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Introduction: Unlike the most common training approaches for bodybuilding, powerlifting programs are generally based on maximum and submaximal loads, putting enormous stresses on the lumbar spine. The flexion relaxation phenomenon evaluation is a clinical tool used for low back pain (LBP) assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the flexion relaxation phenomenon in the analysis of LBP in the powerlifters. Methods: Healthy professional powerlifters participated in the study. In fact, we divided the participants into a LBP-low-risk group and a LBP-high-risk group, based on a prior history of LBP. Outcome measures included flexion relaxation ratio (FRR) and trough surface electromyography collected during trunk maximum voluntary flexion; furthermore, during a bench press lifting, we measured the height of the arched back (ARCH), using a camera and the Kinovea video editing software, to consider a potential correlation with the risk of LBP. Results: We included a group of 18 male (aged 24–39 y) powerlifters of 93 kg category. We measured a nonsignificant mean difference of ARCH between low-risk LBP group and high-risk LBP subjects. Curiously, maximum voluntary flexions were both above the threshold of 3.2 μV; therefore, with an absence of appropriate myoelectric silence, on the contrary, the FRR ratios were higher than 9.5, considering the presence of the phenomenon, exclusively for the low-risk group. The lumbar arched back measurement data did not report any association with the LBP risk, regarding the maximum voluntary flexion value, and even more than the FRR there is a relationship with the presence or the absence of LBP risk. Conclusions: FRR could be considered as a useful parameter for studying the risk of LBP in powerlifting. The FRR index not only refers to the possible myoelectric silence of the lumbar muscles in trunk maximum forward flexion but also takes into account the energy value delivered by the lumbar muscles during the flexion. Furthermore, we can indicate that the size of the powerlifter ARCH may not be a determining factor in the occurrence of LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the peak performance characteristics of the world top-8 swimmers and the key factors involved in the journey toward achieving better peak performance. Methods: The results of the world top-8 swimmers from 2001 to 2022 were collected from the World Aquatics performance database. Progression to peak performance was tracked with individual quadratic trajectories (1191 cases). Utilizing k-means clustering to group competitive feature variables, this study investigated key developmental factors through a binary logistic regression model, using the odds ratio (OR) to represent whether a factor was favorable (OR > 1) or unfavorable (OR < 1). Results: Significant differences (P <.001) in the peak age between men (23.54/3.80) and women (22.31/4.60) were noticed, while no significant differences (P >.05) in the peak-performance window for both sexes appeared. Peak performance occurred at later ages for the sprint for both sexes, and women had a longer duration in peak-performance window for sprint (P <.05). Peak-performance occurred at later ages for the breaststroke and butterfly for both sexes (P <.05). Binary logistic regression revealed that high first-participation performance (OR = 1.502), high major-competition performance (OR = 4.165), early first-major-competition age (OR = 1.441), participation frequency above 4 times/year in both phase 2 (4.3–8.0 times/y, OR = 3.940; 8.1–20.0 times/y, OR = 5.122) and phase 3 (4.1–7.5 times/y: OR = 5.548; 7.7–15.0 times/y: OR = 7.526), and a career length of 10 years or more (10–15 y, OR = 2.102; 16–31 y, OR = 3.480) were favorable factors for achieving better peak performance. Conclusions: Peak performance characteristics varied across sex, swimming stroke, and race distance in the world top-8 swimmers. Meanwhile, the research indicated that certain specific developmental factors were key conditions for the world top-8 swimmers to achieve better peak performance in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The goal was to identify the lifestyle risk factors associated with benign and potentially malignant oral disorders. Method and materials: The study enrolled first-time patients from the Oral Pathology Section, volunteers from Oviedo, and first-time patients from the University of Oviedo dental clinic. Patients underwent a survey that included sociodemographic information, lifestyle habits, and medical history. A comprehensive examination of the oral mucosa was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted using R software. Results: Among the 183 participants, the most prevalent lesions were varicose veins (43.20%), cheek/lip biting (34.97%), and coated tongue (33.33%). Among the oral potentially malignant disorders (16.39%) were oral lichen planus (12.64%) and leukoplakia (3.33%). Tobacco was associated with melanotic pigmentation (OR 3.87, P = .001) and coated tongue (OR 5.90, P = .001). Longer intervals since the last check-up were associated with traumatic keratosis (OR 2.95, P = .031). Age and heavy smoking were found to have higher risk of developing an oral potentially malignant disorder (OR 1.04, P = .035, and OR 7.35, P = .028, respectively). Conclusions: These data should be considered when organizing public health programs focused on the detection and screening of heavy smokers. It is also important to strengthen the oral pathology units in universities as reference centers for students to acquire the necessary knowledge for their diagnosis and treatment, while simultaneously promoting awareness of this risk factor for oral precancer among the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of regenerative treatment of intrabony defects in combination with consecutive orthodontic therapy with clear aligners in stage IV (type 2) periodontitis. Method and materials: Ten patients with a total of 103 intrabony defects were analyzed after regenerative surgery using collagen-deproteinized bovine bone mineral with or without collagen membrane or enamel matrix derivative followed by orthodontic therapy with clear aligners. Changes in radiographic bone level and probing pocket depths were evaluated after 1 year (T1) and at final splinting (T2) after orthodontic tooth movement. Results: Mean radiographic bone level gain was significant, with 2.13 ± 1.64 mm at T1 and 3.02 ± 2.00 mm at T2. Mean probing pocket depth was significantly reduced from 5.40 ± 1.80 mm at baseline to 3.78 ± 1.73 mm at T1, and remained stable with 3.73 ± 1.70 mm at T2. Pocket closure (≤ 4 mm probing pocket depth) was accomplished in 76% of all defects. Tooth loss amounted to 2.9%. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the retrospective study design, the findings suggest that the interdisciplinary treatment of periodontitis stage IV by regenerative periodontal surgery and consecutive orthodontic therapy with clear aligners can lead to favorable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are more likely than men to be targets of incivility in the workplace. Scholars have referred to this pattern as selective incivility and suggest that incivility directed toward women—that is, selective incivility—is a form of modern sexism in the workplace. However, it remains unclear whether women themselves make sense of incivility from men as a form of gender bias, and when such perceptions shape whether women engage in unique responses to incivility perceived as selective. Drawing on social identity theory, we develop a conceptual model to better understand these relationships. Across two studies with working women, we show that women perceive male‐instigated incivility as selective. Further, our findings show that women are more likely to engage in problem‐focused‐responses (i.e., direct confrontation and formal reporting), rather than emotion‐focused responses (i.e., avoidance) in response to incivility perceived as selective and that these coping responses are, at times, moderated by the frequency of incivility. Overall, our research advances the literature on incivility, selective incivility, and gender bias at work, offers practical implications for managers seeking to foster workplace inclusion, and suggests novel directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Monitoring survey methods, as well as movement recommendations, evolves over time. These changes can make trend observations over time difficult. The aim of this study was to examine the differences between 2 computer-assisted survey administration methods and the effect of the omission of the 10-minute minimum bout requirement in physical activity (PA) questions on PA outcomes. Methods: We used data from the second Austrian PA Surveillance System for 2998 adults (18–64 y), applying computer-assisted personal interviewing and computer-assisted web interviewing. Within the computer-assisted web interviewing sample only, we added PA questions without the 10-minute requirement. Quantile and logistic regressions were applied. Results: Between computer-assisted web interviewing and computer-assisted personal interviewing, within the computer-assisted personal interviewing sample, we found lower PA estimates in the leisure domain and work and household domain, but not in the travel domain, and no significant difference in the proportion of people meeting the PA recommendations. In all 3 PA domains, the median minutes did not differ when assessed with or without the 10-minute requirement. However, the percentage participation in the travel domain and work and household domain performing >0 minutes per week PA was higher when there was no 10-minute requirement. The proportion of people meeting the Austrian aerobic recommendation for adults when computed with or without the 10-minute requirement did not differ. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the omission of the 10-minute requirement does not seem to result in marked differences in PA estimates or the proportion of adults meeting the recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current physical activity guidelines recommend engagement in strength activities at least 2 days per week. Currently, there is a lack of literature examining strength activities among people with disabilities. The purpose of this study is to estimate and compare the prevalence of engagement in strength activities and adherence to strength activity guidelines among adults with and without disabilities in the United States. Methods: A total of 1,005,644 adults (18–80 y old) with and without disabilities from the 2013 to 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were included in this secondary data analysis. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe the prevalence of strength activity behaviors of adults with and without disabilities. Logistic and Poisson regression models were performed to evaluate the relative contribution of disability status on strength activity behaviors. Results: A higher proportion of participants without disabilities (46.42%, 95% CI, 46.18–46.65) reported engaging in strength activities compared with participants with disabilities (30.68%, 95% CI, 30.29–31.08; P <.01). Participants with disabilities were less likely to engage in strength activities (odds ratio = 0.51, 95% CI, 0.50–0.52; adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.73–0.77) and meet strength activity guidelines (odds ratio = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.54–0.57; adjusted odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.73–0.77) than participants without disabilities. Conclusion: Experiencing a disability is associated with lower engagement in strength activities; thus, it is important to identify effective and efficient approaches to promoting strength activities among people with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both navigation abilities and gait can be affected by the atrophy in the medial temporal cortex. This study aimed to determine whether navigation abilities could differentiate seniors with and without medial temporal lobe atrophy who complained about their cognitive status. The participants, classified to either the medial temporal atrophy group (n = 23) or the control group (n = 22) underwent neuropsychological assessment and performed a spatial navigation task while their gait parameters were recorded. The study showed no significant differences between the two groups in memory, fluency, and semantic knowledge or typical measures of navigating abilities. However, gait parameters, particularly the propulsion index during certain phases of the navigation task, distinguished between seniors with and without medial temporal lobe lesions. These findings suggest that the gait parameters in the navigation task may be a valuable tool for identifying seniors with cognitive complaints and subtle medial temporal atrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to further explore the relationship between travel time and frequency of visits to collegiate recreation facilities. After surveying all students using collegiate recreation facilities at a large public southeastern US university, the local address of the 559 respondents was converted into travel time to their preferred facility using their preferred transportation method. This travel time was compared with swipe data on visits to the facility over a semester. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to analyze the relationship between collegiate recreation facility usage level and travel time. Results support past research and ecological models of health behaviors demonstrating that proximity of recreation facilities is positively associated with higher usage by college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a scarcity of studies on the association between physical multimorbidity and lower levels of physical activity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries, while the potential mediating variables in this association are largely unknown. Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Data on 11 chronic physical conditions were collected. Scoring <150 minutes of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity per week was considered low physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were done to assess associations and quality of life measures which might influence these associations. Results: Data on 14,585 people aged ≥65 years were analyzed (mean [SD] age 72.6 (11.5) y, maximum age 114 y; 55.0% women). After adjustment for potential confounders, compared with no chronic conditions, ≥3 conditions were associated with a significant 1.59 to 2.42 times higher odds for low physical activity. Finally, mobility mediated the largest proportion of the association between ≥3 chronic physical conditions and low physical activity (mediated percentage 50.7%), followed by activities of daily living disability (30.7%), cognition (24.0%), affect (23.6%), and pain/discomfort (22.0%). Conclusions: Physical multimorbidity was associated with higher odds for low physical activity among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries. Mobility, disability, cognition, affect, and pain/discomfort explained the largest proportion of this association. Given the universal benefits of regular and sustained participation in physical activity, it would be prudent to implement interventions among older people with physical multimorbidity to increase levels of physical activity. Future studies should assess the impact of addressing the identified potential mediators among people with multimorbidity on physical activity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little evidence is available from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities on the association between motherhood and physical activity (PA). This study aimed to examine independent and joint associations of cultural background and motherhood with meeting PA guidelines, participation in organized sports, and high sitting time (>8 h/d). Methods: We used self-reported cross-sectional data from survey 8 of the 1973–1978 cohort of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. PA was measured using the Active Australia Survey while organized sport and sitting time were measured using single items. CALD was defined as being born in a non-English speaking country or primarily speaking a non-English language at home. