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Chitin is an abundant waste product from shrimp and mushroom industries and as such, an appropriate secondary feedstock for biotechnological processes. However, chitin is a crystalline substrate embedded in complex biological matrices, and, therefore, difficult to utilize, requiring an equally complex chitinolytic machinery. Following a bottom-up approach, we here describe the step-wise development of a mutualistic, non-competitive consortium in which a lysine-auxotrophic Escherichia coli substrate converter cleaves the chitin monomer N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) into glucosamine (GlcN) and acetate, but uses only acetate while leaving GlcN for growth of the lysine-secreting Corynebacterium glutamicum producer strain. We first engineered the substrate converter strain for growth on acetate but not GlcN, and the producer strain for growth on GlcN but not acetate. Growth of the two strains in co-culture in the presence of a mixture of GlcN and acetate was stabilized through lysine cross-feeding. Addition of recombinant chitinase to cleave chitin into GlcNAc2, chitin deacetylase to convert GlcNAc2 into GlcN2 and acetate, and glucosaminidase to cleave GlcN2 into GlcN supported growth of the two strains in co-culture in the presence of colloidal chitin as sole carbon source. Substrate converter strains secreting a chitinase or a β-1,4-glucosaminidase degraded chitin to GlcNAc2 or GlcN2 to GlcN, respectively, but required glucose for growth. In contrast, by cleaving GlcNAc into GlcN and acetate, a chitin deacetylase-expressing substrate converter enabled growth of the producer strain in co-culture with GlcNAc as sole carbon source, providing proof-of-principle for a fully integrated co-culture for the biotechnological utilization of chitin.
A comparison study on modeling of clustered and overdispersed count data for multiple comparisons
(2021)
Data collected in various scientific fields are count data. One way to analyze such data is to compare the individual levels of the factor treatment using multiple comparisons. However, the measured individuals are often clustered – e.g. according to litter or rearing. This must be considered when estimating the parameters by a repeated measurement model. In addition, ignoring the overdispersion to which count data is prone leads to an increase of the type one error rate. We carry out simulation studies using several different data settings and compare different multiple contrast tests with parameter estimates from generalized estimation equations and generalized linear mixed models in order to observe coverage and rejection probabilities. We generate overdispersed, clustered count data in small samples as can be observed in many biological settings. We have found that the generalized estimation equations outperform generalized linear mixed models if the variance-sandwich estimator is correctly specified. Furthermore, generalized linear mixed models show problems with the convergence rate under certain data settings, but there are model implementations with lower implications exists. Finally, we use an example of genetic data to demonstrate the application of the multiple contrast test and the problems of ignoring strong overdispersion.
Urban greenspace has gained considerable attention during the last decades because of its relevance to wildlife conservation, human welfare, and climate change adaptation. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation worldwide require the formation of new concepts of ecological restoration and rehabilitation aimed at improving ecosystem functions, services, and biodiversity conservation in cities. Although relict sites of natural and semi-natural ecosystems can be found in urban areas, environmental conditions and species composition of most urban ecosystems are highly modified, inducing the development of novel and hybrid ecosystems. A consequence of this ecological novelty is the lack of (semi-) natural reference systems available for defining restoration targets and assessing restoration success in urban areas. This hampers the implementation of ecological restoration in cities. In consideration of these challenges, we present a new conceptual framework that provides guidance and support for urban ecological restoration and rehabilitation by formulating restoration targets for different levels of ecological novelty (i.e., historic, hybrid, and novel ecosystems). To facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of novel urban ecosystems, we recommend using established species-rich and well-functioning urban ecosystems as reference. Such urban reference systems are likely to be present in many cities. Highlighting their value in comparison to degraded ecosystems can stimulate and guide restoration initiatives. As urban restoration approaches must consider local history and site conditions, as well as citizens’ needs, it may also be advisable to focus the restoration of strongly altered urban ecosystems on selected ecosystem functions, services and/or biodiversity values. Ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation in cities can be either relatively inexpensive or costly, but even expensive measures can pay off when they effectively improve ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation or recreation. Successful re‐shaping and re-thinking of urban greenspace by involving citizens and other stakeholders will help to make our cities more sustainable in the future.
Acute post-operative delirium (POD) and long-term post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are frequent and associated with increased mortality, dependency on care giving and institutionalization rates. The POCD-related cost burden on the German long-term care insurance provides an indication for the savings potential from risk-adapted treatment schemes. Comprehensive estimates have not been assessed or published so far.
A model-based cost-analysis was designed to estimate POCD-related costs in the long-term care insurance. Comprehensive analysis of inpatient operations and procedures (OPS-codes) served as the base for case number calculations, which were then used as input to the actual cost model. POCD-incidence rates were obtained from the BioCog study. Various sensitivity analyses were performed to assess uncertainty of the model results.
Total POCD related annual costs in the German long-term care insurance account for approximately 1.6 billion EUR according to the base case of our analysis. Total annual costs for all POCD cases depend on surgery numbers, incidence rates, other assumptions, and uncertain input parameters.
The financial burden to the long-term care insurance is substantial, even in a conservative scenario of the cost model. Variability of results stems from uncertain assumptions, POCD-incidence rates and from uncertain patient numbers who are undergoing surgery and are therefore at risk to develop POCD.
Currently, the treatment of musicians is an interprofessional approach. Playing-related health complaints may impact the performance of a musician. In Germany, a medical consulting hour for musicians exists, but those for athletes in sports medicine are not so common. The diagnosing and treatment procedure within the physiotherapy consultation for musicians follows a specific concept-b and requires knowledge of instruments and musician-specific complaints. Based on the consulting hour in a clinic in Osnabrueck, 614 case reports were part of this sample, of which 558 data sets were complete. The focus of the analysis is the instrument and the primary complaint. Also, the type of therapy is characterized, and the amount is calculated. Primary complaints of musicians, in general, are found most frequently in the spine and upper extremity. Musician complaints are different between instruments. Instrumentalists have a significantly higher chance to suffer from a primary complaint in the area of the upper extremity. Furthermore, the groups without an instrument (e.g., singing or dancing) are developing complaints in the anatomical area which they primarily use. Therefore, these types of therapy were used: physiotherapy, manual therapy, and osteopathy with an average of 5.9 treatment units. This study underpinned the importance of musician-specific physiotherapy as a profession to treat musicians. Also, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to treat all aspects of complaints.
Transport operations are climate sensitive. Despite this, scientific literature and corporate practice present little evidence on how corporate actors use climate adaptation measures to prepare their transport operations for climate change. This paper explores two research questions: How can the acceptance among corporate decision-makers towards climate adaptation measures for their transport operations be explained? Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Diffusion of Innovations we develop a theoretical framework for dealing with climate adaptation measures for transport operations (step 1). We support the use of this framework through a literature review (1989–2020) (step 2) and semi-structured interviews with German companies that have implemented best practice measures (step 3). The results show that the handling of climate adaptation measures for transport operations can be described in three acceptance phases: acceptance of attitude, action, and use. We conclude that these phases determine the approaches required for promoting climate change adaptation.
The increased consumption of reduced-fat or non-fat products leads to a reduced intake of fat-soluble bioactive substances, such as fat-soluble vitamins. Due to their natural role as transport systems for hydrophobic substances, casein micelles (CM) might depict a viable system. The structure of CM is characterized by a lipophilic core stabilized by an electric double layer-like structure. Modification allows accessibility of the core and, therefore, the inclusion of fat-soluble bioactive substances. Well-known modifications are pH reduction and use of rennet enzyme. A completely new procedure to modify CM structure is offered by pulsed electrical fields (PEF). The principle behind PEF is called electroporation and affects the electric double layer of CM so that it is interrupted. In this way, lipophilic substances can be incorporated into CM. In this work, we evaluated integration of β-carotene into native CM by an industry-compatible process to overcome disadvantages associated with the use of Na-caseinate and avoid great technical effort, e.g., due to treatment with high hydrostatic pressure. Our research has shown that PEF can be used for disintegration of CM and that significant amounts of β-carotene can be incorporated in CM. Furthermore, after disintegration using PEF, a combination of another PEF and thermal treatment was applied to restructure CM and trap significant amounts of β-carotene, permanently, ending up with an encapsulation efficiency of 78%.
Akzeptanz für Algorithmen
(2021)
Chronic illness can have a profound impact on couples’ relationships. In dealing with relational changes, new constructions and forms of relationships may arise. In the context of a larger grounded theory study on relational processes and practices in couples faced with chronic illness, this article focuses on concurrent relationships as an alternative form of relationship construction which embodies an additional relationship existing parallel to that of the couple confronted with chronic illness. Based on qualitative interviews with a subsample of five persons within the larger study, conditions for the development and characteristics of concurrent relationships are presented. From an individual and shared life questioned by chronic illness, concurrent relationships are formed in the attempt to be able to live on together in a new partner relationship and a continued care relationship. This can lead to new constructions of relationships, family life, and social relations in everyday life.
Background:
Contact tracing apps are potentially useful tools for supporting national COVID-19 containment strategies. Various national apps with different technical design features have been commissioned and issued by governments worldwide.
Objective:
Our goal was to develop and propose an item set that was suitable for describing and monitoring nationally issued COVID-19 contact tracing apps. This item set could provide a framework for describing the key technical features of such apps and monitoring their use based on widely available information.
Methods:
We used an open-source intelligence approach (OSINT) to access a multitude of publicly available sources and collect data and information regarding the development and use of contact tracing apps in different countries over several months (from June 2020 to January 2021). The collected documents were then iteratively analyzed via content analysis methods. During this process, an initial set of subject areas were refined into categories for evaluation (ie, coherent topics), which were then examined for individual features. These features were paraphrased as items in the form of questions and applied to information materials from a sample of countries (ie, Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom [England and Wales]). This sample was purposefully selected; our intention was to include the apps of different countries from around the world and to propose a valid item set that can be relatively easily applied by using an OSINT approach.
Results:
Our OSINT approach and subsequent analysis of the collected documents resulted in the definition of the following five main categories and associated subcategories: (1) background information (open-source code, public information, and collaborators); (2) purpose and workflow (secondary data use and warning process design); (3) technical information (protocol, tracing technology, exposure notification system, and interoperability); (4) privacy protection (the entity of trust and anonymity); and (5) availability and use (release date and the number of downloads). Based on this structure, a set of items that constituted the evaluation framework were specified. The application of these items to the 10 selected countries revealed differences, especially with regard to the centralization of the entity of trust and the overall transparency of the apps’ technical makeup.
Conclusions:
We provide a set of criteria for monitoring and evaluating COVID-19 tracing apps that can be easily applied to publicly issued information. The application of these criteria might help governments to identify design features that promote the successful, widespread adoption of COVID-19 tracing apps among target populations and across national boundaries.
Are natural floods accelerators for streambank vegetationdevelopment in floodplain restoration?
