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The pretest-posttest control group design is one of the most widely used quantitative experimental design models for evaluating the efficacy of programs, treatments, and interventions. Despite the prevalence and utility of this research design, best practices for data analytical procedures are not clearly defined. Invalid results decrease the chance of generalization. Given that Iranian Journals are interested in publishing pretest-posttest control group design studies, it is important to denote the accuracy of them. The aim of the current study is to explore the correct procedure for using ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group designs to mitigate the potential limitations of this approach. This study explores the use of ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group design. It has been done by analyzing data from experimental studies published in five Iranian journals indexed in PubMed or Scopus between 2011 and 2018. The results indicate that among the 280 published experimental studies in these journals, 53 papers (18.9 percent) used ANCOVA as the statistical test in pretest-posttest studies. The power of the test represents the probability of detecting differences between the groups being compared when such differences exist. Our analysis concludes that ANCOVA, which runs a multiple linear regression, is a suitable method for comparing and examining pretest-posttest study designs. Implications of this study have potential utility for researchers employing the use of pretest-posttest control group designs in various fields in and outside of Iran.

This paper discusses about the scatter of the intensity of vibration signals of paper prints and analyses their mechanical parameters applying the theory of covariance functions. It is an important practical problem, before starting printing process of colour prints, expecting the correct position of fixed raster points, to adjust the paper sheet tension between printing machine sections. The results of measuring the intensity of vibration signals at the fixed points were presented on a time scale in the form of arrays (matrices). The estimates of cross-covariance functions between digital arrays result in measuring the intensity of vibrations, and the estimates of auto-covariance functions of single arrays were calculated upon changing the quantization interval on the time scale. Application of normed auto-covariance and crosscovariance functions enables reduction of preprinting experimental measurements, which saves time (what is actual for industry). Tension force depends on the mechanical properties of the paper sheet and print. These characteristics depend on paper type, layers of printing colors and positioning of the coverage. In the calculation, the software Matlab 7 in batch statement environment was applied.

The pretest-posttest control group design is one of the most widely used quantitative experimental design models for evaluating the efficacy of programs, treatments, and interventions. Despite the prevalence and utility of this research design, best practices for data analytical procedures are not clearly defined. Invalid results decrease the chance of generalization. Given that Iranian Journals are interested in publishing pretestposttest control group design studies, it is important to denote the accuracy of them. The aim of the current study is to explore the correct procedure for using ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group designs to mitigate the potential limitations of this approach. This study explores the use of ANCOVA in pretest-posttest control group design. It has been done by analyzing data from experimental studies published in five Iranian journals indexed in PubMed or Scopus between 2011 and 2018. The results indicate that among the 280 published experimental studies in these journals, 53 papers (18.9 percent) used ANCOVA as the statistical test in pretest-posttest studies. The power of the test represents the probability of detecting differences between the groups being compared when such differences exist. Our analysis concludes that ANCOVA, which runs a multiple linear regression, is a suitable method for comparing and examining pretest-posttest study designs. Implications of this study have potential utility for researchers employing the use of pretest-posttest control group designs in various fields in and outside of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report identifies the top cited papers in the field of periodontal regeneration since inception of the concept. Using the H-classics approach, 132 papers published between 1970 and 2012 were identified, with 230.0 ± 175.6 (mean ± SD) citations and 10.4 ± 11.5 citations/year. There were 46 clinical reports, 28 animal studies, 23 in vitro studies, 30 reviews, 3 systematic reviews, and 2 combined animal and in vitro studies. Analysis of covariance showed that institution number (≥3, P = 0.011), journal impact factor at publication (>3.0, P = 0.001) and study type (in vitro/reviews vs. clinical trials/animal studies, P = 0.024) were significantly associated with citations/year. This study has characterized the most influential literature in the field of periodontal regeneration and serves as a quick reference resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Users' experiences in mental health assessment are multifaceted, including their emotional experiences. Yet, studies of mobile apps for psychiatric assessment have centered on diagnostic accuracy and perceived usability, with little consideration of the impact of user emotional experiences. In this study, we focused on users' perceived usability and emotions and compared the user experience of a paper-and-pencil and an app-based collection of mental health screening questionnaires: EarlyDetect. The System Usability Scale (SUS) and modality-directed emotion questionnaires were administered using paper-and-pencil or iPad. Modality was assigned pseudo-randomly on patients' first visit at a referral-based mental health clinic. We found that patients assigned to the iPad app reported a significantly higher SUS score than patients assigned to paper-and-pencil, qualified by a modality-by-gender interaction where modality effects were significant for men but not for women. Moreover, enjoyment was positively linked to perceived usability, whereas boredom, frustration, and anxiety were negatively linked to usability. Our findings illustrate the added value of studying user experience applied to psychiatric assessments, where both emotions and gender-specific user experience should be taken into consideration. We further discuss the implications for psychiatric assessments via app versus traditional data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to explore whether Computer-Based Cognitive Training (C-BCT) versus Paper-Pencil Cognitive Training (P-PCT) is more beneficial in improving cognitive and language deficits in Greek patients living with Alzheimer's disease (pwAD). Twenty pwAD were assigned to two groups: (a) the C-BCT group, receiving a computer-based cognitive training program using the RehaCom software, and (b) the P-PCT group, which received cognitive training using paper and pencil. The cognitive training programs lasted 15 weeks and were administered twice a week for approximately one hour per session. The analyses of each group's baseline versus endpoint performance demonstrated that the P-PCT group improved on delayed memory, verbal fluency, attention, processing speed, executive function, general cognitive ability, and activities of daily living. In contrast, the C-BCT group improved on memory (delayed and working), naming, and processing speed. Comparisons between the two groups (C-BCT vs. P-PCT) revealed that both methods had significant effects on patients' cognition, with the P-PCT method transferring the primary cognitive benefits to real-life activities. Our findings indicate that both methods are beneficial in attenuating cognitive and language deficits in pwAD. The need for large-scale neurobehavioral interventions to further clarify this issue, however, remains a priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In some previous research studies, quite successful results have been obtained in using online tools to increase students' academic achievement. In many fields; the benefits of online formative quizzes have been widely recognized by educators. However, there is little research determining whether weekly formative online exams affect students' academic achievement, especially in engineering courses. In this quasi‐experimental study, it was investigated whether the weekly quiz application method