Effects of hoof shape, body mass and velocity on surface strain in the wall of the unshod forehoof of Standardbreds trotting on a treadmill

2004 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 87-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
JJ Thomason ◽  
WW Bignell ◽  
D Batiste ◽  
W Sears
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Analysis Of Variance ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Surface Strain ◽  
Shape Variable ◽  
Bivariate Regression ◽  
Toe Angle ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Larger Sample

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to investigate the effects of body mass (BM), velocity (V), and hoof shape on compressive surface strains in the wall of the front hoof at the trot. Toe angle (TA), heel angle (HA), toe length (TL), medial and lateral wall length (MWL, LWL) and BM were measured for nine adult, unshod Standardbreds. Five rosette gauges were glued around the circumference of the left forehoof of each animal which was then trotted on a treadmill at a set range of velocities from 3.5 to 7.5 m s−1. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of principal compressive strains ɛ2 at midstance identified that all primary variables (BM, V, TA, HA, etc.) had a significant effect as did the interactions of TA×HA and BM×TA. These significant variables explained over 96% of the variation in ɛ2. Multiple regression of ɛ2 on these variables gave equations which accurately predicted ɛ2 within 3%, but the individual coefficients did not accurately describe how each variable affected ɛ2. Further tests using bivariate regression gave equations that enabled ɛ2 data to be standardized for BM and V at the gauge locations used here. Strain ɛ2 increased linearly with mass and curvilinearly with velocity (ɛ2∝V+V2), and both caused redistribution of strain to the dorsum and lateral quarter. Variation in each shape variable caused redistribution rather than simple increase or decrease in strains. The primary conclusion with regard to hoof shape is that the effects of change in any one measurement on strain magnitudes are affected by the values of all other measurements. Resolving the interplay among measurements in their effects on ɛ2 will need a considerably larger sample size than that used here.

scholarly journals Weight Bias in Hiring

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2, 2021) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Brooks
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Weight Bias ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Applicant ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Southern Methodist University ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Larger Sample

This study’s purpose was to assess the prevalence of weight bias in the hiring of female applicants among students attending Southern Methodist University. Weight bias in hiring for a CEO position was assessed in 87 total male and female participants by viewing one of two possible applicants’ resumés – one slim and one overweight female. Experience and qualifications for each resumé were identical, only the headshots differed. Participants saw either the overweight applicant or the slim applicant, after which they filled out a questionnaire that asked them to indicate whether they would hire the individual and state the reason for their decision. We found no significant difference between which applicant participants chose to hire. Gender did not predict which applicant participants were more likely to hire or reject. These findings contradicted our hypotheses. We had predicted that the overweight female applicant would have been hired less by participants, relative to the slim applicant. Additionally, we had predicted that this weight bias against the overweight female applicant would have a higher incidence in males. Similar studies going forward should focus on providing a truly random sample of participants and use clearer instructions to read to the participant. Experimenters should also consider using in-person interviews instead of resumés, and perhaps a larger sample size to determine if in fact there was a detectable effect present. Remaining limitations and explanations for the results will be presented in the discussion.

Planning the Size of Clinical Trials with Allowance for Patient Noncompliance

1990 ◽  
Vol 29 (03) ◽  
pp. 243-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. A. Moussa
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Event Rate ◽  
Survival Functions ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Patient Noncompliance ◽  
Event Rates ◽  
Larger Sample

AbstractVarious approaches are considered for adjustment of clinical trial size for patient noncompliance. Such approaches either model the effect of noncompliance through comparison of two survival distributions or two simple proportions. Models that allow for variation of noncompliance and event rates between time intervals are also considered. The approach that models the noncompliance adjustment on the basis of survival functions is conservative and hence requires larger sample size. The model to be selected for noncompliance adjustment depends upon available estimates of noncompliance and event rate patterns.

Augmentation Strategies for Clozapine-Resistant Patients with Schizophrenia

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 218-227
Author(s):  
Yi-Hang Chiu ◽  
Chia-Yueh Hsu ◽  
Mong-Liang Lu ◽  
Chun-Hsin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Mood Stabilizers ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Augmentation Strategies ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Augmentation Strategy ◽  
Larger Sample

Background: Clozapine has been used in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia. However, only 40% of patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia have response to clozapine. Many augmentation strategies have been proposed to treat those clozapine-resistant patients, but the results are inconclusive. In this review, we intended to review papers dealing with the augmentation strategies in the treatment of clozapineresistant patients with schizophrenia. Method: We reviewed randomized, double-blind, placebo- or sham-controlled trials (RCT) for clozapine-resistant patients with schizophrenia in Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and PubMed database from January 1990 to June 2019. Results: Antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, brain stimulation, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and other strategies, were used as an augmentation in clozapine-resistant patients with schizophrenia. Except for better evidence in memantine with 2 RCTs and cognitive behavior therapy in 2 studies to support its effectiveness, we found that all the other effective augmentations, including sulpiride, ziprasidone, duloxetine, mirtazapine, ECT, sodium benzoate, ginkgo biloba, and minocycline, had only one RCT with limited sample size. Conclusion: In this review, no definite effective augmentation strategy was found for clozapine-resistant patients. Some potential strategies with beneficial effects on psychopathology need further studies with a larger sample size to support their efficacy.