(2021)
Riverbanks are very dynamic habitats for riparian vegetation strongly influenced byfluvial and geomorphic processes. This habitat type was severely reduced in the pastby river straightening and bank stabilisation. Restoration and establishment of newfloodplain streams promote this habitat, but a directed succession to later stages wasobserved many times. Our study aimed to analyse whether the often observeddirected succession of the streambank vegetation after restoration implementationcould be reversed by a natural flood along a newly created floodplain stream. Weinvestigated the effects of a natural flood in 2013 and different prerestorationconditions on species development in the riparian zone. Vegetation was studiedalong 12 transects in four different sections from 2011 to 2014. Species composi-tion differed strongly between the sections. Species richness was lowest in a newlydug steep section with high morphological dynamics and highest on wider flatstreambanks. Changes during the years reflecting different hydrological eventsvaried between sections. The high natural flood in 2013 reduced the cover of theherb layer and increased bare ground, which led in most sections to a loss of non-target species. Total target species richness did not change due to the natural flood,while target species showed a high turnover rate. In the following year, however,the flood‐induced development of species composition, in general, was reversed.Natural floods changed abiotic and biotic conditions along the streambank, but theydid not accelerate ecological restoration towards predefined target ecosystems.However, they were necessary to preserve the needed dynamic vegetation changesand species turnover to hinder the succession to later stages dominated by a fewspecies. Our study shows that riparian vegetation near the streambank can bemonitored most effectively in cross‐profile transects, both in the long‐term andevent‐related.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to determine the motor function of the abdominal muscles in singers with and without functional voice disorders and to examine them for possible differences. Additionally, the breathing behaviour and posture control was investigated.
Study Design
Observational study.
Methods:
Female subjects (n = 20) with differing levels of professional competence were used to provide the data for analysis. By using the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI) the grade of dysphonia could be measured, and the subjects were organized in groups. The change of muscle thickness of the M. transversus abdominis (TVA) and the M. obliquus internus abdominis (OIA) during different singing tasks was measured by using ultrasound. The subjects were then asked to perform the Abdominal Hollowing Test (AHT) with the STABILIZER. Finally, the subjects were all filmed while singing. The videos recordings of the singing sessions were analysed by an independent clinical expert regarding breathing and secondary motor activities (SMA). For the statistical analysis, the Mann-Whitney-U Test and the Chi-Square-Test was mainly used.
Results:
The results showed a significantly thinner TVA in the group with dysphonia in comparison to the group without dysphonia. Ultrasound measurements showed significantly higher changes of muscle thickness of the TVA during singing tasks in the group with dysphonia. Regarding the AHT there was a significant difference between the two groups. The group with dysphonia was not able to increase the pressure by 15mmHg. Furthermore, the healthy subjects demonstrated abdominal breathing, while the group with dysphonia present with thoracic breathing. Additionally, it was noted that the subjects with dysphonia showed a higher level of associated movements especially at and/or on the lumbar spine, cervical spine and the left arm and shoulder.
Conclusion:
Differences in TVA-recruitment, breathing behaviour and secondary motor activities while singing were found. This study sparks new ideas for neuromusculoskeletal assessments and therapy.
Key Words
Transversus abdominis, Abdominal muscles, Dysphonia, Ultrasound, Singing voice, Singers
Die Landwirtschaft ist ein Wirtschaftszweig mit massiven Auswirkungen auf die biologische und agrobiodiverse Vielfalt. Nachhaltige Ernährung ist ein entscheidender politischer Hebel und eine realistische Chance, die Umweltauswirkungen des Agrar- und Ernährungssektors zu verringern und gleichzeitig die menschliche Gesundheit zu verbessern. Auswärts essen ist für viele Verbraucher eine immer häufiger anzutreffende Gewohnheit, und indem sie nachhaltige Gerichte anbieten, können Catering-Unternehmen eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Dazu müssen sie die Nachhaltigkeit ihres Lebensmittelangebots verstehen und richtig einschätzen können, aber es gibt noch keine gut etablierten Bewertungsinstrumente. Im Rahmen des NAHGAST-Projekts, zu dem diese Studie gehörte, wurde ein Instrument zur Bewertung der Nachhaltigkeit für Catering-Unternehmen entwickelt und getestet, das auf konkreten, pro Mahlzeit definierten Zielen basiert. Diese Studie befasst sich mit dem Mangel an Methoden zur Bewertung der Auswirkungen von Lebensmitteln auf die biologische Vielfalt, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf der Agrobiodiversität liegt. Die Arbeit veranschaulicht eine kontextspezifische Anwendung eines erweiterten DPSIR-Modells zur Strukturierung von Informationen und Auswahl von Indikatoren und schlägt eine transdisziplinäre Nutzung bestehender Messgrößen vor. Weitere Forschungsarbeiten sind erforderlich, um wissenschaftlich fundierte Zielwerte oder Nachhaltigkeitsspannen für jeden Indikator pro Mahlzeit zu definieren, damit diese berechnet werden können.
Die Stärken und Grenzen der Studie werden diskutiert.
The management of patients experiencing chronic orofacial pain is a great challenge, due to the complexity of chronic pain itself, combined with an increased peripheral sensitization in the craniofacial itself. Therefore, patients with orofacial pain may present a clear distortion of the somatorepresentation after some time. In this review, the authors develop a neurophysiological explanation of orofacial distortion, as well as propose assessment and treatment options, based on scarcely available scientific evidence and their own clinical experience. The assessments of facial somatosensory, cognitive-affective and motor dysfunctions are crucial to establish the most accurate treatment; the assessment tools are described in the article. Two-point discrimination, laterality recognition and emotion recognition are altered in patients with orofacial pain. Other sensorimotor assessment tools, such as motor acuity and auditory acuity, are also explained. Finally, the authors review their treatment proposals, based on the integration of brain training techniques and biobehavioral interventions. Somatosensory reintegration (tactile acuity training), facial emotion recognition, movement representation techniques, orofacial motor training and therapeutic patient education are explained in detail, and this may challenge new directions in rehabilitation and research.
Beratung leistet einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Stärkung und Stabilisierung der häuslichen Pflege. Ein geeignetes Instrument zur Unterstützung einer systematischen Situationsanalyse und zur Erfassung des Beratungsbedarfes kann die Qualität der Beratung verbessern und auf ein einheitliches Niveau heben. Auf Basis einer systematischen Literaturrecherche werden in diesem Beitrag acht Assessmentinstrumente vorgestellt, die für die Beratungsangebote nach SGB XI in Frage kommen. Dabei zeigt sich Entwicklungsbedarf für ein Instrument, welches die Besonderheiten des intrapersonalen Beratungsprozesses berücksichtigt und unabhängig vom gesetzlich definierten Beratungsanlass zum Einsatz kommen kann.
Background
Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) are frequent and serious complications after surgery. We aim to investigate the association between genetic variants in cholinergic candidate genes according to the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes - pathway: cholinergic neurotransmission with the development of POD or POCD in elderly patients.
Methods
This analysis is part of the European BioCog project (www.biocog.eu), a prospective multicenter observational study with elderly surgical patients. Patients with a Mini-Mental-State-Examination score ≤ 23 points were excluded. POD was assessed up to seven days after surgery using the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale, Confusion Assessment Method and a patient chart review. POCD was assessed three months after surgery with a neuropsychological test battery. Genotyping was performed on the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array. Associations with POD and POCD were analyzed using logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, comorbidities and duration of anesthesia (for POCD analysis additionally for education). Odds ratios (OR) refer to minor allele counts (0, 1, 2).
Results
745 patients could be included in the POD analysis, and 452 in the POCD analysis. The rate of POD within this group was 20.8% (155 patients), and the rate of POCD was 10.2% (46 patients). In a candidate gene approach three genetic variants of the cholinergic genes CHRM2 and CHRM4 were associated with POD (OR [95% confidence interval], rs8191992: 0.61[0.46; 0.80]; rs8191992: 1.60[1.22; 2.09]; rs2067482: 1.64[1.10; 2.44]). No associations were found for POCD.
Conclusions
We found an association between genetic variants of CHRM2 and CHRM4 and POD. Further studies are needed to investigate whether disturbances in acetylcholine release and synaptic plasticity are involved in the development of POD.
Aims
Understanding fine-grain diversity patterns across large spatial extents is fundamental for macroecological research and biodiversity conservation. Using the GrassPlot database, we provide benchmarks of fine-grain richness values of Palaearctic open habitats for vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens and complete vegetation (i.e., the sum of the former three groups).
Location
Palaearctic biogeographic realm.
Methods
We used 126,524 plots of eight standard grain sizes from the GrassPlot database: 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1,000 m2 and calculated the mean richness and standard deviations, as well as maximum, minimum, median, and first and third quartiles for each combination of grain size, taxonomic group, biome, region, vegetation type and phytosociological class.
Results
Patterns of plant diversity in vegetation types and biomes differ across grain sizes and taxonomic groups. Overall, secondary (mostly semi-natural) grasslands and natural grasslands are the richest vegetation type. The open-access file ”GrassPlot Diversity Benchmarks” and the web tool “GrassPlot Diversity Explorer” are now available online (https://edgg.org/databases/GrasslandDiversityExplorer) and provide more insights into species richness patterns in the Palaearctic open habitats.
Conclusions
The GrassPlot Diversity Benchmarks provide high-quality data on species richness in open habitat types across the Palaearctic. These benchmark data can be used in vegetation ecology, macroecology, biodiversity conservation and data quality checking. While the amount of data in the underlying GrassPlot database and their spatial coverage are smaller than in other extensive vegetation-plot databases, species recordings in GrassPlot are on average more complete, making it a valuable complementary data source in macroecology.
Das 23. gehölzkundliche Winterseminar der Arbeitsgruppe Junge Dendrologen in der DDG fand im Herzen Deutschlands in der Lutherstadt Wittenberg statt. Wie in den vergangenen Jahren war als Tagungsort eine Jugendherberge gewählt worden. Ursprünglich sollte Quartier in der Jugendherberge in der Bauhaus-Stadt Dessau bezogen werden. Da diese bereits ausgebucht war, wurde nach Wittenberg ausgewichen, was für die Programmgestaltung vorteilhaft war.
Bruxismus ist keine Krankheit, sondern ein Sammelbegriff für Parafunktionen wie Zähnepressen oder Knirschen. Um Begleitsymptome des Bruxismus zu beeinflussen, ist eine Untersuchung des orofazialen und kraniozervikalen Systems sinnvoll. Die gefundenen auffälligen Zeichen leiten die Therapeuten in der muskuloskelettalen Therapie, die aus Hands-on und -off-Techniken besteht.
Conceptualising event value co-destruction and developing a future agenda for events research
(2021)
Purpose
Value co-destruction has received little attention in an event-related context. This appears surprising, given that the interactions among actors at an event may also reduce the value for other participants, stakeholders and that of the entire event or the event's service ecosystem. This paper first aims to conceptualise value co-destruction and to provide an overview of related research in an event context. Second, a future research agenda for value co-destruction processes in an event context is developed.
Design/methodology/approach
Journals of the “Scimago Journal and Country Rank” were systematically reviewed for the keywords “value co-destruction”, “value destruction” and “negative value co-creation”. A second literature review specifically aimed at the events context extended the search scope to non-Scimago journals, Google Scholar and Google Web using the same keywords. All identified articles were qualitatively analysed concerning (1) the conceptualisation of value co-destruction and (2) reasons for value co-destruction.
