The distribution and availability of phosphorus fractions in restored cut slopes soil aggregates along altitude gradient

The distribution and availability of phosphorus (P) fractions in restored cut slope soil aggregates along altitude gradients were studied. We examined soil aggregates total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP) and phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC), and discovered that there was no significant difference in TP at four altitudes (p> 0.05), but there was a significant difference in AP at 3009 m, 3347 m and 3980 m (p< 0.05). At 3009 m, 3347 m and 3654 m, the AP accumulation in small size aggregates were more advantageous. Overall, PAC dropped steadily as aggregate size increased, as shown by PAC (3654 m)> PAC (3347 m)> PAC (3009 m)> PAC (3980 m) in altitudes. In all particle size soil aggregates, total inorganic phosphorus (TPi) > total organic phosphorus (TPo) > residual phosphorus (R-P) at 3009 m, 3347 m and 3654 m; TPo> TPi> R-P at 3980 m. Through correlation and multiple stepwise regression analysis, we concluded that active NaHCO3-Pi was the main AP source. It was suggested that more attention should be paid to the ratio of small particle size aggregates, so as to increase soil AP storage. At low (3009 m) and high altitude (3980 m), inorganic P fertilizer and P activator were added into soil to improve the activation ability of soil P and the AP supply, so as to promote the healthy development of slope soils ecosystem.

Analysis of predictive capabilities of metacognitive strategies in the expression of professional thinking of military personnel

The article examines professional thinking in relation to the conditions of military activity. The goal is to identify a model of cadets’ metacognitive competence, contributing to the successful formation of professional thinking in the conditions of military activity. The construction of two regression models is carried out by means of multiple stepwise regression analysis with inclusion. In the first model, the variable response was the over-situational style of thinking of servicemen, determined by the questionnaire «Determination of the dominant level of problematicity in solving service-professional problem situations.» In the second model of the variable, the response was the type of professional thinking determined on the basis of the case method. Cadets’ metacognitive strategies were used as variable predictors. It was possible to establish that both regression models are statistically significant, the level of error probability is less than 0.01% and explain more than 40% of the variability of the variable responses. All metacognitive strategies (six variable predictors) in the first model have a statistically significant relationship with variable responses (p≤0.05). The predictive influence on the dominance of a certain type of professional thinking among cadets has the character of structural interaction. Metacognitive strategies such as information acquisition, concentration, time management and the level of reflection are facilitators for the formation of a supra-situational level of cadets’ professional thinking. Whereas metacognitive knowledge and metacognitive activity act as inhibitors.

The Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Impairment in a Chinese Elderly Population: The Baseline Analysis

Objectives: The objective of the study was to investigate the association between untreated age-related hearing loss and cognitive impairment in Mandarin-speaking older adults living in China.Methods: Older adults (293; 111 males, M = 70.33 ± 4.90 years; 182 females, M = 69.02 ± 4.08 years) were recruited. All participants completed a pure tone audiometric hearing assessment, Hearing Impairment-Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (HI-MoCA), and a computerized neuropsychology test battery (CANTAB). The Mandarin version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale was used to measure the loneliness, and the Mandarin version of the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to measure the current severity of a range of symptoms common to depression, stress, and anxiety of the participants.Results: A multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the average of four mid-frequency thresholds in the better ear was related to CANTAB Paired Associates Learning (β = 0.20, p = 0.002), and the global cognitive function score (HI-MoCA) (β = −0.25, p &lt; 0.001). The average of three high frequencies in the better ear was significantly associated with CANTAB Delayed Matching to Sample (β = −0.16, p = 0.008), and Spatial Working Memory (β = 0.17, p = 0.003).Conclusion: The results revealed a significant relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive impairment in Mandarin-speaking older adults. These research outcomes have clinical implications specifically for hearing health care professionals in China and other populations that speak a tonal language, especially when providing hearing rehabilitation.

