Are Exams Superfluous?:On the Relationship between PISA Results, Orthography and Grades

Bereits 2002 wurden bei einer BWL-Klausur zwei PISA-Aufgaben gestellt und die Rechtschreibung überprüft, was wiederum mit den Noten bzw. Punkten der Klausur korreliert wurde. Es gibt interessante Ergebnisse und Zusammenhänge, die jedoch nicht völlig eindeutig sind.Already in 2002, a written examination in business administration included two PISA tasks and a check of orthography, which in turn were correlated with the grades or points of the examination. There are interesting results and relationships. However, they are not completely unambiguous

The association of executive functions and physical fitness with cognitive-motor multitasking in a street crossing scenario

Age-related decline in cognitive-motor multitasking performance has been attributed to declines in executive functions and physical fitness (motor coordinative fitness and cardiovascular fitness). It has been suggested that those cognitive and physical resources strongly depend on lifestyle factors such as long-term regular physical activity and cognitive engagement. Although research suggests that there is covariation between components of executive functions and physical fitness, the interdependence between these components for cognitive-motor multitasking performance is not yet clear. The aim of the study was to examine the contribution and interrelationship between executive functions, motor coordinative fitness, and cardiovascular fitness on street crossing while multitasking. We used the more ecologically valid scenario to obtain results that might be directly transferable to daily life situation. Data from 50 healthy older adults (65–75 years, 17 females, recruited in two different cities in Germany) were analyzed. Participants’ executive functions (composite score including six tests), motor coordinative fitness (composite score including five tests), and cardiovascular fitness (spiroergometry), as well as their street crossing performance while multitasking were assessed. Street crossing was tested under single-task (crossing a two-line road), and multitask conditions (crossing a two-line road while typing numbers on a keypad as simulation of mobile phone use). Street crossing performance was assessed by use of cognitive outcomes (typing, crossing failures) and motor outcomes (stay time, crossing speed). Linear mixed-effects models showed beneficial main effects of executive functions for typing (p = 0.004) and crossing failures (p = 0.023), and a beneficial main effect of motor coordinative fitness for stay time (p = 0.043). Commonality analysis revealed that the proportion of variance commonly explained by executive functions, motor coordinative fitness, and cardiovascular fitness was small for all street crossing outcomes. For typing and crossing failures (cognitive outcomes), the results further showed a higher relative contribution of executive functions compared to motor coordinative fitness and cardiovascular fitness. For stay time (motor outcome), the results correspondingly revealed a higher relative contribution of motor coordinative fitness compared to executive functions and cardiovascular fitness. The findings suggest that during cognitive-motor multitasking in everyday life, task performance is determined by the components of executive functions and physical fitness related to the specific task demands. Since multitasking in everyday life includes cognitive and motor tasks, it seems to be important to maintain both executive functions and physical fitness for independent living up to old age

Effects of a short-term fasting period as a model for excitation manipulation on brain volume and cognitive performance

Die für eine gesunde Gehirnfunktion notwendige Balance aus exzitatorischen und inhibitorischen Signalen und ihre Regulationsmechanismen bieten die Grundlage zur Erklärung multipler assoziierter Erkrankungen, sowie für Interventions- und Behandlungsmaßnahmen. Eine 72-stündige Fastenperiode, als möglicher Modulator neuronaler Exzitabilität in Form erhöhter synaptischer Lipidsignalisierung, bewirkte in unserer longitudinalen, klinisch experimentellen Studie mit 30 gesunden, männlichen Probanden zwischen 18 und 49 eine Abnahme der neurokognitiven Performanz im d2-Attention-Test, sowie eine Zunahme depressiver Symptome, negativer Emotionen, Ängstlichkeit und Nahrungsverlangen, sowie eine Zunahme des Gehirnvolumens im gefasteten Zustand in multiplen Clustern in einer ROI- und Whole-Brain-Analyse. Zusätzlich zeigte sich eine möglicherweise durch osmotische Neuronenschwellung bedingte, negative Korrelation zwischen kognitiver Leistung und fasteninduzierter Volumenzunahme

