scholarly journals Drivers for Annual Cork Growth under Two Understory Management Alternatives on a Podzolic Cork Oak Stand

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sónia P. Faias ◽  
Joana A. Paulo ◽  
Paulo N. Firmino ◽  
Margarida Tomé
Keyword(s):  
Intraspecific Competition ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Cork Oak ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Cork Growth ◽  
Management Alternatives ◽  
Positive Effect

Understory management practices and stand density characteristics allow one to distinguish a cork oak traditional silvopastoral system (known as a montado) from a cork oak forest system. Although understanding the manner in which different management practices affect cork growth is imperative, there are still only a few outputs from experimental research that contribute to this knowledge. The effect of potential drivers on annual cork growth was analyzed using a linear mixed model approach. Two dimensions of drivers were considered: intraspecific competition, assessed by tree level distance-dependent indices; and interspecific competition, assessed by variables characterizing understory management. The present dataset was collected from an experimental trial established on a cork oak stand in Podzolic soil on the Tagus river basin, covering two different cork growth cycles over the period from 2003 to 2015. The adjusted models considered two understory management alternatives: spontaneous shrubs maintenance and forage application. In both models, annual precipitation displayed a positive effect on annual cork growth, as expected. However, no significant effect of intraspecific competition was found. Additionally, there was a positive effect on annual cork growth associated with the spontaneous shrubs growth and a negative effect associated with lupine presence; both effects linked to different cork ring ages’ thresholds. The study main contributions are the following: (i) the introduction of the interaction between cork growth cycle stage and understory management practices, only possible with cork sample collections from different cork rotation cycles; (ii) the finding that there was no significant effect of intraspecific competition on cork growth.

scholarly journals Usage Continuance in Software-as-a-Service

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elias Baumann ◽  
Jana Kern ◽  
Stefan Lessmann
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Software As A Service ◽  
Client Characteristics ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Software-as-a-service applications are experiencing immense growth as their comparatively low cost makes them an important alternative to traditional software. Following the initial adoption phase, vendors are now concerned with the continued usage of their software. To analyze the influence of different measures to improve continued usage over time, a longitudinal study approach using data from a SaaS vendor was implemented. Employing a linear mixed model, the study finds several measures to have a positive effect on a software’s usage penetration. In addition to these activation measures performed by the SaaS vendor, software as well as client characteristics were also examined, but did not display significant estimates. The findings emphasize the need for proactive activation initiatives to raise usage penetration. More generally, the study contributes novel insights into the scarcely researched field of influencing factors on SaaS usage continuance.

scholarly journals The benefits of an integrated social medical insurance for health services utilization in rural China: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojing Fan ◽  
Min Su ◽  
Yafei Si ◽  
Yaxin Zhao ◽  
Zhongliang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Health Services Utilization ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Horizontal Inequity ◽  
Services Utilization ◽  
Social Medical Insurance ◽  
Positive Effect

Abstract Background Improving health equity is a fundamental goal for establishing social health insurance. This article evaluated the benefits of the Integration of Social Medical Insurance (ISMI) policy for health services utilization in rural China. Methods Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study (2011‒2018), we estimated the changes in rates and equity in health services utilization by a generalized linear mixed model, concentration curves, concentration indices, and a horizontal inequity index before and after the introduction of the ISMI policy. Results For the changes in rates, the generalized linear mixed model showed that the rate of inpatient health services utilization (IHSU) nearly doubled after the introduction of the ISMI policy (8.78 % vs. 16.58 %), while the rate of outpatient health services utilization (OHSU) decreased (20.25 % vs. 16.35 %) after the implementation of the policy. For the changes in inequity, the concentration index of OHSU decreased significantly from − 0.0636 (95 % CL: −0.0846, − 0.0430) before the policy to − 0.0457 (95 % CL: −0.0684, − 0.0229) after it. In addition, the horizontal inequity index decreased from − 0.0284 before the implementation of the policy to − 0.0171 after it, indicating that the inequity of OHSU was further reduced. The concentration index of IHSU increased significantly from − 0.0532 (95 % CL: −0.0868, − 0.0196) before the policy was implemented to − 0.1105 (95 % CL: −0.1333, − 0.0876) afterwards; the horizontal inequity index of IHSU increased from − 0.0066 before policy implementation to − 0.0595 afterwards, indicating that more low-income participants utilized inpatient services after the policy came into effect. Conclusions The ISMI policy had a positive effect on improving the rate of IHSU but not on the rate of OHSU. This is in line with this policy’s original intention of focusing on inpatient service rather than outpatients to achieve its principal goal of preventing catastrophic health expenditure. The ISMI policy had a positive effect on reducing the inequity in OHSU but a negative effect on the decrease in inequity in IHSU. Further research is needed to verify this change. This research on the effects of integration policy implementation may be useful to policy makers and has important policy implications for other developing countries facing similar challenges on the road to universal health coverage.