Blockchain: an EOM approach to reconciliation in banking

PurposeThe study aim is to evaluate the contribution of Blockchain technology (Cryptobanking) using expected operating model (EOM) to address the pain points in reconciliation at middle and back-office operational levels in assessing the significance of this technology on return on investment.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was designed to collect primary data using a stratified sampling method from 120 respondents working in leading Investment banks operating in the geographical locality of urban Bangalore. Demographic variables, accounting variables, data reporting variables, approach variables, variables of EOM were considered to validate the hypothesis with the help of statistical tools, namely ANOVA, and Multiple Stepwise Regression Analysis.FindingsThe results obtained confirm that there is significant difference in reconciliation with implementation of an innovative business process. Financial analysis is the highest predictor of ROI when integrated with technology as the adapted Blockchain innovation in reconciliation is the most influencing factor in enhancing, improving ROI playing a pivotal role in the Investment banks.Originality/valueBlockchain technology (Cryptobanking) facilitates in transforming the reconciliation process of these banks with improved operational efficiency. Blockchain and settlement platforms offer inter-organization solutions facilitating in the reconciliation of various transactions in real-time through a trust-based network in the form of digital settlements with better consortiums.

Predicting Physics Achievement of 11th - grade Students through Critical and Logical Thinking Skills

The purpose of this study was to measure the extent to which critical thinking skills and logical thinking skills predicted the achievement in physics of 11th - grade students in Gaza. To this end, (215) students participated in the study. California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST) and Test of Logical Thinking (TOLT), were used as data collection tools in the study. Data were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results indicated that the students’ scores of probabilistic reasoning and proportional reasoning (as logical thinking skills), and inference (as critical thinking skill) were significant predictors of physics achievement scores, explaining (15.7%) of the variance of physics achievement scores. In addition, findings indicated that the best predictor was probabilistic reasoning, explaining (9.2 %) of the variance. The study recommended that a physics curriculum should involve thinking skills, which predict students’ achievement in physics.

Associations of plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F2αlevels with fasting blood glucose (FBG) and intra-abdominal fat (IAF) area in various Glycometabolism populations

Background This study aimed to investigate the differences in oxidative stress (OS) levels represented by 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and analyze its correlation with the intra-abdominal fat (IAF) area and the glycolipid index. Methods We recruited a total of 160 eligible subjects. According to the blood glucose levels and the T2DM duration, subjects were divided into three groups: Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) group, Prediabetic group, and Normal glucose-tolerance (NC) group, containing 66, 41, 53 patients, respectively. T2DM groups were additionally divided into a new-onset T2DM group including 29 patients and a non-new-onset T2DM group including 37 patients. General clinical data and biochemical indicators were collected. Intra-abdominal fat (IAF) was measured by MRI. 8-iso-PGF2α was measured by ELISA. Results Compared with the NC group, levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), FBG, 2 h postprandial glycemia(2hPG), 2 h insulin (2 h INS), IAF area, HOMA-IR, and 8-iso-PGF2α increased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased in T2DM groups and Prediabetic group (P < 0.05). The 2 h INS level was the highest in the Prediabetic group; 2hPG, and IAF area were the highest in the new-onset T2DM group; WHR, FBG, HOMA-IR and 8-iso-PGF2α were the highest in the non-new-onset T2DM group. Multiple stepwise regression analysis identified IAF area and FBG as the strongest and independent determinant of 8-iso-PGF2α (P < 0.01). Conclusions In various glycometabolism populations, 8-iso-PGF2α is significantly correlated with FBG and IAF, this suggests that high blood glucose and abdominal obesity can increase the damage related to the OS in vivo.

Using the Readiness Concept and Pender’s Health Promotion Model to Predict the Preparation Behavior towards Healthy Aging of Menopausal Women in the Northern Region of Thailand

Objective: To predict the effects of the preparation behavior toward healthy aging for menopausal women in the northern region of Thailand. Materials and Methods: Three hundred three menopausal women, aged 45 to 59 years old domiciled in the northern region of Thailand, were included in this study. The prediction research design methodology is used to describe the collection and analysis of the quantitative data. The questionnaire is based on the readiness of postmenopausal women toward healthy aging and includes physical, mental, social, and environmental health. After being selected, the relational variables and quantitative data of the menopausal women was analyzed with the power to predict factors resulted using multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results: Using multiple regression coefficients, factors affecting the preparation of menopausal women toward healthy aging were found to have variables that contributed to predicting the readiness behaviors of menopausal women. They were sorted according to the ability to explain the predictive power of health preparedness behavior from the selected variables into the descending analysis as family support, community support, income, self-efficacy, good attitudes for aging, medical and public health services, marital status as widowed or abandoned, and leadership roles. The variables were able to predict the preparation for healthy aging behaviors of menopausal women at 63.9%. Conclusion: Menopausal women need support and assistance in the preparation process toward healthy aging according to predictable variables, which is a concrete form of activity. Keywords: Menopausal women; The preparation behavior; Healthy aging; The readiness concept

