Selecting instruments for investigating L2 Swedish writing data of L1 Dutch learners across proficiencies

When conducting second language (L2) writing experiments with participants of varying proficiency, careful selection of both the test used to estimate participants’ L2 proficiency and the tasks used to elicit writing data from participants is essential. However, L2 writing studies involving learners with varying proficiency rarely discuss the criteria or rationale behind the selection of their research instruments. In this article, we describe how we collected data from a small sample of L1 Dutch learners of Swedish with a wide range of proficiencies and used these to inform our selection of a proficiency test and a set of writing tasks for a research project on the role of proficiency in L2 writing. Each learner completed two proficiency tests, four self-developed writing tasks, and a post-task interview. We used these data to examine the suitability of the two proficiency tests for estimating participants’ L2 Swedish proficiency and the ability of the writing tasks to elicit data from all participants, regardless of proficiency. One proficiency test outperformed the other in terms of efficiency. The writing tasks elicited suitable writing data from all participants, although the interview data also revealed some aspects of the writing tasks that could be improved

Evaluating the effectiveness of patient-tailored treatment for patients with non-specific (sub)acute neck pain

Background An important issue in the debate about best practice management of non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is the effectiveness of tailored versus generalized interventions. Methods Participants with (sub)acute NSNP were randomly allocated to a patient-tailored treatment (PTT), non-patient-tailored treatment (NPTT) or control group (no intervention). The outcome measures were pain (NPRS), disability (NDI), global perceived effect and satisfaction (GPES), productivity costs, and medical consumption. Patients were assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-intervention. Evolution of the complaints, treatment adherence, and medication intake was registered during the intervention period. Linear mixed models were used to examine interaction effects as well as between- and within-group differences. Results Sixty-one participants were included. There was no “Group x Time”-interaction effect for all outcome measures. Nevertheless, all groups showed significant and clinically relevant within-group differences at all time points for pain and disability (p < 0.001). At 6 months follow-up, NPTT was superior to PTT for reductions in pain but not for disability. At 1 year, the number of responders in the NPTT group remained higher (75%) compared to the PTT group (40%). Conclusion This study found a significant and clinically relevant reduction of pain and disability within all groups. Patient-tailored treatment as well as NPTT can be considered an effective method when aiming for a reduction in pain and disability at short-term (12 weeks). However, NPTT seemed to be more effective at 1-year follow-up and therapists should consider spontaneous recovery. The results should be interpreted with caution and further research is warranted

Seabed microplastics in the European continental shelf : unravelling physical and biological transport pathways and reciprocal fauna–polymer relationships

Marine sediments are recognized as major sinks for microplastics, including remote areas which were previously considered "plastic-free". The understanding of microplastic dynamics in marine sediments is however limited due to the numerous pelagic and benthic pathways involved, and how these are influenced by physicochemical interactions with the particles. European continental shelves border densely populated areas and face a high risk of microplastic contamination. In this study we quantified microplastics in soft-sediments of European coastal seas and characterized their polymer composition separating surface sediments from deeper layers. We then analyzed the influence of water column and sediment properties on spatial variability of seabed microplastics and investigated the relationship with macrofauna communities. A higher proportion of negatively buoyant polymers in surface sediments (0-1 cm) across stations was explained by seawater salinity and sediment microalgal detritus, highlighting the role of riverine input and possibly the formation of hetero-aggregates in defining polymer deposition. Additionally, we found that seawater temperature influenced polymer composition in deeper sediment layers (0-3 cm), likely together with biological activities performed by macrobenthos such as ingestion and burial. Finally, we demonstrate that seabed microplastics contribute to the spatial variability in macrobenthos, highlighting that marine ecosystem functioning effects of microplastic pollution are likely mediated via the benthos

Development of a frailty screening tool using electronic community pharmacy records

