Objective Method Research Articles

A method evaluating ectomycorrhizal fungal colonization in vitro by using relative quantitative PCR

ABSTRACT Ectomycorrhiza (ECM) significantly influences the establishment and stability of forest ecosystems. While evaluating ECM colonization is important for ECM symbiosis research, conventional methods using microscopes prove both time-intensive and subjective. To overcome this, we developed a high throughput and objective method for evaluating ECM colonization in a target tree under laboratory conditions by using quantitative PCR (qPCR). Primers specific for Populus tomentosa, Cenococcum geophilum (Cg), and Laccaria japonica (Lj) were designed and validated. After separately inoculating Cg and Lj, as well as co-inoculating Cg and Lj to P. tomentosa, the root samples were harvested at three different time points; 10, 20, and 40 days post-inoculation. ECM colonization was assessed by conventional microscopic method and qPCR with the designed primers. The designed primers showed a high specificity and quantitativity for each species, indicating their practical use in quantifying individual ECM species in tripartite conditions. Both ectomycorrhizal species showed a positive correlation between the conventional method and the qPCR method: Cg (Spearman correlation = 0.917, p < 0.001), Lj (Spearman correlation = 0.690, p < 0.01). Therefore, by using highly species-specific primers, we established a method to evaluate ECM colonization in vitro by qPCR, which can be an alternative and solution to the conventional method.

Overview of Wrist Injuries Treatment

This paper discussed an overview of wrist injuries, and the various methods used to treat them. Since there are different methods, this paper uses examples and research to help with the analysis and to find the most suitable ones. In this case, conservative methods are often used first, followed by operative treatments if needed. Also, this paper provides numerous ways to diagnose, such as objective methods like MRI and more subjective methods like function tests. Additionally, advice on preventing wrist injuries is given.

Use of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy in chemical analysis

An overview of the main applications of generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) in analytical chemistry is presented. 2D-COS is a method used to analyze datasets obtained from spectroscopic measurements. This approach is based on the use of two-dimensional correlation maps to identify and analyze correlations between different regions of the spectrum or data from two measurement methods. The purpose of using 2D-COS is to increase the amount of analytical information by revealing hidden data correlations. Analyzing such correlations for series of spectral data obtained for a certain range of analyte concentrations, pH, or component ratios of a mixture, as well as changes in temperature or other external factors, allows researchers to investigate and identify chemical processes and interactions that cannot be directly obtained from the spectra. Compared to one-dimensional spectra, 2D-COS offers significant analytical information for complex mixtures, particularly in identifying components and determining composition. Additionally, 2D-COS can be used to monitor changes in a sample over time, making it a valuable tool for studying dynamically changing systems. Overall, 2D-COS is a highly versatile approach that can be used in conjunction with a large number of methods for most analytical tasks and complex objects, including those without sample preparation. The review presents advancements in the application of 2D-COS as of early September 2023.

Transforming Practical Evaluations: A Comparative Approach to Students’ Satisfaction with OSCE Versus Traditional Methods

Background Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a method of clinical evaluation which is a competency-based, systematic and objective method for the evaluation of students. The present study was carried out to compare the nursing students’ satisfaction between OSCE and Traditional Practical Examination (TPE) in psychiatric nursing at, Chennai, South India. Methods The study was conducted using the randomized cross-over research design with two groups in a selected Nursing College, Chennai among 84 III-year B.Sc. Nursing students (42 students in each group), were selected using the consecutive sampling technique. The participants were randomly assigned to Group I and Group II based on their second-year university examination scores, using the odd-even method. Data was collected using the baseline characteristics of the students and rating scale on satisfaction of evaluation methods (OSCE and TPE). The data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS for Windows (20.0, IBM Corp) with appropriate statistical tests. Results Overall students’ satisfaction scores were higher in OSCE (98.26 ± 6.44) while comparing to TPE (89.82 ± 7.27, p &lt; .001). Students overwhelmingly perceived positively (strongly agreed) toward OSCE on most of the items on quality of assessment, reliability and validity. Conclusion The study found that students reported high levels of satisfaction with the OSCE, indicating its effectiveness as an evaluation tool. This suggests that the OSCE contributes positively to students’ learning experience and engagement in psychiatric nursing education.