had an effect on students' academic achievement in an engineering course. One hundred and ninety sophomores participated in the study. Although the experimental group (n = 81) used the quizzes prepared on the Course Portal online to learn the Sensors and Transducers Unit, the control group (n = 109) solved the quizzes in the textbook on a paper‐pencil basis. After the online quizzes were solved, the experimental group was given which questions they answered incorrectly and the related video link of these incorrectly answered questions, and the relevant section of the book was given by the Course Portal as feedback. The pretest and posttest data of the students were obtained, and analysis of covariance was utilized as the analysis method to reveal the answer to the study question. The statistical analysis of the students' average achievement scores in the posttest (midterm exam) showed that the experimental group's average achievement score was significantly better than the control group. Results show that online weekly exams have significant effects on students' academic achievement. Weekly online quizzes are recommended to engineering lecturers as they offer students to improve their students' academic success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether patients with stroke receiving rehabilitation for upper limb deficits using smart technology (video and reminder functions) demonstrate greater adherence to prescribed home exercise programmes and better functional outcomes when compared with traditional paper-based exercise prescription. Design: Randomized controlled trial comparing upper limb home exercise programmes supported by video and automated reminders on smart technology, with standard paper-based home exercise programmes. Setting: A community rehabilitation programme within a large metropolitan health service. Subjects: Patients with stroke with upper limb deficits, referred for outpatient rehabilitation. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to the control (paper-based home exercise programme) or intervention group (home exercise programme filmed on an electronic tablet, with an automated reminder). Both groups completed their prescribed home exercise programme for four weeks. Main measures: The primary outcome was adherence using a self-reported log book. Secondary outcomes were change in upper limb function and patient satisfaction. Results: A total of 62 participants were allocated to the intervention (n = 30) and control groups (n = 32). There were no differences between the groups for measures of adherence (mean difference 2%, 95% CI −12 to 17) or change in the Wolf Motor Function Test log transformed time (mean difference 0.02 seconds, 95% CI −0.1 to 0.1). There were no between-group differences in how participants found instructions (p = 0.452), whether they remembered to do their exercises (p = 0.485), or whether they enjoyed doing their exercises (p = 0.864). Conclusions: The use of smart technology was not superior to standard paper-based home exercise programmes for patients recovering from stroke. This trial design was registered prospectively with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ID: ACTRN 12613000786796. http://www.anzctr.org.au/trialSearch.aspx [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the flexibility of multivariate covariance models including Linear Model of Coregionalization (LCM) and multivariate Matérn in the bivariate case. It mentions that LMC is more flexible in terms of colocated correlation coefficient and Matérn has restrictions on the colocated correlation for spatial scales and parameters.

The surface properties of newsprint and other paper qualities are to a great extent determined by the properties of the cellulose fibres. An appropriate description of these fibres as they appear in the paper is therefore important and can be used for quality classification and process monitoring. We suggest a model that considers the fibre geometry and appearance. It is based on a two-dimensional shot-noise process. The model is fit by minimizing a weighted least squares distance between the model-based and estimated covariance functions and this provides estimates of the fibre size, intensity and the non-uniform distribution of the fibre orientation. The model is applied to simulated and real data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a paper by Robert Moffitt and Peter Gottschalk entitled "Trends in the Covariance Structure of Earnings in the U.S.: 1969-1987." According to Moffitt, their paper was econometrically sophisticated and was partly a methodological contribution. They use Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) data for 1969-1987. They find that the increase in the variance of the logarithm of men's earnings over the period was due to increases in transitory variance and the permanent variance.

Background: Brain imaging studies suggest that volume reductions and compromised white matter integrity occur in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD). However, the cellular correlates have not yet been identified. To address this issue we assessed oligodendrocyte, astrocyte and microglial populations in postmortem white matter from schizophrenia, BD and nonpsychiatric control samples. Methods: The density, areal fraction and spatial distribution of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing astrocytes and ionized calciumbinding adaptor molecule-1 (IBA-1)-expressing microglia as well as the density, nuclear size and spatial distribution of Nissl-stained oligodendrocytes were quantified in postmortem white matter adjacent to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann area 9) in schizophrenia, BD and control samples (n = 20). In addition, the oligodendrocyte-associated proteins myelin basic protein and 2′,3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) were quantified in the same samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. Results: Oligodendrocyte density (p = 0.012) and CNPase protein levels (p = 0.038) differed between groups, being increased in BD compared with control samples. The GFAP area fraction (p = 0.05) and astrocyte spatial distribution (p = 0.040) also differed between groups, reflecting decreased area fraction and increased cell clustering in both schizophrenia and BD samples. Limitations: Oligodendrocytes were identified using morphological criteria. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for glial pathology in prefrontal white matter in schizophrenia and BD. Changes in oligodendrocyte and astrocyte populations in white matter in the major psychiatric disorders may reflect disruptions in structural or metabolic support of axons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabotropic glutamate receptors 2/3 (mGluR2/3) and 5 (mGluR5) are novel therapeutic targets for major depression (MD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia. We aimed to determine whether mGluR2/3 and mGluR5 binding in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a brain region essential for the regulation of mood, cognition and emotion, were differentially altered in these pathologies. Methods: Using postmortem human brains derived from 2 cohorts, [3H]LY341495 binding to mGluR2/3 and [3H]MPEP binding to mGluR5 were measured by receptor autoradiography in the ACC. The first cohort comprised samples from individuals who had MD with psychosis (MDP), MD without psychosis (MDNP) and matched controls (n = 11-12 per group). The second cohort comprised samples from individuals who had MDNP, BD, schizophrenia and matched controls (n = 15 per group). Results: No differences in mGluR2/3 or mGluR5 binding were observed in the MDP, MDNP, BD or schizophrenia groups compared with the control group (all p > 0.05). Importantly, there were also no differences in binding densities between the psychiatric disorders (p > 0.05). We did, however, observe age-related effects, with consistent negative associations between mGluR2/3 and age in the control group (r < -0.575, p < 0.025) and the psychotic disorder groups (MDP and schizophrenia: r = -0.765 to -0.515, p < 0.05), but not in the mood disorder groups (MDNP, BD). Limitations: Replication in larger independent cohorts and medication-naive individuals would strengthen these findings. