Relationship between Tree Richness and Temporary Stability of Plant Communities: A Case Study of a Forest in Northeast China

The relationship between diversity and stability is a classic issue in ecology, but no general consensus has been achieved. To address this relationship, a field survey of a forest in Northeast China was conducted. The temporary stability was defined from the perspective of community characteristics. The results showed that communities with the highest temporary stability value were characterized by a single dominant species. A significant linear relationship with a low R2 value was observed between temporary stability and tree richness. When dominant and non-dominant tree species were studied, no significant linear relationship was obtained between temporary stability and non-dominant tree richness. However, the relationship between temporary stability and dominant tree richness was significant with a high R2 value, and the temporary stability decreased with increasing dominant tree richness. This study demonstrates that dominant tree richness is closely related to temporary stability, and temporary stability can serve as a stability indicator. The results provide a new perspective for understanding stability and additional information for revealing the relationship between diversity and stability in forest ecosystems.

Copper and Trace Elements in Gallbladder form Patients with Wilson’s Disease Imaged and Determined by Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence

Investigations about suspected tissue alterations and the role of gallbladder in Wilson’s disease (WD)—an inherited genetic disease with impaired copper metabolism—are rare. Therefore, tissue from patients with genetically characterised WD was investigated by microscopic synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (µSRXRF). For two-dimensional imaging and quantification of elements, X-ray spectra were peak-fitted, and the net peak intensities were normalised to the intensity of the incoming monochromatic beam intensity. Concentrations were calculated by fundamental parameter-based program quant and external standardisation. Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) along with sulphur (S) and phosphorus (P) mappings could be demonstrated in a near histological resolution. All these elements were increased compared to gallbladder tissue from controls. Cu and Zn and Fe in WD-GB were mostly found to be enhanced in the epithelium. We documented a significant linear relationship with Cu, Zn and sulphur. Concentrations of Cu/Zn were roughly 1:1 while S/Cu was about 100:1, depending on the selected areas for investigation. The significant linear relationship with Cu, Zn and sulphur let us assume that metallothioneins, which are sulphur-rich proteins, are increased too. Our data let us suggest that the WD gallbladder is the first in the gastrointestinal tract to reabsorb metals to prevent oxidative damage caused by metal toxicity.

The Suitability of Students in Bachelor of Science in Statistics (BSS) Program

This study aims to assess the suitability of students in Bachelor of Science in Statistics program. Seemingly, several students who enrolled in the said program does not possess the qualities of being mathematically inclined. Hence, this study was conducted. By complete enumeration, the study employed all BSS students from different year level. Secondary data were used such as two psychological tests from the University Student Services Office which measures the intelligence and numerical aptitude. A primary data was also employed through an instrument called Brainard Occupational Preference Inventory which measures the interest of students in the field of statistics. The gathered data were then analyzed with the aid of some descriptive measures and correlational methods. Results revealed that there are only a few (11.9%) who have high levels of intelligence and numerical aptitude but they happen to have low level of interest in statistics. Of those students highly interested (47.6%) in the field of statistics one-fourth (11.9%) of them have low levels of intelligence and numerical aptitude. It is found out that there is a significant linear relationship between intelligence and numerical aptitude among BSS students. Moreover, intelligence and interest in statistics is inversely and significantly correlated among BSS junior students. Furthermore, results showed that there is no significant linear relationship between numerical aptitude and interest in statistics across year level. Hence, the interest of the BSS students must be cultivated in order to increase their level of achievement.

Slope Erosion and Hydraulics during Thawing of the Sand-Covered Loess Plateau

Seasonal freeze-thaw processes have led to severe soil erosion globally. Slopes are particularly susceptible to changes in runoff, it can be useful to study soil erosion mechanisms. We conducted meltwater flow laboratory experiments to quantify the temporal and spatial distribution of hydraulic parameters on sandy slopes in relation to runoff and sediment yield under constant flow, different soil conditions (unfrozen slope: US; frozen slope: FS), and variable sand thickness. The results showed that sand can prolong initial runoff time, and US and FS have significantly different initial runoff times. There was a significant linear relationship between the cumulative runoff and the cumulative sediment yield. Additionally, hydrodynamic parameters of US and FS varied with time and spatially, as the distance between US and FS is linearly related to the top of the slope. We found that the main runoff flow pattern was composed of laminar flow and supercritical flow. There was a significant linear relationship between flow velocity and hydraulic parameters. The flow velocity is the best hydraulic parameter to simulate the trend of slope erosion process. This study can provide a scientific basis for a model of slope erosion during thawing for the Loess Plateau.