Review of spatial layout planning methods for regional multi-station integration

In order to accelerate the high-quality development of China’s infrastructure, it is not only necessary to ensure the continuation and efficiency improvement of the original infrastructure, but also to promote the layout, implementation, improvement and quality improvement of new infrastructure. As an important part of the energy Internet and new power system, “multi-station integration” plays a role in strengthening digital transformation, intelligent upgrading, integration and innovation support, achieving the nearby integration of resources and the coordination and complementarity of operation, reducing redundant design, so that users, enterprises and industries in the region can reduce costs, energy saving and emission reduction, improve quality and efficiency. By combing the spatial layout planning methods, models and influencing factors of traditional single function station and multi-station integration in the region, the influences of the function station itself and other surrounding infrastructure on the function station are analyzed. Combined with the application scenario, load demand and integration mode of multi-station integration, it is proposed to combine common factors and characteristic factors. The objective evaluation method is introduced to improve the practicability and suitability of the layout location. Finally, the three-layer theoretical framework is proposed to improve and supplement the existing layout principles and methods, so as to provide reference suggestions for the scientific location selection and optimization of regional multi-station integration.

Association between frailty and adverse outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To synthesize evidence, using data from published studies, on the association of frailty with the outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase databases was done to identify observational studies (cohort/case-control/cross-sectional) that used an objective method for frailty assessment and had presented adjusted effect sizes. STATA version 15.0 was used to conduct analysis, which was based on random effects model. Fifteen studies were included. Frailty was found to be associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 6.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.48, 8.85). The effect of frailty on the response to CRT was not statistically significant (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.19, 1.59). The pooled effect size indicated that frailty was associated with somewhat bigger but not statistically significant increase in the risk of complications (OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.93, 3.12). The risks of mortality and decompensated heart failure on long-term follow up were higher in frail patients (Hazard ratio (HR) 1.75, 95% CI 1.40, 2.17 and HR 3.03, 95% CI 1.33, 6.90, respectively) compared to patients without frailty. The risk of readmission was higher in frail patients, however, it did not achieve statistical significance (HR 2.63, 95% CI 0.89, 7.75). Frail CRT patients could be at higher risks of mortality, decompensated heart failure, and may have potentially higher rates of complications. Integrating frailty assessment into pre-CRT evaluation and customizing interventions for frail patients might be an essential steps towards enhancing outcomes in this population.

Perceived age estimation from facial image and demographic data in young and middle-aged South Korean adults

Biological age is an indicator of whether an individual is experiencing rapid, slowing, or normal aging. Perceived age is highly correlated with biological age, which reflects health appraisal and is often used as a clinical marker of aging. Perceived age has been reported as an important indicator of biological age and general health status, not only in older adult populations but also in young and middle-aged adults. However, there is a lack of objective methods for quantifying perceived age in these younger age groups. Thus, this study aimed to propose a novel perceived age estimation algorithm to meet the need for an objective method to predict perceived age. This cross-sectional study included 609 healthy men and 1388 healthy women (29.02–57.91 years, average 44.4 years) from 2017 to 2019 using data from the Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort Study. The proposed algorithm comprised two steps. First, the initial predicted perceived age was estimated from facial images using a convolutional neural network (CNN) ensemble model. Then, the final perceived age was estimated using regression from the chronological age, sex, BMI, and initial predicted perceived age obtained in the first step. Better performance results were obtained by model averaging and model stacking generated from various basic regression models. The averaging models of Lasso, XGBoost, and CatBoost showed a mean absolute error of 2.2944, indicating that this algorithm can be used as a screening method for general health status in the population.

Evaluation of Bone Density for Primary Implant Stability Using a Newly Designed Drill: An In Vitro Study on Polyurethane Bone Blocks.

Bone density is an important factor for long-term implant success. Peri-implant bone density evaluation before implant placement can be useful for treatment planning, such as the selection of proper implant size or drilling protocol in each case. In this study, we aimed to establish an objective intraoperative bone density evaluation method by measuring the drilling torque value using a newly designed density measurement drill. Drilling torque value measurement was performed intraoperatively using three types of drills; two previously reported drills and a newly designed drill as a density measurement drill. Polyurethane bone blocks of different densities (D1-D4) were used in this experiment. After the measurement, implants were inserted based on the scheduled plan, and insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured to assess primary implant stability. The drilling torque value increased with the bone blocks' density, and there were significant differences among different densities in all groups (p < 0.05). The drilling torque value showed a positive correlation with IT in all groups (p < 0.05). In addition, the drilling torque value increased with the increase in ISQ in all groups. Within the limitations of this study, a newly designed density measurement drill was able to classify D1-D4 in polyurethane bone blocks despite its narrow diameter, and an objective intraoperative bone evaluation can be achieved. An intraoperative assessment of the drilling torque value can predict primary implant stability and provide valuable information for intraoperative treatment planning, such as undersized drilling protocol and implant size change.

