Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity Patterns and Associations with Outcomes among Individuals with Osteoarthritis

Background This study examined patterns of physical activity and associations with pain, function, fatigue, and sleep disturbance among individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Methods Participants (n = 54) were enrolled in a telephone-based physical activity coaching intervention trial; all data were collected at baseline. Self-reported measures of pain and function (WOMAC [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index] subscales), fatigue (10-point numeric rating scale), and PROMIS (Patient-Reported Outcomes Information System) Sleep Disturbance were collected via telephone. Accelerometers were mailed to participants and were worn for at least 3 days. Proportion of time participants spent in sedentary behavior during the morning (from wake until 12:00 pm), afternoon (12:00 pm until 5:59 pm) and evening (6:00 pm until sleep) each day was averaged across all days of wear. Pearson correlations assessed associations between activity and self-reported measures. Results Participants spent a large proportion of time in sedentary behavior: 65.6% of mornings, 70.0% of afternoons, and 76.6% of evenings. Associations between proportion of time spent in sedentary behavior and reported outcomes were generally strongest in the afternoon, strongest for WOMAC function, and lowest for PROMIS Sleep Disturbance. In the evening hours, sedentary time was most strongly associated with fatigue. Conclusions Overall, findings stress the importance of reducing sedentary behavior among adults with osteoarthritis and suggest behavioral interventions may be strengthened by considering patients' within-day variation in symptoms and activity

Beyond p-values: Utilizing Multiple Estimates to Evaluate Evidence

Null hypothesis significance testing (NSHT) is cited as a threat to validity and reproducibility. While many individuals suggest we focus on altering the p-value at which we deem an effect significant, we believe this suggestion is short-sighted. Alternative procedures (i.e., Bayesian analyses and Observation Oriented Modeling: OOM) can be more powerful and meaningful to our discipline. However, these methodologies are less frequently utilized and are rarely discussed in combination with NHST. Herein, we discuss three methodologies (NHST, Bayesian Model comparison, and OOM), then compare the possible interpretations of three analyses (ANOVA, Bayes Factor, and an Ordinal Pattern Analysis) in various data environments using a frequentist simulation study. We found that changing significance thresholds had little effect on conclusions. Further, we suggest that evaluating multiple estimates as evidence of an effect allows for more robust and nuanced interpretations of results and implies the need to redefine evidentiary value and reporting practices

Origins and development of SWIFT, 1973–2009

Research in this article traces the origins of a not-for-profit financial institution called the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT). SWIFT is a core part of the financial services infrastructure and is widely regarded as the most secure trusted third party network in the world, serving 200 countries with over 8000 users. The analysis focuses on how the design and current state of SWIFT was influenced by its historical origins. In order to ensure widespread compatibility in a sector experiencing asynchronous technological development, legacy Telex specifications had to be accommodated in SWIFT's design. Over time, what began as a closed ‘society’ founded to reduce errors and increase efficiency in interbank payments grew into an industry cooperative supporting an enthusiastic community of practice and transformed into an unexpected network phenomenon. SWIFT achieved such success that it has been accused of being an installed base stifling innovation. In recent years, SWIFT has had to institute new categories of membership in an effort to counter concerns about its bank-dominated governance and it continues to search for ways to meet the requirements of key constituents in the financial supply chain