continuous variables) or analysis of variance for categorical variables (P < 0.05). Respondents included 132 fellows across 14 PCCM programs (47% response rate), spanning all fellowship years (29% in first year [n = 38], 31% in second year [n = 41], 26% in third/fourth year [n = 34]). Seventy percent (n = 80) of fellows were very or somewhat satisfied with their airway management training. In fellows training where anesthesia providers primarily perform airway management (29% [n = 34]), satisfaction with training was significantly lower, as was the self-assessment of one's airway management skills. The location of airway management experience in anesthesia-predominant programs was mainly the operating room (69% [n = 22]), versus mainly in the intensive care unit for PCCM-predominant programs (94% [n = 77]). The number of completed intubations was lower for fellows in anesthesia-predominant programs (P = 0.02). We found significant differences in fellows' experiences in airway management based on the institutional approach to intubations (anesthesia-predominant primary operators vs. PCCM-predominant). Ongoing focus on strategies to optimize competency-based airway management training is needed, particularly at programs where anesthesia involvement limits the amount of clinical exposure.

Encoder–decoder neural networks in interpretation of X-ray spectra

Encoder–decoder neural networks (EDNN) condense information most relevant to the output of the feedforward network to activation values at a bottleneck layer. We study the use of this architecture in emulation and interpretation of simulated X-ray spectroscopic data with the aim to identify key structural characteristics for the spectra, previously studied using emulator-based component analysis (ECA). We find an EDNN to outperform ECA in covered target variable variance, but also discover complications in interpreting the latent variables in physical terms. As a compromise of the benefits of these two approaches, we develop a network where the linear projection of ECA is used, thus maintaining the beneficial characteristics of vector expansion from the latent variables for their interpretation. These results underline the necessity of information recovery after its condensation and identification of decisive structural degrees of freedom for the output spectra for a justified interpretation.

Calling’s dimensions and career development among undergraduate students

ABSTRACT Most scholars conceptualize calling as multidimensional, yet most studies operationalize the variable using unidimensional scales or total scores from multidimensional scales. Consequently, research has established calling’s overall relationships with career development variables without clarifying the dimensions’ roles in accounting for these associations. We sought to address this concern using multiple linear regression models examining how calling’s dimensions (transcendent summons, purposeful work, and prosocial orientation) uniquely relate to career development among undergraduate students. Occupational self-efficacy, vocational identity, and career engagement were used as criterion variables. Each dimension accounted for unique variance in career development variables, suggesting that incorporating all dimensions in calling research is important. Occupational self-efficacy uniquely related to purposeful work and prosocial orientation. Vocational identity was significantly associated with transcendent summons. Career engagement uniquely related to all dimensions. Our findings support multidimensional calling operationalizations. Implications for career counseling professionals are explored with suggestions for incorporating each dimension in practice.

Association between fine particulate matter and eczema: A cross-sectional study of the All of Us Research Program and the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions.

The prevalence of eczema has increased with industrialization. Industrial practices generate ambient air pollution, including fine particulate matter of diameter ≤ 2.5μm (PM2.5). Studies investigating the relationship between PM2.5 and eczema in the US are scarce. The objective of this study was to determine the risk of eczema with PM2.5 exposure in a diverse national cohort of American adults. In this cross-sectional study, eczema cases in the All of Us Research Program were linked via three-digit zip code to average annual PM2.5 concentrations from the Center for Air, Climate, and Energy Solutions. Eczema cases and controls were compared using Pearson's χ2 test for categorical variables and one-way analysis of variance for continuous variables. The relationship between PM2.5 and eczema was assessed via logistic regression adjusting for demographic factors, smoking, and atopic comorbidities. Individuals with eczema (n = 12,695) lived in areas with significantly higher PM2.5 concentrations than did individuals without eczema (n = 274,127) (0.83 x 10 μg/m3 v. 0.81 x 10 μg/m3, P < .001). PM2.5 concentration was significantly associated with eczema in univariable analysis (odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.77-2.19, P < .001), and in multivariable analyses, both controlling for demographics and smoking status (odds ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.98-2.47, P < .001) and with the addition of atopic comorbidities (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 2.12-2.67, P < .001). The odds of eczema increased with greater PM2.5 concentration in this large, diverse, adult American cohort. Ambient air pollution is an environmental hazard that influences inflammatory skin disease, suggesting possible targeted interventions.

