bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Information-Processing Demands on Physiological Response Patterns
Authors: Bauer Lance O. , Goldstein Robert , Stern John A.
Published: July 2017

The present study investigated the effects of increased attentional and encoding/rehearsal demands on a number of physiological measures. Encoding/rehearsal demands were varied by manipulating the number of letters (1, 3, or 5) comprising a briefly presented set that the subject was instructed to encode, retain, and, 5 s later, compare with a single test letter. Attentional demands were varied by presenting the subject with a cue stimulus (the numeral 1, 3, or 5) 5s prior to the presentation of the letter set, informing the subject of the number of letters contained therein. The physiological measures recorded were heart rate, eyeblinks, “probe-evoked” potentials sampled from the intervals preceding and following the letter set, and “task-evoked” potentials elicited by the cue, memory set, and test stimuli. Unique patterns of physiological activity occurred in the intervals preceding and following the memory set. In the interval preceding the memory set, where attentional demands were varied by set size, probe ERP P1-N1 amplitude increased with set size. In the subsequent interval, where encoding and rehearsal demands were varied, probe ERP N1-P2 amplitude declined with increasing set size. There was also evidence for interval and set-size effects on heart rate, blink rate, and task ERPs. These results have implications for multiple-resource theories of attention.
Sleep Duration at Home and Sleepiness on the Job in Rotating Twelve-Hour Shift Workers
Authors: Anderson Robert M. , Bremer David A.
Published: July 2017

The relation between sleeping patterns at home and sleepiness ratings on the job was examined for 29 shift workers. The workers' 12 h shift schedule was an eight-day cycle, with two day shifts followed by two night shifts and 96 h off. The workers were categorized as early-onset or late-onset sleepers and as long or short sleepers, based on their sleeping patterns on a nonworking day. No significant differences were found between early-onset and late-onset sleepers in reported sleepiness on the job. The reported sleepiness on the job of short sleepers was significantly less than that of long sleepers on both day and night shifts. This difference was explained in terms of a hypothesized effect of long sleeping on circadian rhythms. Social factors appeared to explain the shorter sleeping periods of some workers.
Computer Network Operation: Applicability of the Vigilance Paradigm to Key Tasks
Authors: Percival Lynn C. , Noonan Thomas K.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the applicability of the vigilance paradigm to the task of monitoring data communication networks. Survey work and the results of usability evaluations of IBM network management products suggest that several key aspects of the vigilance paradigm do apply to this task. The task is prolonged but not necessarily continuous because of time sharing and social interaction. The signals are of the cognitive type and are many and varied. The simple ones are obvious; more difficult ones are not. The signals are infrequent and aperiodic. The frequency is probably lower than in most vigilance experiments, and the response does have an impact on future signal rate. Often the response to a detected problem is to begin problem recording and troubleshooting. A set of recommendations for modification of the paradigm and experimental parameter values is provided that will make the results of future vigilance experiments more applicable to this type of operational monitoring. A second set of recommendations is provided for improving human performance in this type of system monitoring.
The Role of Human Factors in Expert Systems Design and Acceptance
Authors: Madni Azadm
Published: July 2017

The goal of expert systems is to provide competent advice and assistance to users in tasks that require some degree of specialized knowledge. The success of expert systems depends not only on the quality and completeness of the knowledge elicited from experts but also on the compatibility of the recommendations and decisions with the end user's conceptualization of the task. This paper discusses the critical psychological and human factors issues that must be addressed in the design, prototyping, and acceptance of expert systems. Specifically, human factors considerations are addressed from the development, rapid proto typing, and end-user perspectives. Where possible, human factors guidelines are offered for each knowledge-processing stage underlying expert system development, prototyping, evaluation, and acceptance.
Adaptive Aiding for Human/Computer Control
Authors: Rouse William B.
Published: July 2017