scholarly journals Understory effect on tree and cork growth in cork oak woodlands

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. e02S ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia P. Faias ◽  
Joana A. Paulo ◽  
João H. N. Palma ◽  
Margarida Tomé
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Rotation Period ◽  
Ring Width ◽  
Cork Oak ◽  
Pure Stand ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Cork Thickness ◽  
Spontaneous Vegetation ◽  
Yellow Lupine

Aim of study: Cork oak is one of the main forest tree species in Portugal that typically occurs in montado, where operational practices oriented to the tree, crop or animal management may influence several of the ecosystem components. This study aimed at contributing to fulfil the a lack of knowledge on the effect of these practices on the cork and wood growth, by comparing the wood diameter growth and the annual cork increment under two different understory management options.Material and methods: An experimental trial implemented on an uneven-aged cork oak pure stand during a cork rotation period of 9 years, was established with the specific goal of comparing understory management options: a yellow lupine pasture versus spontaneous vegetation. Cork samples were taken at the beginning and end of the period and were used to measure cork thickness and annual cork rings. The differences between treatments were assessed performing a non-parametric test and a more robust approach using linear mixed model. Precipitation and treatment levels were jointly considered on the analysis.Main results: A slight effect was found on the cork thickness regarding the treatment with lupine application. However, no distinct effect was found, regarding wood and the annual cork increment pattern. Additionally, annual cork ring width showed a positive correlation with precipitation and a negative correlation with ring age.Research highlights: The results of this study indicate no distinct pattern regarding the annual cork and wood increment when comparing the understory effect of yellow lupine pasture versus spontaneous vegetation.

scholarly journals Thinning Intensity and Pruning Impacts onEucalyptusPlantations in Brazil

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilciano Saraiva Nogueira ◽  
Peter L. Marshall ◽  
Helio Garcia Leite ◽  
João Carlos Chagas Campos
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Eucalyptus Grandis ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Tree Level ◽  
Quadratic Mean ◽  
Thinning Intensity ◽  
Dominant Height ◽  
Intensity Response ◽  
Quadratic Mean Diameter

A thinning intensity experiment using theEucalyptus grandis×E. urophyllahybrid was conducted at three sites in Bahia State, Brazil. The treatments were a combination of thinning intensities and pruning: 20%, 35%, and 50% basal area removed with no pruning and 35% basal area removed plus pruning (at 27 months). Plots were measured roughly annually from 27 to 165 months. Thinning was implemented on all sites at 58 months and again at 142 months at two of the sites. One of the sites was harvested at 87 months of age. A linear mixed model was applied separately to each installation to test for differences among treatments for mean increment of height, dominant height, quadratic mean diameter, and volume outside bark at the plot level. Additionally, differences in mean monthly increment of basal area and volume outside bark as a percentage of the value at the beginning of the increment period were examined. Increased thinning intensity increased all tree-level variables except dominant height. Pruning had no impact. Observed mortality on all plots was quite low. Thinning intensity response varied among sites and with time since thinning; however, the thinning intensity response was consistent through time among the installations.