Psychometric properties and normative values of the revised demoralization scale (DS-II) in a representative sample of the German general population

Background: Demoralization is a clinically relevant syndrome in chronic diseases. The demoralization scale (DS-II) was recently developed as an economic screening tool in clinical populations. Main aim of this study was to provide normative data of DS-II scores in the general population. Methods: We developed a new German version, the DS-II Münster, and tested internal consistency as well as the previously proposed two-factor structure with confirmatory factor analyses. The DS-II was applied in a household survey of the general population. Associations between DS-II scores and age, gender and other sociodemographic variables were explored. Results: The final sample consisted of N = 2471 participants (mean age = 49.8 years, range: 18–96; 50.1% men, 49.8% women). The DS-II Münster showed nearly excellent internal consistency. The model fit indices of the two-factor structure were not superior to those of the one-factor model. Mean scores of the DS-II were as follows. Total score: M = 3.76 (SD = 5.56), Meaning and Purpose subscale: M = 1.65 (SD = 2.77), Distress and Coping Ability subscale: M = 2.11 (SD = 3.02). DS-II scores were increased in women with an effect size of Cohen’s d = 0.19. An age-related increase was specifically found for the Meaning and Purpose subscale (d = 0.21). Conclusions: The study provides normative values of the DS-II with respect to age and gender in the general population to facilitate interpretation of DS-II scores in clinical samples. A DS-II total score > 5 is suggested as a cut-off value. The findings further our understanding of significant symptom burden that was previously suggested in young patients with cancer

Multi-chiral materials comprising metallosupramolecular and covalent helical polymers containing five axial motifs within a helix

Supramolecular and covalent polymers share multiple structural effects such as communication mechanisms among monomer repeating units, which are related to their axial helical structure. Herein, a unique multi-helical material combining information from both metallosupramolecular and covalent helical polymers is presented. In this system, the helical structure described by the poly(acetylene) (PA) backbone ('cis-cisoidal', 'cis-transoidal') guides the pendant groups in a fashion where a tilting degree emerges between a pendant and the adjacent ones. As a result, a multi-chiral material is formed comprising four or five axial motifs when the polyene skeleton adopts either a 'cis-transoidal' or 'cis-cisoidal' configuration: the two coaxial helices—internal and external—and the two or three chiral axial motifs described by the bispyridyldichlorido PtII complex array. These results show that complex multi-chiral materials can be obtained by polymerizing appropriate monomers that combine both point chirality and the ability to generate chiral supramolecular assemblies

Functionality and Scar Evaluation of the Donor Site in Extended Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty: How Affected Is the Arm in Day-to-Day Life?

Background: The radial forearm flap remains the gold standard in phalloplasty in gender-affirming surgery due to its versatility and functional outcome, but the significant donor site morbidity and its impact on daily functioning and aesthetic perception remains understudied. This study provides valuable insights into the mid-term functional and aesthetic outcomes of the forearm in transgender individuals following radial forearm flap phalloplasty using widespread instruments for assessment scoring systems and for the evaluation of postoperative wound healing of surgical interventions in general. Methods: Between January 2013 and March 2018, a total of 47 patients underwent radial phalloplasty at AGAPLESION Markus Hospital, and 20 consented to participate in this cross-sectional, retrospective study evaluating functional and aesthetic outcomes post-radial forearm flap phalloplasty using standardized questionnaires (DASH, POSAS, and SBSES). A univariate median regression of each score was performed to determine the associations with selected variables, and correlation analyses between scores was performed using a nonparametric Spearman rank correlation. Results: Among the 20 participants, the median Quick DASH, DASH functionality, DASH sport and music, and DASH work scores indicated minimal to no functional impairment. Scar evaluations using the PSAS, OSAS, and SBSES scales showed overall patient satisfaction with minimal concerns regarding pigmentation and scar texture. Notably, an increase of 0.27 cm2 in wound surface area added one point to the DASH sport and music score (p = 0.037). Statistical analysis also demonstrated a significant correlation between functional and aesthetic assessment scores. Conclusions: The radial forearm phalloplasty donor site, evaluated by the PSAS, OSAS, and SBSES scales, leads to minimal or no functional impairment; however, the worsening of the DASH sport and music score with increasing wound surface reflects a direct relation between wound size and functional impairment

