Boundary interpolation for slice hyperholomorphic Schur functions

A boundary Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem is posed and solved in the quaternionic setting. Given nonnegative real numbers $\kappa_1, \ldots, \kappa_N$, quaternions $p_1, \ldots, p_N$ all of modulus $1$, so that the $2$-spheres determined by each point do not intersect and $p_u \neq 1$ for $u = 1,\ldots, N$, and quaternions $s_1, \ldots, s_N$, we wish to find a slice hyperholomorphic Schur function $s$ so that $$\lim_{\substack{r\rightarrow 1\\ r\in(0,1)}} s(r p_u) = s_u\quad {\rm for} \quad u=1,\ldots, N,$$ and $$\lim_{\substack{r\rightarrow 1\\ r\in(0,1)}}\frac{1-s(rp_u)\overline{s_u}}{1-r}\le\kappa_u,\quad {\rm for} \quad u=1,\ldots, N.$$ Our arguments relies on the theory of slice hyperholomorphic functions and reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces

Covid-19 and Social Determinants of Health: Medicaid Managed Care Organizations’ Experiences With Addressing Member Social Needs

Background The significant adverse social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has cast broader light on the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MMCOs) have increasingly taken on a leadership role in integrating medical and social services for Medicaid members. However, the experiences of MMCOs in addressing member social needs during the pandemic has not yet been examined. Aim The purpose of this study was to describe MMCOs’ experiences with addressing the social needs of Medicaid members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The study was a qualitative study using data from 28 semi-structured interviews with representatives from 14 MMCOs, including state-specific markets of eight national and regional managed care organizations. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged: the impact of the pandemic, SDOH response efforts, an expanding definition of SDOH, and managed care beyond COVID-19. Specifically, participants discussed the impact of the pandemic on enrollees, communities, and healthcare delivery, and detailed their evolving efforts to address member nonmedical needs during the pandemic. They reported an increased demand for social services coupled with a significant retraction of community social service resources. To address these emerging social service gaps, participants described mounting a prompt and adaptable response that was facilitated by strong existing relationships with community partners. Conclusion Among MMCOs, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of addressing member social needs, and the need for broader consideration of what constitutes SDOH from a healthcare delivery standpoint

Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit

Background Eight rural hospitals have closed in Georgia within the last decade, and more are financially distressed. In 2016, Georgia legislation created a state income tax credit for individuals and corporations that donate to qualifying non-profit rural hospitals of their choice. This law, the first of its kind in the US, was intended to provide struggling hospitals with financial support to improve viability. Using a mixed- methods approach, this study assessed the perspective of hospital executives concerning the program, examined community awareness of the program, and evaluated how hospitals used the money to enhance access to care for rural populations

Nontarget Effects of the Mosquito Adulticide Pyrethrin Applied Aerially During a West Nile Virus Outbreak in an Urban California Environment

In August 2006, a pyrethrin insecticide synergized with piperonyl butoxide (EverGreen Crop Protection EC 60-6, McLaughlin Gormley King Company, Golden Valley, MN) was sprayed in ultralow volumes over the city of Davis, CA, by the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District to control mosquitoes transmitting West Nile virus. Concurrently, we evaluated the impact of the insecticide on nontarget arthropods by 1) comparing mortality of treatment and control groups of sentinel arthropods, and 2) measuring the diversity and abundance of dead arthropods found on treatment and control tarps placed on the ground. We found no effect of spraying on nontarget sentinel species including dragonflies (Sympetrum corruptum), spiders (Argiope aurantia), butterflies (Colias eurytheme), and honeybees (Apis mellifera). In contrast, significantly higher diversity and numbers of nontarget arthropods were found on ground tarps placed in sprayed versus unsprayed areas. All of the dead nontarget species were small-bodied arthropods as opposed to the large-bodied sentinels that were not affected. The mortality of sentinel mosquitoes placed at the same sites as the nontarget sentinels and ground tarps ranged from 0% to 100%. Dead mosquitoes were not found on the ground tarps. We conclude that aerial spraying with pyrethrins had no impact on the large-bodied arthropods placed in the spray zone, but did have a measurable impact on a wide range of small-bodied organisms

The impact of stretching on sports injury risk: a systematic review of the literature,”

. Purpose: We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of stretching as a tool to prevent injuries in sports and to make recommendations for research and prevention. Methods: Without language limitations, we searched electronic data bases, including MEDLINE (1966), Current Contents (1997), Biomedical Collection (1993, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus, and then identified citations from papers retrieved and contacted experts in the field. Meta-analysis was limited to randomized trials or cohort studies for interventions that included stretching. Studies were excluded that lacked controls, in which stretching could not be assessed independently, or where studies did not include subjects in sporting or fitness activities. All articles were screened initially by one author. Six of 361 identified articles compared stretching with other methods to prevent injury. Data were abstracted by one author and then reviewed independently by three others. Data quality was assessed independently by three authors using a previously standardized instrument, and reviewers met to reconcile substantive differences in interpretation. We calculated weighted pooled odds ratios based on an intention-to-treat analysis as well as subgroup analyses by quality score and study design. Results: Stretching was not significantly associated with a reduction in total injuries (OR ϭ 0.93, CI 0.78 -1.11) and similar findings were seen in the subgroup analyses. Conclusion: There is not sufficient evidence to endorse or discontinue routine stretching before or after exercise to prevent injury among competitive or recreational athletes. Further research, especially well-conducted randomized controlled trials, is urgently needed to determine the proper role of stretching in sports. Key Words: ATHLETES, CONDITIONING, META-ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS S tretching before participation in athletic activities is standard practice for all levels of sports, competitive or recreational. Athletes, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and physicians recommend stretching in an effort to both prevent injury and enhance performance; numerous journal articles and textbooks are devoted to the topic, providing a variety of approaches directed to different parts of the body and for specific sporting activities (1). As more people participate in sports and other recreational activities through social changes (e.g., Title IX) and increased recognition that physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle, injury prevention becomes more important. However, some investigators have questioned the routine practice of stretching and contend that there is little evidence that stretching pre-or postparticipation prevents injury and that it might affect performance negatively We developed a logic model to illustrate the relations among stretching, flexibility, performance, and injury (Fig