Findings
The review of previous research highlights a limited scope of analysis, a focus on value co-destruction as an outcome and on interactions at the meso-level. Based on these findings, a holistic definition of value co-destruction is proposed. The paper identifies two major directions for future studies on value co-destruction at events and suggests specific examples.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a more holistic understanding of value co-creation and co-destruction in an event setting. For example, a clearer understanding of the interactions that reduce the overall value of an event may assist to better design valuable events in the future.
Consumer Acceptance and Market Potential of Iodine-Biofortified Fruit and Vegetables in Germany
(2021)
Biofortification of food crops with iodine is a novel approach to preventing iodine deficiency in humans. The present study analyses the consumer target groups and the market potential of iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables in Germany. For this purpose, an online survey of 1016 German fruit and vegetable consumers was conducted to investigate the acceptance of different product categories as well as relevant criteria for the market launch. The results show that io-dine-biofortified fruit and vegetables are particularly attractive to consumers who purchase at farmers’ markets, organic food shops, and farm stores. Out of this group, 39% of consumers rate such iodine-rich foods as very appealing. They attach importance to food that naturally contains iodine and prefer produce from integrated domestic cultivation. With their focus on sustainability and naturalness, this group of consumers clearly differs from typical users of dietary supplements, who are primarily concerned with health benefits. However, overall about 85% of respondents would prefer biofortified fruits and vegetables to supplements to improve their iodine supply. The greatest market potential for iodine-biofortified fruit and vegetables is to be expected in super-markets, as this is the preferred food shopping location for most consumers. A total of 28% of those who buy here rate the biofortified foods presented as very appealing. Nevertheless, a successful market launch requires that the benefits of the new products are communicated according to the potential consumer group needs.
Abstract: Thermal response curves that depict the probability of occurrence along a thermal gradient are used to derive various species’ thermal properties and abilities to cope with warming. However, different thermal responses can be expected for different portions of a species range. We focus on differences in thermal response curves (TRCs) and thermal niche requirements for four freshwater fishes (Coregonus sardinella, Pungitius pungitius, Rutilus rutilus, Salvelinus alpinus) native to Europe at (1) the global and (2) European continental scale. European ranges captured only a portion of the global thermal range with major differences in the minimum (Tmin), maximum (Tmax) and average temperature (Tav) of the respective distributions. Further investigations of the model-derived preferred temperature (Tpref), warming tolerance (WT = Tmax − Tpref), safety margin (SM = Tpref − Tav) and the future climatic impact showed substantially differing results. All considered thermal properties either were under- or overestimated at the European level. Our results highlight that, although continental analyses have an impressive spatial extent, they might deliver misleading estimates of species thermal niches and future climate change impacts, if they do not cover the full species ranges. Studies and management actions should therefore favor whole global range distribution data for analyzing species responses to environmental gradients.
Thermal response curves that depict the probability of occurrence along a thermal gradient are used to derive various species’ thermal properties and abilities to cope with warming. However, different thermal responses can be expected for different portions of a species range. We focus on differences in thermal response curves (TRCs) and thermal niche requirements for four freshwater fishes (Coregonus sardinella, Pungitius pungitius, Rutilus rutilus, Salvelinus alpinus) native to Europe at (1) the global and (2) European continental scale. European ranges captured only a portion of the global thermal range with major differences in the minimum (Tmin), maximum (Tmax) and average temperature (Tav) of the respective distributions. Further investigations of the model-derived preferred temperature (Tpref), warming tolerance (WT = Tmax − Tpref), safety margin (SM = Tpref − Tav) and the future climatic impact showed substantially differing results. All considered thermal properties either were under- or overestimated at the European level. Our results highlight that, although continental analyses have an impressive spatial extent, they might deliver misleading estimates of species thermal niches and future climate change impacts, if they do not cover the full species ranges. Studies and management actions should therefore favor whole global range distribution data for analyzing species responses to environmental gradients.
Background: In longitudinal studies, observations are made over time. Hence, the single observations at each time point are dependent, making them a repeated measurement. In this work, we explore a different, counterintuitive setting: At each developmental time point, a lethal observation is performed on the pregnant or nursing mother. Therefore, the single time points are independent. Furthermore, the observation in the offspring at each time point is correlated with each other because each litter consists of several (genetically linked) littermates. In addition, the observed time series is short from a statistical perspective as animal ethics prevent killing more mother mice than absolutely necessary, and murine development is short anyway. We solve these challenges by using multiple contrast tests and visualizing the change point by the use of confidence intervals.
Results: We used linear mixed models to model the variability of the mother. The estimates from the linear mixed model are then used in multiple contrast tests.There are a variety of contrasts and intuitively, we would use the Changepoint method. However, it does not deliver satisfying results. Interestingly, we found two other contrasts, both capable of answering different research questions in change point detection: i) Should a single point with change direction be found, or ii) Should the overall progression be determined? The Sequen contrast answers the first, the McDermott the second. Confidence intervals deliver effect estimates for the strength of the potential change point. Therefore, the scientist can define a biologically relevant limit of change depending on the research question.
Conclusion: We present a solution with effect estimates for short independent time series with observations nested at a given time point. Multiple contrast tests produce confidence intervals, which allow determining the position of change points or to visualize the expression course over time. We suggest to use McDermott’s method to determine if there is an overall significant change within the time frame, while Sequen is better in determining specific change points. In addition, we offer a short formula for the estimation of the maximal length of the time series.
BACKGROUND: The Craniofacial Pain and Disability Inventory (CF-PDI) is a cross-culturally adapted instrument designed from a biopsychosocial perspective to measure pain, disability, and function in orofacial head and neck pain with shown psychometric properties; however, the German cross-cultural adaption is lacking.
OBJECTIVES: To carry out a transcultural translation of CF-PDI into German and assess its psychometric properties in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) with respect to construct and clinical validity, internal consistency and reproducibility.
STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional design.
SETTING: Patients (n = 398) were recruited from dental and physical therapy clinics in middle and south Germany.
METHODS: Structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). We investigated know-group validity by means of the scale’s potential to discriminate between affected and unaffected subjects. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate convergent validity. We tested test-retest reliability by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Internal consistency by Cronbach’s alpha, or each dimension separately, and the total score. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate convergent validity.
RESULTS: Two hundred forty-six heterogeneous chronic craniofacial pain patients and 152 patients without complaints were recruited from the middle and south of Germany. The German version CF-PDI-G presents 21 items, 4 factors, and adequate psychometric properties. The test-retest reliability and internal consistency of the CF-PDI-G were both excellent for the entire instrument and also for all sub-scales (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] > 0.90) except for the comorbidities and interference with work which was acceptable (ICC = 0.69). Standard error of the measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change values are sufficiently low. Assessment of clinical validity shows good potential of discrimination and classification into categories “no,” “mild,” “moderate,” and “severe.” The multiple linear regression model showed a strong association between neck disability index, Visual Analog Scale, and anamnestic questionnaire (supporting the scale’s convergent validity).
LIMITATIONS: Our sample has a higher prevalence of women and the sample was not recruited consecutively, which may lead to a biased estimation of psychometric properties.
CONCLUSIONS: The CF-PDI-G represents valid and reliable instrument to assess pain and disability in patients with orofacial pain and headache suitable for research and clinical practice.
In diesem Beitrag setzten sich Vertreterinnen und Vertreter der Hamburger Schule der Demokratiebildung ausführlich mit dem 16. Kinder- und Jugendbericht auseinander. Ihre Beiträge zur Demokratiebildung waren in dem Bericht der Expertenkommission vielfach zitiert, aber nicht systematisch entfaltet worden. Rolf Ahlrichs, Stephan Maykus, Elisabeth Richter, Helmut Richter, Wibke Riekmann und Benedikt Sturzenhecker greifen die Denkanstöße aus dem 16. Kinder- und Jugendbericht auf, um das Konzept der Demokratiebildung in der Kinder- und Jugendarbeit aus der Perspektive eines demokratischen Partizipations- und kommunalen Raumbegriffs schärfer zu konturieren. Nach Vorklärungen zu den Begriffen Demokratie und Demokratiebildung definieren sie einen Raumbegriff, der Mitgliedschaft einschließt, hauptsächlich in der Kommune verortet und an Institutionen gebunden ist. Nach diesen theoretischen Vorklärungen wenden sich die Autorinnen und Autoren der Demokratiebildung in der Offenen Kinder- und Jugendarbeit zu. Sie attestieren dem 16. Kinder- und Jugendbericht, dass er ein Recht von Kindern und Jugendlichen auf Politische Bildung als Demokratiebildung feststellt, dass er aber nicht klärt, wie sie diese Regelungen der Lebensführung in sozialpädagogischen Einrichtungen demokratisch mitbestimmen können. Das Autor/inn/enteam argumentiert, Demokratiebildung gelinge erst dann, wenn Kinder und Jugendliche das Recht hätten, die Regeln der gemeinsamen Lebensführung mitzugestalten. Ihr Vorschlag ist, Macht und Einfluss von Kindern und Jugendlichen einerseits und von Mitarbeitenden andererseits in den Einrichtungen der Offenen Kinder- und Jugendarbeit nach dem Vereinsrecht aufzuteilen und Jugendarbeit so demokratisch zu gestalten. Allerdings fehle dazu bisher eine geklärte Mitgliedschaft und damit die gegenseitige Verbindlichkeit einer Entscheidungsgemeinschaft, stellt das Team fest. Das führe dazu, dass Einrichtungen der Offenen Kinder- und Jugendarbeit bisher oft paternalistisch strukturierte Konsumfamilien seien, in denen Jugendliche auf Entscheidungsmacht weitgehend verzichteten. So könne Demokratiebildung nicht als selbsttätige Aneignung von Demokratie praktisch umgesetzt werden. Im 16. Kinder- und Jugendbericht bleibe Demokratiebildung in der Offenen Kinder- und Jugendarbeit eine pädagogisch arrangierte Scheindemokratie. Das Team äußert sich ebenfalls zur verbandlichen Jugendarbeit bzw. Schule und ihrer Rolle in der Demokratie und zeigt auf, dass der Bericht demokratiebildende Potenziale auch hier nicht hinreichend benennt.
Der folgende Beitrag setzt sich mit dem Konzept parasozialer Meinungsführerschaft auseinander und nimmt die Corona-Pandemie als Anlass, sich dem Konzept sowie den Auswirkungen parasozialer Meinungsführerschaft auf Einstellungen und Handeln anzunähern. Im Jahr 2020 waren unterschiedliche Personen in den Medien
präsent, die sich zu der Situation der Corona-Pandemie in Deutschland geäußert haben. Aufgrund der theoretischen Grundlagen nach Leißner et al. (2014) werden die Vermutungen aufgestellt, dass einige dieser Medienpersonen als parasoziale Meinungsführer bezüglich der Pandemie fungierten und in unterschiedlicher Stärke Einstellungen und Handeln beeinflussen konnten. Der Grad der Einflussnahme hängt vermutlich sowohl mit den Eigenschaften der Meinungsführer selbst als auch mit den Merkmalen ihrer Rezipienten zusammen. Im Rahmen der Bachelorarbeit wurde eine quantitative, vollstandardisierte Befragung durchgeführt und parasoziale Meinungsführer zum Thema ‚Corona-Pandemie´ konnten identifiziert werden. Diese stammen aus unterschiedlichen gesellschaftlichen Bereichen. Die parasozialen Meinungsführer können bezüglich des thematischen Schwerpunkts der Pandemie unterschiedlich intensiven Einfluss auf die Probanden dieser Untersuchung nehmen. Außerdem gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen der Stärke der Einflussnahme durch die Meinungsführer und dem Alter ihrer Rezipienten.