scholarly journals Variation in Disease Incidence of Phomopsis Cane and Leaf Spot of Grape in Commercial Vineyards in Ohio

Plant Disease ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 92 (7) ◽  
pp. 1053-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Nita ◽  
M. A. Ellis ◽  
L. V. Madden
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Spot ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Sampling Site ◽  
Generic Model ◽  
Nonparametric Correlation

A statewide survey for incidence of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot of grape (caused by Phomopsis viticola) was conducted during the 2002 to 2004 growing seasons. Over the 3 years, disease was observed in all surveyed vineyards, and mean disease incidence for leaves and internodes was 42 and 50%, respectively. A hierarchical linear mixed model was used to evaluate effects of region, farm within region, vineyard within farm, sampling site (i.e., vine) within vineyard, and shoot (i.e., cane) within vine on disease incidence. Region of the state did not have a significant effect on incidence but there was significant variation at all other levels of the hierarchy (P < 0.05); the greatest variation was at the lowest scale (shoots within vines). The potential effects of weather and management practices on disease risk at the vineyard scale were determined by using nonparametric correlation and binary logistic analyses after first classifying mean incidence per vineyard as being below or above 20% (D20 = 0,1) and 40% (D40 = 0,1). Overall results indicated that variables for predicted number of moderate infection events (DM; based on ambient temperature and hours when either there was measured rainfall or relative humidity above 90%), the extent of fungicide application (C) during early- and mid-May (M1 and M2, respectively), and the use of a dormant-period application of fungicide (DOR) were the key factors in predicting disease risk (for either D20 or D40). Accuracy (percentage of high and low disease vineyards correctly predicted) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (an overall measure of the accuracy of a model) for a generic model combining these predictor variables were 74 and 0.84, respectively, for D40 and 87 and 0.97, respectively, for D20. Models based on management practices were as accurate as those that incorporated weather variables. Although the degree of control of this disease is inadequate in Ohio, based on the survey results for incidence, the results from the risk-model analysis showed that improved management might be obtained by applying fungicide early during the growing season.

scholarly journals Patient safety culture according to nursing professionals of an accredited hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliana Melo ◽  
Alexandre Pazetto Balsanelli ◽  
Vanessa Ribeiro Neves ◽  
Elena Bohomol
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Safety Culture ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Patient Safety Culture ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nursing Team ◽  
Nursing Professionals

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the perception of the nursing team regarding the patient safety culture of an accredited hospital and to identify the differences between shifts, professional category and units. Method: Cross-sectional study, conducted in a private hospital in the city of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, with application of the Survey on Patient Safety Culture Hospital to 497 nursing professionals. Descriptive analysis, instrument consistency and generalized linear mixed model were performed. Results: The organizational learning and continuous improvement dimension was considered a strong area (77%) and the personal adequacy (47%), shift / shift change and transfer (47%) and non-punitive response to errors (25%) dimensions were considered. fragile. Differences in perception were found between the professional categories in two dimensions; between shifts in six and between units in seven dimensions. Conclusion: The nursing team identified weaknesses in the patient safety culture in the hospital, with the need to standardize the improvement processes.

Analyzing discontinuities in longitudinal count data: A multilevel generalized linear mixed model.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Peugh ◽  
Sarah J. Beal ◽  
Meghan E. McGrady ◽  
Michael D. Toland ◽  
Constance Mara
Keyword(s):  
Count Data ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Generalized Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Longitudinal Count Data

Predicting bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat derived from fishery-independent data

2020 ◽  
Vol 641 ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
J Runnebaum ◽  
KR Tanaka ◽  
L Guan ◽  
J Cao ◽  
L O’Brien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Gulf Of Maine ◽  
Homarus Americanus ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
American Lobster ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Suitability Index