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that mGluRs are unaltered in the ACC; however, the presence of altered receptor function cannot be discounted and requires further investigation. Taken together with previous studies, which report differential changes in mGluR2, 3 and 5 across these disorders, we suggest mGluRs may be affected in a brain region-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first in a short series of papers on measurement theory and practice with particular relevance to intervention research in nursing, midwifery, and healthcare. In this article I discuss reliability, its origins in classic measurement theory, important issues to consider when operationally defining reliability for a particular study, correlational procedures for assessing the reliability of data once collected, including test-retest reliability, split-half reliability, and Cronbach's coefficient a. Some important insights into reliability provided by attenuation theory are also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the impact of 3 data collection modes on the number of questions answered, data quality, and student preference. Methods: 275 urban seventh-grade students were recruited and randomly assigned to complete a pa­per survey (SAQ), PDA survey (PDA), or PDA survey with audio (APDA). Students completed a paper debriefing survey. Re­sults: APDA respondents completed sig­nificantly more questions compared to SAQ and PDA. PDA and APDA had signifi­cantly less missing data than did SAQ. No differences were found for student evaluation. Conclusions: Strong benefits may be gained by the use of APDA for ad­olescent school-based data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, heritable neuropsychiatric disorder, hypothetically underpinned by dysfunction of brain cortical-striatal-thalamic-cortical (CSTC) circuits; however, the extent of brain functional abnormalities in individuals with OCD is unclear, and the genetic basis of this disorder is poorly understood. We determined the whole brain functional connectivity patterns in patients with OCD and their healthy first-degree relatives. METHODS: We used resting-state fMRI to measure functional connectivity strength in patients with OCD, their healthy first-degree relatives and healthy controls. Whole brain functional networks were constructed by measuring the temporal correlations of all brain voxel pairs and further analyzed using a graph theory approach. RESULTS: We enrolled 39 patients with OCD, 20 healthy first-degree relatives and 39 healthy controls in our study. Compared with healthy controls, patients with OCD showed increased functional connectivity primarily within the CSTC circuits and decreased functional connectivity in the occipital cortex, temporal cortex and cerebellum. Moreover, patients with OCD and their first-degree relatives exhibited overlapping increased functional connectivity strength in the bilateral caudate nucleus, left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and left middle temporal gyrus. LIMITATIONS: Potential confounding factors, such as medication use, heterogeneity in symptom clusters and comorbid disorders, may have impacted our findings. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results suggest that patients with OCD have abnormal resting-state functional connectivity that is not limited to CSTC circuits and involves abnormalities in additional large-scale brain systems, especially the limbic system. Moreover, resting-state functional connectivity strength abnormalities in the left OFC, bilateral caudate nucleus and left middle temporal gyrus may be neuroimaging endophenotypes for OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The implementation of comprehensive smoke-free laws has been associated with reductions in second-hand smoke exposure at home in several high income countries. There is little information on whether these benefits extend to low income and middle income countries with a growing tobacco-related disease burden such as India. Methods State and individual-level analysis of cross-sectional data from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2009/2010. Associations between working in a smoke-free indoor environment and living in a smoke-free home were examined using correlation at the state level, and multivariate logistic regression at the individual level. Results The percentage of respondents employed indoors (outside the home) working in smoke-free environments who lived in a smoke-free home was 64.0% compared with 41.7% of those who worked where smoking occurred. Indian states with higher proportions of smoke-free workplaces had higher proportions of smoke-free homes (rs=0.54, p<0.005). In the individual-level analysis, working in a smoke-free workplace was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of living in a smoke-free home (adjusted OR=2.07; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.52) after adjustment for potential confounders. Conclusions Implementation of smoke-free legislation in India was associated with a higher proportion of adults reporting a smoke-free home. These findings further strengthen the case for accelerated implementation of Article 8 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in low and middle income countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We sought to determine the relative frequency and nature of personal display of cigarette packs by smokers in two Australian cities where 30% front-of-pack and 90% back-of-pack health warnings have been used since 2006 and comprehensive tobacco marketing restrictions apply. Methods An observational study counted patrons, active smokers and tobacco packs at cafés, restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. Pack orientation and use of cigarette cases were also noted. Results Overall, 18 954 patrons, 1576 active smokers and 2153 packs were observed, meaning that one out of every 12.0 patrons was actively smoking, and one of every 8.8 patrons displayed a pack. Packs were more frequently observed in lower socio-economic neighbourhoods, reflecting the higher prevalence of smoking in those regions. Packs were displayed less often in venues where children were present, suggesting a greater tendency not to smoke around children. Most packs (81.4%) were oriented face-up, permitting prominent brand display. Only 1.5% of observed packs were cigarette cases, and 4.2% of packs were concealed by another item, such as a phone or wallet. Conclusions Tobacco packs are frequently seen on table-tops in café strips, providing many opportunities for other patrons and passers-by to be incidentally exposed to cigarette brand names and imagery. Use of cigarette cases is rare, suggesting that smokers eventually habituate to pictorial warnings on branded packs and/or find repeated decanting of each newly purchased branded pack into a case to be inconvenient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim In recent years, new non-traditional, potentially reduced exposure products (PREPs), claiming to contain fewer harmful chemicals than the traditional products, have been introduced in the market. Little is known about socioeconomic, demographic and smoking-related determinants of the likelihood of using these products among smokers. The aim of this study was to examine these determinants. Methods Data from the 2006-2007 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey was used. We limited the analysis to current smokers (n=40 724). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association between covariates and the probability of the use of PREPs. Results We found that younger age, lower education, higher nicotine addiction and having an intention to quit are associated with higher likelihood of the use of PREPs. The likelihood of using these products was found to be higher among respondents who are unemployed or have a service, production, sales or farming occupation than those with a professional occupation. Smokers living in the midwest, south or west, were found to have a greater likelihood of the use of PREPs than those living in the northeast. Conclusions Because there is little evidence to suggest that PREPs are less harmful that other tobacco products, their marketing as harm-minimising products should be regulated. Smokers, in particular those who are younger, have a lower socioeconomic status, and are more nicotine-dependent, should be the target of educational programmes that reveal the actual harm of PREPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is common among intellectual disability children that can worsen motor problems, especially motor skills. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of combining core stability exercises with coordination exercises on motor proficiency of intellectual disability children with DCD. Methods: The population was boys with intellectual disability and DCD studying in Golestan School of Tabriz randomly that were divided into two groups of 15 subjects in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. Motor skills were evaluated using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Short Form in the pre- and post-test. The experimental group performed three sessions (every week) of 60 minutes of combined core stability with coordination training for eight weeks. SPSS v. 21, dependent t-test, and analysis of covariance at the significance level of P<0.05 were used for statistical analysis. Results: Comparing the means of the two groups showed a positive significant difference in running speed and agility (P=0.001), balance (P=0.001), two-way coordination (P=0.001), strength (P=0.001), upper limb coordination (P=0.001), response speed (P=0.001), speed motor vision control (P=0.001), upper limb agility (P=0.001), and the overall gross and fine motor skills scores (P=0.001) and the combined score of the short scale (P=0.001). Conclusion: The results indicated that combining core stability with a coordination training program can be used to enhance the motor skills of DCD children with intellectual disabilities. Thus, sports coaches and experts, and specialists in other related fields are recommended to use these exercises to enhance the gross and fine motor skills of students with intellectual disabilities, especially those with DCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects various aspects of a patient's life. This study aimed to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on the quality of life and emotion regulation among patients with MS. Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study conducted on a sample of 40 patients selected by convenience sampling method. Eight 90-minute sessions of positive thinking training were held for the experimental group for two months. The Post-test and follow-up were conducted at the end of the sessions and a month later, respectively. Ware and Sherbourne Quality of Life Questionnaire (1999) and Ibanez et al. Self-Regulation Scale (2005) were used for collecting the data. The data analyses were conducted using the analysis of covariance. The inclusion criteria were suffering from MS and being able to read and write. The exclusion criteria were having mental disorders, cognitive disorders, a history of substance addiction, and other neurological disorders. Results: The results demonstrated a significant difference between the scores obtained by the groups with regard to emotion regulation (Eta-squared=0.62, P<0.001). Besides, considering physical health, there was a significant difference between the scores obtained by the groups (Eta-squared=0.53, P<0.001), and considering mental health, there was a significant difference between the scores obtained by the groups (Eta-squared=0.74, P<0.001). Conclusion: These results indicated that positive thinking training was effective in improving emotion regulation and promoting quality of life in pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. Authorities are recommended to conduct programs based on positive thinking training to promote emotion regulation and increase MS patients' quality of life. It is recommended that training positive thinking skills be conducted as a regular program at associations and organizations, which support MS patients to promote the levels of quality of life and emotion regulation among these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many studies have emphasized the craving experience as a reason for the persistence of addiction. This study aimed to compare the effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS) with Cognitive-behavioral Therapy (CBT) on reducing craving and increasing the resilience of addicts under treatment. Methods: The study population comprised all addicts referring to addiction clinics in. To implement the research, 45 participants were selected purposely from these clinics based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned to three groups (15 participants in each group). The experimental group number 1 received electrical stimulation of the brain over the skull twice a week for the 10 sequential sessions. Experimental group number 2 received 10 sessions of CBT. Research tools were drug craving and resilience questionnaires. Results: The results of covariance multi-factor analysis of variance showed that TDCS and CBT have decreased craving and increased resilience. Conclusion: Both interventions can be utilized to enhance resilience and decrease craving in volunteers for quitting addiction referring to addiction clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified hundreds of SNPs responsible for variation in human quantitative traits. However, genome-wide-significant associations often fail to replicate across independent cohorts, in apparent inconsistency with their apparent strong effects in discovery cohorts. This limited success of replication raises pervasive questions about the utility of the GWAS field. We identify all 332 studies of quantitative traits from the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Database with attempted replication. We find that the majority of studies provide insufficient data to evaluate replication rates. The remaining papers replicate significantly worse than expected (p < 10−14), even when adjusting for regression-to-the-mean of effect size between discovery- and replication-cohorts termed the Winner’s Curse (p < 10−16). We show this is due in part to misreporting replication cohort-size as a maximum number, rather than per-locus one. In 39 studies accurately reporting per-locus cohort-size for attempted replication of 707 loci in samples with similar ancestry, replication rate matched expectation (predicted 458, observed 457, p = 0.94). In contrast, ancestry differences between replication and discovery (13 studies, 385 loci) cause the most highly-powered decile of loci to replicate worse than expected, due to difference in linkage disequilibrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argo observations from 2005 to 2013 are used to characterize spatial scales temperature and salinity variations from the surface down to 1500 m. Simulations are first performed to analyze the sensitivity of results to Argo sampling; they show that several years of Argo observations are required to estimate the spatial scales of ocean variability over 20° × 20° boxes. Spatial scales are then computed over several large scale areas. Zonal and meridional spatial scales (Lx and Ly which are also zero crossing of covariance functions) vary as expected with latitudes. Scales are of about 100 km at high latitudes and more of 700 km in the Indian and Pacific equatorial/tropical regions. Zonal and meridional scales are similar: except in these tropical/equatorial regions where zonal scales are much larger (by a factor of 2 to 3) than meridional scales. Spatial scales are the largest close to the surface and have a general tendency for temperature to increase in deeper layers. There are significant differences between temperature and salinity scales, in particular, in the deep ocean. Results are consistent with previous studies based on sparse in-situ observations or satellite altimetry. They provide, however, for the first time a global description of temperature and salinity scales of variability and a characterization of their variations according to depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore how sub-national or regional cultural differences influence backers' willingness to crowdfund projects. The paper also explores how migrant transnationalism influences the impact of backer's sub-national culture and crowdfunding relationships. