Withdrawal Strategy Research Articles

Valuation of guaranteed lifelong withdrawal benefit with the long-term care option

In this paper, under the stochastic interest rate framework, we consider the valuation of a Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) annuity product by explicitly incorporating the health state of the policyholder through the long-term care (LTC) option. The product provides policyholders with protection against longevity risk and market downturns, as well as financial support when facing LTC needs. Within the context of dynamic withdrawals, the valuation of the GLWB annuity with the LTC option is characterized as a stochastic optimal control problem. We introduce a novel bang-bang analysis approach without the usual convexity assumption in literature and prove that the optimal withdrawal strategies for the policyholder are constrained to a finite set. Furthermore, we perform a sensitivity analysis on the price determinants of GLWB annuities with and without the LTC option, and provide economic interpretations. Lastly, we investigate the impact of gender on the optimal withdrawal strategy and the fair fee of the annuity with the LTC option.

The life care annuity: enhancing product features and refining pricing methods

AbstractThe state-of-the-art proposes life care annuities, that have been recently designed as variable annuity contracts with Long-Term Care payouts and Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefits. In this paper, we propose more general features for these insurance products and refine their pricing methods. We name our proposed product “GLWB-LTC”. In particular, as to the product features, we allow dynamic withdrawal strategies, including the surrender option. Furthermore, we consider stochastic interest rates, described by a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process. As to the numerical methods, we solve the stochastic control problem involved by the selection of the optimal withdrawal strategy through a robust tree method, which outperforms the Monte Carlo approach. We name this method “Tree-LTC”, and we use it to estimate the fair price of the product, as some relevant parameters vary, such as, for instance, the entry age of the policyholder. Furthermore, our numerical results show how the optimal withdrawal strategy varies over time with the health status of the policyholder. Our findings stress the important advantage of flexible withdrawal strategies in relation to insurance policies offering protection from health risks. Indeed, the policyholder is given more choice about how much to save for protection from the possible disability states at future times.

퇴직연금의 적정 인출방법과 자산 배분에 관한 연구

The government has recently implemented reforms focusing on the accumulation phase of the retirement pension scheme, while discussions on improvements to the decumulation phase have been relatively inadequate. In this regard, this study analyzes the optimal asset allocation to maximize the utility of retirement pension withdrawal plans and compares and analyzes withdrawal plans based on utility, aiming to propose diversification of withdrawal methods in the retirement pension system. To achieve this, the study utilizes a utility function that considers both consumption utility and inheritance utility of retirees. The analysis shows the following results: Firstly, retirees should invest a minimum of 20% to a maximum of 100% of accumulated funds in risky assets, depending on the withdrawal strategy and bequest motivation, to maximize lifetime utility. Secondly, as withdrawal amounts and bequest motivations increase, the optimal allocation to risky assets also increases. Thirdly, while the strategy of purchasing annuities offers the advantage of generating stable cash flows throughout the lifespan, it ranks lower in terms of expected lifetime utility compared to other strategies due to the absence of bequest utility. Since lifetime utility varies depending on withdrawal strategies and asset allocation, the government needs to provide guidelines for withdrawal strategies to ensure retirees can sustain stable consumption.

Adalimumab Dose Reduction and Withdrawal in Stable Non-Infectious Pediatric Uveitis: An Open-Label, Prospective, Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Purposes This study investigated the feasibility of adalimumab (ADA) dose reduction and withdrawal strategy in children with stable pediatric non-infectious uveitis (PNIU). Methods This open-label prospective pilot trial recruited 18 stable PNIU patients (33 eyes) between two and eighteen years old who were treated with standard doses of ADA (20/40 mg every 2 weeks) plus oral methotrexate. The interval of ADA injection was extended to 4 weeks and followed up for 24 weeks. If the uveitis remained stable, ADA was discontinued and followed up for another 24 weeks. ADA was considered successfully stopped if no relapse occurred during this period. The relapse-free survival rate, best corrected visual acuity (BVCA), anterior chamber cell (ACC), vitritis, macular thickness (MT), and serum ADA levels were evaluated. Approval Number: 2021KYPJ201. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05155592. Results The relapse-free survival rate was 22.2% (4/18) at 48 weeks. 33.3% (6/18) of patients relapsed when ADA was given every 4 weeks, while 44.5% of patients (8/18) relapsed after ADA was stopped. The four patients successfully withdrawn from ADA were all diagnosed with BD. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in BCVA and MT between baseline and final follow-up. The proportion of ACC and vitritis exhibited an upward trend (p < 0.05) during follow-up. Serum ADA gradually decreased to zero during follow-up in both non-recurrence and recurrence groups. Conclusions In PNIU children who reached remission for 6 months, ADA dose reduction and withdrawal were associated with a high risk of inflammation recurrence. Timely adjustment of ADA to the last effective dosage frequency can regain control of the inflammation. Detection of ADA serum levels in patients with recurrence may help find the appropriate interval of ADA use.