Larger organ size caused by obesity is a mechanism for higher cancer risk

Obesity increases significantly cancer risk in various organs. Although this has been recognized for decades, the mechanism through which this happens has never been explained. Here, we show that obese people (BMI ≥30) have on average 55% (95%CI: 46%-66%), 68% (95%CI: 59%-76%), and 39% (95%CI: 29%-49%) larger kidneys, liver, and pancreas, respectively. We also find a significant linear relationship between the increase in organ volume and the increase in cancer risk (P-value<10−12). These results provide a mechanism explaining why obese individuals have higher cancer risk in several organs: the larger the organ volume the more cells at risk of becoming cancerous. These findings are important for a better understanding of the effects that obesity has on cancer risk and, more generally, for the development of better preventive strategies to limit the mortality caused by obesity.

Pengaruh Research Attitude terhadap Pemenuhan Level of Reseach Urgensity sebagai Pengembangan Penalaran Pedagogis Mahasiswa Kependidikan

<p><strong>Abstract:</strong> This research focused to find out level of compliance and effect of research attitude on the level of research urgency. Data analysis used simple linear regression 115 respondents. The research instrument used Likert scale from ATR to measure research attitude, Level of Research Urgensity instrument was developed. The results of analysis found significant linear relationship and effect between research attitude and level of research urgency of 56.7% and 43.3% influenced by other factors. So, that have to do further research on exploratory factors that affect level of research urgency in order to improve quality of research and accelerate study period.</p><strong>Abstrak:</strong><em> </em>Penelitian ini difokuskan untuk mengetahui secara detail tingkat pemenuhan dan pengaruh <em>research attitude</em> terhadap <em>level of research urgensity</em> dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Analisis data menggunakan regresi linear sederhana pada 115 responden. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan skala likert empat poin dari <em>ATR</em> untuk mengukur <em>research attitude</em>, instrumen <em>Level of Research Urgensity</em> dikembangkan secara mandiri. Hasil analisis diketahui terdapat hubungan linear signifikan serta pengaruh antara <em>research attitude</em> dan <em>level of research urgensity</em> sebesar 56,7% dan 43,3% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain. Jadi<strong>, </strong>perlu dilakukan penelitian lebih lanjut tentang eksplor faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap <em>level of research urgensity</em> guna meningkatkan kualitas penelitian dan akselerasi masa studi mahasiswa.

High intensities of population movement were associated with high incidence of COVID-19 during the pandemic

Increased population movements and increased mobility made it possible for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which is mainly spread by respiratory droplets, to spread faster and more easily. This study tracked and analysed the development of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the top 100 cities that were destinations for people who left Wuhan before the city entered lockdown. Data were collected from the top 100 destination cities for people who travelled from Wuhan before the lockdown, the proportion of people travelling into each city, the intensity of intracity travel and the daily reports of COVID-19. The proportion of the population that travelled from Wuhan to each city from 10 January 2020 to 24 January 2020, was positively correlated with and had a significant linear relationship with the cumulative number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in each city after 24 January (all P < 0.01). After the State Council launched a multidepartment joint prevention and control effort on 22 January 2020 and compared with data collected on 18 February, the average intracity travel intensity of the aforementioned 100 cities decreased by 60−70% (all P < 0.001). The average intensity of intracity travel on the nth day in these cities during the development of the outbreak was positively related to the growth rate of the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on the n + 5th day in these cities and had a significant linear relationship (P < 0.01). Higher intensities of population movement were associated with a higher incidence of COVID-19 during the pandemic. Restrictions on population movement can effectively curb the development of an outbreak.

Relationship of Calories Intake and Physical Activity in Adolescents in Colima, Mexico: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: To identify the relationship between calories intake, physical activity and body mass index in adolescents in Colima Mexico. Study Design: A cross-sectional study analytic, observational. Place and Duration of the Study: Colima and Tecoman, Mexico. Methodology: It was designed in adolescents, of both genders, with a BMI in 85th percentile or greater, where the average daily calorie intake was quantified with the SNUT survey and the level of physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Anthropometry to obtain the BMI. The stage of change of the trans-theoretical model was identified. Statistical analysis was Pearson's r between calories and BMI and between physical activity and BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure with BMI, and the stages of change. Results and Discussion: Poor correlation (r = 0.13) but significant linear relationship between calorie intake with BMI (t = 2.01 P = .05) and moderate correlation (r = - 0.41) and significant linear relationship (t =- 6.76, P = .0001) between activities physical and BMI. Between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and BMI, r= 0.28 and 0.34, respectively, with a strong linear trend in both (P = .0001) Of the adolescents, 39.32% were in the action stage (they plan to take actions to improve their overweight / obesity status) and 34% in the pre-contemplation phase (where the adolescent does not plan to do anything about his overweight / obesity). Conclusion: There is a relationship between daily calorie intake and BMI and a strong negative relationship between physical activity and BMI, and a third of adolescents do not see overweight / obesity as a problem and have not thought of doing anything about modifying their lifestyle to improve their BMI.