Die Direktvermarktung von landwirtschaftlichen Erzeugnissen spielt in Niedersachsen eine bedeutende Rolle zur Einkommensaufwertung der landwirtschaftlichen Betriebe. Das Internet ist dabei mittlerweile ein entscheidendes Medium zur Kundenansprache. Diese Studie hat daher die Zielstellung, die Bildkommunikation der landwirtschaftlichen Direktvermarkter in Niedersachsen im Rahmen der klassischen Homepage zu untersuchen. Entsprechendes Bildmaterial der Erstansicht der Homepages von Direktvermarktungsbetrieben wurde dafür einer qualitativen und quantitativen Analyse unterzogen. 258 Homepages von niedersächsischen Direktvermarktern wurden in die Auswertung einbezogen. Die Auswertung zeigt: Mehr als jeder zweite niedersächsische Direktvermarkter stellt Gebäude auf der Erstansicht seiner Webseite dar. Es handelt sich hierbei überwiegend um historisch aussehende Gebäude. Weiterhin konnte ermittelt werden, dass neben Gebäuden auch Personen, Tiere, Obst, Gemüse, Pflanzen, Produkte sowie Landschaften auf den Erstansichten der Webseiten dargestellt werden.
Äpfel besitzen mehrere Allergene, die beim Essen innerhalb von 5–10 min zu Symptomen im Mundbereich führen – und deshalb von Apfelallergikern nicht gegessen werden können. In Deutschland haben rund 7,5 Mio. Menschen spezifische Antikörper gegen das Hauptallergen (Mal d 1) in Äpfeln entwickelt und sind damit sensibilisiert. Mindestens 3,5 Mio. von ihnen entwickeln die teilweise erheblichen allergischen Symptome als Ausdruck eines Oralen Allergie-Syndroms. Es gibt bisher keine medikamentöse Therapie gegen diese Allergie.
Apfelallergiker können daher nur auf Äpfel ganz verzichten, oder vorher erhitzte Äpfel essen oder Sorten suchen, die wenig Allergene enthalten und deshalb als allergikerfreundliche Apfelsorten bezeichnet werden können.
Alleinige Bestimmungen von Allergenen im Labor können nicht voraussagen, ob ein Apfel ohne allergische Symptome von Apfelallergikern gegessen werden kann; dazu bedarf es klinischer Prüfungen.
Wir beschreiben eine standardisierte klinische, orale Provokationstestung, die zur Charakterisierung eines allergenarmen, allergikerfreundlichen Apfels bzw. Apfelsorte benutzt werden kann.. Die Ergebnisse solcher mindestens dreijährigen Tests können zur Verleihung des ECARF-Siegels für allergikerfreundliche Produkte genutzt werden.
Extending assessments of climate change-induced range shifts via correlative species distribution models by including species traits is crucial for conservation planning. However, comprehensive assessments of future distribution scenarios incorporating responses of biotic factors are poorly investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to extend the understanding about the combined usage of species traits data and species distribution models for different life stages and distribution scenarios. We combine global model predictions for the 2050s and thermal performances of Salmo trutta and Salmo salar under consideration of different life stages (adults, juveniles, eggs), timeframes (monthly, seasonally, yearly), and dispersal scenarios (no dispersal, free dispersal, restricted dispersal). We demonstrate that thermal performances of different life stages will either increase or decrease for certain time periods. Model predictions and thermal performances imply range declines and poleward shifts. Dispersal to suitable habitats will be an important factor mitigating warming effects; however, dams may block paths to areas linked to high performances. Our results emphasize enhanced inclusion of critical periods for species and proper dispersal solutions in conservation planning.
Introduction
Observations show that foam rolling improves joint movements. Likewise, it can be stated that a vibration stimulation of the tissue leads to improved joint mobility.
Method
This study investigates whether the combination of foam rolling and vibrations (31 Hz) can influence the sliding of the thoracolumbar fascia more effectively than normal foam rolling. 45 subjects participated in the study and were divided into a foam roll with additional vibration group (FRV), a foam roll group (FR) and a control group (CG). The intervention groups rolled out the gluteal muscles, the lateral trunk and the upper and lower back. Mobility measures were taken pre and post the respective intervention. Subsequent cross correlation software analysis quantified the sliding of the fascia and calculated its shear strain mobility (SSM).
Results
The sliding of the thoracolumbar fascia improved significantly within the FRV by 2.83 mm (SD ± 1.08/p < .001), in the FR by 0.96 mm (SD ± 0.43/p < .001) and in the CG decreased the sliding by 0.1401 mm (SD ± 0.28/p = .076). The fascia/fascia SSM increased in the FRV by 22.61% (SD ± 15.64/p < .001), in the FR by 11.41% (SD ± 20.38/p = .056) and in the CG decreased the SSM by 0.9473% (SD ± 11.35/p < .751). The lumbar movement increased in both intervention groups, but showed no significant result.
Conclusion
The use of a foam roll with additional vibration and standard intervention have increased thoracolumbar fascia sliding and lumbar movements. The improved shear strain mobility can be attributed to the multi-activity of mechanoreceptors, such as Pacini- and Ruffini-Bodies.
Objectives: This study aimed at the construction of what the core of eHealth policy making is, offering new perspectives about high priority procedures along the policy making process
Methods: Following Grounded Theory methodology, 59 qualitative telephone interviews with a broad variety of stakeholders from Austria, Switzerland and Germany were conducted
Results: The findings hinted at five priorities of eHealth policy making: strategy, consensus-building, decision-making, implementation and evaluation that emerged from the stakeholders’ perception of the eHealth policy. Hereby strategy, consensus-building and implementation gained the highest attention
Conclusions: These findings suggest three high priorities in eHealth policy: 1) developing and pursuing a consistent eHealth strategy, 2) investing time and resources into consensus-building to clear up difficulties early on in the process, 3) governing implementation towards serving patient care through systems fit for practice.
Public Interest Summary: Digitalisation is playing an increasingly crucial role in providing high quality health care. However, different countries have pursued different political paths. In this study, we wanted to know how the stakeholders perceived the political process in their country to identify strengths and weaknesses. We, therefore, conducted interviews about digital health policy with experts from Austria, Switzerland and Germany covering the full spectrum of stakeholders. The findings suggest three political musts: 1) a convincing and coherent strategy followed throughout the entire process, 2) consensus- building among the stakeholders, 3) using “fit for practice” as the yardstick to measure political success.
PR- und Kommunikationsagenturen gelten als Frauendomäne, mit einer Ausnahme. In den obersten Führungsebenen sind immer noch wenige weibliche Führungskräfte vertreten. Der vorliegende Beitrag nimmt Frauen in Führungspositionen in deutschen Agenturen in den Blick. Die Forschungsfragen beziehen sich auf Faktoren, die Frauen auf einem vertikalen Karriereweg unterstützen, die Bedeutung des Faktors Geschlecht und die Führungsstile von Frauen in PR- und Kommunikationsagenturen.
Diese Thematiken finden derzeit im Forschungsbereich PR wenig Beachtung – anders als in anderen Bereichen. Um die Fragen zu beantworten, wurden im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit sieben leitfadengestützte Interviews mit Frauen im Management von großen PR- und Kommunikationsagenturen in Deutschland geführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass flexible, offene Organisationskulturen und unterstützende Mentor*innen insbesondere für Frauen mit Kindern für eine vertikale Karriere förderlich sind. Ein Herausstellen der wenigen Führungsfrauen in der Branche wird als nicht zielführend bewertet, um mehr Frauen für das Topmanagement zu gewinnen. Bezüglich des Führungsstils präferieren die Befragten einen Stil mit kooperativen und kollaborativen Elementen.
Im Rahmen eines Online-Experiments wird erstmals der Frage nachgegangen, welchen Einfluss die Selbstdarstellung im Anschreiben auf die Bewertung der Bewerber/innen nimmt. Verglichen werden zwei Varianten der Selbstdarstellung (einfach vs. differenziert) mit einer Kontrollgruppe ohne Anschreiben. Im Ergebnis zeigte sich, dass eine differenzierte Selbstdarstellung zu einer signifikant positiveren Bewertung führt. Bewerber/innen werden als leistungsstärker, sozial kompetenter und als geeigneter für die ausgeschriebene Stelle erlebt. Zudem werden sie mit größerer Wahrscheinlichkeit zum Einstellungsinterview eingeladen und es wird eine größere Erfolgswahrscheinlichkeit im gesamten Auswahlverfahren prognostiziert. Eine einfache Selbstdarstellung führt hingegen zu einer negativeren Bewertung als ein komplett fehlendes Anschreiben. Angesichts der bestenfalls fragwürdigen Validität des Anschreibens werden die Befunde als unerwünschte Urteilsverzerrung interpretiert. Die Erfahrung der Entscheidungsträger/innen nimmt keinen Einfluss auf das Ausmaß des Urteilsverzerrung.
In einem Online-Experiment wird untersucht, wie sich Arbeitgeberbewertungen im Internet auf die Wahrnehmung eines Arbeitgebers durch 219 potentielle Bewerberinnen und Bewerber auswirken. Verglichen werden drei Untersuchungsgruppen: 1. Selbstdarstellung eines Arbeitgebers auf der eigenen Website 2. Selbstdarstellung des Arbeitgebers zuzüglich positiver Bewertung des Arbeitgebers in einem Internetportal 3. Selbstdarstellung zuzüglich negativer Bewertung des Arbeitgebers im Internetportal. Als abhängige Variablen dienen Einschätzungen des Arbeitgeberi-mages, der wahrgenommenen Arbeitgeberattraktivität sowie der eigenen Beschäftigungsintention. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass die negative Bewertung des Arbeitgebers im Internetportal auf allen abhängigen Variablen zu signifikant geringeren Werten führt, während die positive Bewertung keinen Unterschied zur Kontrollbedingung bewirkt. Zudem geht die wahrgenommene Glaubwürdigkeit der Arbeitgeberwebsite mit positiveren Ergebnissen auf allen abhängigen Variablen einher. Für die Praxis bedeutet dies, dass es Arbeitgebern wahrscheinlich wenig nützt, wenn sie sich gefälschte positive Bewertungen auf entsprechenden Portalen „kaufen“ bzw. diese selbst dort platzieren.
Am 16.12.2020 hat das Bundeskabinett den Entwurf eines Gesetzes zur Stärkung der Finanzmarktintegrität beschlossen. Dies ist eine Reaktion auf den Bilanzskandal beim ehemaligen DAX-Konzern Wirecard. Mit dem Gesetzentwurf werden eine Reduzierung von Schwachstellen bei der Kontrolle von Bilanzen, eine Stärkung der Unabhängigkeit der Abschlussprüfer sowie eine Verbesserung von internen Kontrollen in Unternehmen angestrebt. So sollen der Finanzplatz Deutschland an Integrität sowie Attraktivität gewinnen und verlorenes Vertrauen wieder aufgebaut werden. Der nachfolgende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Entstehung und ausgewählten Inhalten des Gesetzentwurfs und gibt anschließend einen Überblick über die aktuelle Diskussion der Reformpläne in der Literatur.