The impact of stretching on sports injury risk: a systematic review of the literature,”

. Purpose: We conducted a systematic review to assess the evidence for the effectiveness of stretching as a tool to prevent injuries in sports and to make recommendations for research and prevention. Methods: Without language limitations, we searched electronic data bases, including MEDLINE (1966), Current Contents (1997), Biomedical Collection (1993, the Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus, and then identified citations from papers retrieved and contacted experts in the field. Meta-analysis was limited to randomized trials or cohort studies for interventions that included stretching. Studies were excluded that lacked controls, in which stretching could not be assessed independently, or where studies did not include subjects in sporting or fitness activities. All articles were screened initially by one author. Six of 361 identified articles compared stretching with other methods to prevent injury. Data were abstracted by one author and then reviewed independently by three others. Data quality was assessed independently by three authors using a previously standardized instrument, and reviewers met to reconcile substantive differences in interpretation. We calculated weighted pooled odds ratios based on an intention-to-treat analysis as well as subgroup analyses by quality score and study design. Results: Stretching was not significantly associated with a reduction in total injuries (OR ϭ 0.93, CI 0.78 -1.11) and similar findings were seen in the subgroup analyses. Conclusion: There is not sufficient evidence to endorse or discontinue routine stretching before or after exercise to prevent injury among competitive or recreational athletes. Further research, especially well-conducted randomized controlled trials, is urgently needed to determine the proper role of stretching in sports. Key Words: ATHLETES, CONDITIONING, META-ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS S tretching before participation in athletic activities is standard practice for all levels of sports, competitive or recreational. Athletes, coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and physicians recommend stretching in an effort to both prevent injury and enhance performance; numerous journal articles and textbooks are devoted to the topic, providing a variety of approaches directed to different parts of the body and for specific sporting activities (1). As more people participate in sports and other recreational activities through social changes (e.g., Title IX) and increased recognition that physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle, injury prevention becomes more important. However, some investigators have questioned the routine practice of stretching and contend that there is little evidence that stretching pre-or postparticipation prevents injury and that it might affect performance negatively We developed a logic model to illustrate the relations among stretching, flexibility, performance, and injury (Fig

Georgia\u27s Critical Access Hospitals: Financial Performance and Process Improvement

Background: Georgia’s Critical Access Hospitals (CAH) are in crisis. Within the last 2 years, four CAHs have closed their doors due to failed financial and operational performance. Evidence points to the risk that several more are on the brink of closure. CAH closures have far-reaching impact on residents. Negative impacts include the extra distance that patients must travel to seek care, the displacement of health professionals and the unravelling of the entire fabric of the communities these hospitals serve. We hope to help participants understand the financial and operational challenges of CAHs, and to identify realistic strategies to enhance the resilience of these hospitals. Methods: The Georgia Southern team worked with a cohort of CAHs across the state of Georgia to identify financial and operational best practices. Year 1 of this project focused on data collection, analysis and benchmarking. Year 2 is currently focused on performance improvement through Lean Six Sigma. Results: CAHs face financial constraints due to factors such as low volume, declining market share, unfavorable payer mix, challenges relating to collections, and difficulties in recruiting providers. CAHs in Georgia performed more poorly on the financial indicators assessed, in comparison to respective national medians. Many CAHs in our cohort are better organized to deal with crises – utilizing strong executive and bureaucratic structures – than to pursue ongoing improvement through employee empowerment and a process focus. Conclusions: Improvements in the operational and financial management practices of Georgia’s CAHs may significantly improve performance. Evidence-based strategies for operational and financial improvement are vital to sustainability. Opportunities exist for collaboration between public health systems and rural hospitals, including CAHs in assuring healthcare access for rural populations

Operational and Financial Performance of Georgia\u27s Critical Access Hospitals

Background: Georgia’s Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) face increasingly complex threats to financial sustainability, as demonstrated by the disproportionally high number of closures in comparison to other states in the nation. Methods: Financial performance measures (including profitability, revenue, liquidity, debt, utilization, and productivity), site visits, key personnel interviews, and a revenue cycle management assessment were used to assess the strategic landscape of CAHs in Georgia, analyze financial and operational performance, and provide recommendations. Results: For CAHs in Georgia, financial and operating performance indicators, interviews, and assessments depict a challenging operating environment, but opportunities for improvement exist through implementation of a Lean Six Sigma program and improved benchmarking processes. Conclusions: Georgia’s CAHs operate in a challenging environment, but operational improvement strategies (such as a Lean Six Sigma program) and benchmarking directed towards business processes, including revenue cycle management, provide opportunities for sustainability in the future. Key words: Critical Access Hospital, financial performance, Process Improvement, LEAN Six Sigma, rural hospita