scholarly journals ‘Statistical Irreproducibility’ Does Not Improve with Larger Sample Size: How to Quantify and Address Disease Data Multimodality in Human and Animal Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Abigail R. Basson ◽  
Fabio Cominelli ◽  
Alexander Rodriguez-Palacios
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Data Visualization ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Random Number Generation ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Multimodal Distributions ◽  
Disease Subtypes ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Larger Sample

Poor study reproducibility is a concern in translational research. As a solution, it is recommended to increase sample size (N), i.e., add more subjects to experiments. The goal of this study was to examine/visualize data multimodality (data with >1 data peak/mode) as cause of study irreproducibility. To emulate the repetition of studies and random sampling of study subjects, we first used various simulation methods of random number generation based on preclinical published disease outcome data from human gut microbiota-transplantation rodent studies (e.g., intestinal inflammation and univariate/continuous). We first used unimodal distributions (one-mode, Gaussian, and binomial) to generate random numbers. We showed that increasing N does not reproducibly identify statistical differences when group comparisons are repeatedly simulated. We then used multimodal distributions (>1-modes and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods of random sampling) to simulate similar multimodal datasets A and B (t-test-p = 0.95; N = 100,000), and confirmed that increasing N does not improve the ‘reproducibility of statistical results or direction of the effects’. Data visualization with violin plots of categorical random data simulations with five-integer categories/five-groups illustrated how multimodality leads to irreproducibility. Re-analysis of data from a human clinical trial that used maltodextrin as dietary placebo illustrated multimodal responses between human groups, and after placebo consumption. In conclusion, increasing N does not necessarily ensure reproducible statistical findings across repeated simulations due to randomness and multimodality. Herein, we clarify how to quantify, visualize and address disease data multimodality in research. Data visualization could facilitate study designs focused on disease subtypes/modes to help understand person–person differences and personalized medicine.

scholarly journals Effect of individual- versus collective-based nutritional-lifestyle intervention on the atherogenic index of plasma in children with obesity: a randomized trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elvira Verduci ◽  
Giuseppe Banderali ◽  
Elisabetta Di Profio ◽  
Sara Vizzuso ◽  
Gianvincenzo Zuccotti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Atherogenic Index ◽  
Z Score ◽  
Blood Profile ◽  
Atherogenic Index Of Plasma ◽  
Paediatric Obesity ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background The Atherogenic Index of Plasma is a predictive biomarker of atherosclerosis in adults but there is a lack of studies in paediatric population aimed at evaluating the longitudinal changes of the AIP and of the cardiometabolic blood profile related to nutritional interventions. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of individual- versus collective-based nutritional-lifestyle intervention on the Atherogenic Index of Plasma in schoolchildren with obesity. Methods One-hundred sixty-four children aged 6–12 years with Body Mass Index z-score > 2 referred to the Paediatric Obesity Clinic, San Paolo Hospital, Milan, Italy, were consecutively enrolled and randomized to undergo to either an individual- (n = 82) or a collective- (n = 82) based intervention promoting a balanced normo-caloric diet and physical activity. In addition, the individual intervention included a tailored personalized nutritional advice and education based on the revised Coventry, Aberdeen, and London-Refined taxonomy. Both at baseline and after 12 months of intervention, dietary habits and anthropometric measures were assessed, a fasting blood sample were taken for biochemistry analysis. Results The participation rate at 12 months was 93.3% (n = 153 patients), 76 children in the individual-intervention and 77 children in the collective intervention. At univariate analysis, mean longitudinal change in Atherogenic Index of Plasma was greater in the individual than collective intervention (− 0.12 vs. − 0.05), as well as change in triglyceride-glucose index (− 0.22 vs. − 0.08) and Body Mass Index z-score (− 0.59 vs. − 0.37). At multiple analysis, only change in Body Mass Index z-score remained independently associated with intervention (odds ratio 3.37). Conclusion In children with obesity, an individual-based nutritional and lifestyle intervention, including techniques from the CALO-RE taxonomy, could have an additional beneficial effect over a collective-based intervention, although the actual size of the effect remains to be clarified. Trial Registration Clinical Trials NCT03728621

scholarly journals Prevalence and Diversity of Avian Haematozoan Parasites in Wetlands of Bangladesh

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rubayet Elahi ◽  
Ausraful Islam ◽  
Mohammad Sharif Hossain ◽  
Khaja Mohiuddin ◽  
Andrea Mikolon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sample Size ◽  
Disease Ecology ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Wild Birds ◽  
Wetland Birds ◽  
Domestic Ducks ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Unidentified Species ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Resident Bird