Adaptive aiding is a human-machine system design concept that involves using aiding/automation only at those points in time when human performance in a system needs support to meet operational requirements---in the absence of such needs, human performance remains unaided/manual, and thereby humans remain very much "in the loop." This paper describes the evolution and results of an ongoing program of experimental and theoretical research in adaptive aiding. The development and proof of concept are first discussed, followed by consideration of human performance models, on-line assessment methods, and the psychology of human-aid interaction. The implications of these ideas and results are discussed relative to design of intelligent support systems in general and expert systems in particular. A framework for design is presented that includes a structured set of design questions that may be addressed in terms of principles of adaptation and principles of interaction.
Capacity Equivalence Curves: A Double Trade-Off Curve Method for Equating Task Performance
Authors: Colle Herbert A. , Amell John R. , Ewry Michael E. , Jenkins Mary-Louise
Published: July 2017

A dual-task technique for developing mental workload scales was described and evaluated. This technique, the method of double trade-off curves, can be used to equate secondary task performance levels of different tasks. The results from two different mental workload experiments were consistent with the assumptions underlying the technique.
Processing Demands, Effort, and Individual Differences in Four Different Vigilance Tasks
Authors: Koelega Harry S. , Brinkman Jan-Albert , Hendriks Loek , Verbaten Marinus N.
Published: July 2017

In an attempt to specify the limiting conditions of the taxonomy of vigilance tasks, four tasks differing in memory load and in stimuli employed (sensory or cognitive) were compared. Electrodermal activity and subjective measures were used to determine the investment of effort. The data show that vigilance level and vigilance decrement dissociate. The level seems to relate to effort demand and investment; the decrement seems to be task driven, determined mainly by the type of stimuli used. Tasks employing unfamiliar stimuli showed a decline in sensitivity; “cognitive” tasks employing alphanumeric stimuli did not. Principal components analyses suggest that measures of speed and accuracy may reflect relatively independent systems. Subjective data showed that good performers expend more effort in difficult and complex tasks. Effortful processing seems to prevent rather than induce a decline in efficiency.
Neural, Optical, and Search Performance in Prolonged Viewing of Chromatic Displays
Authors: Lovasik John V. , Matthews Michael L. , Kergoat Helene
Published: July 2017

The effect of prolonged cathode ray tube (CRT) work on the afferent visual neural and focusing system of the human eye was examined by visually evoked potentials (VEPs) and laser optometer techniques, respectively. These measures were compared with parallel measurements of search performance. Ten volunteers performed three 4-hr sessions of a search/decision task on a high-resolution-red/ green/blue (RGB) monitor. Stimuli were numbers and symbols presented in a blue/black, red/black, or red/green foreground/background combination. Results showed minimal changes in the neural and focusing responses to each foreground/background combination over time on task. Weak correlations were found between neural-optical and search performance measurements. These data suggest that the use of chromatic stimuli in the color combinations examined do not have a detrimental effect on visual performancé.
A Dynamic Model of Stress and Sustained Attention
Authors: Hancock P. A.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the effects of stress on sustained attention. With recognition of the task itself as the major source of cognitive stress, a dynamic model is presented that addresses the effects of stress on vigilance and, potentially, a wide variety of attention-demanding performance tasks.
A Model for Human-Machine-Human Interaction in Workspace Layout Problems
Authors: Hendy Keith C.
Published: July 2017

Many methods exist for the quantitative analysis of the two-dimensional layout problem-for example, ALDEP, CORELAP, CRAFT, DISCON, PLANET, and WOLAP. Methods such as these assume that all information on the quality of the various human-machine and human-human interactions that characterize the workspace-at least that information which is sensitive to workspace geometry-is vested in the length of the link between interacting elements. Although this assumption may be valid for problems adequately described by an analogy to the materials flow problem, it is argued that the link length model is an inadequate description of complex visual auditory, tactile, and movement behaviors that characterize human communication. A new model, LOCATE, is proposed for this class of problem. LOCATE is capable of representing a far wider range of human characteristics than is generally possible with established techniques. The LOCATE model is used to evaluate a complex real-world problem, and the results are compared with those of a previous human engineering evaluation. The LOCATE analysis agreed with the original analysis as far as the major issues were concerned but provided an integrated approach and a more comprehensive assessment of issues such as visual monitoring and auditory communications.
Patterns of Arm Position during Normal Driving
Authors: Viano David C. , Patel Milan , Ciccone Michael A.
Published: July 2017