Association of serum fetuin-B with insulin resistance and pre-diabetes in young Chinese women: evidence from a cross-sectional study and effect of liraglutide

Background and Aims Fetuin-B has been reported to be involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and associated with the occurrence of diabetes. The main purpose of this study is to explore the changes of circulating fetuin-B in young women with pre-diabetes and to analyze the relationship between fetuin-B and the occurrence and development of IR. Methods A total of 304 women were enrolled in this study and subjected to both OGTT and EHC. A subgroup of 26 overweight/obese womenwas treated with Lira for 24 weeks. serum fetuin-B concentrations were measured by ELISA. Results In IGT and IR-NG groups, serum fetuin-B levels were higher than those in the NGT group. The serum fetuin-B levels in the IGT group were higher than those in the IR-NG group. serum fetuin-B was positively correlated with BMI, WHR, 2h-BG, FIns, HbA1c, and HOMA2-IR, but negatively correlated with the M-value in all study populations. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the M-value was independently and inversely associated with serum fetuin-B. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum fetuin-B was independently associated with IGT and significantly increased the risk of IGT. During the OGTT, serum fetuin-B increased significantly in the NGT group, but there were no significant changes in other groups. During the EHC, serum fetuin-B increased in the IGT group, but there was no change in other groups. After Lira intervention, serum fetuin-B decreased significantly in IGT women. Conclusions serum fetuin-B levels are elevated in young women with IR or IGT and may be associated with IR.

Abdominal Aortic Calcification is an Independent Predictor of Left Ventricular Mass Deterioration in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Left ventricular mass (LVM) is related to poor outcomes of HD patients. Possible contributions of vascular calcification to LVM changes over time have not been well established. This is a prospective cohort study. At baseline, left lateral lumbar spine radiograph was conducted. The echocardiogram was performed respectively at baseline and 2 years later. The dialysis records were documented in the first week of the first month for each quarter during the two years. Fasting blood samples were collected. The averages were calculated. After the second echocardiogram, patients were followed up for another five years. One hundred and four patients were enrolled, with 57 males (54.8%) and an average age of 60.0 ± 11.1 years. Ninety-one patients had AAC (87.5%). The average level of LVMI changes 2 years later was 3.31 (− 1.51 ~ 8.18) g/m2.7, and 68 patients had increased LVMI. After another five years, 28 patients died (26.9%). Patients with worsening LVMI had significantly higher baseline AAC scores (8.0 (3.0 ~ 12.0) vs 4.0 (1.3 ~ 7.0), P = 0.022). The 5-year mortality rate was also higher (23/68 vs 5/31, P = 0.029). Multiple stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that baseline AAC was an independent predictor for increased LVMI (P = 0.005). For one point increase in AAC scores, LVMI increased by 0.27g/m2.7 2 years later. The independent correlated factors baseline AAC were age and hs-CRP. In conclusion, AAC is an independent predictor of LVMI deterioration over time in HD patients. Whether direct intervention for LVM can benefit MHD patients is controversial. Prevention and treatment of VC may be an important intervention target to improve LVM and prognosis.

Analysis of Entrepreneurial Motivation on Entrepreneurial Psychology in the Context of Transition Economy

This study aims to explore the connotation of entrepreneurial motivation in the context of a transitional economy. The actual situations of 135 young entrepreneurs are investigated based on questionnaire surveys and case analyses. The influences of different entrepreneurial motivation factors on entrepreneurial psychology are analyzed. Results demonstrate that the item of “gain wealth” on the entrepreneurial motivation scale has the highest score of 3.98 points. In contrast, the scores of opportunity motivation and survival motivation are basically the same, with great differences between different individuals. The dimensions of policies, regulations, and government functions on the entrepreneurial environment scale have high ranks and levels, while the support of industry associations needs to be strengthened. Generally, the entrepreneurial psychology scale has high scores; most of the items score above 3.45 points, indicating that entrepreneurship not only improves the quality of work and life for young entrepreneurs but also promotes the personal growth of entrepreneurs. The multiple stepwise regression analysis reveals significant correlations between survival and opportunity motivations of young entrepreneurs and their subjective psychology and social psychology. The results can provide experimental and useful reference materials for the following investigations.