Sparse reduced-rank regression for imaging genetics studies: models and applications

We present a novel statistical technique; the sparse reduced rank regression (sRRR) model which is a strategy for multivariate modelling of high-dimensional imaging responses and genetic predictors. By adopting penalisation techniques, the model is able to enforce sparsity in the regression coefficients, identifying subsets of genetic markers that best explain the variability observed in subsets of the phenotypes. To properly exploit the rich structure present in each of the imaging and genetics domains, we additionally propose the use of several structured penalties within the sRRR model. Using simulation procedures that accurately reflect realistic imaging genetics data, we present detailed evaluations of the sRRR method in comparison with the more traditional univariate linear modelling approach. In all settings considered, we show that sRRR possesses better power to detect the deleterious genetic variants. Moreover, using a simple genetic model, we demonstrate the potential benefits, in terms of statistical power, of carrying out voxel-wise searches as opposed to extracting averages over regions of interest in the brain. Since this entails the use of phenotypic vectors of enormous dimensionality, we suggest the use of a sparse classification model as a de-noising step, prior to the imaging genetics study. Finally, we present the application of a data re-sampling technique within the sRRR model for model selection. Using this approach we are able to rank the genetic markers in order of importance of association to the phenotypes, and similarly rank the phenotypes in order of importance to the genetic markers. In the very end, we illustrate the application perspective of the proposed statistical models in three real imaging genetics datasets and highlight some potential associations

The potential effects of IFRS for SMEs on New Zealand SME financial reporting

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"Developing and Sustaining Organic Growth - Austrian Example"

Austria always was on the forefront of countries concerning the development of the organic farming. Pioneer farmers developed together with Rudolf Steiner, scientist and founder of anthroposophy, the organic-dynamic production between 1920 and 1930. Austria was the first country in the world to set official guideline for organic farming. In 1983, the first decrees in this respect were issued by the Federal Ministry for Health and Environmental Protection. In 1989, thee were included as Chapter A 8 in the Codex Alimentarius (Austrian food codex), and in 1991, Austria was the first nation to define regulations for the organic production of animal products

Exploration of the Association Between Professional Interactions and Emotional Distress of Intensive Care Unit Nursing Personnel

Several studies provide evidence for the association between the quality of collaboration among intensive care unit (ICU) professionals and patients' outcomes, as well as nurses' moral distress and professional satisfaction. However, potential associations between collaboration and nurses' mental health indices have not been explored. The aim of this descriptive correlational study was to investigate the degree of satisfaction from interaction among ICU nursing personnel, as well as between ICU nursing personnel and physicians, and potential associations with ICU nursing personnel's anxiety symptoms. The sample consisted of ICU nursing personnel from 11 adult general hospitals in Greece (n = 229). Hamilton's Anxiety scale was applied for the quantitative assessment of anxiety symptoms and Stamps' Index of Work Satisfaction for the appraisal of nursing personnel's satisfaction from professional interactions. Demographic, vocational, and educational data were also recorded. Descriptive statistics were explored, and group comparisons, correlation, and regression analysis were used. The average satisfaction score from interaction among nursing personnel was moderate to high (5.3 [SD, 1.0]) and from nurse-to-physician interaction was moderate (4.0 [SD, 1.4]) (scale range, 1-7). The score of satisfaction from nurse-to-physician interaction was negatively mildly correlated with participants' (a) total anxiety score ( = ?0.160, P = .001), (b) tension ( = ?0.125, P = .015), and (c) depressive symptoms ( = ?0.148, P = .005). Weak negative correlations were detected between satisfaction from interaction among nursing personnel and participants' (a) total anxiety state ( = ?0.139, P = .003), (b) tension ( = ?0.137, P = .008), and (c) sleep disturbances ( = ? 0.150, P = .003). Overall, female respondents had higher levels of anxiety symptoms than male respondents (Mann-Whitney U, P = .007). Satisfaction from professional interaction was not a strong predictor of anxiety symptoms among ICU nursing personnel (R2 = 0.046, ?0.15). Nursing personnel in Greek ICUs seem to be satisfied with the quality of relationships among them, as well as with physicians. Despite that anxiety symptoms associate with the degree of satisfaction from professional interaction, the latter may not be a significant indicator of ICU nurses' well-being. Further qualitative research is needed to identify mediating factor

Phenolic content and radical scavenging properties of natural extracts for traditional care of domestic animals in Mediterranean areas

Extracts of plants traditionally used for treatments on animals were tested for total phenolic, non tannic phenolic, condensed tannins and total flavonoid content. Antioxidant properties were determined using 2,2’-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) chemical assays following DMSO extraction. We also assessed the toxicity of extracts on cell viability and determined their ability to modulate the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species

Pengaruh Kualitas Layanan Agen Terhadap Kepuasan Nasabah PT. AXA Financial Indonesia Di Kota Palembang

This study was conducted to determine the effect of the agent service quality on customer satisfaction PT . AXA Financial Indonesia in Palembang. This type of research is done by using a surveys by distributing questionnaires to the respondents , namely ; Indonesia Financial PT.AXA customers . The sampling technique used was purposive sampling . The number of samples in the study of 100 people , where respondents are customers PT AXA Financial Indonesia and has an active policy of more than 6 months . The data analysis technique used is a reliability test , validity test . Hypothesis testing using multiple linear regression analysis with the help of the program SPSS 21. Reliability test results show all the data unreliable and test the validity of the data shows all valid. Multiple linear regression analysis showed 3 independents variables has positive effect on customer satisfaction and 2 other independents variables have not effect on customer satisfaction

Herbs for horses

The aim of this study was to find out how many and which of the herbs used for horses that have been scientifically studied with results to justify the use. In order to find out which herbs that are commonly used by horse-owners a phone interview was performed where six companies selling herbs for horses was contacted and asked to provide information on the most sold herbs for horses in Sweden. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), nettle (Urtica dioica) and monk's pepper (Vitex agnus-castus) where the most sold herbs, followed by marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), burdock (Arctium lappa), marigold (Calendula officinalis), purple coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea), cleavers (Galium aparine), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), rose hip (Rosa canina), thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and vervain (Verbena officinalis), in no particular order. Of the most used herbs, research with focus on the use for horses was found for purple coneflower, licorice, devil's claw, monk's pepper, rose hip, thyme, and vervain. These studies did not cover the whole range of traditional use for the mentioned herbs, and more studies are needed to be able to claim that these herbs have, or have not, scientific support for use in equine management