Left arm position was determined from movies taken by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of 1890 vehicles approaching an intersection on a normal two-lane road. The dynamics of driving were apparent as the drivers shifted their left arms from the armrest to place their hands on the steering wheel 23.8% of the time when stopping at intersections. Whereas drivers used the armrest 34.4% of the time on the open road, the armrest was used only 10.6% of the time at the intersection. The driver's left hand was on the steering wheel 69.6% of the time at the intersection. Use of the windowsill to rest the arm varied among passenger cars, trucks/vans, and sports cars primarily because of differences in shoulder and windowsill height. A lower relative position in trucks and vans promoted use of the windowsill to rest the arm. Given that serious injury in multivehicle side impacts most frequently occurs in intersection crashes, design improvements of the side interior should focus on direct loading of the chest and abdomen. In addition, crash tests should be set up with the dummy's left hand on the steering wheel and arm away from the side.
Component Practice and Exposure to a Problem-Solving Context
Authors: Carlson Richard A. , Khoo Boo Hock , Elliott Robert G.
Published: July 2017

The component fluency hypothesis suggests that practicing component skills can increase the fluency of target task performance. Three experiments examined boundary conditions for this hypothesis. College students practiced individual Boolean functions, then solved transfer problems using these functions. In Experiment 1, varying the amount of component practice had no detectable effect on problem solving fluency. In Experiment 2, subjects had 480 trials of component practice, with exposure to the target task after 0, 240, or 480 trials. A fourth group had 192 trials of component practice. The results partially replicated Experiment 1: exposure to the target context after 240 trials produced the best final performance. Experiment 3 replicated Experiment 2, using a more sensitive target task and an additional group exposed to the target task after 120 trials of component practice. Results confirmed the importance of target task exposure. These findings suggest limits on the component fluency hypothesis.
Display Principles, Control Dynamics, and Environmental Factors in Pilot Training and Transfer
Authors: Lintern Gavan , Roscoe Stanley N. , Sivier Jonathan E.
Published: July 2017

Sixty-four flight-naive men were tested in a fractional factorial, quasi-transfer experiment to examine the effects of four display factors, one control response factor, and one environmental factor on acquisition and transfer of aircraft landing skills. An additional 12 trainees served as experimental controls. Transfer was measured from each of 64 experimental training conditions to a criterion condition with a conventional inside-out pictorial contact display, normal simulator control dynamics, and a 5-knot crosswind. Transfer was better following training with pictorial displays than with symbolic displays, and with normal rather than reduced bank control order. Interactions of crosswind with predictive augmentation and with bank control order showed that for some conditions, transfer benefited from training with predictive augmentation and from training without crosswind.
Transfer of Landing Skills in Beginning Flight Training
Authors: Lintern Gavan , Roscoe Stanley N. , Koonce Jefferson M. , Segal Leon D.
Published: July 2017

Beginning flight students from the University of Illinois flight training program were given two sessions of landing practice in a simulator with a computer-animated contact landing display before they commenced intensive landing practice in the aircraft. For each experimental student there was a control student, paired with the same instructor, who received no landing practice in the simulator. Experimental students required significantly fewer presolo landings in the airplane than did the paired controls, representing a potential saving of about 1.5 presolo flight hours per student. These data show that pretraining with a moderately detailed, yet relatively inexpensive, computer-animated landing display can offer worthwhile savings in flight time. Some students were provided adaptive visual augmentation during their simulator training, and there was evidence of incremental transfer attributable to this instructional feature.
The Incidence of Disabilities in the United States
Authors: Elkind Jerome
Published: July 2017

Data from the Census Bureau and other sources are reviewed, reconciled, and extrapolated to 1990 to provide a consistent view of the incidence of disabilities in the United States. Four major categories of disabilities are considered: sensory, motor, cognitive, and illiteracy. About a third of the population is affected to some extent by handicaps of these types. Severe impairments from sensory, motor, and cognitive disabilities affect about 15% of the population; severely limited literacy affects another 7%. With the number of disabled people so large and the human and economic impact so great, considerable national attention has been focused on the problem of increasing employment of the disabled. The human factors community can and should make a major contribution to this effort.
Is Display/Control Gain a Useful Metric for Optimizing an Interface?
Authors: Arnaut Lynn Y. , Greenstein Joel S.
Published: July 2017