Sequence and longevity risks of South Korean retirees: Insights and potential remedies

This study investigates the retirement landscape in South Korea, highlighting major challenges like sequence and longevity risks. Our analysis reveals that over half of South Koreans are not well-prepared for retirement. For example, retirees risk depleting 56.3% of their portfolio in 25 years, increasing to 97.6% in poor market conditions. We propose a dynamic withdrawal strategy to mitigate these risks, backed by empirical evidence. Additionally, we consider policy reforms like delaying the retirement age to enhance portfolio sustainability. This research is a significant contribution to discussions on effective retirement strategies, benefiting pension experts, regulators, policymakers, and retirees in South Korea.

A Study to Assess the Psychosocial Concerns and Coping Strategies of Parents of Mentally Challenged Attending Special Schools in Malappuram District, Kerala

Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the psychosocial concerns of parents of intellectually challenged children, to determine the coping mechanisms adopted by the parents, and to associate the psychosocial concerns of parents of mentally challenged people using the chosen demographic factors.Introduction: Mental retardation is among the most common neurologic disorder which makes certain limits in mental, cognitive, and group activities.Materials and Methods: Aquantitative non-experimental research approach based on the transaction-based model of stress and coping by Lazarus and Folkman was used. Totally 150 parents of mentally challenged children at VKM Special School, Valanchery, RICCCH, Manjeri Head Office and Good Hope School, Manjeri, were selected as a sample by purposive sampling. The tools used were demographic pro forma, a structured questionnaire on psychosocial concerns, and the David L Tobin Rating Scale for coping strategies.Results: Only 3.33% of parents got 10 out of 10 scores, 29.33% is the highest positive response, and no parents scored positive responses 1 and 2. 41.33% of the parents maintained an average social support strategy, and 45.33% had average social withdrawal strategy. There is a significant association (P &lt; 0.05) of psychosocial concerns with their demographic variables such as the age of the parent, area of residence, monthly income, and gender of the child.Conclusion: Parents should be motivated to score positive responses by 100% with adequate support. They should be aware of improving coping ability and the actively available multidisciplinary training. Adequate measures to be taken to enhance the bridging between the child and the society.

Optimization of selective withdrawal strategy in a warm monomictic reservoir based on thermal stratification

Selective withdrawal from reservoirs is an effective strategy for balancing economic goals and environmental demands. Multilevel intake operation (MIO) is one of the main options for improving the thermal regime of deep reservoirs. In this study, a combination of measured data and a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model (CE-QUAL-W2) was utilized to analyze the impact of MIO processes on the thermal stability of a reservoir and the improvement effect of the withdrawal water temperature (WWT). The purpose of this study was to identify an optimal selective withdrawal strategy to meet the water temperature needs of fish downstream during their spawning and breeding activities. The results showed that the MIOs raised the withdrawal water intake position (8.3–11.2 m) for the WWT. Meanwhile, MIOs resulted in statistically significant changes in the water temperature structure of the reservoir (p < 0.01). The stratification stability of the water column weakened (6.8 %-34.5 %), and there were interannual differences. The WWT increased by 0.0 °C∼1.9 °C every ten days, and the time to reach the optimum temperature (18 °C) for fish spawning was 7 to 17 days earlier. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the WWT improvement and the stability index (SI) (R = 0.7817, p < 0.01). The threshold values of the SI (above the water intake) for average WWT improvements of 0.5 and 1.0 °C were 90.3 and 221.9 kg/m2, respectively, and the recommended operating period was from early-April to May. Under MIOs, the weakening stratification and the increasing WWT during the warming period reduced risks to the water quality and ecological health in the reservoir and downstream rivers. This study provides a helpful reference for the implementation of selective withdrawal operations and the optimization of water quality management strategies in similar large, deep reservoirs.