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is based on the experimental design technique using analysis of covariance methods. The authors tested the study hypotheses on a sample of 790 respondents. Findings: The study results suggest that individuals differ in their intent to crowdfund product campaigns depending on value congruence between their cultural values derived from the region to which they belong and the nature of the product category, such as environmentally friendly or happiness-enhancing products. Originality/value: This paper explores the role of regional cultural differences in determining the intention to crowdfund different campaigns based on the nature of the product. Value congruence, as driven by regional cultural differences with crowdfunding campaigns, has not been explored before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aging prediction of railway catenary is of profound significance for ensuring the regular operation of electrified trains. However, in real-world scenarios, accurate predictions are challenging due to various interferences. This paper addresses this challenge by proposing a novel method for predicting the aging of railway catenary based on an improved Kalman filter (KF). The proposed method focuses on modifying the priori state estimate covariance and measurement error covariance of the KF to enhance accuracy in complex environments. By comparing the optimal displacement value with the theoretically calculated value based on the thermal expansion effect of metals, it becomes possible to ascertain the aging status of the catenary. To improve prediction accuracy, a railway catenary aging prediction model is constructed by integrating the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy neural network (FNN) and KF. In this model, an adaptive training method is introduced, allowing the FNN to use fewer fuzzy rules. The inputs of the model include time, temperature, and historical displacement, while the output is the predicted displacement. Furthermore, the KF is enhanced by modifying its prior state estimate covariance and measurement error covariance. These modifications contribute to more accurate predictions. Lastly, a low-power experimental platform based on FPGA is implemented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The test results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the compared method, showcasing its superior performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) is a powerful statistical method which incorporates one or more covariates into the analysis to reduce error associated with measurement. ANCOVA (modeling response as a function of fish size) is frequently used to analyze environmental effects monitoring (EEM) fish survey data. In approximately 12% of fish survey data sets taken from cycles 1 to 3 of Environment Canada’s EEM database for pulp and paper mills, the standard assumption of parallel regression slopes is not met. For the first three cycles of the EEM program, these data sets were classified as indicating a mill effect, but for the most part were excluded from subsequent analyses aimed at quantifying the effect. We present two different methods for initially dealing with data sets that exhibit heterogeneous slopes so that they can be analyzed using the parallel slope model. The first method identifies data sets where heterogeneous slopes are forced by a few high-influence observations. The second approach identifies data sets where a model with heterogeneous slopes is statistically, but not practically, significant: with a high coefficient of determination for the parallel slope model. These new methodologies are applied to EEM pulp and paper data sets and about 55% of cases with heterogeneous slopes can be described by a parallel slope model. We also discuss a third method that can be used to describe mill effects when regression slopes remain heterogeneous even after applying the above two methods, enabling comparison with a critical effect size. These new methodologies could benefit the EEM program by enabling more data sets to be incorporated into meta-analyses and be used to make more equitable mill monitoring decisions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper conducts an empirical analysis to understand the relationship between the size of the informal economy and the composition of GDP in the form of its spending shares. I use comparable cross-country panel data from Penn World Tables and regression to model the relationship. The results suggest that the spending shares of consumption, investment, government consumption, exports, and imports have different yet interrelated relationships with informality (measured as a share of GDP). Investment, exports, and imports result in significant negative covariances, and consumption in significant positive covariance. The paper proceeds to analyze the possible hidden explanatory variables underlying these relationships, endeavoring to understand how different expenditure compositions of GDP across time and political geography can be applied to understand informality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea Surface Temperature is the key variable when tackling seasonal to decadal climate forecast. Dynamical models are unable to properly reproduce tropical climate variability, introducing biases that prevent a skillful predictability. Statistical methodologies emerge as an alternative to improve the predictability and reduce these biases. Recent studies have put forward the non-stationary behavior of the teleconnections between tropical oceans, showing how the same tropical mode has different impacts depending on the considered sequence of decades. To improve the predictability, the Sea Surface Temperature based Statistical Seasonal foreCAST model (S4CAST) introduces the novelty of considering the non-stationary links between the predictor and predictand fields. This paper describes the development of S4CAST model whose operation is focused on the study of the predictability of any variable related to sea surface temperature. An application focused on West African rainfall predictability has been implemented as a benchmark example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Errors in gas concentration measurements by infrared gas analysers can occur during eddy-covariance campaigns, associated with actual or apparent instrumental drifts or to biases due to thermal expansion, dirt contamination, aging of components or errors in field operations. If occurring on long time scales (hours to days), these errors are normally ignored during flux computation, under the assumption that errors in mean gas concentrations do not affect the estimation of turbulent fluctuations and, hence, of covariances. By analysing instrument theory of operation, and using numerical simulations and field data, we show that this is not the case for instruments with curvilinear calibrations; we further show that if not appropriately accounted for, concentration biases can lead to roughly proportional systematic flux errors, where the fractional errors in fluxes are about 30-40% the fractional errors in concentrations. We quantify these errors and characterize their dependency on main determinants. We then propose a correction procedure that largely -- potentially completely -- eliminates these errors. The correction, to be applied during flux computation, is based on knowledge of instrument calibration curves and on field or laboratory calibration data. Finally, we demonstrate the occurrence of such errors and validate the correction procedure by means of a field experiment, and accordingly provide recommendations for in situ operations. The correction described in this paper will soon be available in the EddyPro software (www.licor.com/eddypro). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracting benthic oxygen fluxes from eddy covariance time series measured in the presence of surface gravity waves requires careful consideration of the temporal alignment of the vertical velocity and the oxygen concentration. Using a model based on linear wave theory and measured eddy covariance data, we show that substantial erroneous fluxes can arise if these two variables are not aligned correctly in time. We refer to this error in flux as the time lag bias. In one example, produced with the wave model, we found that an offset of 0.25 s between the oxygen and the velocity data produced a two-fold overestimation of the flux. In another example, relying on nighttime data measured over a seagrass meadow, a similar offset reversed the flux from an uptake of -50 mmolm-2 d-1 to a release of 40 mmolm-2 d-1. The bias is most acute for data measured at shallow-water sites with short-period waves and low current velocities. At moderate or higher current velocities (> 5-10 cms-1), the bias usually is insignificant. The widely used traditional time shift correction for data measured in unidirectional flows, where the maximum numerical flux is sought, should not be applied in the presence of waves because it tends to maximize the time lag bias. Based on wave model predictions and measured data, we propose a new time lag correction that minimizes the time lag bias. The correction requires that time series of both vertical velocity and oxygen concentration contain a clear periodic wave signal. Because wave motions are often evident in eddy covariance data measured at shallow-water sites, we encourage more work on identifying new time lag corrections. On that premise, we make all raw data used in this study available to interested users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on a new technique that allows extensive characterisation of remote sensing of isotopologues. The study is focused on data from the project Multi-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water (MUSICA). It used various methods such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, Gauss-Newton method and noise covariance measurement.