Two studies were conducted to determine the adequacy of display/control gain as a metric for characterizing a control-display interface consisting of a CRT display and a separate input device. The first study examined the effect of independent changes in the control input and the display output on cursor positioning performance with two input devices: a touch tablet and a trackball. The second study separated the effects of control amplitude, display amplitude, and display target width. Results indicate that display/control gain is not an adequate specification for performance. A combination of gain and Fitts' index of difficulty may be a useful predictor.
The Development of Technology for Collective Training: SIMNET, a Case History
Authors: Alluisi Earl A.
Published: July 2017

SIMNET, an acronym for simulator networking, was initiated in 1983 as a project on large-scale simulator networking by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA; Order AO 4739, signed February 15, 1983). It is a proof-of-principle technology demonstration of interactive networking for real-time, person-in-the-loop battle engagement simulation and war-gaming. Intended for military collective training, SIMNET is also adaptable for training or exercising commanders and staffs at higher echelons, usable in the development of military concepts and doctrine, and suitable to the testing and evaluation of alternative weapon system concepts prior to acquisition decisions. This paper summarizes the technical history of SIMNET development and identifies lessons learned that could contribute to the success of future efforts to develop training technologies and systems, especially for collective training. It concludes with a discussion of the implications and challenges of SIMNET for the human factors and training technology communities.
Determination of a Safe Slow Robot Motion Speed Based on the Effect of Environmental Factors
Authors: Beauchamp Yves , Stobbe Terrence J. , Ghosh Kalyan , Imbeau Daniel
Published: July 2017

The goal of this research was to determine a safe slow robot motion speed to be used for intervention tasks conducted in proximity to an industrial robot (e.g., programming and maintenance) when environmental factors were considered. The relevant factors associated with a robot station were dictated by previous research (Beauchamp and Stobbe, 1990). They were the illumination level, the luminance contrast between the robot and its background, the motion speed of the robot, and the field in which unexpected motions were initiated. The dependent variable measured was the distance the robot moved before the subject detected and responded to the unexpected robot motion. From the results, a multiple regression model was derived for predicting robot overrun distance. The model suggested that speeds in excess of 17 cm/s do not provide an adequate safety margin, and that 17 cm/s should be recommended as the maximum robot slow speed for work conducted in the vicinity of an industrial robot not equipped with dead-man switches.
Identifying Correlates of Accident Involvement for the Older Driver
Authors: Ball Karlene , Owsley Cynthia
Published: July 2017

Most older adults rely on the automobile to maintain their mobility and independence, in spite of the fact that age-related behavioral and biomedical changes may make driving more difficult. Indeed, accident and fatality rates begin to rise after age 55. One research goal, therefore, is to identify functional measures that differentiate older adults who drive safely from those who do not. This paper discusses conceptual and methodological issues involved in addressing this question, considers why earlier research has been largely unsuccessful, presents a working model for approaching the problem, and argues the need for large-sample, prospective research in this area
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of Rapid Cursor-Positioning Movements with Electromechanical Mice in Human-Computer Interaction
Authors: Walker Neff , Meyer David E. , Smelcer JOhn B.
Published: July 2017

This research examines how people make movements with pointing devices during human-computer interaction. It specifically concerns the perceptual-motor processes that mediate the speed and accuracy of cursor positioning with electromechanical mice. In three experiments we investigated the spatial and temporal characteristics of positioning movements made with a mouse, analyzing subjects' speed and accuracy as a function of the types of targets that the movements had to reach. Experiment 1 required rapid and accurate horizontal movements to targets that were vertical ribbons located at various distances from the mouse's starting location. The targets for Experiments 2 and 3, respectively, were vertical lines having various heights and rectangular boxes having various heights and widths. Constraints on movement distance along the primary (that is, horizontal) line of motion had the greatest effects on total positioning times. However, constraints on movement distance along a secondary (vertical) line of motion also affected total positioning times significantly. These effects may be localized in different phases of movement (e.g., movement execution and verification). The duration of movement execution (i.e., physical motion) depends primarily on the target distance, whereas the duration of movement verification (i.e., check for endpoint accuracy) depends primarily on target height and width. A useful account of movement execution is provided by stochastic optimized-sub movement models, which have significant implications for designing mice and menu-driven displays.
Measuring Subjective Workload: When Is One Scale Better Than Many?
Authors: Hendy Keith C. , Hamilton Kevin M. , Landry Lois N.
Published: July 2017