Background
In mucosal barrier interfaces, flexible responses of gene expression to long-term environmental changes allow adaptation and fine-tuning for the balance of host defense and uncontrolled not-resolving inflammation. Epigenetic modifications of the chromatin confer plasticity to the genetic information and give insight into how tissues use the genetic information to adapt to environmental factors. The oral mucosa is particularly exposed to environmental stressors such as a variable microbiota. Likewise, persistent oral inflammation is the most important intrinsic risk factor for the oral inflammatory disease periodontitis and has strong potential to alter DNA-methylation patterns. The aim of the current study was to identify epigenetic changes of the oral masticatory mucosa in response to long-term inflammation that resulted in periodontitis.
Methods and results
Genome-wide CpG methylation of both inflamed and clinically uninflamed solid gingival tissue biopsies of 60 periodontitis cases was analyzed using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. We validated and performed cell-type deconvolution for infiltrated immune cells using the EpiDish algorithm. Effect sizes of DMPs in gingival epithelial and fibroblast cells were estimated and adjusted for confounding factors using our recently developed “intercept-method”. In the current EWAS, we identified various genes that showed significantly different methylation between periodontitis-inflamed and uninflamed oral mucosa in periodontitis patients. The strongest differences were observed for genes with roles in wound healing (ROBO2, PTP4A3), cell adhesion (LPXN) and innate immune response (CCL26, DNAJC1, BPI). Enrichment analyses implied a role of epigenetic changes for vesicle trafficking gene sets.
Conclusions
Our results imply specific adaptations of the oral mucosa to a persistent inflammatory environment that involve wound repair, barrier integrity, and innate immune defense.
Hintergrund
Das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) initiierte 2016 die Open-Access-Initiative. Open Access bedeutet, Wissen online kostenlos freizugänglich zu machen. Dieser Anspruch setzt eine Digitalisierung voraus, die hochschulübergreifend professionelles Wissen öffentlich macht. Dazu passt die Etablierung einer entsprechenden Online-Datenbank.
Ziel
Mithilfe einer Online-Befragung die Erwartungen potentieller Nutzer an eine Volltextdatenbank zu untersuchen. Mittels eines Fragebogens sollen Nutzerverhalten, Bedürfnisse, Notwendigkeiten erforscht sowie Ideen, Anregungen, persönliche Einschätzungen und mögliche Vor- und Nachteile erfasst werden.
Methode
Durchführung einer Online-Befragung mit 20 Fragen, welche in vier Abschnitte eingeteilt wurden. Geschlossene Fragen wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet, offene Fragen wurden mit der Kernsatzmethode nach Leithäuser und Volmerg (1988) ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse
Insgesamt 84,87 % der 337 Befragten zeigten Interesse an einer Volltextdatenbank für Abschlussarbeiten aus den Therapiewissenschaften. Wünsche der Befragten konnten in den Anforderungskatalog für die zu entwickelnde Volltextdatenbank aufgenommen werden. 67,95 % der Befragten würden sich ein Profil in einer Volltextdatenbank anlegen. Die Vorstellung, eine Abschlussarbeit in einem Videoporträt anzulegen, wurde hingegen von 36,50 % als nicht nützlich bewertet.
Schlussfolgerung
Anhand der Online-Befragung konnten die Rechercheaktivität und die Wünsche an eine Volltextdatenbank abgefragt werden. Die Nutzerakzeptanz kann erst zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt hinreichend bewertet werden, mithilfe einer Evaluationsstudie.
Background
In DNA methylation analyses like epigenome-wide association studies, effects in differentially methylated CpG sites are assessed. Two kinds of outcomes can be used for statistical analysis: Beta-values and M-values. M-values follow a normal distribution and help to detect differentially methylated CpG sites. As biological effect measures, differences of M-values are more or less meaningless. Beta-values are of more interest since they can be interpreted directly as differences in percentage of DNA methylation at a given CpG site, but they have poor statistical properties. Different frameworks are proposed for reporting estimands in DNA methylation analysis, relying on Beta-values, M-values, or both.
Results
We present and discuss four possible approaches of achieving estimands in DNA methylation analysis. In addition, we present the usage of M-values or Beta-values in the context of bioinformatical pipelines, which often demand a predefined outcome. We show the dependencies between the differences in M-values to differences in Beta-values in two data simulations: a analysis with and without confounder effect. Without present confounder effects, M-values can be used for the statistical analysis and Beta-values statistics for the reporting. If confounder effects exist, we demonstrate the deviations and correct the effects by the intercept method. Finally, we demonstrate the theoretical problem on two large human genome-wide DNA methylation datasets to verify the results.
Conclusions
The usage of M-values in the analysis of DNA methylation data will produce effect estimates, which cannot be biologically interpreted. The parallel usage of Beta-value statistics ignores possible confounder effects and can therefore not be recommended. Hence, if the differences in Beta-values are the focus of the study, the intercept method is recommendable. Hyper- or hypomethylated CpG sites must then be carefully evaluated. If an exploratory analysis of possible CpG sites is the aim of the study, M-values can be used for inference.
1. Flower strips are a fundamental part of agri-environment schemes (AESs) introduced by the European Union to counteract the loss of biodiversity and related ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Although vegetation composition of the strips is essential for most fauna groups, comprehensive studies analysing vegetation development and influencing factors are rare.
2. From 2017 to 2019, we investigated the vegetation composition of 40 perennial wildflower strips (WFSs) implemented in 2015 or 2016, and 20 cereal fields without WFS across Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. We analysed environmental factors on plot (cover of grasses, shading, soil fertility) and four landscape-scale levels (habitat diversity, proportion of WFS and open habitats). The provision of nectar and pollen resources was estimated by the newly developed Pollinator Feeding Index (PFI). All strips had been implemented by farmers as AES with species- rich seed mixtures comprising 30 native forbs.
3. In all study years, forb species richness, cover and related nectar and pollen supply were much higher on WFSs than on controls, confirming the effectiveness of this AES. Although sown native forbs contributed the most to the high PFI values, spontaneously established forbs expanded the total range of species considerably, especially in winter and spring. While sown forb communities remained similar over time, spontaneous forbs showed a higher species turnover. Altogether, shading and grass cover had the greatest negative effect on the performance of the sown forbs. Landscape variables had only minor effects and were inconsistent in their importance across scale levels and years.
4. Synthesis and applications. Successfully established perennial wildflower strips (WFSs) sown with species-rich native seed mixtures provided a forb-rich and diverse vegetation throughout the AES funding period of 5 years. By supplying feeding resources for pollinators under various landscape situations, WFSs have significant potential to promote farmland biodiversity and related ecosyste services. We recommend the mandatory use of species-rich wildflower mixtures for perennial flower strips and to avoid their creation in heavily shaded field edges. Advisory services for farmers are necessary to prevent failures in WFS implementation and management and to improve their ecological effectiveness.
Hintergrund
Präventive Maßnahmen werden im Rahmen der Gesundheitsförderung immer bedeutsamer. Die regelmäßige Bewegung führt u. a. zu einer Stärkung des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems sowie zur Reduktion von muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden. Angestellte von Hochschulen sowie Studierende leiden häufig unter muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden.
Ziel
Ziel der Kundenbefragung ist es, die Zufriedenheit mit dem hochschulinternen Fitnessstudio INMOVE abzufragen, das rein physiotherapeutisch konzipiert ist. Mithilfe des Fragebogens sollen v. a. die Bereiche der Zufriedenheit, der physiotherapeutischen Betreuung sowie die subjektive Lebensqualität beurteilt werden.
Methode
Es wurde eine Kundenbefragung mit 26 Fragen, welche in vier Abschnitte eingeteilt sind, durchgeführt. Die geschlossenen Fragen wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet und die acht offenen Fragen wurden mit der Kernsatzmethode nach Leithäuser und Volmerg (1988) ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse
An der Befragung nahmen insgesamt 70 Trainierende (weiblich: 22/31,2 %, männlich: 48/68,8 %) teil. Anhand der Ergebnisse zeigt sich, dass die Teilnehmenden die Frage „Inwieweit sind die Kunden des hier genannten INMOVE mit dem Fitnessstudio zufrieden?“ mit „ziemlich zutreffend“ und „zutreffend“ beantworteten. Die zweite Forschungsfrage „Ist die physiotherapeutische Betreuung adäquat für das Fitnessstudio?“ kann mit „ziemlich zutreffend“ beantwortet werden. Die dritte Forschungsfrage bezog sich auf die Verbesserung der subjektiven Lebensqualität. Die Antwortenverteilung spiegelt, dass die Teilnehmenden diesen Themenbereich mit überwiegend „trifft genau zu“ oder „trifft ziemlich zu“ beantworteten.
Schlussfolgerung
Anhand der Kundenbefragung konnte die Zufriedenheit sowie die Auswirkungen auf die subjektive Lebensqualität beurteilt werden. Es lässt sich aus den Ergebnissen ableiten, dass ein hochschulinternes Fitnessstudio dabei helfen kann, Alltagsstress abzubauen und somit präventiv bei muskuloskelettalen Beschwerden nützlich ist.
Background:
Chronic health conditions are on the rise and are putting high economic pressure on health systems, as they require well-coordinated prevention and treatment. Among chronic conditions, chronic wounds such as cardiovascular leg ulcers have a high prevalence. Their treatment is highly interdisciplinary and regularly spans multiple care settings and organizations; this places particularly high demands on interoperable information exchange that can be achieved using international semantic standards, such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT).
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the expressiveness of SNOMED CT in the domain of wound care, and thereby its clinical usefulness and the potential need for extensions.
Methods:
A clinically consented and profession-independent wound care item set, the German National Consensus for the Documentation of Leg Wounds (NKDUC), was mapped onto the precoordinated concepts of the international reference terminology SNOMED CT. Before the mapping took place, the NKDUC was transformed into an information model that served to systematically identify relevant items. The mapping process was carried out in accordance with the ISO/TR 12300 formalism. As a result, the reliability, equivalence, and coverage rate were determined for all NKDUC items and sections.
Results:
The developed information model revealed 268 items to be mapped. Conducted by 3 health care professionals, the mapping resulted in moderate reliability (κ=0.512). Regarding the two best equivalence categories (symmetrical equivalence of meaning), the coverage rate of SNOMED CT was 67.2% (180/268) overall and 64.3% (108/168) specifically for wounds. The sections general medical condition (55/66, 83%), wound assessment (18/24, 75%), and wound status (37/57, 65%), showed higher coverage rates compared with the sections therapy (45/73, 62%), wound diagnostics (8/14, 57%), and patient demographics (17/34, 50%).