Abstract 4131618: Association between Clinical Characteristics and Telomere Length - Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD)-based Cluster Analysis

Introduction: Telomere length is a marker of cellular aging and is correlated with various cardiovascular risk factors. Aim: To assess the association between clinical characteristics of patients and telomere length in an unselected cohort of patients under the care of primary care physicians. Methods: The LIPIDOGEN study was carried out in the primary care 2015. Patients recruited to LIPIDOGEN cohort (n=1788) were a random subset of patients of LIPIDOGRAM 2015 (n=13,724) study. Patients for LIPIDOGRAM2015/LIPIDOGEN study were recruited in all 16 administrative regions in Poland. Each patient was asked to fill the questionnaire on risk factors, chronic, treatment and lifestyle and also had saliva secured for DNA analyses. Factor Analysis for Mixed Data (FAMD) based cluster analysis was utilized to discern groups of patients with similar clinical profiles and correlate them with relative telomere length (rTL). RTL was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: DNA quality was sufficient for further analyses in 1606 patients. After outlier exclusion, 1,342 patients (59.3% female, mean age 50.2 years) were analyzed. FAMD revealed two distinct clinical characteristic patterns, explaining 41.6% of the total variance in the clinical variables. The first pattern, correlated with male gender and a higher prevalence of MetS, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, greater waist circumference, elevated non-HDL-C and remnant-C levels, was linked to shorter rTL (r = -0.13, p &lt; 0.001). The second pattern, characterized mainly by lipid parameters, showed no significant association with comorbidities or rTL (r = -0.04, p = 0.14). Conclusions: Pattern of clinical characteristics marked by classical cardiovascular risk factors, is inversely related to telomere length, underlining the potential role of metabolic disturbances in cellular aging. The second lipid-centric pattern without significant comorbidities was not associated with telomere length.

Upshot of Selected Yoga Exercises and Pranayama on Aggression VO2 Max and Flexibility among Jet set swimmers

The present research involves the experimentation of Upshot of yoga exercise and Pranayama on aggression, VO2 max and flexibility among jet set swimmers. The study was confined to the swimmers of various swimming academy in Kerala. Totally 50 swimmers were selected and they were not familiar with yoga and Pranayama. The selected swimmers were in the age-group between 18 to 21 years. The swimmers were further divided into two groups such as experimental group and control group. The experimental group practiced Yoga asana and 'Pranayama' weekly for five days i.e. Monday to Friday, between 6.00 A.M. to 8.00 A.M., for a period of 8 weeks. which was considered adequate to indicate changes on selected criterion variables, if any. The SMITH aggressive questionnaire was used to assess the aggression of swimmers. VO2 max was measured by Astrand-Astrand Nomogram. Flexibility was measured by sit and reach test with yardstick scale. The swimmers of two groups are tested on selected criterion variables i.e. VO2 max aggression and flexibility prior to and after training period. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to find out the variance in each criterion variables. The level of significance to test and 'F' ratio, obtained by the analysis of co-variance was fixed at .05 level of confidence. From the analysis of the data, the following conclusions were drawn (i.e.) significant increase in maximal oxygen uptake, significant decrease in aggression, significant improvement in flexibility in Yoga exercise and 'Pranayama' training groups.

Some Properties of Lognormal Uncertain Variables

Uncertainty theory, as a mathematical tool to rationally handle degrees of belief of human beings, has been widely applied in science and engineering. As a basic component of uncertainty theory, uncertainty distribution is a carrier to describe the characterization of an uncertain variable. Moreover, inverse uncertainty distribution provides an easy way to calculate the functions of uncertain variables as well as their expected value. This paper mainly provides the formulas to calculate the expected value, variance, moments and entropy of lognormal uncertain variable. Besides, some operational laws of lognormal uncertain variables are proved.

Reported higher general early-life bullying victimization is uniquely associated with more eating pathology and poor psychosocial well-being in Chinese sexual minority men

General early-life bullying victimization has been used as an early-life marker of eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being later in life. We expand existing research in this area to Chinese sexual minority (SM) men, a vulnerable and under-researched subgroup, by considering associations of general early-life bullying victimization with current eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being. We assessed demographics, general early-life bullying victimization, past appearance teasing, current thinness- and muscularity-oriented eating and body image disturbances, and current psychosocial well-being in Chinese SM men (N = 433). Correlation and hierarchical linear regressions examined the study hypotheses. Beyond covariates (e.g., age) and past appearance teasing, general early-life bullying victimization explained significant, unique variance in all outcome variables. Specifically, higher general early-life bullying victimization was uniquely associated with more current thinness- and muscularity-oriented eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being. Consistent with research in the Western context, findings suggest that general early-life bullying victimization is a meaningful, positive correlate of current eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being in Chinese SM men. Future research considering sexual minority stress as a theoretical backdrop may help explain associations between general early-life bullying victimization and negative health outcomes.