The idea that mental workload should be treated as a multidimensional problem is well recognized. Yet the NASA Task Load Index and Subjective Workload Assessment Technique scales incorporate procedures for combining multidimensional judgments into scalar estimates of overall workload. In view of comparable or superior performance claimed for univariate scales, it is reasonable to ask whether the scaled values are good estimates of overall processing demands and whether workload values derived from multidimensional scales provide better estimates than do judgments made on a univariate scale. This paper examines these issues using data from four independent studies. The results support two conclusions. First, if a measure of the overall demand on human information-processing is required, then a univariate rating is expected to provide a measure that is at least as sensitive to manipulations of task demand as a derived estimate from multivariate data. Second, if a univariate workload rating is not available, a simple unweighted additive model provides an adequate method for combining factor ratings into an estimate of overall workload.
Using Meta-Analysis to Compare the Predictive Validity of Single- and Multiple-Task Measures to Flight Performance
Authors: Damos Diane L.
Published: July 2017

The predictive validity of multiple-task measures (performance measures obtained when an individual performs two or more tasks concurrently) to flight performance has been frequently questioned because it is usually low and often appears to be no better than the validity of the corresponding single-task measures. Misanalyses conducted on the results of 14 studies demonstrated that the effect sizesassociated with both single- and multiple-task measures were both statistically different from 0.0, with the effect size for the multiple-task measures statistically greater than that of the corresponding single-task measures. However, the corresponding predictive validities were low, and the usefulness of both measures is examined.
Toward a Psychophysiological Assessment of Dynamic Changes in Mental Workload
Authors: Humphrey Darryl G. , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: July 2017

The main goal of the present study was to examine the feasibility of employing event-related brain potentials to measure dynamic changes in mental workload. Subjects performed two tasks, monitoring and mental arithmetic, both separately and together. Following an analysis of the performance, subjective workload ratings, and average ERP data in the single-and dual-task conditions, two different conditions from each of the tasks were selected for further analysis. A bootstrapping approach was employed to determine the amount of ERP data required to discriminate between these conditions. The results of these analyses indicated that (a)90% correct discrimination could be achieved with from 1 to 11 s of ERP data, (b) the best ERP measures varied across tasks and subjects, and (c) the inclusion of temporal and spatial aspects of the ERP data improved the ability to discriminate among workload levels. The data is discussed with respect to real-time assessment of mental workload.
Effects of Speech Intelligibility Level on Concurrent Visual Task Performance
Authors: Payne David G. , Peters Leslie J. , Birkmire Deborah P. , Bonto Marivic A. , Anastasi Jeffrey S. , Wenger Michael J.
Published: July 2017

Four experiments were performed to determine if changes in the level of speech intelligibility in an auditory task have an impact on performance in concurrent visual tasks. The auditory task used in each experiment was a memory search task in which subjects memorized a set of words and then decided whether authority presented probe items were members of the memorized set. The visual tasks used were an unstable tracking task, a spatial decision-making task, a mathematical reasoning task, and a probability monitoring task. Results showed that performance on the unstable tracking and probability monitoring tasks was unaffected by the level of speech intelligibility on the auditory task, whereas accuracy in the spatial decision-making and mathematical processing tasks was significantly worse at low speech intelligibility levels. The findings are interpreted within the framework of multiple resource theory.
Psychophysical Foundations of a Model of Amplified Night Vision in Target Detection Tasks
Authors: Uttal William R. , Baruch Todd , Allen Linda
Published: July 2017

In this article we examine some of the basic psychophysics relevant to amplified night vision devices. These devices produce images that are substantially different from ordinary visual scenes. Distortions in contrast and luminance and the introduction of visual interference and geometrical artifacts contribute to unusual viewing conditions. We carried out experiments to determine the effect of these parameters of the image on a highly controlled visual target detection task simulated on a computer graphics system that closely models a night vision device. Our results indicate that display luminance and geometrical artifacts degrade detection performance only slightly, whereas contrast and visual interference have a substantial degrading effect.
Retention of Skilled Search after Nine Years
Authors: Cooke Nancy J. , Durso Francis T. , Schvaneveldt Roger W.
Published: July 2017