Toward constructing tax efficient withdrawal strategies for retirees with traditional 401(k)/IRAs, Roth 401(k)/IRAs, and taxable accounts

We construct an algorithm for U.S. retirees that computes individualized tax efficient annual withdrawals from tax-deferred, tax-exempt, and taxable accounts. Our algorithm applies a new approach using informa- tion from all years that generates an individualized strategy, in contrast to most previous approaches that chronologically generate a suboptimal strategy. Results equal or improve the chronological “na ̈ıve” with- drawal strategies advocated by many financial institutions, as well as the chronological “informed” strategies advanced by academics. Our approach allows us to determine the optimal switching times between tax- exempt and taxable account consumption, as well as between tax-deferred and taxable account consumption. It also allows us to understand the significant impact of an heir’s tax and withdrawal rate on a retiree’s opti- mal withdrawal strategy. Our model, which can work to optimize either portfolio longevity or the bequest to an heir, accommodates many salient tax code features, including dividends, different taxable lots, and required minimum distributions.

240 Comparing Increasing Tryptophan: Lysine Ratios in Distiller Dried Grains-Based Diets with or without Distiller Dried Grains withdrawal Strategy on Growth and Carcass Performance of Grow-Finish Pigs

Abstract A total of 6,240 pigs [DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initial body weight (BW) = 22.5 ± 0.20 kg], divided into 2 groups, were used in 119- or 120- day study comparing increasing Trp:Lys ratio in diets with DDGS or a DDGS withdrawal strategy on growth and carcass performance and carcass fat iodine value of grow-finish pigs. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 7 dietary treatments with 30 to 36 pigs per pen and 26 replications per treatment. Diets were fed in 4 phases (approximately 23 to 44, 44 to 71, 71 to 104, and 104 kg to market). Diets included a control corn-soybean meal-based diet formulated to a 19% SID Trp:Lys ratio, 4 diets with 30% DDGS fed in all four phases and formulated to achieve 16%, 19%, 22%, or 25% SID Trp:Lys ratio, respectively, and 2 DDGS withdrawal strategy diets: 19% SID Trp:Lys with 30% DDGS in phase 1 through 3 and then in phase 4, 0% DDGS with either a 19 or 25% Trp:Lys ratio. Overall, BW, ADG, ADFI, and G:F increased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.05) as SID Trp:Lys ratio increased in diets with 30% DDGS fed in all 4 phases (Table). Pigs fed diets containing a SID Trp:Lys ratio of 19% and 30% DDGS from phases 1 through 3 and 0% DDGS in phase 4 had the greatest numeric ADG and ADFI for the overall study, but was not different than pigs fed the control for ADG, or the 25% Trp:Lys withdrawal treatment and the 30% DDGS diets with 25% Trp:Lys ratio throughout the study for ADG and ADFI. Hot carcass weight and carcass yield increased (quadratic, P &amp;lt; 0.05) as Trp:Lys ratio increased. Carcass fat samples were taken from the loin-butt junction and analyzed for iodine value. Pigs fed the control diet had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) carcass fat iodine value compared with pigs fed DDGS throughout the study, with pigs fed the two DDGS withdrawal strategies having decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) iodine values compared with pigs fed 30% DDGS in all 4 phases. In summary, increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in diets with 30% DDGS resulted in a linear improvement in ADG, ADFI, G:F, and BW but did not influence iodine values. Removing DDGS from the diet in the last period reduced carcass fat iodine value and increased growth rate during the withdrawal period compared with pigs fed 30% DDGS throughout, indicating value in a DDGS withdrawal strategy.