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to examine independent and joint associations. Results: Data from 5967 women (mean age 42.4 [SD 1.5] y, 6.9% CALD, 81.2% mothers) were analyzed. Women of CALD background had lower odds of meeting PA guidelines (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.80; 0.64–0.98) and participation in organized sports (0.68; 0.54–0.86), but no statistically significant association with sitting time (0.90; 0.72–1.14). Mothers had lower odds of meeting PA guidelines (0.75; 0.64–0.87) and high sitting time (0.42; 0.36–0.49). Compared with non-CALD women without children, mothers (irrespective of cultural background) were less likely to meet PA guidelines and have high sitting time. The association of "cultural background and motherhood" with organized sports participation was only significant for CALD mothers. Conclusions: Increased efforts and investments are needed to ensure that sports and other PA promotion interventions are culturally sensitive and engaging for CALD women and those with children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To rate athletes' functional ability and return to sport (RTS) success at the end of their individual, formal, medically prescribed rehabilitation after anterior anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: In our prospective multicenter cohort study, 88 (42 females) adults aged 18-35 years after acute unilateral ACL rupture and subsequent hamstring grafting were included. All patients were prospectively monitored during their rehabilitation and RTS process until the end of their formal rehabilitation and RTS release. As outcome measures, functional hop and jump tests (front hop, balance hops, and drop jump screening test) and self-report outcomes (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, ACL-RTS after injury) were assessed. Literature-based cut-off values were selected to rate each performance as fulfilled or not. Results: At 7.5 months (SD 2.3 months) after surgery, the percentage of participants meeting the functional thresholds ranged from 4% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score SPORT) and over 44% (ACL-RTS after injury sum score) to 59% (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score activities of all daily living) in the self-report and from 29% (Balance side hop) to 69% (normalized knee separation distance) in performance testing. Only 4% fulfilled all the cut-offs, while 45% returned to the same type and level of sport. Participants who successfully returned to their previous sport (type and level) were more likely to be "over-cut-off-performers." Conclusions: The low share of the athletes who fulfilled the functional RTS criteria highlights the importance of continuing the rehabilitation measures after the formal completion to assess the need for and success of, inter alia, secondary-preventive therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: School recess provides a valuable opportunity for children's daily moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA). This study aimed to quantify MVPA during school recess in a representative sample of Scottish children and examine whether recess MVPA varied by gender, socioeconomic status, season, urban/rural residency, and recess length. Method: Five-day accelerometry MVPA data were analyzed from 773 children (53.9% girls, 46.1% boys, 10- to 11-y-olds) from 471 schools. Binary logistic regression explored associations between meeting/not meeting the recommendation to spend 40% of recess time in MVPA and the aforementioned risk factors. Descriptive recess data were also analyzed. Results: Participants spent an average of 3.2 minutes (SD 2.1) in MVPA during recess. Girls engaged in 2.5 minutes (SD 1.7) of MVPA compared with 4.0 minutes (SD 2.2) for boys. Only 6% of children met the recess MVPA recommendation. The odds of girls (odds ratio 0.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.25) meeting the recommendation was lower (P <.001) compared with boys. No statistically significant differences were observed in meeting the recommendation for the other risk factors. Conclusion: Levels of MVPA during school recess are very low in Scottish children, and interventions aimed at increasing MVPA during recess are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studying effective interventions already operating at scale is critical to improving physical activity intervention research translation. The free, weekly, timed 5-km run or walk parkrun represents a unique opportunity to examine successful organic dissemination. We conducted an ecological analysis to identify patterns of growth in Australian parkrun participation and their correlates from 2011 to 2020. Method: Outcome variables were (1) weekly counts of walkers/runners and (2) monthly number of new parkrun registrants. We used latent class analysis to characterize growth trajectories followed by logistic regression on class membership. Covariates included parkrun course characteristics (eg, surface type and route), site-level aggregate participant profile (eg, proportion women and mean age), and surrounding area characteristics (eg, population density and physical activity norm). Results: Three hundred and sixty-three parkruns were included (n = 8,388,695 participation instances). Sixty-nine percent followed a low-growth and 31% a high-growth participation pattern. High growth was associated with greater participation by women, concrete/bitumen surface type, lower area socioeconomic status, and greater volunteer heterogeneity. Odds of being in the slow-growth class were higher if the course contained >1 km of repetition, higher average age of participants, better average parkrun performance, and higher running group membership. Two patterns of new registration were identified: high start followed by steep decline; and low start, slow decline with similar correlates to participation. Conclusions: Parkruns with a less competitive social milieu may have more rapid dissemination. As a free and regular event, parkruns in low socioeconomic areas have the potential to improve the activity levels of those with fewer resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the caries status in children’s deciduous teeth and examine the influence of family oral health behaviours on the caries status. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 329 children aged 3–6 years in rural Heishanzui Township, Hebei Province, China, and used a completely random sampling method. These children underwent physical and oral health examinations. The questionnaires were given to the parents and caregivers of the examined children. Results: The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition among children aged 3–6 years was 80.55%, with a dmft index of 4.93. Children in the caries group ate sweets, chocolates, and carbonated drinks more frequently than did children in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). Children in the caries-free group brushed their teeth more frequently, with parents helping their children brush, more often than did those in the caries-affected group (p < 0.05). The level of parental education and annual household income also had statistically significant effects on the prevalence of caries in the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of eating sweets was a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth (odds ratio = 2.20; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of caries in deciduous teeth among children aged 3–6 years in rural Heishanzui Township was high. Compared to children in the caries-affected group, the families and children in the caries-free group had better oral hygiene behaviours. Moreover, the frequency of eating sweets was shown to be a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth in children aged 3–6 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between the governance of architecturally embedded applications and their longevity in organizational use. Using a contingency-fit logic, it posits that alignment between application governance (distribution of decision rights) and architectural contingencies contributes to sustained durations of organizational use. Architectural contingencies include internal application modularity, application inter-connectedness, and governance of surrounding application clusters. Evidence for the governance-architecture fit hypothesis is derived from analyzing temporally ordered data about applications (n = 225, n = 498, n = 193) from organizations in the media, banking, and utilities sectors over five years. Using a two-step approach with ordinal regression, along with Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models, our findings indicate that a fit between observed governance and the governance induced by architectural contingencies reduces the likelihood of application decommissioning. The study advances the fields of information systems (IS) governance and architecture by offering a micro-level perspective on the longevity of organizational IS use while also shedding light on the importance of governance choices aligned with unique architectural application properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Walk Score index with walking to commuting, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and screen time in older adults. Georeferenced addresses were entered into the Walk Score platform. Walking to commute and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized according to the World Health Organization recommendations. Screen time was analyzed through self-reported time watching television/being on the computer. We used binary logistic regression to estimate the association between variables. Older adults who lived in places with higher Walk Score had a higher prevalence of walking to commuting (odds ratio = 1.73; 95% confidence interval [1.18, 2.55]) and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (odds ratio = 1.76; 95% confidence interval [1.05, 2.98]). A relationship also was observed between higher Walk Score and more time in screen time (odds ratio = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [1.19, 2.34]). The results showed that residing in a more walkable neighborhood increased the chances of the older adults spending 3 hr or more in front of a screen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have found that individuals with a partner were less physically active than those without. To better understand the reasons for this association, we examine whether the existence of a relationship or the current presence of a partner influences physical activity (PA). Methods: We use data from the most recent German Time Use Survey 2012/13 to examine leisure-time PA. All leisure-time activities reported in the time diaries are classified according to their metabolic equivalent of task (MET) to calculate the mean MET scores. First, we use ordinary least square regressions and logistic regressions to examine the effects of living together with a partner or not on mean daily MET scores and on exercise. Second, we apply person-day fixed effects models to estimate the impact of current partner presence on current PA levels. Results: Having a partner is negatively associated with exercising but is not correlated with mean leisure-time MET scores for both women and men. For those with a partner, current MET levels are substantially lower when the partner is present than when the partner is absent. When partners spend leisure-time activities apart, their MET levels are higher than those of individuals without a partner. Conclusions: The results suggest that it is not the mere existence of a romantic relationship but the current copresence with a partner that affects PA behavior. Therefore, interventions to increase PA may be promising if they can encourage couples to be active together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the 3D accuracy of three scanning strategies and conventional impressions using an edentulous model with six implants. Materials and Methods: An edentulous maxillary master model was fabricated with six equigingival internal connection implants at 0 degrees of angulation. Ten conventional open-tray splinted implant-level impressions were made and poured in stone. A master model and conventional casts were digitized with a reference scanner. Digital impressions were made by calibrated clinicians with a TRIOS 3 intraoral scanner ([IOS] 3Shape) according to three scanning strategies: DIG1 (occlusal-palatal-lingual), DIG2 (S-type motion from buccal to palatal), and DIG3 (scanning two half arches and connecting them at the midline). Each technique was repeated 10 times on the master model. Deviations from the STL datasets (N = 40) were compared to those of the reference master model using the Hexagon Metrology software system PC-DMIS CAD++. Linear distortions (dX, dY, dZ), global linear distortion (dR), and angular distortions (Absdθx, Absdθy) were calculated. Kruskal-Wallis test and mixed linear and logistic regression models were used to compare the original and binary distortion measures between the techniques. Results: The mean dR ranged from 91 μm (conventional method) to 183 μm (DIG1). The mean angular distortion ranged from 0.20 degrees (Absdθx for DIG2) to 0.69 degrees (Absdθy for DIG3). No scan pattern resulted in a more accurate reproduction in any of the measured parameters than the conventional impression method. There were significant differences between the methods for all distortion measures. Conclusions: No group reproduced the 3D position of the six-implant master model below the thresholds for both global linear and angular distortions. All the digital strategies tested were less accurate than the conventional open-tray splinted implant-level impression technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major problem in employee selection coalesces around convincing decision‐makers (e.g., hiring managers) to use analytically derived models. Existing recommendations in the literature largely focus on convincing executives to adopt analytical models and then exert their top‐down influence on lower‐level hiring decisions. In contrast to these solutions, we explore end user modifiability (i.e., allowing decision‐makers to modify a statistical model before use) as a bottom‐up approach for increasing hiring managers' implementation of analytical recommendations. From a utility standpoint, we consider how incorporating end user modifiability into hiring decisions will result in a less statistically valid, but potentially more valuable, organizational selection process. We explore these ideas in two studies. In Study 1, we experimentally test whether model modification increases decision‐maker reliance on a statistical model, as well as how much decision‐makers need to modify a model in order to use it. In Study 2, we examine the extent that modifiability introduces implicit biases