Retention of skilled search after a nine-year period of nonuse was investigated in letter and digit tasks. The letter task involved search for one of six consistently mapped letter targets in a set of two, three, or four letters. The digit task required subjects to indicate the largest digit in a display of two, three, or four digits (one through nine). In the digit task the digits 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 could serve as targets or distractors, depending on the other items in the display. Results indicated only minimal loss of speed and no loss in visual search rates after the nine-year interval. In addition, the savings were equivalent for the two tasks in spite of the difference in stimulus-response consistency.
Shifting Visual Attention in Stereographic Displays: A Time Course Analysis
Authors: Iavecchia Helene P. , Folk Charles L.
Published: July 2017

According to a growing number of studies, the stereographic presentation of three dimensional information improves overall performance relative to displays with only monocular depth cues. Based on studies using real-world, three-dimensional stimuli, however, the efficiency (i.e., speed) of shifting attention between objects located at different depths is impaired relative to that of attention shifts between objects located at the same depth. In the present study we tested whether similar impairments occur when attention is shifted in stereographic space. We compared the time course of attention shifts across and within depth planes using a spatial cuing task. Contrary to the results from studies of real-world stimuli, we found no difference between the time course of within-plane and across-plane attention shifts.
Responding to Bias Amongst Jurors
Authors: Robertshaw Paul
Published: July 2017

This article commences by considering two decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled on the appropriateness of trial judges' responses to allegations of racism in juries, on hearing appeals alleging violation of Article 6(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights. Other relevant cases are also considered. The few factual differences between the two cases, the narrow majority in one, and the use of the same terminology as the common law to make a different test for bias may cause difficulty for trial judges in coping with such unforeseen allegations. The article considers the means whereby UK courts have previously, and might in the future, comply with European Convention requirements. It suggests that until that is done trial judges may over-respond to allegations with destructive effects on trial process.
Reform of the Insanity Defence: Theoretical Issues
Authors: Howard Helen
Published: July 2017

This article examines the need for a new insanity defence in the light of the inadequacies of the M'Naghten Rules. Consideration is given to some of the theoretical and practical issues which must be addressed in drafting a new insanity defence. Attention is given to American versions of the insanity defence and other proposals for reform. Tentatively, a new form of defence is suggested.
First-Grade Cognitive Predictors of Writing Disabilities in Grades 2 Through 4 Elementary School Students
Authors: Costa Lara-Jeane , Green Melissa , Sideris John , Hooper Stephen R.
Published: July 2017

The primary aim of this study was determining Grade 1 cognitive predictors of students at risk for writing disabilities in Grades 2 through 4. Applying cognitive measures selected to align with theoretical and empirical models of writing, tasks were administered to Grade 1 students assessing fine-motor, linguistic, and executive functions: 84 at risk (bottom quartile for age-base expectations) and 54 typically developing. A model with individual predictors was compared to a previously developed latent trait model to determine the relative predictive worth of each approach. Data analysis primarily involved stepwise logistic regression. Results revealed that the individual measures of orthographic choice, working memory, inhibitory control, visual memory recognition, and planning all were significant predictors of at risk status in Grades 2 through 4. The latent trait model also fared well but did not account for the same amount of variance as any of the individual measurement models for any of the grades. The findings lay the foundation for an empirically based approach to cognitive assessment in Grade 1 for identifying potential at-risk students in later elementary grades and suggest potential underlying neurocognitive abilities that could be employed with educational interventions for students with later-emerging writing disabilities.
A particularly complex case of matricide by means of plastic bag suffocation: Case report
Authors: Migliorini Arnaldo Stanislao , Boracchi Michele , Gentile Guendalina , Maciocco Francesca , Piccinini Andrea , Zoja Riccardo
Published: July 2017