Prognostic Value of Four Objective Nutritional Indices in Predicting Long-Term Prognosis in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Several objective and comprehensive nutritional assessment methods have been used for predicting adverse outcomes in elderly patients with various diseases. However, their predictive value for long-term adverse outcomes in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. This study aimed to explore the prognostic significance of the four nutritional indices, namely Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), and High-Sensitivity Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (HS-mGPS), in evaluating the long-term prognosis in elderly patients with AF. This retrospective study was conducted at a single center and included a total of 261 elderly patients with AF from December 2015 to December 2021. Patients were divided into all-cause death and survival groups based on the follow-up results. Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX regression were conducted to explore the relationship between all-cause mortality and nutritional scores. In addition, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the predictive value of the four nutritional screening tools for the endpoint event. During the follow-up period, 119 cases (45.59%) of all-cause mortality were recorded. The cumulative incidence of all-cause death was significantly higher in participants with a lower PNI, lower GNRI, higher CONUT, and higher HS-mGPS levels. And the low PNI (HR 1.325, 95% CI 1.032-2.857, P=0.025) and the high HS-mGPS (HR 2.166, 95% CI 1.281-4.326, P=0.023) groups were independently and significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause death analyzed by multivariate COX regression. Additionally, PNI showed the best area under the curve value (AUC: 0.696, 95% CI 0.632-0.760 P < 0.001) for the prediction of all-cause mortality compared with the other nutritional indices. Among the four nutritional risk screening tools, PNI might be a simple and useful indicator in predicting the long-term prognosis of elderly patients with AF.

Improved landslide susceptibility assessment: A new negative sample collection strategy and a comparative analysis of zoning methods

Landslide susceptibility assessment (LSA) aims to determine the spatial probability of landslides, reducing the loss caused by future landslides. In order to assess the impact of various negative sample collection strategies on the prediction accuracy of the landslide susceptibility assessment (LSA) model, and to investigate the effectiveness of landslide susceptibility zoning methods. Taking Fengjie County, Chongqing City, China as the study area, this study proposes three negative sample collection strategies based on slope unit, buffer zone, and information value, and combines them with C5.0 decision tree (DT) model respectively to construct an LSA model. Concurrently, the landslide susceptibility indexes (LSIs) were divided using the K-means clustering algorithm and contrasted with the natural breakpoint classification (NBC), quantile classification (QC), equal interval classification (EIC), and geometric interval classification (GIC) methods. The results show that: (1) Rainfall, elevation, and water system are the primary conditioning factors of landslide development in the study area. (2) The accuracy of the negative sample collection strategy based on the slope units on the model training subset and the test subset reached 97.78 % and 92.99 %, respectively, and the AUC values were 0.978 and 0.930, indicating high model accuracy. (3) The zoning effect based on the K-means clustering algorithm was the best, and the predicted very-high and high susceptibility areas were 805.73 km2 and 567.66 km2, respectively, accounting for 19.59 % and 13.80 % of Fengjie County. The very-high and high susceptibility areas had maximum FR values of 3.963 and 1.432, respectively, when compared to other zoning methods. This study can provide a more objective and scientific method for LSA, and the findings can offer more precise decision assistance for risk management and geological disaster prevention.

Assessment of Electrically Evoked Stapedius Reflex Threshold (eSRT) for Auditory Mapping in Pulse Width Modulation Cochlear Implants: The Effect of Multielectrode Stimulation.