BACKGROUND Frailty is associated with increased susceptibility to medication-related harm, highlighting the importance of medication review for frail older adults. Community pharmacists are increasingly involved in the initiation of medication reviews. Yet, current frailty measurement methods are impractical in this setting. Alternative approaches, leveraging routinely collected data, are needed. OBJECTIVE To develop a frailty screening tool utilising routine electronic pharmacy records. METHODS Community-dwelling older adults (≥70 years) using ≥5 chronic medications were recruited in 196 Belgian community pharmacies. Frailty was assessed using SHARE-FI75+ (based on Fried’s frailty phenotype). Model development was based on a two-stage approach using multivariable logistic regression with split-sample internal validation. Stage 1 considered only electronic pharmacy record variables, while stage 2 also included other variables that can easily be collected in the community pharmacy. Model performance was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and predictive accuracy. RESULTS We recruited 875 participants (mean (±SD) age 79.3 (±5.9) years), with 14.8% identified as frail. At stage 1, the frailty screening model included age, sex, reimbursement level of medical expenses, number of chronic medications and medication-derived comorbidities (anxiety, congestive heart failure, hypertension) [AUC 0.77 (95%CI 0.69-0.85); sensitivity 78.0%; specificity 60.1%]. At stage 2, additional information on difficulties with basic activities of daily living or pharmacist’s intuitive frailty assessment further improved the model [respectively AUC 0.81 (95%CI 0.74-0.88) and 0.82 (95%CI 0.75-0.89)]. CONCLUSION We developed a screening tool for frailty using data from electronic pharmacy records. This tool offers the opportunity for frailty screening in community pharmacy and to identify individuals that may benefit the most from medication review. External validation is warranted

Realizing the full potential of digital innovation : exploring maturity levels for integrating interorganizational value chains

Maturity models, with their defined levels, help organizations recognize the need for change and implement measures to integrate digital Industry 4.0 (I4.0) innovations, thereby enhancing their value chains’ performance. However, fully realizing the potential of I4.0 necessitates effective interorganizational collaboration, an area in which empirical research remains limited. In this study, we expand on existing research on business-process maturity models by investigating their application in an interorganizational context. Through an examination of 21 existing models and a survey of 188 manufacturing firms, we identified four distinct maturity levels for digital interorganizational value chain capabilities. Statistical analysis has validated these levels, consistent with our initial pilot study’s results. These results contribute to the development of a comprehensive interorganizational maturity model, offering valuable insights for scholars and practitioners to realize the full potential of digital I4.0 innovations. This approach necessitates robust collaboration among interorganizational entities to attain the best value chain performance

Distress and Factors for Maintaining Good Mental Health among General Practitioners during the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on the physical and mental health of healthcare workers worldwide. The aim of the paper is to measure the frequency of distress and wellbeing among general practitioners (GPs) in Austria during the pandemic and to identify key levers that could mitigate the risks of distress. Methods: Data were collected as part of the international PRICOV-19 study. In Austria, 500 GPs were randomly selected for participation in a survey between December 2020 and July 2021. For analysis, all dependent and independent variables were described using descriptive statistical methods. Subgroup analyses were conducted using cross-tables and Fisher’s exact tests. A binary logistic regression model was also applied. Open text question was analysed via content analysis. Results: In total, 130 GPs completed the relevant questions for this analysis of the online survey. More than 40% of GPs felt burned out or stated that their work schedules did not leave enough time for personal/family life. Half of the GPs were found to be in distress, with 14.3% in (very) strong distress. More than 40% of the respondents thought that government support was insufficient for the proper functioning of their practice. Working in rural areas was a protective factor against distress, as were sport and exercise, particularly outdoor activity. Connecting with family and friends and adjustments to the work environment to reduce workload were shown to be important. Discussion: Our results show that GPs in Austria suffered from distress during the first two years of the pandemic. To protect GPs as our first-line healthcare workers in pandemic or high-stress situations, several factors are required for a functioning healthcare system: support of GPs regarding work-life balance, support in terms of collaboration between colleagues and the team and easy access to green outdoor spaces for sports and exercise. By identifying key factors that promote good mental health among GPs, healthcare organizations and policymakers can take targeted action to alleviate the negative impact of stress and burnout on this critical sector of the healthcare workforce