A rare case of homicide with plastic bag suffocation is presented in which forensic genetic investigations were carried out on the inner surface of a plastic bag placed over the head of an elderly woman, bedridden after a stroke. The results obtained suggested that she had been murdered and hinted at the perpetrator of the crime. In fact, it emerged that biological traces left by the victim matched those of her principal caregiver, her psychotic daughter, who later confessed to the crime. The old woman also had a son affected by a serious illness, whose genetic profile was found on the same bag. In a later interview, he stated that his sister had tried to kill him too, thus confirming the genetic findings and allowing the investigators to hypothesise that the daughter had used the same means to try to kill him. Based on these results, the usefulness of forensic genetic testing when investigating complex plastic bag suffocation deaths is highlighted. This peculiar case deserves interest, since no murder of this kind has ever been reported in the Italian forensic literature.
From rau to sacred plants: Transfigurations of shamanic agency among the Siona Indians of Colombia
Authors: Langdon Esther Jean
Published: July 2017

Translations of the native notion of shamanic agency of the Siona Indians of Colombia is explored throughout different historical and social contexts. The polysemic concept rau is central to the shaman’s capacity for establishing relations of exchange and negotiation with humans and non-humans. As the embodiment of his power, it fits within a semantic field that conveys the waxing and waning of life cycles. Sharing a series of qualities with the Melanesian concept of mana, rau should be understood as a social phenomenon whose use and meaning has transfigured through time and space. However, unlike the globalization of new mana, the important notion of Siona shamanic agency has been substituted by representations of the ritual substance of yajé as key symbol for power and knowledge as Siona rituals have been revitalized in their dialogue with the ethnic identity movement and the neo-shamanic network that associates sacred plants with primordial knowledge and agency.
The Extant of Conflict among Marginalised Communities: A Study in Kandhamal District of Odisha
Authors: Mohanty Rabindra K.
Published: July 2017

The task of conflict analysis is to unravel the complex dynamics of interactive processes in order to understand how and why people resort to violence. Based on the field research, this article seeks to analyse the following: (a) to study the causal dynamics and structural characteristics of the manifestation of violent conflict in Kandhamal; (b) to assess the role played by governmental organisations and non-governmental organisations in the pre- and post-conflict situation; (c) to explain the post-conflict scenario in terms of its immediate and long-term impact and (d) to conclude with analysis of the policy implications and to suggest strategies for establishment of peace in the area on sustainable basis. This study represents an exploratory and descriptive research design. Sources of data included both secondary and primary in nature.
Book Review: Anand Teltumbde, Mahad: The Making of the First Dalit Revolt
Authors: Yadav Manohar
Published: July 2017

Anand Teltumbde, Mahad: The Making of the First Dalit Revolt. Delhi: Aakar Books, 2016, xi + 389 pp., ₹995 (hardback), ISBN: 978-93-5002-398-3.
Philosophy and the Religious Point of View
Authors: Amesbury Richard
Published: July 2017

Philosophy cannot and should not give us an account of faith, but should understand itself and know just what it has indeed to offer, without taking anything away, least of all cheating people out of something by making them think it is nothing.
Tenure change in London’s suburbs: Spreading gentrification or suburban upscaling?
Authors: Paccoud Antoine , Mace Alan
Published: July 2017

This article looks at the distribution of social upscaling across London linked to changes in tenure between 2001 and 2011. Against a background of discussions of suburban decline, it shows that there are a number of Outer London areas which have seen upscaling trajectories linked to the private rented sector. The analysis reveals that this particular type of upscaling was made possible by the variegation in the Outer London landscape: within a space dominated by early to mid-20th century semi-detached and terraced (row) housing, areas of distinctive architecture and excellent accessibility offer a diluted version of the metropolitan milieu gentrifiers seek in the inner city. Buy To Let gentrification in Outer London can thus be understood as an overspill by those uninterested in, or unable to access, ownership and priced out of high house price Inner London.
Can Molecular Genetic Evidence Influence Jurors’ Perceptions of a Defendant? Results From a Randomized Experiment
Authors: Costa Elise T. , Pate Margaret , Gibson Chris L.
Published: July 2017