Bycatch remains a global problem in managing sustainable fisheries. A critical aspect of management is understanding the timing and spatial extent of bycatch. Fisheries management often relies on observed bycatch data, which are not always available due to a lack of reporting or observer coverage. Alternatively, analyzing the overlap in suitable habitat for the target and non-target species can provide a spatial management tool to understand where bycatch interactions are likely to occur. Potential bycatch hotspots based on suitable habitat were predicted for cusk Brosme brosme incidentally caught in the Gulf of Maine American lobster Homarus americanus fishery. Data from multiple fisheries-independent surveys were combined in a delta-generalized linear mixed model to generate spatially explicit density estimates for use in an independent habitat suitability index. The habitat suitability indices for American lobster and cusk were then compared to predict potential bycatch hotspot locations. Suitable habitat for American lobster has increased between 1980 and 2013 while suitable habitat for cusk decreased throughout most of the Gulf of Maine, except for Georges Basin and the Great South Channel. The proportion of overlap in suitable habitat varied interannually but decreased slightly in the spring and remained relatively stable in the fall over the time series. As Gulf of Maine temperatures continue to increase, the interactions between American lobster and cusk are predicted to decline as cusk habitat continues to constrict. This framework can contribute to fisheries managers’ understanding of changes in habitat overlap as climate conditions continue to change and alter where bycatch interactions could occur.

Long-term seizure outcomes after pediatric temporal lobectomy: does brain MRI lesion matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-208
Author(s):  
Ravindra Arya ◽  
Francesco T. Mangano ◽  
Paul S. Horn ◽  
Sabrina K. Kaul ◽  
Serena K. Kaul ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Hippocampal Sclerosis ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Temporal Lobectomy ◽  
Seizure Freedom ◽  
Seizure Onset

OBJECTIVEThere is emerging data that adults with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) without a discrete lesion on brain MRI have surgical outcomes comparable to those with hippocampal sclerosis (HS). However, pediatric TLE is different from its adult counterpart. In this study, the authors investigated if the presence of a potentially epileptogenic lesion on presurgical brain MRI influences the long-term seizure outcomes after pediatric temporal lobectomy.METHODSChildren who underwent temporal lobectomy between 2007 and 2015 and had at least 1 year of seizure outcomes data were identified. These were classified into lesional and MRI-negative groups based on whether an epilepsy-protocol brain MRI showed a lesion sufficiently specific to guide surgical decisions. These patients were also categorized into pure TLE and temporal plus epilepsies based on the neurophysiological localization of the seizure-onset zone. Seizure outcomes at each follow-up visit were incorporated into a repeated-measures generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with MRI status as a grouping variable. Clinical variables were incorporated into GLMM as covariates.RESULTSOne hundred nine patients (44 females) were included, aged 5 to 21 years, and were classified as lesional (73%), MRI negative (27%), pure TLE (56%), and temporal plus (44%). After a mean follow-up of 3.2 years (range 1.2–8.8 years), 66% of the patients were seizure free for ≥ 1 year at last follow-up. GLMM analysis revealed that lesional patients were more likely to be seizure free over the long term compared to MRI-negative patients for the overall cohort (OR 2.58, p < 0.0001) and for temporal plus epilepsies (OR 1.85, p = 0.0052). The effect of MRI lesion was not significant for pure TLE (OR 2.64, p = 0.0635). Concordance of ictal electroencephalography (OR 3.46, p < 0.0001), magnetoencephalography (OR 4.26, p < 0.0001), and later age of seizure onset (OR 1.05, p = 0.0091) were associated with a higher likelihood of seizure freedom. The most common histological findings included cortical dysplasia types 1B and 2A, HS (40% with dual pathology), and tuberous sclerosis.CONCLUSIONSA lesion on presurgical brain MRI is an important determinant of long-term seizure freedom after pediatric temporal lobectomy. Pediatric TLE is heterogeneous regarding etiologies and organization of seizure-onset zones with many patients qualifying for temporal plus nosology. The presence of an MRI lesion determined seizure outcomes in patients with temporal plus epilepsies. However, pure TLE had comparable surgical seizure outcomes for lesional and MRI-negative groups.

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