that might adversely affect marginalized groups. Results suggest that modifiability can increase decision‐makers' perceived usefulness of a model and, importantly, that only a small amount of modifiability is needed to elicit this effect. Further, end user modifications were statistically insignificant predictors of hiring rates across race‐based subgroups, though supplementary analyses suggest important cautionary nuance. Given that analytical models are rarely perfectly or wholly implemented, end user modifiability may offer a viable solution for organizations seeking to increase the implementation of algorithmic guidance in selection decisions, even if it deviates modestly from a statistical optimality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both men and women who violate gender stereotypes incur backlashes, or penalties, for these transgressions. However, men who engage in warm, communal behaviors occasionally receive a boost (or benefit) for this female‐stereotyped behavior. To understand how and why warmth and gender interact to predict backlashes or boosts, we integrate uncertainty reduction theory with the stereotype content model and examine warmth by gender interactions. In our first study (a field examination of job seekers), we find that men receive a boost in hireability (i.e., an increased likelihood of obtaining a job offer) for exhibiting gender incongruent (i.e., high) levels of warmth, but women do not receive a backlash in hireability for exhibiting gender incongruent (i.e., low) levels of warmth. In our second study (a laboratory experiment), we replicate and extend these findings by elucidating why they occur: warmth reduces relational uncertainty for male, but not female, applicants. In our third study (another laboratory experiment), we again replicate and extend our findings by identifying when these effects are stronger: in male‐dominated roles. Our investigation suggests that the valence of the gender stereotype violation matters when it comes to hiring decisions. Indeed, we find that displaying warmth appears to promote, rather than impede, career outcomes for men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine physical activity (PA) levels and mental health status (i.e., anxiety and depression) among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2018 National Health Interview Survey. We identified 139 parents of children with ASD and 4,470 parents of children with no disability. Their PA levels, anxiety, and depression were analyzed. Compared with parents of children with no disability, parents of children with ASD were significantly less likely to meet the PA guideline for Americans and had lower odds of vigorous PA (aOR = 0.702), strengthening PA (aOR = 0.885), and light to moderate PA (aOR = 0.994). Parents of children with ASD reported significantly higher odds of anxiety (aOR = 1.559) and depression (aOR = 1.885). This study revealed lower PA levels and higher risks of anxiety and depression in parents of children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the association between socioecological factors and outdoor physical activity (PA) and play in children with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents (N = 133) completed a survey to report changes in their child's outdoor PA and play during the pandemic (from prepandemic levels), and child, household, and neighborhood environment factors. Children with a PA-supporting parent and from multichild and White households had lower odds of reporting decreased outdoor PA. Children from multichild, higher income, married couple households and a PA-supporting parent had lower odds of decreased outdoor play. Living in neighborhoods with higher urbanization (i.e., high dwelling density, street intersections, and land-use mix) was associated with greater odds of decreased outdoor PA and play. Future research that uses larger and more representative samples of children with disabilities is needed to test for the multivariate effects of socioecological variables on outdoor PA and play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between physical activity (PA) domains and chronic low back pain (LBP) in older adults. A cross-sectional study where sociodemographic, behavioral, and health variables; PA; and presence of chronic LBP were collected. Higher scores of PA defined the "more active" participants. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between PA domains and chronic LBP. A total of 516 participants were included. The mean age was 71.8 (95% confidence interval, CI, [71.1, 72.5]) years, and 29%, 27%, 25%, and 31% were identified as "more active" in the household, sports, leisure-time, and total PA domains, respectively. "More active" participants in sports (odds ratio = 0.62, 95% CI [0.40, 0.97]), leisure-time (odds ratio = 0.54, 95% CI [0.35, 0.85]) and total (odds ratio = 0.60, 95% CI [0.39, 0.92]) PA domains were less likely to report chronic LBP. High levels of sports, leisure-time, and total PA were inversely associated with chronic LBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aimed to demonstrate the association between physical activity (PA) and frailty incidence among Japanese community-dwelling older adults with a narrow age range of 70–74 years. This study included 485 participants from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Frailty was assessed at baseline and 3 years later by using the Kaigo-Yobo Checklist. PA was assessed using the short-term International PA Questionnaire at baseline. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals after adjusting for potential confounders. The associations of frailty scores with both PA volume and daily walking time presented a U-shaped curve, albeit only the latter was statistically significant. After adjusting for potential confounders, walking for 0.5–1 hr/day displayed a greater association with decreased frailty risk than higher levels of daily walking time. Further study is needed to cumulate the evidence that moderate PA levels may delay frailty incidence and improve the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Work in animal models has implicated excessive occlusal forces and occlusal trauma as co-destructive factors for periodontitis. The main aim of the present study was to make a radiographic assessment of the effects of excessive occlusal forces, ie occlusal/incisal tooth wear, widening of the periodontal space, and the presence of a mandibular torus, on interproximal marginal bone loss in a large series of patients. A secondary aim was to evaluate the statistical correlation between the parameters in two specific teeth and those of 12 teeth for marginal bone loss and six teeth for occlusal/incisal tooth wear within the same individual. Method and materials: A total of 1,950 full-mouth radiographic surveys were analyzed retrospectively. Interproximal marginal bone loss was quantified relative to the root length (Schei ruler technique). In addition, occlusal/incisal tooth wear and periodontal ligament space widening of the periodontal space were assessed, as well as the presence of a mandibular torus. Odds ratio and logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between occlusal trauma and marginal bone loss. Results: The correlation of the measured parameters between the values for specific teeth and the whole dentition was evaluated from data from the first 400 radiographs. Teeth 41 and 33 showed the best correlation to the whole dentition: 0.85 for interproximal marginal bone loss, 0.83 for widening of the periodontal space, and 0.97 forocclusal/incisal tooth wear. The results of a logistic regression analysis with age as an independent variable, revealed a significant association between bone loss and both tooth wear (odds ratio = 2.767) and bone loss and widening of the periodontal space (odds ratio = 2.585). Conclusion: Tooth wear was positively correlated to both widening of the periodontal space and marginal bone loss. No correlation was found between the presence of a mandibular torus and marginal bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine whether patient-level disease diagnoses, drug treatments, and dental clinical factors are correlates of early implant failure. Materials and Methods: This historical, nested case-control study used electronic medical records to retrieve patient-level data on individuals with implant failure occurring up to 6 months after implantation, including demographics, clinical information (number, location, and complicated status of implants), underlying diseases (osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], myocardial infarction [MI]), and drug purchases (chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, selective serotonin inhibitors, antihypertensive medications, proton pump inhibitors [PPIs], disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) among adult members of a large, state-mandated health provider in Israel between 2015 and 2020. Individuals with implant extraction occurring up to 6 months after implantation were matched 1:1 to controls. Univariate and adjusted multivariate conditional logistic regression models were used to examine the odds ratios (ORs) of all dental implant risk factors among the patients. Results: A total of 585 individuals with implant failure (mean age, 53 years [42,62], 51.3% females and 49.7% males) were identified among 29,378 eligible patients. Compared to controls, patients who experienced implant failure (ie, cases) were more likely to have smoked in their lifetime (18% vs 11.5%, P = .009), experienced IBD (1.5% vs 0.02%, P = .059), and consumed PPIs within 6 months of the implant surgery (40.0% vs 32.5%, P = .028). Clinical factors, including the number of implants per person (individuals with two implants, OR = 1.53; individuals with at least four implants, OR = 3.33; P < .01), location of implant (maxilla; OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.2-2.04), and smoking (OR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.09-2.26) were significant correlates of early implant failure among the included cases. Crohn's disease, MI, and osteoporosis were found to be borderline significant correlates of early dental implant failure. Conclusions: Among the factors examined, the number of implants, the location of implants, and smoking history were significant correlates of early implant failure, while Crohn's disease, MI, and osteoporosis were found to not be significant. Larger patient-level studies are needed to examine the individual and combined effects of diseases, medications, and clinical factors on early implant failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about older adults' physical exercise destinations. We studied associations between physical activity (PA) level and physical exercise destinations (total number and surrounding environment) in community-dwelling 75- to 85-year-old adults living in Central Finland. Participants (N = 901) reported the amount of at least moderate-intensity PA and physical exercise destinations. Distance from home, land use, and locations of sport facilities were defined using a geographic information system. A general linear model showed that older adults with higher PA reported higher numbers of physical exercise destinations and destinations further away from home than those reporting lower PA. Binary logistic regression showed that higher PA increased the odds of reporting a distant destination identified as a sports facility and of reporting destinations located in residential, service, forest, and water body areas, respectively. Physical exercise destinations in different environments may attract older people to go out and be more physically active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Assessing awareness and knowledge of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (Guidelines), released in 2018, is important for monitoring factors that contribute to increasing physical activity. Methods: We estimated prevalence of awareness and knowledge of the adult aerobic guideline (≥150 min/wk of moderate-intensity equivalent aerobic physical activity preferably spread out over a week) among adults (n = 3471) and of the youth aerobic guideline (≥60 min/d of mostly moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity) among a subset of parents (n = 744) from a nationwide sample of US adults in the 2019 FallStyles survey. We estimated odds ratios using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and other characteristics. Results: Approximately 1 in 10 US adults and parents reported being aware of the Guidelines. Only 3% of adults knew the correct adult aerobic guideline. The most common responses were "don't know/not sure" (44%) and "30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week" (28%). Among parents, 15% knew the youth aerobic guideline. Awareness and knowledge tended to be lower with lower education and income. Conclusions: Limited awareness and knowledge of the Guidelines suggest communication about the Guidelines could be strengthened, especially among adults with low income or education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to explore the relationship between the changes in parent-related factors and preschoolers exceeding screen time (ST) recommendations. Methods: A longitudinal analysis using 2-year follow-up data from 4 kindergartens (n = 409) was conducted in Zhejiang, China, from 2019 to 2021. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the potential parental modifiable predictors. Results: The significant associations of baseline ST, change in screen accessibility, and the interaction of preschooler ST with maternal ST change with preschooler follow-up ST were observed. For preschool-aged children with baseline ST ≤ 1 hour per day, the follow-up of preschoolers with ST > 1 hour per day increased significantly when parental clarity of their ST rules decreased or remained low. For preschool children with baseline ST > 1 hour per day, follow-up ST increased significantly when their father kept ST >2 hours per day, when the screen accessibility became or remained easy, or when parental awareness of the ST decreased. Conclusions: Changes in parental correlates played an important role in preschooler ST based on 2-year longitudinal data. Early interventions should focus on improving the clarity of parental rules and perceptions, as well as on reducing parental ST and accessibility of home screens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To gain knowledge on the beliefs and practices of football practitioners applying high-speed and sprint running exposure programming strategies. Methods: One hundred two football practitioners from 22 different countries participated in a study consisting of a survey including 5 domains: demographic and professional characteristics (Who); importance of high-speed and sprint running exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies (Why); exposure timing (When); methodological procedures for exposure monitoring and training scheduling (What); and effectiveness of common training practices (How). Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, generalized mixed effects, and multinomial logistic regression models. Results: Data revealed 5 main findings: (1) overall agreement on the importance of exposure for physical-capability development, preparation for competition, and injury-prevention strategies; (2) different exposure timing and selective training scheduling for starting and nonstarting players across typical and congested weeks; (3) lack of consensus on the conceptual constructs defining high-speed and sprint running metrics and the methodological procedures used for monitoring; (4) a probable association between match-related outcomes and exposure strategies used in training; and (5) a broad range of training methods considered effective to elicit exposure. Conclusions: This study provides actionable insights into the planning, implementing, and monitoring strategies for high-speed and sprint running exposure in football. While some conform with the evidence on high-speed and sprint running training in football, further research and professional debate are warranted to develop empirical knowledge and provide pragmatic recommendations to help practitioners in adopting evidence-informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop and validate the Brazilian Adductor Performance Test (BAPT) for predicting hip adductor muscle injuries in elite soccer athletes. Methods: A total of 108 soccer athletes were assessed, followed up for 3 months, and evaluated for a history of adductor injury 6 months before BAPT evaluation. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used as the normality test. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare BAPT scores between injured and uninjured athletes. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify the athletes' chances of injury based on their BAPT scores. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the cutoff point for the number of repetitions in the BAPT and Spearman bivariate correlation and identify factors potentially related to the test score. Furthermore, the intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine interexaminer agreement. The level of significance was set at 95%. Results: The BAPT scores for hip adductor injury history did not differ significantly (P =.08). A significant deficit was identified in the BAPT scores of the injured athletes at the 3-month follow-up (P =.001). The cutoff point identified was 33 repetitions. Low BAPT scores increased the chance of injury by 20% (odds ratio, 1.20%; P =.001). The interexaminer agreement was.96 (P =.001). Conclusion: BAPT can be used to identify athletes most likely to sustain hip adductor muscle injuries, indirectly reducing the rate of this injury in soccer clubs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sex estimation standards, especially in locations with high murder case loads like South Africa, is important to aid in establishing the biological profile of victims. There is a lack of information on the utility of the measurements around the metatarsal diaphyseal nutrient foramina (NF) in sex estimation in South Africans of Mixed ancestry (SAMA). Five measurements around the NF were taken from a total of 248 metatarsals (first to fifth) from 28 males and 23 females of SAMA population. Measurements subjected to direct and stepwise discriminant function (DFA) and logistic regression (LRA) analyses included total length, distance from proximal end to NF, circumference, and mediolateral and dorsoplantar diameters at the level of the NF. The univariable functions produced 60.8–80% accuracy rates. The original classification accuracies for the stepwise and direct DFA multivariable functions ranged from 75.5–80% and 75–81.3%, respectively. The original classification accuracies for the stepwise and direct LRA multivariable functions ranged from 75.5%–80% and 75%–83.7%, respectively. The cross-validation classifications showed a drop of 0–4% for DFA and 0.7–5.4% for LRA. The multivariable DFA and LRA functions produced high average classification accuracies appropriate for use in forensic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are extensively distributed in our environment, prompting concerns about potential health hazards, including lung injuries resulting from OPFR exposure. Methods: The present study recruited 125 lung cancer patients, assessing their exposure to 10 OPFR compounds through urine samples. The final analysis comprised 108 participants after excluding those lacking epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status and those with chronic kidney disease. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as urinary OPFR concentrations, were compared based on OPFR detection. Spearman correlation was conducted to explore the relationship between OPFR compounds, while logistic regression was used to identify OPFR compounds associated with EGFR mutation. Results: The study revealed widespread OPFR exposure among lung cancer patients, with an overall detection frequency of 99.07%. Tris(2‐butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) exhibited a strong correlation to its metabolite bis(2‐butoxyethyl) phosphate (r = 0.88, p < 0.01). Patients with TBEP in their urine had higher percentage of wild‐type EGFR and the detection of TBEP was associated with a reduced likelihood of mutant EGFR expression. Conclusions: OPFR exposure was prevalent in lung cancer patients, with TBEP detection identified as a factor with lower EGFR mutation expression. This study contributes to the understanding of OPFR exposure in lung cancer patients and underscores the significance of TBEP in evaluating EGFR mutation in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have focused on the risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for NEC in SGA newborns. This study included consecutive SGA neonates admitted to a tertiary hospital in Jiangxi Province, China from Jan 2008 to Dec 2022. Patients with NEC (Bell's stage ≥ II) were assigned to the NEC group. Gestational age- and birth weight-matched non-NEC infants born during the same period at the same hospital were assigned to the control group. The risk factors associated with NEC were analyzed with univariate and logistic regression models. During the study period, 2,912 SGA infants were enrolled, 150 (5.15%) of whom developed NEC. In total, 143 patients and 143 controls were included in the NEC and control groups, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that sepsis (OR 2.399, 95% CI 1.271–4.527, P = 0.007) and anemia (OR 2.214, 95% CI 1.166–4.204, P = 0.015) might increase the incidence of NEC in SGA infants and that prophylactic administration of probiotics (OR 0.492, 95% CI 0.303–0.799, P = 0.004) was a protective factor against NEC. Therefore, sepsis, anemia and a lack of probiotic use are independent risk factors for NEC in SGA infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary micronutrients are integral to the development and progression of constipation; however, the specific relationship between dietary copper intake and constipation has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to examine the correlation between dietary copper intake and constipation among U.S. adults, thereby offering novel insights and recommendations for the clinical management and prevention of constipation. Bowel health data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2005 and 2010 were analyzed. Subjects' dietary information was collected through questionnaire records. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and curve fitting analysis were used to assess the correlation between dietary copper intake and chronic constipation. After adjusting for all possible confounders, each unit increase in dietary copper intake (converted to natural logarithms) was associated with a 20% reduction in the prevalence of constipation (OR = 0.80; 95% CI 0.65–0.98; P = 0.037). The interaction P-values for all subgroups were greater than 0.05, indicating that the findings were stable and consistent across subgroups. The present study showed a significant negative association between dietary copper intake and chronic constipation in adults. This finding raises clinical and healthcare professionals' awareness of the impact of dietary trace elements on intestinal health and has important implications for the development of personalized meal plans and rational supplementation of trace copper in patients with constipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the evolving patterns of precarious work in South Korea over a 20‐year period, challenging conventional understandings of labour market segmentation and class formation. Using group‐based trajectory modelling on Korean Labour and Income Panel Study data (2002–2021), we identify five distinct trajectories of labour market experiences. Our findings reveal that 34.4% of the sample, categorised into persistently high precariousness and persistent precariousness groups, provides evidence for an emerging, heterogeneous precariat class. This new class formation transcends traditional occupational boundaries and challenges existing class theories. Multinomial logistic regression shows that low‐skilled service workers and women are more likely to belong to precarious groups. Our study contributes by (1) providing empirical evidence for a diverse precariat class, (2) demonstrating the need for a multidimensional approach to precarious work, and (3) highlighting the dynamic nature of precarious work over time. We argue for bringing class discussion back into labour market inequality analysis through a new theoretical framework that synthesises traditional class theory with contemporary precariat discourse, offering insights for policy and theoretical development in understanding modern labour markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Significance This study was undertaken to investigate the potential of interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) findings and electrically stimulated seizures during stereo‐EEG (SEEG) as surrogate markers for the spontaneous seizure onset zone (spSOZ). We hypothesized that combining the localizing information of these markers would allow clinically meaningful estimation of the spSOZ.We included all patients (n = 63) who underwent SEEG between January 2013 and March 2020 at Helsinki University Hospital and had spontaneous seizures during the recording. We scored spikes, gamma activity, and background abnormality on each channel visually during a 12‐h epoch containing waking state and sleep. Based on semiology, we classified stimulated seizures as typical or atypical/unclassifiable and estimated the stimulated SOZ (stimSOZ) for typical seizures. To assess which markers increased the odds of channel inclusion in the spSOZ, we fitted mixed effects logistic regression models.A combined regression model including the stimSOZ and interictal markers scored during sleep performed better in estimating which channels were part of the spSOZ than models based on stimSOZ (p < .001) or interictal markers (p < .001) alone. Of the individual markers, the effect sizes were greatest for inclusion of a channel in the stimSOZ (odds ratio [OR] = 60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 37–97, p < .001) and for continuous (OR = 25, 95% CI = 12–55, p < .001) and subcontinuous (OR = 36, 95% CI = 21–64, p < .001) interictal spiking. At the individual level, the model's accuracy to predict spSOZ inclusion varied markedly (median accuracy = 85.7, range = 54.4–100), which was not explained by etiology (p > .05).Compared to either marker alone, combining visually rated interictal SEEG markers and stimulated seizures improved prediction of which SEEG channels belonged to the spSOZ. Inclusion in the stimSOZ and continuous or subcontinuous spikes increased the odds of spSOZ inclusion the most. Future studies should investigate whether suboptimal sampling of the true epileptogenic zone can explain the model's poor performance in certain patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The relationship between obesity and diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains controversial, and the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and DR is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with T2DM. Obesity was assessed by body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), android fat mass, gynoid fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass. Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria of Consensus of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019). Sarcopenic obesity was defined as the coexistence of sarcopenia and obesity. The association between obesity, sarcopenic obesity, and DR was examined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Results: A total of 367 patients with T2DM (mean age 58.3 years; 57.6% male) were involved in this study. The prevalence of DR was 28.3%. In total patients, significant adverse relationships between obesity and DR were observed when obesity was assessed by BMI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31 to 0.96, p = 0.036), FMI (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.85, p = 0.012), android fat mass (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.89, p = 0.019), gynoid fat mass (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.91, p = 0.021) or VAT mass (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.78, p = 0.005). In patients with T2DM and obesity, the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity was 14.8% (n = 23) when obesity was assessed by BMI, 30.6% (n = 56) when assessed by FMI, 27.9% (n = 51) when assessed by android fat mass, 28.4% (n = 52) when assessed by gynoid fat mass, and 30.6% (n = 56) when assessed by VAT mass. Sarcopenic obesity was associated with DR when obesity was assessed by BMI (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.07 to 6.37, p = 0.035), android fat mass (aOR 3.27, 95% CI 1.37 to 7.80, p = 0.007), or VAT mass (aOR 2.50, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.92, p = 0.037). Conclusions: Patients with T2DM showed a substantial inverse relationship between DR and obesity, and sarcopenic obesity was considerably favorably associated with DR. Detection of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM, especially in obese T2DM, is essential to guide clinical intervention in DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the analysis of logistic regression models, various biased estimators have been proposed as an alternative to the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) for estimating model parameters in the presence of multicollinearity. In this study, a new class of biased estimators called Logistic Ridge-type Estimator (LRTE) is proposed by generalizing the existing biased estimators that include two biasing parameters. The performance of the proposed estimator is compared with the other biased estimators in terms of the Matrix Mean Squared Error (MMSE). Two separate Monte Carlo simulation studies are conducted to investigate the performance of the proposed estimator. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed biased estimator. The results revealed that LRTE performed better than other existing biased estimators under the conditions investigated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe doctrine of adverse possession presents a risk to forestland ownership because timber management is infrequent. In this study, the extent of adverse possession claims on forestland in the United States is examined through a set of 243 published legal cases, and the determinants of the case outcomes are analyzed by a multinomial logit model. Those cases are from 32 states and distributed over 200 years, with an average of 12 cases per decade. Adverse possession claimants win 44% of the cases. The regression analysis reveals that whether an adverse possessor has a defective title is the leading factor in determining the case outcomes, and the periods required by statutes tend to negatively impact the winning probability of adverse possessors. The empirical findings have implications for landowners to defend their titles or remove a cloud on titles and for legislators to revise relevant laws in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]