The parasites of generaHaemoproteus, Plasmodium,andLeucocytozoonare well-known avian haematozoa and can cause declined productivity and high mortality in wild birds. The objective of the study was to record the prevalence of haematozoan parasites in a wide range of wetland birds in Bangladesh. Six species ofHaemoproteus, seven species ofPlasmodium, one unidentified species ofLeucocytozoon, and one unidentified microfilaria of the genusParonchocercawere found. Data on the morphology, size, hosts, prevalence, and infection intensity of the parasites are provided. The overall prevalence among the birds was 29.5% (95 out of 322 birds). Of those, 13.2% (42 of 319) of birds were infected withHaemoproteusspp., 15.1% withPlasmodiumspp. (48 of 319) and 0.6% withLeucocytozoonspp. (2 of 319). Two birds were positive for bothHaemoproteussp. andPlasmodiumsp. A single resident bird,Ardeola grayii, was found positive for an unidentified microfilaria. Prevalence of infection varied significantly among different bird families. Wild birds of Bangladesh carry several types of haematozoan parasites. Further investigation with a larger sample size is necessary to estimate more accurately the prevalence of haematozoan parasites among wild birds as well as domestic ducks for better understanding of the disease ecology.

Association of Snoring Characteristics with Predominant Site of Collapse of Upper Airway in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Patients

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun Sebastian ◽  
Peter A Cistulli ◽  
Gary Cohen ◽  
Philip de Chazal
Keyword(s):  
Acoustic Analysis ◽  
Audio Signal ◽  
Upper Airway ◽  
Lateral Wall ◽  
Sleep Apnoea ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Classification Model ◽  
Individual Site ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Study objectives Acoustic analysis of isolated events and snoring by previous researchers suggests a correlation between individual acoustic features and individual site of collapse events. In this study, we hypothesised that multi-parameter evaluation of snore sounds during natural sleep would provide a robust prediction of the predominant site of airway collapse. Methods The audio signals of 58 OSA patients were recorded simultaneously with full night polysomnography. The site of collapse was determined by manual analysis of the shape of the airflow signal during hypopnoea events and corresponding audio signal segments containing snore were manually extracted and processed. Machine learning algorithms were developed to automatically annotate the site of collapse of each hypopnoea event into three classes (lateral wall, palate and tongue-base). The predominant site of collapse for a sleep period was determined from the individual hypopnoea annotations and compared to the manually determined annotations. This was a retrospective study that used cross-validation to estimate performance. Results Cluster analysis showed that the data fits well in two clusters with a mean silhouette coefficient of 0.79 and an accuracy of 68% for classifying tongue/non-tongue collapse. A classification model using linear discriminants achieved an overall accuracy of 81% for discriminating tongue/non-tongue predominant site of collapse and accuracy of 64% for all site of collapse classes. Conclusions Our results reveal that the snore signal during hypopnoea can provide information regarding the predominant site of collapse in the upper airway. Therefore, the audio signal recorded during sleep could potentially be used as a new tool in identifying the predominant site of collapse and consequently improving the treatment selection and outcome.

scholarly journals Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine could be an Available Weapons to Treat COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia

2020 ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Nehad J. Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Larger Sample

Aims: This study aims to review the efficacy of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated pneumonia. Methodology: This review includes searching Google scholar for publications about the use of hydroxychloroquinein the treatment of COVID-19 using the words of (Covid-19) AND hydroxychloroquine. Results: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have proven effective in treating coronavirus in China in vitro, but till now only few clinical trials are available and these trials were conducted on a small sample size of the patients. The efficacy of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is mainly due to its effect on angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2). Conclusion: The use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine could be very promising but more trials are needed that include larger sample size and more data are required about the comparison between chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine with other antivirals.

scholarly journals Health Care Professionalism Without Doctors

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Østergaard Møller
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Relational Theory ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Medical Field ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Larger Sample

The article uses the organization of health houses in Denmark as a case to study the relationship between spatial surroundings and professionalization. The question is whether these new local health houses comprise an alternative to the medical view on health or ––even in the absence of the hospital–– script the professionals to identify themselves as agents from the medical field? In this article, macro-structural theory is combined with micro-relational theory in order to identify how macro structures such as professionalization nest the way social interaction takes place in concrete spatial situations and surroundings. The argument put forward is that we need to identity this process at the level of the individual in order to qualify and anchor our understanding of professionalization as a macro phenomenon. The empirical basis is two dissimilar locations (health houses), selected from a larger qualitative data set of interviews with health professionals and citizens and observations of health houses, originally selected from a nationwide survey. The presented analysis zooms in on selected places and situations and relates analyses to the overall picture of differences and similarities identified in the larger sample. The analysis shows how entrances, receptions, information screens and coffee tables not only design houses, but also script styles of interaction between health professionals and citizens as well as they work as signs creating expectations about professional roles and how to reflect and act as a professional in a given physical and social setting. The main finding is that spatial surroundings facilitate processes of identification and counter-identification crucial to a new kind of health professionals such as the ones under study here.

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