This study assesses the electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT) as an objective method for generating auditory maps in individuals with pulse-width-modulation cochlear implants (CIs). It investigates the impact of both single- and multiple-electrode stimulations on eSRT detection rates and their association with patients' comfort loudness levels (C-levels). Despite eSRT exploration by several CI brands incorporating pulse-amplitude-modulation stimulation technology, there is a lack of information on systems using pulse-width modulation. The eSRT was measured in 19 ears ipsilaterally and contralaterally in response to stimulations in groups of 1, 3, and 5 electrodes across five distinct cochlear regions, spanning from apical to basal. For each group, the eSRT detection rate and its correlation with the C-levels were analyzed both regionally and overall. In both contralateral and ipsilateral sides, higher electrically evoked stapedius reflex (eSR) detection rates were obtained for multielectrode (67%, 47%) than for single-electrode (41%, 23%) stimulation. Invoking eSR in the apical and basal regions was easier than in the middle region. The multiple stimulation just increased slightly the correlation coefficients between eSRT and C-levels from 0.73 to 0.77 and from 0.77 to 0.85 (p < 0.05) for the contralateral and ipsilateral ears, respectively. Our research indicates that using a multielectrode stimulation approach enhances the detection rate of eSRT and slightly improves the correlation coefficient between eSRT and C-levels. It is found preferable to obtain measurements from the contralateral side due to its higher detection rate, although the ipsilateral side yields a marginally higher correlation coefficient. The findings suggest that eSRTs obtained from pulse width modulation implants could aid audiologists in programming the device.

A Comprehensive Objective Evaluation Method for Handwriting Assistive Devices Using a Tablet and Digital Pen for Individuals with Upper Limb Dysfunction

Traditional evaluations of handwriting assistive devices have primarily relied on user satisfaction surveys. While recent advancements in computer technologies and digital devices have enabled more objective evaluations, these methods often lack comprehensiveness. This study introduces a scientific and systematic evaluation method for evaluating handwriting assistive devices used by individuals with upper limb dysfunction. The proposed method incorporates both writing and drawing tasks, utilizing advanced computer technology and sophisticated sensors in tablets and digital pens to measure key handwriting parameters across ten indicators. These indicators are synthesized into a comprehensive score using the entropy weight method (EWM). Additionally, objective scores were compared with subjective evaluations from participants. A strong positive correlation between objective and subjective evaluations confirms the reliability of our objective method. However, statistical analysis revealed a significant mean difference between the two scoring methods, indicating that the objective method provides a more standardized and quantifiable evaluation, effectively minimizing the influence of personal biases inherent in subjective evaluations. This comprehensive evaluation method not only offers a holistic evaluation of handwriting assistive devices but also addresses the limitations of existing objective methods that tend to focus on singular aspects of performance.

Mechanical Characterization and Modeling of Large-Format Lithium-Ion Battery Cell Electrodes and Separators for Real Operating Scenarios

This study presents a novel application-oriented approach to the mechanical characterization and subsequent modeling of porous electrodes and separators in lithium-ion cells to gain a better understanding of their real mechanical operating behavior. An experimental study was conducted on the non-linear stiffness of LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 and graphite electrodes as well as PE separators, harvested from large-format lithium-ion cells, using compression tests. The mechanical response of the components was determined for different operating conditions, including nominal stress levels, mechanical loading rates, and mechanical cycles. The presented work describes the test procedure, the experimental setup, and an objective evaluation method, allowing for a detailed summary of the observed mechanical behavior. A distinct nominal stress level and mechanical cycle dependency of the non-linear stiffnesses of the porous materials were found. However, no clear dependency on compression rate was observed. Based on the experimental data, a poroelastic mechanical model was utilized to predict the non-linear behavior of these porous materials under real mechanical operating scenarios with a normalized root-mean-squared error less than 5.5%. The results provide essential new insights into the mechanical behavior of porous electrodes and separators in lithium-ion cells under real operating conditions, enabling the accelerated development of high-performing and safe batteries for various applications.

Game Theory-Based Comparison of Disaster Risk Assessment for Two Landfall Typhoons: A Case Study of Jilin Province’s Impact