Can Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predict Relapse in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis? A Longitudinal Pilot Study.

To determine the utility of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB MRI) to predict relapse in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in clinical remission. Consecutive patients with JIA who fulfilled the Wallace criteria for remission were recruited into this longitudinal pilot study and underwent WB MRI. A radiological score was devised, incorporating synovitis, bone marrow edema, sacroiliitis, enthesitis, and bone erosions. Two readers independently scored the MR data sets. The same score was calculated for both knee joints individually and correlated with outcome for that joint. Score-based models incorporating clinical and laboratory variables were generated. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine predictors for relapse. Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn for significant variables. Twenty-two children (median age, 12 years; interquartile range, 9.5-14.25 years) were included in the final analysis. At 24 months' follow-up, 15 joints in 5 children relapsed; knee was the most common site. Seven knee joints had disease relapse. On univariate analysis, synovitis and total score on WB MRI were significant predictors of relapse at follow-up, with odds ratios of 9.46 (bias-corrected 95% confidence interval, 3.07-29.13) and 2.8 (bias-corrected 95% confidence interval, 1.23-6.39) respectively. Two models, which included a higher number of joints involved at presentation and abrupt drug withdrawal strategy as predictor variables, were also statistically significant (odds ratio, approximately 1.9). On multivariate analysis of the predictors variables in models where p < 0.6, it was found that only synovitis score and total score were near statistical significance ( p = 0.06); no clinical or laboratory variables were significant. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for relapse prediction were approximately 0.82, 0.87, 0.79, and 0.81 for synovitis score, total MRI score, and both models, respectively. Synovitis on WB MRI is the strongest independent predictor for disease relapse in children with JIA in remission.

Proton Pump Inhibitor Deprescription Prospective Study in Patients Without Indication: Are There Differences in Proportion of Restarts According to Withdrawal Strategy?

Background: The increasing utilization of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients without clear medical indications has raised concerns regarding potential risks, highlighting the importance of deprescription. However, comparative analyses of withdrawal strategies (abrupt vs gradual) in this context remain scarce or of low quality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the success rate of deprescribing PPIs in hospitalized patients without a documented indication and compare the proportion of treatment restarts based on withdrawal strategy. Method: An uncontrolled, open-label prospective observational study was conducted on patients receiving PPI treatment during hospital admission between May 2017 and July 2018. Deprescription was recommended for patients without a clear indication. Follow-up continued until discharge, with monitoring for rebound symptoms. The percentage of restarts based on the withdrawal strategy was compared using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 402 patients were reviewed, among whom 27% lacked a medical indication (mean age > 60 years, polymedicated), while 70% were prescribed PPIs electronically. Deprescription was performed in 49% of patients, with 64% undergoing abrupt withdrawal. Rebound symptoms led to treatment restart in 15% of cases. However, the chi-square test revealed no significant differences in restart proportions between the abrupt and gradual withdrawal groups (P = 0.365). Conclusion: Deprescribing PPIs is deemed safe, particularly for polymedicated geriatric patients, as it leads to a low percentage of restarts regardless of the chosen withdrawal strategy. However, the high percentage of PPI prescription without a clear indication underlines the need for periodic reassessment to avoid unnecessary risks and overuse.

Risk of flare in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Is it related to the methotrexate treatment strategy or patient characteristics?