Avaliação da função visual em estudantes da academia militar em Moçambique / Evaluation of the visual function in students of the military academy in Mozambique

O sistema visual representa um dos órgãos de sentido mais importante, sendo responsável por cerca de 85% da integração do indivíduo na natureza. A integridade desse meio de percepção é indispensável para realização de atividades que exigem o seu uso. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo central avaliar a função visual em estudantes da Academia Militar. Realizou-se um estudo observacional, descritivo quantitativo, transversal e prospectivo, em 71 estudantes da Academia Militar Marechal Samora Machel, Nampula – Moçambique, no período entre Agosto a Outubro de 2016. Os dados foram coletados por meio de avaliação clínica. Para análise de dados aplicou-se a estatística descritiva e o teste de Correlação de Pearson, com o nível de significância de p<0,05. Na análise dos resultados observou-se que dos 71 estudantes avaliados cerca de 53% dos apresentaram erros refrativos não corrigidos. Na correlação entre os sintomas e ametropias encontrou-se uma relação linear negativa (inversa) e não significante para ambos olhos p > α (p=0.110 e p=0.06). Na correlação entre ametropia e acuidade visual observou-se que existe uma relação linear positiva e significativa para olho direito, p < α (p=0.026) e não é significativa para esquerdo, p>α (p=0.123). Na correlação entre a estereopsia e a acuidade visual encontrou-se uma relação linear positiva e significativa p>α (p=0.231 e p=0.239) em ambos olhos; na correlação entre a sensibilidade ao contraste e a acuidade visual encontrou-se uma relação linear negativa mas significativa para ambos olhos p < α (p=0.00 e p=0.00). Assim, concluiu-se que os estudantes da Academia Militar apresentam alterações da função visual decorrentes de erros refrativos não corrigidos. ABSTRACTThe visual system represents one of the organs of more important sense, being responsible for about 85% of the individual's integration in the nature. The integrity of that middle of perception is indispensable for accomplishment of activities that demand his/her use. This research had as central objective to evaluate the visual function in students of the Military Academy. An observational, quantitative, cross-sectional and prospective study was carried out in 71 students of the Marechal Samora Machel Military Academy, Nampula, Mozambique, between August and October of 2016. The data were collected through a clinical evaluation. For analysis of data it was applied the descriptive statistics and the test of Correlation of Pearson with significance level of p<0,05. In the analysis of the results, it was observed that of the 71 students evaluated, about 53% of the students presented uncorrected refractive error. In the correlation between symptoms and ametropias, a negative (inverse) and non-significant linear relationship was found for both eyes p> α (p = 0.110 and p = 0.06). In the correlation between ametropia and visual acuity it was observed that there is a positive and significant linear relationship for right eye, p <α (p = 0.026) and not significant for left, p> α (p = 0.123). In the correlation between stereopsy and visual acuity, a positive and significant linear relationship p> α (p = 0.231 and p = 0.239) was found in both eyes; in the correlation between contrast sensitivity and visual acuity, a negative but significant linear relationship was found for both eyes p <α (p = 0.00 and p = 0.00). Thus, it was concluded that students of the Military Academy present alterations of visual function due to uncorrected refractive errors.

Interrelation of group, micro-group and interpersonal identities of employees in production groups

The article represents the results of mathematical and statistical analysis of the links between the levels of the identity of employees (group, micro-group and interpersonal) by three components (cognitive, affective and behavioral) in 37 industrial groups with expertise in different fields. The significant linear relationship between micro-group and interpersonal identity (for all components), high linear relationship between group identity and micro-group identity (only for affective component) and the lack of linear relationship between the components of inter- personal and group identity are revealed. Higher influence of group identity on micro-group (for all components) and interpersonal identity (for cognitive and behavioral components) is found out in the totality of intercorrelation between group, micro-group and interpersonal identities. Non-linear relationship between group and micro-group identity for all components is revealed. This non-linear relation indicates that increase in expressiveness of one of the components of group iden- tity leads to decrease in expressiveness of the respective component of micro-group identity. This effect occurs until definite moment, after which, on the contrary, further reinforcement of the components of group identity leads to the increase in expressiveness of micro-group identity. These established consistent patterns are interpreted in the article.