This paper examined the psychological impact of contextual influences (i.e., contract type and playing experience) on sport anxiety in elite women cricketers participating in The Hundred. A sample of 71 elite female cricketers playing during the 2021–2022 season took part. Forty-nine of the sample (69%) held professional contracts, and 22 (31%) had yet to sign a professional contract. Participants provided details about their contract type and playing experience and completed self-report measures assessing sport anxiety, mental toughness, and general self-efficacy. Since mental toughness and self-efficacy are non-cognitive constructs, which buffer competitive trait anxiety, analysis controlled for these variables. Multivariate analyses of covariance examined sport anxiety scores among participants in relation to Hundred matches played (either 0, 1–10, or more than 10) and contract type (whether participants had a professional contract in place or not). Subfactors of Worry, Somatic, and Confusion assessed sports anxiety. No significant main effects existed. However, alongside a significant interaction, a covariate mental toughness effect occurred. Examination of the interaction revealed Worry scores were lower in cricketers who were yet to play a Hundred match who had not received a professional contract. Furthermore, Worry and Somatic scores were higher in cricketers that had played more than 10 Hundred matches and had not received a professional contract. These findings have important implications for the development of elite women cricketers. Particularly, they highlight the need to differentially support players through their career progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effect of teaching metacultural competence through two modes of teacher-generated and teacher/learner-generated materials on English-as-a-foreign-language learners' reading comprehension. To this end, 60 male and female upper-intermediate EFL learners studying at a language school were selected through nonrandom convenience sampling and thence assigned randomly into two experimental groups, with 30 learners in each group. Prior to the treatment, each experimental group sat for a reading pretest. The treatment spanned 13 sessions of 90 minutes each where both experimental groups undergoing metacultural competence-raising activities, with the point of departure being one group receiving teacher-generated materials while the other group receiving teacher/earner-generated materials. At the end of the treatment, a reading posttest was administered to both groups and the analysis of covariance run on the participants' scores on the pretest and posttest revealed that the experimental group receiving teacher-learner generated materials outperformed the other group. The pedagogical implications of the study and the suggestions made for various stakeholders in the community of English language teaching are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel covariance tracking receding horizon (CTRH) process is proposed to design a robust control algorithm. Some drawbacks of the equivalent robust algorithms, including infeasibility, computational complexity, and non-optimality, are alleviated in this process. Hence, first, covariance analysis is applied to rephrase the dynamic equation of the system to model the structural uncertainties. Afterward, this approach is extended to the future time horizons as the discrete-time formulations are to be embedded in the receding horizon controller framework. Then, a new constrained quadratic programming cost function is proposed considering the covariance matrix to mitigate the trajectory dispersion along with the control action. The final control rule is estimated by solving the new cost function using the Hildreth method. The efficiency of the developed robust algorithm is demonstrated by numerical simulation of two benchmark buildings equipped with active tendon systems subjected to earthquake excitations. The competency of the proposed method (CTRH) is then proven using nominal and various perturbed scenarios and outputs compared to the linear–quadratic–Gaussian (LQG) controller, sliding mode control (SMC), H∞, and conventional receding horizon (CRH) controllers, and comparative results are presented. The outcomes indicate that the proposed method not only well reduces the controlled responses compared to uncontrolled one but also demonstrate a high level of robustness against various other control approaches. Less computational complexity due to not adding any linear matrix inequalities and constraints is also one of the prominent features of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The object of research is global debt (or world debt) in the world economy. Today, the problem of global debt (or global indebtedness) is extremely acute in the world economy. The global debt indicator is the largest in all history of the world economy and has already amounted to 315 trillion USD in 2024. The interdependence of the global debt and the main macroeconomic indicators were investigated in this paper. The main world macroeconomic indicators (GDP, inflation, imports, exports, economic growth) and world population are treated as global in this publication. The forecasting of the global debt index was also carried out until 2035 in the world economy. Statistical analysis methods were used in this research. All research results were obtained through the Statgraphics Centurion statistical package. This package made it possible to carry out the Multiple Analysis of Variance procedure and forecasting through the ARIMA (1,0,0) model. During applying the Multiple Analysis of Variance procedure, this publication included the results of Pearson’s correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation and analysis of covariance. Pearson’s correlation made possible to reveal which global macroeconomic indicators the global debt has very strong and weak connections. Spearman’s rank correlation also demonstrates the interdependence of global debt and global macroeconomic indicators. Covariance analysis gave results that differ from the above methods. In turn, the ARIMA model was used to forecast the global debt until 2035 in this research. The essence of the research results is that global debt has the closest relationships with such global macroeconomic indicators as global GDP, global exports and global imports and world population. Global debt is moderately correlated with such global macroeconomic indicators as global inflation and global economic growth. The ARIMA model predicts an increase of global debt by 2035, rather than a decrease, and, accordingly, these global macroeconomic indicators as interdependent from the debt. In practice, these results can be used to implement appropriate economic policies to balance the main macroeconomic indicators in the economy in order to reduce the indebtedness of states that, in turn, affects on the global debt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the implementation of capital market reforms, Saudi Arabia has opened up its stock market to international investors. This liberalisation has led to the inclusion of the stock exchange into leading global indices, which is expected to lead to an influx of foreign investment. Thus, it is important and timely to examine the efficiency of the Saudi stock market. To that end, this paper conducts a comprehensive investigation of the predictive ability and profitability of a popular trading rule, the moving average rule, using firm-level data for the Saudi stock market over the period 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017. The results show that the moving average rule has predictive ability; the active rules for a majority of the sample companies outperformed the corresponding passive strategy. Furthermore, the results were economically significant as the rules were profitable even after the consideration of transaction costs. The results also showed that the most profitable moving average rules were those with short-moving average lengths, and that the introduction of a bandwidth, which serves to eliminate weak trading signals, had a positive impact on rule profitability. Importantly, the analysis showed that the most profitable component of the rule related to short selling as these trades resulted in higher profits than the long positions. A disaggregated analysis of sectors showed that the trading rules outperformed the buy-and-hold strategy in all seven industries considered, while the analysis of covariance revealed the importance of careful selection of filter size. Overall, the analysis documents significant inefficiencies in the Saudi stock market and suggests that the employment of a simple trading rule, based on past price data, can yield substantial profits across companies and sectors even in a costly trading environment. These findings suggest that the recent reforms that were implemented to improve the efficiency of the Saudi stock market have been suboptimal, and that further regulatory reform is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new criterion is constructed for testing hypothesis about covariance function of Gaussian stationary stochastic process with an unknown mean. This criterion is based on the fact that we can estimate the deviation of covariance function from its estimator with a given accuracy and reliability in Lp metric. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy balance of eddy covariance (EC) flux data is typically not closed. The nature of the gap is usually not known, which hampers using EC data to parameterize and test models. The present study elucidates the nature of the energy gap of EC flux data from winter wheat stands in southwest Germany. During the vegetation periods 2012 and 2013, we continuously measured, in a half-hourly resolution, latent (LE) and sensible (H) heat fluxes using the EC technique. Measured fluxes were adjusted with either the Bowen-ratio (BR), H or LE post-closure method. The adjusted LE fluxes were tested against evapotranspiration data (ETWB) calculated using the soil water balance (WB) method. At sixteen locations within the footprint of an EC station, the soil water storage term was determined by measuring the soil water content down to a soil depth of 1.5 m. In the second year, the volumetric soil water content was also continuously measured in 15min resolution in 10 cm intervals down to 90 cm depth with sixteen capacitance soil moisture sensors. During the 2012 vegetation period, the H post-closed LE flux data (ETEC = 3.4 ± 0.6 mm day-1) corresponded closest with the result of the WB method (3.3 ±0.3 mm day-1). ETEC adjusted by the BR (4.1 ± 0.6 mm day-1) or LE (4.9 ±0.9 mm day-1) post-closure method were higher than the ETWB by 20 and 33%, respectively. In 2013, ETWB was in best agreement with ETEC adjusted with the H post-closure method during the periods with low amount of rain and seepage. During these periods the BR and LE post-closure methods overestimated ET by about 30 and 40 %, respectively. During a period with high and frequent rainfalls, ETWB was in-between ETEC adjusted by H and BR post-closure methods. We conclude that, at most vegetation periods on our site, LE is not a major component of the energy balance gap. Our results indicate that the energy balance gap other energy fluxes and unconsidered or biased energy storage terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the problem of estimating the covariance of a collection of vectors using only highly compressed measurements of each vector. An estimator based on back-projections of these compressive samples is proposed and analyzed. A distribution-free analysis shows that by observing just a single linear measurement of each vector, one can consistently estimate the covariance matrix, in both infinity and spectral norm, and this analysis leads to precise rates of convergence in both norms. Through information-theoretic techniques, lower bounds showing that this estimator is minimax-optimal for both infinity and spectral norm estimation problems are established. These results are also specialized to give matching upper and lower bounds for estimating the population covariance of a collection of Gaussian vectors, again in the compressive measurement model. The analysis conducted in this paper shows that the effective sample complexity for this problem is scaled by a factor of $m^{2}/d^{2}$ , where $m$ is the compression dimension and $d$ is the ambient dimension. Applications to subspace learning (principal components analysis) and learning over distributed sensor networks are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper recommends use of analysis of covariance in early intervention research to account for pretreatment group differences and increase statistical power. Diagrams show how analysis of covariance manipulates data under various conditions. Simulated data analysis demonstrates the process of selecting covariates and shows the results with and without statistically adjusting for the effects of the covariate. (Author/JDD)

Item response theory models and applications are affected by many sources of variability, including errors associated with item parameter estimation. Metric stability analysis (MSA) is one method to evaluate the effects of item parameter standard errors that quantifies how well a model determines the latent trait metric. This paper describes how to evaluate MSA in dichotomous and polytomous data and describes a Bayesian implementation of MSA that does not require a positive definite variance–covariance matrix among item parameters. MSA analyses are illustrated in the context of an oral-health-related quality of life measure administered before and after prosthodontic treatment. The R code to implement the methods described in this paper is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We monitored CO2 and CH4 fluxes using eddy covariance from 19 May to 27 September 2011 in a poor fen located in northern Michigan. The objectives of this paper are to: (1) quantify the flux of CH4 from a sub-boreal peatland, and (2) determine which abiotic and biotic factors were the most correlated to the flux of CHv over the measurement period. Net daily CH4 fluxes increased from 70 mgm-2 d-1 to 220mgm-2 d-1 from mid May to mid July. After July, CH4 losses steadily declined to approximately 50 mgm-2 d-1 in late September. During the study period, the peatland lost 17.4 g CH4 m-2. Both abiotic and biotic variables were correlated with changes in CH4 flux. When the different variables were analyzed together, the preferred model included mean daily soil temperature at 20cm, daily net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and the interaction between mean daily soil temperature at 20 cm and NEE (R² = 0.47, p value < 0.001). The interaction was important because the relationship between daily NEE and mean daily soil temperature with CH4 flux changed in conjunction with changes in daily NEE. On days when daily NEE was negative, 25% of the CH4 flux could be explained by changes in NEE, however on days when daily NEE was positive, there was no correlation between daily NEE and the CH4 flux. In contrast, daily mean soil temperature at 20 cm was poorly correlated to changes in CH4 when NEE was negative (17%), but the correlation increased to 34% when NEE was positive. The interaction between daily NEE and mean daily soil temperature at 20 cm indicates shifting environmental controls on the CH4 flux throughout the growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An idealized synthetic database loosely resembling 3-channel passive microwave observations of precipitation against a variable background is employed to examine the performance of a conventional Bayesian retrieval algorithm. For this dataset, algorithm performance is found to be poor owing to an irreconcilable conflict between the need to find matches in the dependent database versus the need to exclude inappropriate matches. It is argued that the likelihood of such conflicts increases sharply with the dimensionality of the observation space of real satellite sensors, which may utilize 9 to 13 channels to retrieve precipitation, for example. An objective method is described for distilling the relevant information content from N real channels into a much smaller number (M) of pseudochannels while also regularizing the background (geophysical plus instrument) noise component. The pseudochannels are linear combinations of the original N channels obtained via a two-stage principal component analysis of the dependent dataset. Bayesian retrievals based on a single pseudochannel applied to the independent dataset yield striking improvements in overall performance. The differences between the conventional Bayesian retrieval and reduceddimensional Bayesian retrieval suggest that a major potential problem with conventional multichannel retrievals - whether Bayesian or not - lies in the common but of ten inappropriate assumption of diagonal error covariance. The dimensional reduction technique described herein avoids this problem by, in effect, recasting the retrieval problem in a coordinate system in which the desired covariance is lower-dimensional, diagonal, and unit magnitude [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a detailed description of TOPAZ4, the latest version of TOPAZ - a coupled ocean-sea ice data assimilation system for the North