The study aimed to determine the factors that increase the risk of disease flare in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who stopped methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy following inactive disease (ID). In the retrospective study, files of all juvenile idiopathic arthritis cases between April 1992 and June 2022 were examined. Patients who stopped MTX monotherapy following ID were evaluated. Patients with disease flare and persistent ID were compared. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis subgroup, age of symptom onset, autoantibodies, acute phase reactants, MTX method of use, and withdrawal strategy were recorded. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients were excluded from the study due to different clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods. Files of 1,036 patients were evaluated, and 107 patients (88 females, 19 males; mean age: 5.9±4.2 years; range, 0.8-16.5 years) were included in the study. The median age at symptom onset was 4.8 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2-7.6) years. In terms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis subgroups, 52 (48.6%) had oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 43 (40.2%) had polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and 12 (11.2%) had juvenile psoriatic arthritis. The patients reached ID in nine (IQR: 4.8-17.7) months after starting MTX, and MTX treatment was discontinued after one (IQR: 0.7-1.3) year following ID. The disease flare developed in 59 (55%) of the cases. The ID continued in 48 (45%) patients. In multivariate analysis, the risk of flare was associated with younger symptom onset (odds ratio [OR]=2.2, p=0.006), antinuclear antibody positivity (OR=1.6, p=0.03), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR=1.01, p=0.04), and C-reactive protein (OR=1, p=0.02) at the MTX onset. No difference was observed between the two groups regarding MTX dose, route of administration, prior and concomitant treatments, time to reach ID, and time and method of MTX discontinuation. In this study, the risk of flare was associated with patient's characteristics, rather than the administration and discontinuation method of MTX.

Women’s avoidant attachment, conflict solving, and relationship satisfaction through individualism and masculinity

The utilization of specific strategies to manage couple conflict has a differential impact on women’s relationship satisfaction. However, considering that women’s role within couple relationship is shaped by societal norms, such association should be examined by embracing a cross-cultural perspective. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the effect of individualism/collectivism and masculinity/femininity cultural values on avoidant attachment, perceived conflict solving, and relationship satisfaction. The sample consisted of 334 women from Israel, USA, Türkiye, and Spain. An unconstrained general model elucidates the connections among relationship satisfaction, avoidant attachment, and conflict solving strategies across all countries; yet, the strength of certain associations varies based on the dimensions of masculinity and individualism. In individualistic countries, avoidant attachment predicts lower relationship satisfaction in women. The prediction of own withdrawal by avoidant attachment remains similar among women, regardless of the individualism dimension. Nevertheless, in feminine (i.e., role egalitarian) countries, the link between female’s avoidant attachment and their partner’s use of positive conflict solving strategies is stronger. Additionally, the withdrawal strategy predicts partner demand to a greater extent in women from feminine countries. These findings will assist professionals from different countries in developing culturally sensitive and tailored prevention and intervention tools.

Optimizing selective withdrawal strategies to mitigate hypoxia under water-level reduction in Germany's largest drinking water reservoir

Water-level reduction frequently occurs in deep reservoirs, but its effect on dissolved oxygen concentration is not well understood. In this study we used a well-established water quality model to illustrate effects of water level dynamics on oxygen concentration in Rappbode Reservoir, Germany. We then systematically elucidated the potential of selective withdrawal to control hypoxia under changing water levels. Our results documented a gradual decrease of hypolimnetic oxygen concentration under decreasing water level, and hypoxia occurred when the initial level was lower than 410 m a.s.l (71 m relative to the reservoir bottom). We also suggested that changes of hypoxic region, under increasing hypolimnetic withdrawal discharge, followed a unimodal trajectory with the maximum hypoxic area projected under the discharge between 3 m3/sec and 4 m3/sec. Besides, our results illustrated the extent of hypoxia was most effectively inhibited if the withdrawal strategy was applied at the end of stratification with the outlet elevation at the deepest part of the reservoir. Moreover, hypoxia can be totally avoided under a hybrid elevation withdrawal strategy using surface withdrawal during early and mid stratification, and deep withdrawal at the end of stratification. We further confirmed the decisive role of thermal structure in the formation of hypoxia under water-level reduction and withdrawal strategies. We believe the conclusions from this study can be applied to many deep waters in the temperate zone, and the results should guide stakeholders to mitigate negative impacts of hypoxia on aquatic ecosystems.