Beiträge zum Mathematikunterricht 2024:57. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Mathematik

Der Band enthält die Beiträge 57. Jahrestagung der Gesellschaft für Didaktik der Mathematik vom 04.03.2024 bis 08.03.2024 in Essen. Dabei handelt es sich um die Fokus- und Hauptvorträge, die Beiträge aus den Minisymposien, die Einzelvorträge, die Kurzvorträge und die Berichte der Arbeitskreise

Cannabis use and the risk of primary open‑angle glaucoma: a Mendelian randomization study

Several observational studies have investigated the association between cannabis use and intraocular pressure, but its association with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) remains unclear. In this study, we leveraged human genetic data to assess through Mendelian randomization (MR) whether cannabis use affects POAG. We used five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with lifetime cannabis use (P-value < 5 × 10–8) from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) (N = 184,765) by the International Cannabis Consortium, 23andMe, and UK Biobank and eleven SNPs associated with cannabis use disorder (P-value < 5 × 10–7) from a GWAS meta-analysis of (17,068 cases and 357,219 controls of European descent) from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Substance Use Disorders working group, Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, and deCode. We associated the selected five SNPs from the GWAS of lifetime cannabis use and the eleven SNPs from the GWAS of cannabis use disorder, with the largest to date GWAS meta-analysis of POAG (16,677 cases and 199,580 controls). MR analysis suggested no evidence for a causal association of lifetime cannabis use and cannabis use disorder with POAG (odds ratio (OR) of outcome per doubling of the odds of exposure (95% confidence interval): 1.04 (0.88; 1.23) for lifetime cannabis use and 0.97 (0.92; 1.03) for cannabis use disorder). Sensitivity analyses to address pleiotropy and weak instrument bias yielded similar estimates to the primary analysis. In conclusion, our results do not support a causal association between cannabis use and POAG

Prevalence and quality of temporomandibular disorders, chronic pain and psychological distress in patients with classical and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: an exploratory study

Background: The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are a group of clinically and genetically heterogeneous hereditary diseases affecting the connective tissue. They are characterized by hypermobility of the joints, hyperextensible skin and friable tissue. According to current classification, 13 subtypes can be distinguished, of which the hypermobile and the classical subtype are the most prevalent. This study aimed to evaluate patients with classical (cEDS) and hypermobile (hEDS) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome regarding temporomandibular disorder (TMD), chronic pain, and psychological distress. Methods: Support groups from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were contacted, and social media were used to recruit participants. Free text questions, the German version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS), and the German version of the Graded Chronic Pain Status (GCPS) were used. Results: 259 participants were included (230 hEDS/29 cEDS). At least 49.2% of the participants had painful or restricted jaw movements, and at least 84.9% had pain in the masticatory muscles, with 46.3% already having a diagnosed TMD. Multivariate analysis showed a significant correlation between TMJ involvement and chronic pain with a 2.5-fold higher risk of chronic pain with a diagnosed TMD. 22.8% of participants had a critical score for depression, 53.3% had a critical score for anxiety, and 34.0% had a critical score for stress. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of TMD problems and chronic pain in patients with cEDS and hEDS. The lack of knowledge about these problems can create psychological distress. More research is needed to provide adequate treatment for patients with EDS

Severance Payments to Members of Executive Boards without and with Limits

Empfehlungen zur Beschränkung von Abfindungen an vorzeitig ausscheidende Vorstandsmitglieder werden häufig nicht eingehalten. Solange Vorstandsmitglieder nicht gegen ihren Willen entlassen werden dürfen, ist eine Beschränkung der Abfindungen weder im Interesse der Unternehmen noch effizient. Eine solche Entlassungsmöglichkeit sollte geschaffen werden mit festem Abfindungsanspruch.Recommendations on the limitation of severance payments to board members leaving early are often not followed. As long as board members cannot be dismissed against their will, limiting the severance payments is neither in the interests of the company nor efficient. Such a dismissal option should be created with a fixed entitlement to severance pay