Atlantic Ocean and Arctic. It is the only operational, large-scale ocean data assimilation system that uses the ensem- ble Kalman filter. This means that TOPAZ features a time-evolving, state-dependent estimate of the state error covariance. Based on results from the pilot MyOcean reanalysis for 2003-2008, we demonstrate that TOPAZ4 produces a realistic estimate of the ocean circulation and the sea ice. We find that the ensemble spread for temperature and sea-level remains fairly constant throughout the reanalysis demonstrating that the data assimilation system is robust to ensemble collapse. Moreover, the ensemble spread for ice concentration is well correlated with the actual errors. This indicates that the ensemble statistics provide reliable state-dependent error estimates - a feature that is unique to ensemble-based data assimilation systems. We demonstrate that the quality of the reanalysis changes when different sea surface temperature products are assimilated, or when in situ profiles below the ice in the Arctic Ocean are assimilated. We find that data assimilation improves the match to independent observations compared to a free model. Improvements are particularly noticeable for ice thickness, salinity in the Arctic, and temperature in the Fram Strait, but not for transport estimates or underwater temperature. At the same time, the pilot reanalysis has revealed sev20 eral flaws in the system that have degraded its performance. Finally, we show that a simple bias estimation scheme can effectively detect the seasonal or constant bias in temperature and sea-level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aims: The study aimed to develop and evaluate the effects of a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Between December 2019 and April 2020, this randomized controlled trial recruited 62 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis from a university‐affiliated hospital in South Korea. The intervention group participated in a self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme that consisted of Tai Chi‐based physical activity, a supportive psychosocial strategy, and interactive counselling for 16 weeks, and the control group continued to undergo their usual care. Results: There were statistically significant group‐by‐time interactions in physical activity and perceived sarcopenia, which favoured the intervention group. Additionally, the intervention group showed significant improvements in the perceived therapeutic efficacy of physical activity, grip strength, walking speed, disease activity score, and health‐related quality of life. Conclusions: The programme developed in this study can be an effective and feasible approach for postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in improving physical activity, selected osteosarcopenic outcomes, and health‐related quality of life. Further research is required to investigate the long‐term effects of this theory‐based programme for postmenopausal women in diverse settings. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Tai Chi‐based physical activity has been known to be a component of self‐management for rheumatoid arthritis. What this paper adds? It highlights the efficacy of a theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme to improve the quality of life of postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.The evidenced‐based programme could be transferred to postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical settings. The implications of this paper: The self‐determination theory‐based, nurse‐led, physical activity programme can improve physical and psychosocial outcomes in postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis.Importantly, this nurse‐led and theory‐based programme is expected to be applicable to postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis in clinical settings, including both hospitals and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nova-C is a lunar lander developed by the private company Intuitive Machines to deliver commercial payloads to the Moon. The IM-1 mission will launch and land the Nova-C near the Moon's south pole. In this paper, Batch Dilution of Precision (DOP) methods are explored to assess Orbit Determination (OD) performance based on the nominal IM-1 trajectory. Utilizing a range to range-rate measurement error ratio to normalize the position uncertainties, this paper lays out the methodology to derive and incorporate a recursive, time-series Batch Least-Squares algorithm. Through the normalization, the Batch Least Squares algorithm produces a unitless Position Dilution of Precision metric. The normalized-weighted DOP method is used within a genetic algorithm optimizer to determine ground station tracking schedules that optimize OD performance. An assessment of OD performance is studied for key mission events including trajectory correction maneuvers, lunar orbit insertion, and descent orbit insertion. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a fully integrated DOP and Linear Covariance Analysis optimization tool to minimize operational costs and maximize OD performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aimed at evaluating the effect of posture correction and stretching movements on lordosis and lumbar pain in pregnant women. Background: An increased lumbar lordosis during pregnancy is considered one of the most common causes of lumbar pain. Methods: This quasi‐experimental study was performed on 66 pregnant women referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran, from November 2020 to June 2021. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received training of posture correction movements and stretching exercises during pregnancy from 16 to 18 to 35–37 weeks of pregnancy in six sessions for 45–60 min. The data were collected using a flexible ruler and a visual analog scale. Independent t‐tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and ANCOVA tests were used. Results: The mean (standard deviation: SD) of lumbar lordosis increased from 45.12 (2.07) to 54.97 (2.20) in the intervention group at 35–37 weeks and changed from 44.28 (2.03) to 55.54 (3.39) in the control group at 35–37 weeks (adjusted mean difference: −1.24, 95% confidence interval: −2.48 to −0.005, P = 0.04). The mean (SD) of lumbar pain at 28–30 weeks was 2.80 (1.72) in the intervention group and 3.74 (2.23) in the control group (P = 0.09). However, the mean (SD) of lumbar pain at 35–37 weeks in the intervention group 4.38 (2.45) was significantly lower than that in the control group 5.83 (2.96) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the potential health benefits of training posture correction and stretching movements on controlling lumbar lordosis and reducing lumbar pain during pregnancy. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? One of the most common causes of low back pain refers to the enhancement of lumbar lordosis.The standard corrective movements and stretching exercises approved during pregnancy increase muscular strength and reduce the severity of lordosis if they are done regularly. What this paper adds? This is the first study that investigates the impact of a childbirth preparation program including posture correction and stretching movements on lordosis and lumbar pain in pregnant women.The findings indicate that the posture correction movements and stretching exercises delivered in childbirth preparation classes are effective in controlling the enhancement of lumbar lordosis during pregnancy and reducing lumbar pain. The implications of this paper: Training of posture correction and stretching movements during pregnancy is recommended for all pregnant women with no contraindication to exercise during pregnancy and even for women with a history of caesarean section who may decline to participate in the preparation classes for physiological birth.Evidence‐based posture correction/exercise guidelines during pregnancy should be developed and embedded in prenatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a method of measure of the roughness of the paper based on the analysis of a speckle pattern on the surface. Images of speckle over the surface of paper are captured by means of a simple configuration using a laser, beam expander, and a camera charge-coupled device (CCD). Then we use the normalized covariance function of the fields, leaving the surface to find the roughness. We compare the results obtained with the results obtained with a confocal microscope and the Bendtsen method that is a standard of the paper industry. This method can be considered as a noncontact surface profiling method that can be used online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]