Using the Minimum Acceptable Annual Withdrawal with the Perfect Withdrawal Rate Rule

This study shows how to use the concept of Perfect Withdrawal Rates to quantify appropriate retirement withdrawal amounts year by year based on changing returns and (probably) in conversation with an adviser, using both historical strings of returns and Monte Carlo simulations. The authors show how the ‘strings’ approach is superior (i.e., more ‘realistic’) in practice to Monte Carlo. The preferred withdrawal strategy is ‘adaptive’ as information is updated, and their suggested measure of success is how well a withdrawal strategy performs against a targeted withdrawal financial amount, most likely chosen in discussion between a retiree and an advisor, and which is labelled as the minimum acceptable annual withdrawal (MAAW) rate. The authors suggest that this offers a very simple, practical, and intuitively appealing measure of success for the performance of portfolios in the decumulation context. They also discuss the use of delayed and deferred annuities in this context, as well as the associated target residual financial sum.

Time series model for GLWB with surrender benefit and stochastic interest rate: Dynamic withdrawal approach

AbstractThis study investigates the pricing problem of a variable annuity (VA) contract embedded with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit (GLWB) rider. VAs are annuities in which the value is linked to a bond and equity sub‐account fund. The guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit rider regularly provides a series of payments to the policyholder for the term of the policy while he/she is alive, regardless of portfolio performance. At the time of the policyholder's death, the remaining fund value is given to his nominee. Therefore, proper fund modeling is critical in the pricing of VA products. Several writers in the literature used a GBM model in which variance is considered to be constant to represent the fund value in a variable annuity contract. However, on the other hand, the returns on financial assets are non‐normally distributed in real life. A bit much Kurtosis, leverage effect, and Non‐zero Skewness characterize the returns. The generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) models are also used for presenting a discrete framework for the pricing of GLWB. Still, the interest rate was kept constant without including the surrender benefit and the static withdrawal approach, which keeps the model far from the real scenario. Thus, in this research, the generalized GARCH models are used with surrender benefit and dynamic withdrawal strategy to develop a time series model for the pricing of annuity that overcomes the constraints of previous models. A numerical illustration and sensitivity analysis are used to examine the suggested model.

The impact of social media content overload on EFL student’s academic capabilities: consequences and solutions

Technological advancements have dramatically impacted the educational environment; in this context social media brings many educational benefits, but at the same time presents several challenges. One of these challenges is social media content overload; this, therefore, leads to the investigation on this issue to identify EFL students' opinions about this phenomenon and to know the consequences they experienced and solutions they use to reduce its impact. Data comes from 325 EFL students from Moulay Ismail University in Morocco who successfully completed an online questionnaire. The results from the study indicate that almost all EFL students suffer from social media content overload that exceeds their mental capacities. Also participants added that it is time consuming for them to analyze everything presented on social media. The results showed that EFL students experienced several consequences such as: mental fatigue, low productivity, stress and anxiety etc. These consequences, therefore, negatively impacted their academic achievements. In this regard, participants suggested some applicable strategies to mitigate the impact of content overload for instance: time management strategy, advance planning strategy, one platform use strategy and withdrawal strategy. All in all, the issue of content overload remains everlasting because social media platforms are evolving almost every month thanks to technological advancements and this will make this issue hard to vanish. Therefore, EFL students should accept the reality and take this issue seriously by sticking to strategies that can keep the impact at bay.

Comparing tryptophan:lysine ratios in dried distillers grains with solubles-based diets with and without a dried distillers grains with solubles withdrawal strategy on growth, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat iodine value of growing-finishing pigs.