Conclusions:
The results yielded acceptable reliability values for the mapping procedure. The overall coverage rate shows that two-thirds of the items could be mapped symmetrically, which is a substantial portion of the source item set. Some wound care sections, such as general medical conditions and wound assessment, were covered better than other sections (wound status, diagnostics, and therapy). These deficiencies can be mitigated either by postcoordination or by the inclusion of new concepts in SNOMED CT. This study contributes to pushing interoperability in the domain of wound care, thereby responding to the high demand for information exchange in this field. Overall, this study adds another puzzle piece to the general knowledge about SNOMED CT in terms of its clinical usefulness and its need for further extensions.
Duckweed is a promising resource for future feed and food production as well as wastewater treatment. However, diseases and pests can critically limit the performance of the production systems. Patches of discolored and bleached duckweed (Lemna minor L.) appeared in hydroponic systems and spread rapidly through the crop. Pythium myriotylum was confirmed as the causing pathogen by microbiological and molecular biological analysis. This is the first report of P. myriotylum on duckweed in Germany. The result and possible countermeasures are discussed.
Logistikunternehmen haben es bei der Suche nach neuen Standorten zunehmend schwerer, da geeignete Standorte immer knapper werden und ihnen wachsende Widerstände entgegenstehen: Umweltverbände und Anwohner*innen kritisieren Luftverschmutzung, Flächenverbrauch, Beeinträchtigungen des Landschaftsbilds und Zunahme des Verkehrslärms; die Lokalpolitik bevorzugt häufig Unternehmen mit höheren Gewerbesteueraufkommen und mehr (hochqualifizierten) Arbeitsplätzen. Der Druck auf die Logistikbranche, nachhaltigere Konzepte der Flächennutzung zu entwickeln und umzusetzen steigt. Zielsetzung des Artikels ist es, Ansätze aufzuzeigen, wie die Flächennutzung in der Logistik optimiert werden kann. Ein wichtiges Lösungsfeld ist auf Basis des Logistikmodells von Pfohl (2010) vor allem in den Bereichen der Flächenplanung zu verorten. Als Grundlage des Artikels wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen Möglichkeiten auf, wie Unternehmen und Kommunen durch eine frühzeitige Planung zur Optimierung von Flächennutzung für logistische Prozesse beitragen können. Die sorgfältige Planung eines Lagers und die damit einhergehende Nutzung von effizienten Lagersystemen, verringern die benötigte Fläche und sorgen für verbesserte Prozesse im Bereich der Lager- und Umschlagslogistik. Auch lassen sich ggf. neue Lagerflächen vermeiden, wenn die bereits genutzten Flächen optimiert werden.
Flüssigfutter bei Milchkühen
(2021)
Hintergrund: Die Gesundheitskompetenz (GK) gilt als bedeutender Prädiktor für die Gesundheit. In der deutschen Bevölkerung ist sie nur unzureichend ausgeprägt. Die vorliegende Untersuchung geht der Frage nach, welchen Beitrag die Gesundheitsprofessionen zur Förderung der GK leisten können.
Ziel: In dieser Arbeit werden das Verständnis der Gesundheitsprofessionen von GK sowie fördernde und hemmende Faktoren bei ihrer Vermittlung untersucht.
Methode: Die Untersuchung wurde als qualitative Studie im Design der Grounded Theory durchgeführt. Es wurden 16 halbstrukturierte, leitfadengestützte Interviews geführt.
Ergebnis: Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen das Verständnis der Gesundheitsprofessionen von GK als Empowerment zu mehr Gesundheit. Dies soll mit einem Wechsel zur holistischen Perspektive auf die Menschen und der Verortung der Verantwortung für die Stärkung von GK in Politik und Gesellschaft gelingen. Voraussetzung dafür ist die vermehrte Aufmerksamkeit des Themas in Theorie und Praxis.
Schlussfolgerung: Aus den Ergebnissen dieser Untersuchung lassen sich Unterstützungsmaßnahmen für die Gesundheitsprofessionen bei ihrer Aufgabe, GK zu vermitteln, ableiten. Für ihre Mitarbeit muss intensiv geworben werden, zudem sind insbesondere politische Maßnahmen bedeutend, die auf ein höheres gesellschaftliches Engagement hinwirken.
Führung und Controlling : Ansatzpunkte zur Gestaltung der Beziehung von Manager und Controller
(2021)
Die Wirkkraft des Controllings setzt eine stabile, partnerschaftliche Zusammenarbeit von Manager und Controller voraus, die jedoch in der Praxis häufig nicht anzutreffen ist. Vielmehr ist die Arbeitsbeziehung durch unterschiedliche Positionen zum Führungsverständnis (Führung braucht Freiräume vs. Führung muss systematisiert und quantifiziert werden) und durch unterschiedliche Erwartungen an die Aufgabenerfüllung (Rollenbild des Controllers und des Managers) gekennzeichnet. Die unterschiedlichen Standpunkte und die daraus resultierenden dysfunktionalen Verhaltensweisen (z.B. Slack, Manipulation, Ressortegoismus) bzgl. des Controllings (z.B. keine Nachfrage nach oder Zurückhaltung von Informationen, Widerstand) führen zu Reibungsverlusten, denen entgegenzuwirken ist.
Fütterung von Zuchtstuten
(2021)
Die zunehmende Komplexität der Welt erhöht den Bedarf an qualifizierten Fachkräften und der demographische Wandel lässt den Wettbewerb um diese stetig anwachsen. Arbeitgeber müssen wissen, wie zukünftige Mitarbeiter ihr Unternehmen auswählen, um eine entsprechende Attraktivität aufzubauen und stetig weiterzuentwickeln. Doch wer sind die neuen Fachkräfte? Im Generationenmanagement spricht man mittlerweile von der Generation Z, welche immer stärker im Arbeitsmarkt Fuß fasst. Geboren zwischen 1995 und 2009 sind die ersten bereits im Unternehmen angekommen und weitere Vertreter werden ihnen folgen. Die Ansprache muss sehr viel intensiver und individueller erfolgen. Immer häufiger sind es mittlerweile die Unternehmen, die sich bei potenziellen Kandidaten bewerben müssen, um ihren Fachkräftebedarf zu decken. Wie aber sind die Unternehmen im Emsland auf die neue Generation vorbereitet und wissen sie um die Relevanz eines funktionierenden Generationenmanagements?
Zur Annäherung an diese Forschungsfrage wurden im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit insgesamt 87 Unternehmen mit Sitz im Emsland quantitativ befragt, um so einen Theorie-Praxis- Abgleich zu ermöglichen. Durch diese Auswertung konnte geprüft werden, ob sich die Unternehmen der Thematik des Generationenwandels bewusst sind und wissen, wie sie ihm auf kommunikativer Ebene begegnen müssen.
After hesitating until the mid-2010s, German industry has now embraced the energy transition and moved to a driver. The pioneers of change are the major energy companies, followed large parts of industry which have initiated radical changes. Even the energy-intensive industries steel and chemistry are phasing out fossil fuels.
In der qualitativen Studie soll erstmalig ein realitätsnahes Abbild der Zusammenarbeit mit ausländischen Ärzten/innen aus der Perspektive der Pflege dargestellt werden. Es wurden 11 leitfadengestützte Interviews mit 13 Pflegekräften geführt und mittels der Grounded Theory ausgewertet. Alle Pflegekräfte berichten von alltäglichen Herausforderungen, wobei sprachliche Barrieren und die Einstellung zur Gleichberechtigung von Mann und Frau am häufigsten genannt wurden. Es wurde deutlich, dass die Kliniken vor der Aufgabe stehen, das Personalmanagement zu professionalisieren, um den langfristig bestehenden Konflikten entgegenzuwirken
Background:
Cardiac surgery patients represent a high-risk cohort in intensive care units (ICUs). Central venous pressure (CVP) measurement seems to remain an integral part in hemodynamic monitoring, especially in cardio-surgical ICUs. However, its value as a prognostic marker for organ failure is still unclear. Therefore, we analyzed postoperative CVP values after adult cardiac surgery in a large cohort with regard to its prognostic value for morbidity and mortality.
Methods:
All adult patients admitted to our ICUs between 2006 and 2019 after cardiac surgery were eligible for inclusion in the study (n = 11,198). We calculated the median initial CVP (miCVP) after admission to the ICU, which returned valid values for 9802 patients. An ROC curve analysis for optimal cut-off miCVP to predict ICU mortality was conducted with consecutive patient allocation into a (a) low miCVP (LCVP) group (≤11 mmHg) and (b) high miCVP (HCVP) group (>11 mmHg). We analyzed the impact of high miCVP on morbidity and mortality by propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression.
Results:
ICU mortality was increased in HCVP patients. In addition, patients in the HCVP group required longer mechanical ventilation, had a higher incidence of acute kidney injury, were more frequently treated with renal replacement therapy, and showed a higher risk for postoperative liver dysfunction, parametrized by a postoperative rise of ≥ 10 in MELD Score. Multiple regression analysis confirmed HCVP has an effect on postoperative ICU-mortality and intrahospital mortality, which seems to be independent.
Conclusions:
A high initial CVP in the early postoperative ICU course after cardiac surgery is associated with worse patient outcome. Whether or not CVP, as a readily and constantly available hemodynamic parameter, should promote clinical efforts regarding diagnostics and/or treatment, warrants further investigations.
Befragt wurden 669 Dozent*innen und 279 Student*innen zu ihrem Erleben der Hochschullehre in Zeiten der Corona-Pandemie im Sommersemester 2020. Die Ergebnisse zeigen in beiden Gruppen, dass die Präsenzlehre mit einer höheren Zufriedenheit einhergeht und die Befragten auch nach der Pandemie mehrheitlich eine Rückkehr zur Präsenzlehre präferieren. Unter Dozent*innen sind diese Präferenzen stärker ausgeprägt
als unter Student*innen. In Zeiten der Pandemie präferieren beide Gruppen die digitale Lehre. Im Bereich der digitalen Lehre sind Formate, in denen Dozent*innen und Student*innen zeitgleich miteinander interagieren (synchrone Lehre), gegenüber Formaten, in denen dies nicht möglich ist (asynchrone Lehre), in beiden Gruppen mit größerer Zufriedenheit assoziiert. Die Vorerfahrung der Befragten mit digitaler Lehre sowie die Informationspolitik der Hochschule im Sommersemester 2020 nehmen positiv Einfluss auf das Erleben sowie
die Präferenzen für digitale Lehre. Hingegen wirkt sich in beiden Gruppen der im Corona-Semester zu verzeichnende Workload negativ aus.
Dieser Beitrag liefert erste Erkenntnisse für die bisher unerforschte Beziehung zwischen Mediendependenzen und dem Vertrauen in die gesellschaftliche Krisenbewältigung.
Die Corona-Pandemie hat eine Erkenntnis gestärkt: Wir als Gesellschaft sind im Guten wie im Schlechten aufeinander angewiesen. Schon früh in der Pandemie war klar, dass der Weg der Virus-Bekämpfung vor allem über solidarische Rücksichtnahme führt. Doch sind wir wirklich davon überzeugt, dass das gelingt? Dieser Artikel zeigt anhand einer Kognitions- und einer Medientheorie sowie empirischer Daten, ob Medien einen Einfuss darauf haben, wie
groß unser Vertrauen ineinander ist.