Utilizing the best typhoon track data, district and county scale disaster data in Jilin Province, meteorological data, and geographical data, the combined weighting method of AHP-EWM (Analytic Hierarchy Process–Entropy Weight Method) and game theory is employed to conduct a comprehensive risk analysis and comparison of the disaster risk caused by two typhoons, Maysak and Haishen, in Jilin Province. Game theory enhances precision in evaluation beyond conventional approaches, effectively addressing the shortcomings of both subjective and objective weighting methods. Typhoon Maysak and Typhoon Haishen exhibit analogous tracks. They have successively exerted an impact on Jilin Province, and the phenomenon of overlapping rain areas is a crucial factor in triggering disasters. Typhoon Maysak features stronger wind force and greater hourly rainfall intensity, while Typhoon Haishen has a longer duration of rainfall. Additionally, Typhoon Maysak causes more severe disasters in Jilin Province. With regard to the four dimensions of disaster risk, the analysis of hazards reveals that the areas categorized as high risk and above in relation to the two typhoons are mainly located in the central-southern and eastern regions of Jilin Province. Typhoon Maysak has a slightly higher hazard level. During the exposure assessment, it was determined that the high-risk areas occupied 16% of the gross area of Jilin Province. It is mainly concentrated in three economically developed cities, as well as some large agricultural counties. In the context of vulnerability analysis, regions classified as high risk and above constitute 54% of the overall area. The areas classified as having high vulnerability are predominantly located in Yushu, Nong’an, and Songyuan. From the analysis of emergency response and recovery ability, Changchun has strong typhoon disaster prevention and reduction ability. This is proportional to the local level of economic development. The mountainous areas in the east and the regions to the west are comparatively weak. Finally, the comprehensive typhoon disaster risk zoning indicates that the zoning of the two typhoons is relatively comparable. When it comes to high-risk and above areas, Typhoon Maysak accounts for 38% of the total area, while Typhoon Haishen occupies 47%. The regions with low risk are predominantly found in Changchun, across the majority of Baicheng, and at the intersection of Baishan and Jilin. Upon comparing the disasters induced by two typhoons in Jilin Province, it was observed that the disasters caused by Typhoon Maysak were considerably more severe than those caused by Typhoon Haishen. This finding aligns with the intense wind and heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Maysak.

A Method for Identifying Warm Fronts in Eurasia

ABSTRACTWarm fronts often trigger significant weather changes, which also play a role in many extreme weather incidents. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the location and characteristics of warm fronts to accurately forecast weather changes. However, warm fronts are more difficult to identify than cold fronts on average, since the gradients can be weaker and shallower. This paper proposes a new objective method for identifying warm fronts in the Eurasia region using ERA‐5 hourly reanalysis data. The method uses the appropriate thermal front parameter and warm advection threshold to identify the potential warm frontal zone, then determines the corresponding warm boundary according to the predominant wind direction within the frontal zone, and finally locates the warm front line along the warm boundary. In various weather processes, the location and shape of the objective warm front correspond well with the distribution of weather systems and meteorological elements, indicating the effectiveness of the method. Meanwhile, the high agreement between objective and manual warm fronts further supports the reliability of the method. Furthermore, this method is applied to the long‐term datasets covering Eurasia, enabling an exploration of the climatological characteristics of warm fronts in the region. The study reveals distinct seasonal patterns in warm front frequency, with the highest frequency occurring during winter and the lowest during summer. Warm fronts are notably active in Europe, the Siberian Plain, the Northeast China Plain extending to the Western Pacific during winter, spring, and autumn. The dataset of warm fronts produced by this method proves valuable for climate change research.

Assessing land suitability for leguminous crops in the okavango river basin: A multicriteria and machine learning approach

This study aimed to create a model to identify land suitable for growing sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in the Okavango River basin of the Kavango East region of Namibia. The researchers used advanced tree-based ensemble learning models to improve the accuracy of the analysis. These learning models are derived from original models such as Random Forest, Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, and XGBoost, combined with a multivariate regression analysis. The Random Forest and XGboost models exhibited outstanding performance, as evidenced by their respective accuracy values of 0.97 and 0.96. In addition, this study proposed an innovative approach through the integration of subjective and objective analytical methods, which are independent of one another. The subjective component of the analysis employed a Multi-Criteria Decision Making-Analytic Hierarchy Process (MCDM-AHP). On the other hand, the objective component used a data-driven multivariate approach supported by tree-based learning algorithms. The researchers considered twenty-two variables, encompassing climatic conditions, hydro-geomorphologic features, soil characteristics, vegetation patterns, and socio-economic factors. These variables played a crucial role to identify the most suitable areas for growing the selected leguminous crops. The MCDM-AHP method utilised expert evaluations to rank the importance of variables, identifying water sources, slope, and soil properties as key factors. A suitability mapping analysis revealed that 17.63% of the area was highly suitable and 62.77% moderately suitable, while 10% was less suitable and 9.59% unsuitable for growing these two legumes. According to the data driven methodology, soil fertility and nitrogen content emerged as key determinants for land suitability. This is particularly relevant for nitrogen-fixing leguminous crops such as sunn hemp and pigeon pea, which play a central role in improving soil quality and ensuring food security.

MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF SECURE MULTIPOINT VIDEO CONFERENCE SESSIONS USING MULTILAYER GRAPHS

The article describes a multilayer graph model for multipoint videoconference sessions. The model presented in this study allows to specify requirements for quality of video capture quality when transferred between terminals and multipoint control unit at the service layer, as well as assessing bandwidth performance and delay of datalink channels at the secure and transport network layer. The given multilayer graph model for videoconference system is designed taking into account the features of secure network configuration, in which several overlay network layers are distinguished over transportation networks. This model specifies a structure of multipoint videoconference session at service layer, at which videoconferencing terminals interoperate through server. Traffic flows generated during session are distributed according to routing rules at the secure network layer. A purpose to select the most optimal route configuration for the entire session includes a number of alternative methods to distribute traffic for each pair of client-server communication seems to be rather complicated. The study proposes an algorithm for searching the shortest path in the graph of a secure overlay network with a step-by-step projection fer each individual route section onto the underlying level of the transport network to find the shortest path within its boundaries. An example for solving a problem on finding route in regard to the overlay network requirements and the actual traffic flow through the transportation network is given. Minimization of the capacity usage of leased channels was chosen as the optimality criterion. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the session quality based on the objective methods for various video-stream parameters, and corresponding quantitative estimates of the required bandwidth in order to organize a session.

Relationship between actigraphy-derived physical activity, sedentary behaviours and sleep parameters in preschool girls and boys: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of the study was to examine associations between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary time with sleep quality and quantity among preschool girls and boys using objective methods. Children (5-6 years old) attending kindergarten were recruited (n = 676). Measures included accelerometer-derived 24-hr activity and sleep for seven consecutive days. Longer time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with higher sleep efficiency both in boys (p < 0.0001) and girls (p = 0447), and with lower Sleep Fragmentation Index in boys (p = 0.0042) and girls (p = 0.0494). Moreover, among boys, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with wakefulness after sleep onset (p = 0.0006), number of awakenings (p = 0.0081) and Fragmentation Index (p = 0.0041), while in girls with sleep duration (p = 0.0405), Movement Index (p = 0.0128) and Sleep Fragmentation Index (p = 0.0494). Longer time spent sedentary was associated with lower sleep efficiency, and higher wakefulness after sleep onset, number of awakenings, Movement Index and Sleep Fragmentation Index-all with p < 0.0001. Furthermore, sedentary time was inversely associated with sleep duration both in boys (p < 0.0001) and girls (p = 0.0006), and directly associated with Fragmentation Index but only in boys (p = 0.0069). Meeting the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with better sleep efficiency, lower wakefulness after sleep onset and number of awakenings among boys. All sleep-related variables showed significant differences between quartile groups according to sedentary time (p < 0.05) in both the total group and the boys. The sedentary time had the strongest, negative effect on sleep-related parameters in preschool children, therefore sedentary time reduction may contribute more to improving sleep quality than increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Perspective: Pseudoscience and the Detection of Marijuana-Based Impairment-We Can and Must Do Better.

Existing tools for making workplace and roadside determinations of marijuana-based impairment are inadequate. They either merely imitate tools used to identify alcohol- based impairment without taking into account important differences between these molecules, or they are pseudoscientific "police science." Legalization of marijuana use must be accompanied by urgent efforts and dedicated funding for the development and implementation of practical, accurate, and objective methods for on-the-spot determination of whether a person is dangerously impaired by marijuana.

How stressful is firm insolvency? Self-reported, biological, and physiological indicators of entrepreneurs’ well-being

This study advances research on the nexus of business insolvency and entrepreneurs’ well-being. We broadly build upon the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR) and explore the severity of the impact of firm insolvency on subjective well-being, stress hormones, and physiological recovery. To test our hypotheses, we compared entrepreneurs operating in 51 businesses affected by insolvency with 51 entrepreneurs in a control group. We conducted our study in Germany, where legal regulations surrounding insolvency are relatively unfavorable for those affected. Our findings indicate that entrepreneurs facing insolvency experience lower psychological well-being, greater vital exhaustion, higher stress hormone levels, and, as revealed by supplementary analyses, poorer risk adjustment. Our study complemented entrepreneurs’ self-reports with objective methods to examine entrepreneurial well-being in times of hardship from three perspectives: psychological, biological, and physiological. Although exploratory, our study provides relevant insights into potential repercussions of business failure. JEL CLASSIFICATION: I10; L26; G01