A total of 6,240 finishing pigs (DNA 600 × PIC 1050; initially 22.5 ± 1.00 kg), divided into two groups, were used in a 119 or 120 d study comparing increasing Trp:Lys ratio in diets containing dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) or a DDGS withdrawal strategy (removing all DDGS from the last phase before marketing) on growth performance and carcass fat iodine value (IV). Pigs were randomly allotted to one of seven dietary treatments with 30 to 36 pigs per pen and 26 replications per treatment. Diets were fed in four phases, approximately 23 to 44, 44 to 71, 71 to 100, and 100 kg to market. Diets included a control corn-soybean meal-based diet (no DDGS) formulated to a 19% standardized ileal digestibility (SID) Trp:Lys ratio, four diets with 30% DDGS fed in all four phases and formulated to provide SID Trp:Lys ratios of 16%, 19%, 22%, or 25%, and two DDGS withdrawal strategy diets: 19% SID Trp:Lys with 30% DDGS in phases 1 through 3 and then 0% DDGS in phase 4 with either a 19% or 25% Trp:Lys ratio. Overall, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain:feed ratio (G:F) increased (linear, P < 0.05) as SID Trp:Lys ratio increased in diets with 30% DDGS fed in all phases. Simultaneously, hot carcass weight (quadratic, P = 0.014), carcass yield (quadratic, P = 0.012), and backfat depth (linear, P = 0.040) increased with increasing Trp:Lys ratio. Pigs fed the 19% SID Trp:Lys ratio withdrawal strategy diet had similar ADG and ADFI as those fed the control diet, the 25% Trp:Lys withdrawal diet, or the 30% DDGS diets with 25% Trp:Lys ratio throughout the study. Pigs fed the control diet had decreased (P < 0.05) carcass fat IV compared to pigs fed the DDGS diets throughout the study, with pigs fed the two DDGS withdrawal strategy diets intermediate. In summary, increasing the SID Trp:Lys ratio in diets with 30% DDGS resulted in a linear increase in ADG, ADFI, G:F, and BW but did not influence carcass fat IV, with most of the benefits observed as diets increased from 16% to 19% Trp:Lys. Removing DDGS from the diet in the last period reduced carcass fat IV and increased growth rate during the withdrawal period compared to pigs fed with 30% DDGS throughout, indicating value in a withdrawal strategy.

The Study of Strategies of Conflict Behavior of Teachers and the Psychological Atmosphere in the Teaching Staff

The increasing tension of labor entails an increase in the number of social conflicts in educational organizations between all subjects of educational relations. In case of conflict situations, the main responsibility for their settlement falls on teachers. The purpose of the work: to study the influence of strategies of conflict behavior of teachers on the psychological atmosphere of the teaching staff. This study involved 25 people from the teaching staff of the school (21 women and 4 men). The study was conducted using the following methods: methodology for assessing the psychological atmosphere in the team (according to A. F. Fiedler); strategies of behavior in conflict by K. Thomas. In the course of an empirical study of conflicts in the teaching staff, it was revealed that a favorable psychological atmosphere has developed in the studied teaching staff. The following influences of the style of conflict behavior on the socio-psychological climate of the team are revealed: cooperation strengthens mutual support, compromise increases passion and consent, adaptation is associated with consent, rivalry suppresses the manifestation of satisfaction, enthusiasm and entertainment, cooperation is not acceptable with coldness, the more compromise forms of behavior, the less inconsistency in the group, the more adaptation, the less inconsistency, the more often the withdrawal strategy is used, the less agreement (-0.330) and cooperation.

Студенты и агрессия: восприятие и стратегии поведения

The problem of aggressiveness of adolescents and young people is currently acquiring new aspects in connection with the expansion of their social contacts. The purpose of our study was to identify the characteristics of students’ aggressiveness, their attitude to aggressiveness (perception and evaluation of aggressiveness, behavior strategies when faced with aggression, ways to overcome their own aggressiveness). We also wanted to explore, whether the nature and level of aggressiveness changes from the first to the final year of study at the Institute. The study involved 253 students (149 first-year students and 104 fourth-year students). The study was conducted in an anonymous form using the questionnaire “Attitude to aggression” developed by us and the methodology for diagnosing aggressiveness by Buss–Darka’s test. The results of the study showed that in the student environment (in the age range from 17 to 22 years) there is no reliable relationship between age and levels of aggression and hostility. First-year students perceive aggression more in the emotional and energy aspect, they tend to continue communicating with an aggressive person, try to calm him or ignore his condition. Fourth-year students view aggression as a social behavior rather than an emotional outburst, and prefer a withdrawal strategy, begin to behave more carefully, try not to provoke. Their behavior is more appropriate from the point of view of safety. Fourth-year students are more likely than first-year students to “see” aggressive people in communication situations, more often note the positive role of aggression in defending their position in society, and more often openly show their own aggression towards people.