Die ethischen Fragen und Spannungsfelder individueller Förderung in inklusiven Schulen werden in der Ausbildung von Lehrkräften bisher nicht ausreichend behandelt. Gleichwohl wird erwartet, dass Lehrkräfte neben fachlichen und methodischen Kompetenzen auch ethische Kompetenzen in die Förderdiagnostik und das anschließende Fördervorgehen einbringen: Sie sollen ethische Implikationen ihrer Entscheidungen reflektieren, über eine wertebasierte Urteilsfähigkeit verfügen sowie Verantwortung für ihr pädagogisches Handeln übernehmen. Um diesen Anforderungen gerecht werden zu können, wird in diesem Beitrag für die Einführung einer ethischen Ausbildung angehender Lehrkräfte plädiert. Vorgestellt wird eine Modellkonzeption für zwei konsekutive Module im bildungswissenschaftlichen Anteil von Lehramtsstudiengängen, in denen Studierende eine Ethical Literacy in Bezug auf ihr förderpädagogisches Handeln in inklusiven Schulen erwerben.
Background:
Etomidate is typically used as an induction agent in cardiac surgery because it has little impact on hemodynamics. It is a known suppressor of adrenocortical function and may increase the risk for post-operative infections, sepsis, and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether etomidate increases the risk of postoperative sepsis (primary outcome) and infections (secondary outcome) compared to propofol.
Methods:
This was a retrospective before–after trial (IRB EA1/143/20) performed at a tertiary medical center in Berlin, Germany, between 10/2012 and 01/2015. Patients undergoing cardiac surgery were investigated within two observation intervals, during which etomidate and propofol were the sole induction agents.
Results:
One-thousand, four-hundred, and sixty-two patients, and 622 matched pairs, after caliper propensity-score matching, were included in the final analysis. Sepsis rates did not differ in the matched cohort (etomidate: 11.5% vs. propofol: 8.2%, p = 0.052). Patients in the etomidate interval were more likely to develop hospital-acquired pneumonia (etomidate: 18.6% vs. propofol: 14.0%, p = 0.031).
Conclusion:
Our study showed that a single-dose of etomidate is not statistically associated with higher postoperative sepsis rates after cardiac surgery, but is associated with a higher incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia. However, there is a notable trend towards a higher sepsis rate.
This study reported the impact of electron beam (e-beam) treatment on microbiota and mycotoxins naturally present in red pepper powder and physicochemical quality changes. Treatment at 6 kGy indicated significant (p < 0.05) decontamination of yeasts and molds by 3.0 and 4.4 log CFU/g, respectively. A reduction of 4.5 log CFU/g of total plate counts (TPC) was observed at 10 kGy for 23 s. Fungal inactivation followed first-order kinetics while TPC better fitted with Gompertz function (R2 = 0.9912). E-beam treatment was not efficient for the degradation of aflatoxins but indirectly controlled their production by inactivation of mycotoxigenic molds. Indeed, reduction of 25% ochratoxin A was recorded at 30 kGy retaining >85% of total phenols, carotenoids and antioxidants activity. Moreover, treatment impact on total color difference (ΔE*) indicated ‘slight differences’. Overall, e-beam treatments up to 10 kGy were efficient in decontaminating the natural microbiota without detrimental effects on the physicochemical qualities of red pepper powder.
The influence of oil content and droplet size of oil-in-water emulsions on the heat development in an ohmic heating system was investigated. The setup was run with constant power or voltage. Emulsions consisted of sunflower oil (10–50 wt%), aqua dest. (90–50 wt%) and whey protein isolate (1.25/ 2.5/ 3.75/ 5.0 and 6.25 wt%) Two different droplet size distributions were produced, large (d0.5 ≈ 2.0 μm) and small (d0.5 ≈ 0.3 μm), for each oil mass fraction. The emulsions were ohmically heated from 10 to 80 °C at a constant power of 3.0 kW and constant voltage of 15 V/cm. The electrical conductivity decreased with an increasing oil content, resulting in longer or shorter heating time for constant voltage or constant power input, respectively. The droplet size only affected the heating process at the highest oil content.
Industrial relevance
Emulsions occur in a wide range of food products (e.g. sauces, dressings, desserts) and have properties giving structure to the food system. Ohmic heating is an emerging thermal process with improved (e.g. faster or less energy required) heating characteristics. The influence of physical changes due to different droplet sizes are of interest because these might also affect the heating characteristic. In addition, the direct comparison of two different process regulations (constant power and constant voltage) indicate which set up is expedient to a successful heating process. This study aims to identify the influence of emulsion-induced structural changes and process changes on the heating rates, which is of interest for the food industry and the related machine building industry.
The effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound (US) on the frying behavior of potato chips was investigated. For this purpose, a special fryer with a window was designed to enable the investigation of water evaporation by the characterization of bubble formation during frying. The number of water vapor bubbles and the bubble volume distribution were analyzed in order to gain an insight into heat and mass transfer affected by PEF and US treatment. Quality parameters of the potato chips such as moisture, fat and acrylamide content were measured. Overall, the results of this study show for the first time impacting effects on the frying process that can be achieved by combining PEF as a volumetric cell disintegration technology and ultrasound as a mean to affect interface phenomena. The obtained results can be used to further optimize frying processes used for the production of chips and other products.
In order to produce protein-rich duckweed for human and animal consumption, a stable cultivation process, including an optimal nutrient supply for each species, must be implemented. Modified nutrient media, based on the N-medium for duckweed cultivation, were tested on the relative growth rate (RGR) and crude protein content (CPC) of Lemna minor and Wolffiella hyalina, as well as the decrease of nitrate-N and ammonium-N in the media. Five different nitrate-N to ammonium-N molar ratios were diluted to 10% and 50% of the original N-medium concentration. The media mainly consisted of agricultural fertilizers. A ratio of 75% nitrate-N and 25% ammonium-N, with a dilution of 50%, yielded the best results for both species. Based on the dry weight (DW), L. minor achieved a RGR of 0.23 ± 0.009 d−1 and a CPC of 37.8 ± 0.42%, while W. hyalina’s maximum RGR was 0.22 ± 0.017 d−1, with a CPC of 43.9 ± 0.34%. The relative protein yield per week and m2 was highest at this ratio and dilution, as well as the ammonium-N decrease in the corresponding medium. These results could be implemented in duckweed research and applications if a high protein content or protein yield is the aim.
Background
There is no consensus on the instruments for diagnosis of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). We present a proposal for a set of outcome measurement instruments of PICS in outpatient care.
Methods
We conducted a three-round, semi-structured consensus-seeking process with medical experts, followed each by exploratory feasibility investigations with intensive care unit survivors (n1 = 5; n2 = 5; n3 = 7). Fourteen participants from nine stakeholder groups participated in the first and second consensus meeting. In the third consensus meeting, a core group of six clinical researchers refined the final outcome measurement instrument set proposal.
Results
We suggest an outcome measurement instrument set used in a two-step process. First step: Screening with brief tests covering PICS domains of (1) mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4)), (2) cognition (MiniCog, Animal Naming), (3) physical function (Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), handgrip strength), and (4) health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (EQ-5D-5L). Single items measure subjective health before and after the intensive care unit stay. If patients report new or worsened health problems after intensive care unit discharge and show relevant impairment in at least one of the screening tests, a second extended assessment follows: (1) Mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), Impact of Event Scale – revised (IES-R)); (2) cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B); (3) physical function (2-Minute Walk Test (2-MWT), handgrip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)); and (4) HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L, 12-Item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)).
Conclusions
We propose an outcome measurement instrument set used in a two-step measurement of PICS, combining performance-based and patient-reported outcome measures. First-step screening is brief, free-of-charge, and easily applicable by health care professionals across different sectors. If indicated, specialized healthcare providers can perform the extended, second-step assessment. Usage of the first-step screening of our suggested outcome measurement instrument set in outpatient clinics with subsequent transfer to specialists is recommended for all intensive care unit survivors. This may increase awareness and reduce the burden of PICS.
Possessing skills in social and intercultural interaction is vitally important for employees who work in globalized environments, especially as people's working lives tend to involve an increasingly large amount of service-related activities. As a consequence, universities offer cultural studies courses and strive to enable their students to study abroad for a period of time. However, there is still no widely shared agreement on how intercultural experiences and cultural preparation courses predict the perception, thinking and acting of individuals. Therefore, the study at hand uses a cross-sectional design with N = 430 participants in order to investigate whether students of cultural studies gain more intercultural competencies during the time spent studying abroad, compared to studies of other subjects. The results reveal that students of cultural subjects show significantly higher levels of cultural empathy and openness in the post hoc measurement, even though there was no interaction effect with the amount of time spent studying abroad. Length of stay abroad had a significant indirect effect on social competence via all the dimensions of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire. Moreover, results indicate that flexibility to adapt one's behaviour to cultural norms may predict problems when returning to one's home country.
The political geography of central government debt has hardly been investigated. We propose a method for calculating implicit interregional transfers stemming from central government debt.
We apply this method to Belgium over the 1970-2016 period. The share of poorer Francophone Belgium in debt-financed central government spending was persistently larger than its share in central government revenue used to pay the resulting interest bills. The opposite holds for richer Flanders. Also, a primary deficit in one particular year leads to an interest bill in each of the following years as long as debt caused by that primary deficit is not repaid. All the above caused debt-related transfers from Flanders to Francophone Belgium of over 7% of Flemish GDP during many years.
Interregional interest transfers may also be large in the many other democracies suffering from both high central government debt and considerable geographic income disparities.
The size of these transfers may in turn explain the size and persistence of central government deficits. This is also because poorer, less densely populated regions such as Francophone Belgium tend to be overrepresented within central governments. This strengthens their ability to cause deficits.
We recommend more fiscal decentralisation or at least smaller central government deficits.
Many people across the world suffer from iodine (I) deficiency and related diseases. The I content in plant-based foods is particularly low, but can be enhanced by agronomic biofortification. Therefore, in this study two field experiments were conducted under orchard conditions to assess the potential of I biofortification of apples and pears by foliar fertilization. Fruit trees were sprayed at various times during the growing season with solutions containing I in different concentrations and forms. In addition, tests were carried out to establish whether the effect of I sprays can be improved by co-application of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sodium selenate (Na2SeO4). Iodine accumulation in apple and pear fruits was dose-dependent, with a stronger response to potassium iodide (KI) than potassium iodate (KIO3). In freshly harvested apple and pear fruits, 51% and 75% of the biofortified iodine was localized in the fruit peel, respectively. The remaining I was translocated into the fruit flesh, with a maximum of 3% reaching the core. Washing apples and pears with running deionized water reduced their I content by 14%. To achieve the targeted accumulation level of 50–100 μg I per 100 g fresh mass in washed and unpeeled fruits, foliar fertilization of 1.5 kg I per hectare and meter canopy height was required when KIO3 was applied. The addition of KNO3 and Na2SeO4 to I-containing spray solutions did not affect the I content in fruits. However, the application of KNO3 increased the total soluble solids content of the fruits by up to 1.0 °Brix compared to the control, and Na2SeO4 in the spray solution increased the fruit selenium (Se) content. Iodine sprays caused leaf necrosis, but without affecting the development and marketing quality of the fruits. Even after three months of cold storage, no adverse effects of I fertilization on general fruit characteristics were observed, however, I content of apples decreased by 20%.
Ist die TMR zu feucht?
(2021)
Ist Liebe im Büro verboten?
(2021)
Damit Unternehmen in der VUCA-Welt bestehen können, müssen sie resilient, adaptionsfähig und agil sein – dies wird u.a. durch eine funktionierende, interne Kommunikation erreicht. Das Kommunikationsmanagement strebt daher nach kommunikativer Reifung des Unternehmens.
Im Rahmen von Organisations- und Personalentwicklungsprozessen hat in den letzten fünf Jahren die Methode Working Out Loud (WOL) an Popularität gewonnen, da sie u.a. in traditionellen und stark hierarchischen Unternehmen zur Förderung der Wissensteilung und Vernetzung erfolgreich eingesetzt wird. Deshalb wurde folgender Forschungsfrage nachgegangen: Kann Working Out Loud zur kommunikativen Reifung eines Unternehmens beitragen? Zur Beantwortung wurde im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit eine qualitative Studie durchgeführt. Die Veränderungswirkung von WOL auf die Kommunikation wurde in acht Dimensionen kommunikativer Reifung, die durch eine vorangegangene Literaturrecherche erarbeitet worden sind, ausgewertet. Es konnte festgestellt werden, dass WOL nur in bestimmten Dimensionen kommunikativer Reifung eine direkte Auswirkung hat. Eine Breitenwirksamkeit von WOL auf die gesamtheitliche kommunikative Reifung eines Unternehmens konnte nicht festgestellt werden. Abgeleitet werden konnte, dass WOL ein vielversprechender Ansatz ist, der Unternehmensmitglieder für die Notwendigkeit der kommunikativen Reifung eines Unternehmens sensibilisiert und Handlungsfelder des Kommunikationsmanagement aufzeigt.
Ein Zusammenspiel von Lebensräumen, Gesellschaftlichkeit und Partizipation steht im Mittelpunkt jeder pädagogischen Praxis in den Kommunen. Die Entwicklung junger Menschen bei diesem Zusammenspiel zu unterstützen ist das Anliegen der Jugendarbeit. Das ist die Ausgangsthese von Stephan Maykus im dritten Beitrag. Er umreißt eine kommunale Sozialpädagogik, welche die konzeptionelle Basis von Kinder- und Jugendbildung in Stadtteilen und Gemeinden ist. Maykus reflektiert die pädagogische Qualität von sozialen Räumen, so wie sie von Jugendlichen wahrgenommen werden. Im Anschluss daran denkt er über eine Pädagogik demokratischer Partizipation als Subjekt- und Gesellschaftsbildung nach und verdeutlicht sie mit dem Beispiel eines Jugendhauses. Dieses folgt der Grundannahme, dass Kinder und Jugendliche für ihre Identitätsentwicklung Gelegenheiten der sozialen und individuellen Entfaltung benötigen, die nicht einfach nur gegeben sind, sondern besonderer Orte in ihrem Stadtteil bedürfen. Das Jugendhaus ist ein solcher Ort, der im Sinne einer kommunalen Sozialpädagogik Erfahrungen der Partizipation, der individuellen Urteils-, Entscheidungs- und Handlungsfähigkeit als Ausdruck von Selbstwirksamkeit und Gemeinwirksamkeit in Gruppen unterstützt.
Wer eine Physiotherapiezeitschrift von Thieme abonniert hat, kann damit künftig Fortbildungspunkte sammeln. Regelmäßig wird es sogenannte CPTE-Artikel samt Fragen geben, die man online beantworten kann. Der Artikel erzählt den Weg der Forschungsgruppe, die sich mit Continuing Physiotherapy Education beschäftigt.
Wer eine Physiotherapiezeitschrift von Thieme abonniert hat, kann damit künftig Fortbildungspunkte sammeln. Regel-mäßig wird es sogenannte CPTE-Artikel samt Fragen geben, die man online beantworten kann. Der Artikel erzählt den Weg der Forschungsgruppe, die sich mit Continuing Physiotherapy Education beschäftigt.
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the strategic consequences of manufacturing location decisions, with a focus on understanding the link between collocating manufacturing with other value chain activities, via reshoring or retaining and organizational agility.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses qualitative data from 115 interviews with executives from UK high value manufacturing companies to explore the recent phenomenon of reshoring and the strategic effects of manufacturing location.
Findings
The location of manufacturing is operationally and strategically important for multinational companies. The spatial dispersion of manufacturing is determined by firm-specific and external factors, both of which are subject to constant change. The analysis shows that concentrating on manufacturing in their home countries enables firms to increase organizational agility and stimulate innovation. Better integration with and more extensive collaboration between related value chain activities, such as research and development, sales and marketing, leads to higher flexibility, speed and responsiveness to customer requirements. However, under certain conditions, firms also continue to benefit from the known advantages of offshoring.
Originality/value
This research sheds light on possible strategic downsides of global value chains, characterized by dispersed activities and intermitted processes. The results provide evidence that retaining manufacturing or bringing back manufacturing operations to a company’s home country can increase organizational flexibility, speed, adaptability, innovativeness and responsiveness to customer requirements. As these capabilities are critical for long-term survival, especially in dynamic environments, firms need to review their global factory configurations and determine whether the short-term advantages of foreign locations continue to justify offshoring practices.
Das Ziel dieses Artikels ist es, Handlungsoptionen für das Marketing Management im Umgang mit dem Thema Gleichstellung aufzuzeigen. Dazu wird auf Basis einer Literaturanalyse (1998-2018) der Begriff der Gleichstellung im Marketing anhand des Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5 eingegrenzt und in einer Matrix nach dem Implementierungsgrad dargestellt. Von Gender Equality Marketing wird gesprochen, wenn das SDG 5 durch das Unternehmen unterstützt wird und diese Unterstützung im Rahmen aller Managementebenen gleichzeitig realisiert wird.
Mehr Milchleistung
(2021)
In der Gesundheitsversorgung kommt es vermehrt zu ethischen Konfliktsituationen. Gründe dafür sind unter anderen der demografische Wandel und die Zunahme an chronisch Erkrankten. Somit werden neben medizinischen und pflegerischen auch ethische Kompetenzen benötigt. Verschiedene Formen ethischer Fallbesprechungen werden genutzt, um in Form eines partizipativen Entscheidungsfindungsprozesses ethisch begründete Handlungsempfehlungen zu treffen. Das Malteser-Konzept, welches auf Grundlage der Nimwegener-Methode entwickelt wurde, enthält eine sechsschrittige Gesprächsstrukturierung für interne prospektive Fallbesprechungen und beinhaltet zudem die vier ethischen Grundsätze der Prinzipienethik. Insgesamt kann die Inanspruchnahme ethischer Fallbesprechungen sowohl die Patienten- als auch die Mitarbeiterzufriedenheit steigern und als Nebeneffekt weitere positive Wirkungen erzielen.
Einleitung: Whiteboards können als ein Instrument des Lean Managements zur Steuerung der Verweildauer auf Stationen eingesetzt werden, um aktuelle Patienteninformationen zu bündeln und in regelmäßigen strukturierten sowie interdisziplinären Besprechungen die Patientenversorgung zu steuern, die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit zu optimieren und das Entlassungsmanagement zu verbessern. Das Ziel dieser Studie bestand darin, zu untersuchen, inwiefern die Einführung von Whiteboards in zwei Kliniken mit einer Veränderung der Verweildauer einherging.
Methode: Um die Forschungsfrage zu beantworten, wurden retrospektive Zeitreihen aus den DRG-Routinedaten vor und nach Installation der Whiteboards aus den beiden Kliniken in einem Interrupted Time Series Design genutzt. In der einen Klinik (Chirurgie) lagen 3.734 Fälle für den Zeitraum von Januar 2018 bis Dezember 2019 und in der anderen Klinik (Innere Medizin) 54.049 Fälle für den Zeitraum Juli 2013 bis Dezember 2019 vor.
Ergebnisse: In dem gemittelten Vergleich der Verweildauer (relative Verweildauerabweichung pro DRG von dem jeweiligen Verweildauermittel) konnte in der ersten Klinik kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Werten vor und nach Einführung des Boards festgestellt werden. Am zweiten Klinikum zeigte sich sogar im Vorher-Nachher-Vergleich eine signifikante Verschlechterung der Verweildauer. Eine deskriptive Zeitreihenanalyse vor und nach Einführung zeigte in beiden Kliniken, dass kurz nach der Einführung der Boards sich die Verweildauer verschlechterte, anschließend jedoch verbesserte, d.h. dass die Patienten durchschnittlich früher entlassen wurden. Dieser Unterschied ging jedoch im Zeitverlauf wieder zurück.
Diskussion: Zusammenfassend lässt sich festhalten, dass keine Verbesserung in der Verweildauer im Zuge der Nutzung der Whiteboards durch einen reinen Vorher-Nachher-Vergleich nachweisbar war. In der anschließenden Zeitreihenbetrachtung zeigten sich starke Schwankungen, die zunächst mit einer kurzzeitigen Verschlechterung der Verweildauer nach der Implementierung einhergingen und dann zu einer Verbesserung führten. Im Zeitverlauf verblasste der Unterschied jedoch, sodass die Patienten wieder später entlassen wurden. Methodisch zeigt sich, dass im Gegensatz zu der reinen Vorher-Nachher-Analyse erst eine Zeitreihenbetrachtung einen Einblick in das Geschehen und seine Variabilität lieferte. Für die Praxis ergeben sich folgende Implikationen: Whiteboards können als ein hilfreiches Instrument von Lean Management zur Verweildauersteuerung angesehen werden, wie die zwischenzeitlichen Verbesserungen nahelegen. Dies erfordert jedoch eine kontinuierliche, unter Einbezug der Mitarbeiter durchgeführte Pflege der Informationen und einen erkennbaren Mehrwert. Perspektivisch empfiehlt sich zudem eine Digitalisierung der Boards, um den Nachteilen wie der manuellen Pflege entgegenzuwirken.
Objective
Brass players are exposed to high musculoskeletal strains during their instrumental play. Various assessments can be used to measure these strains, whereby a targeted therapy can also be supported. The aim of this study was to review literature concerning assessments used in quantitatively based studies about the analysis of musculoskeletal loads of brass players.
Data sources
The Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro as well as the journal “Medical Problems of Performing Artists” were searched for relevant studies.
Study selection
Two reviewers independently applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to select potential studies. A third reviewer was involved in the case of discrepancies.
Data extraction
Two reviewers independently extracted the data.
Data synthesis
A total of 73 studies conducted between 2004 and 2019 were included. Within a total of 30 studies, 18 assessments could be found that collect 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional kinematic data using video- or image-based analysis of posture, sonographic, optoelectronic and various electromagnetic systems. In 7 studies kinetic data were measured by force-transducers, pressure platforms, stabilizer and dynamometer. Fifteen studies used clinical examinations and additional assessments to screen individual body regions and 9 studies derived electromyography measurements from a total of 25 muscles. Thirty-one partially validated questionnaires were used to record musculoskeletal pain of brass players.
Conclusions
A variety of assessments can be used to optimize analysis and treatment procedures in research and clinical work. Future studies should both examine quality criteria of the various assessment methods and validate clinical examinations and questionnaires.