Despite increases in genetic evidence being used as mitigating or aggravating factors in criminal cases, few studies have examined whether evidence of a defendant’s genotype influences legal decision making of jurors. Using a randomized experiment, this study examined whether potential jurors’ legal decisions are affected when a defendant’s molecular genetic information is entered as mitigating evidence. Participants served as potential jurors from two universities ( N = 279). Results from multivariate regression models suggest that genetic evidence does not influence punitive attitudes toward a defendant. However, genetic evidence did have a statistically significant effect on fearfulness of the defendant. Participants assigned to the condition in which evidence of the defendant possesses genetic risk of criminality and a history of child abuse were the most fearful of the defendant. We conclude by describing how our findings are related to past research, and we also discuss implications of our study for future research.
Progressive modularization: Reframing our understanding of typical and atypical language development
Authors: D’Souza Dean , Filippi Roberto
Published: July 2017

The ability to acquire language is a critical part of human development. Yet there is no consensus on how the skill emerges in early development. Does it constitute an innately-specified, language-processing module or is it acquired progressively? One of Annette Karmiloff-Smith’s (1938–2016) key contributions to developmental science addresses this very question. Karmiloff-Smith persistently maintained that the process of development itself constitutes a crucial factor in phenotypic outcomes. She proposed that cognitive modules gradually emerge through a developmental process – ‘progressive modularization’. This concept helped to advance the field beyond the stale nature–nurture controversy. It enabled language researchers to develop more nuanced transactional frameworks that take seriously the integration of genes and environment. In homage to Karmiloff-Smith, the current article describes the importance of her work to the field of developmental psychology and language research. It examines how the concept of progressive modularization could be applied to language development as well as how it has greatly advanced our understanding of language difficulties in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Finally, it discusses how Karmiloff-Smith’s approach is inspiring current and future research.
The Impact of Economy-Wide Sentiment on Analysts’ Research Activities
Authors: Tang Michael , Yao Li
Published: July 2017

In this article, we examine how economy-wide sentiment, measured with the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index, affects analysts’ research activities. Using a firm-fixed effects design, we find that consumer sentiment, especially the component related to economic fundamentals, is negatively associated with analysts’ frequency of issuing research reports, but is positively associated with the precision of analysts’ idiosyncratic information, our proxy for analysts’ engagement in private information discovery. The evidence is more pronounced for firms with larger total assets, higher return on assets, better market performance, lower stock return volatility, and higher institutional ownership. We further document that analyst reports are more informative when consumer sentiment is higher. Taken together, our findings suggest that analysts respond to higher consumer sentiment by allocating more effort to private information discovery, which enhances the informativeness of their reports to investors. Our research reveals the impact of sentiment, a macrolevel factor, on analysts’ research activities, and it enriches the knowledge of analysts’ decision processes.
Surgical Anatomy Does Not Affect the Progression of Intestinal Failure–Associated Liver Disease in Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Lavallee Celeste M. , Wizzard Pamela R. , Lansing Marihan , Vine Donna F. , Nation Patrick N. , Yap Jason Y. , Willing Benjamin P. , Wales Paul W. , Turner Justine M.
Published: July 2017

Background: Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) causes significant morbidity in neonates with short bowel syndrome (SBS) dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN). Resected ileum, with loss of the ileocecal valve (ICV), is the most common anatomy in SBS, yet its impact on IFALD has not been adequately studied. Methods: Neonatal piglets were randomized to 75% intestinal resection with jejunocolic anastomosis (JC, n = 12), 75% resection with jejunoileal anastomosis and intact ICV (JI, n = 13), PN‐fed sham (sham, n = 14), or sow‐fed control (SF, n = 8). Surgical and sham piglets received 100% PN for 14 days before bile flow was measured and blood chemistry, liver pathology, jejunal permeability, and bacterial translocation were assessed. Results: Bile flow was lower for PN‐fed compared with SF (P = .002) but not different between the PN‐fed groups. Total bilirubin (P = .03) and liver pathology (P < .001) were greater in PN‐fed than SF groups but not different between PN‐fed groups. Serum bile acids were increased in sham (P = .01) but not different between SBS groups. PN‐fed piglets with sepsis had lower bile flow (P = .001) and increased bilirubin (P = .04). Neither jejunal permeability nor bacterial translocation were different between JC, JI, or sham groups. Conclusion: Contrary to our hypothesis, the remnant anatomy does not appear to worsen the progression of IFALD. However, the role of sepsis in IFALD should be further explored, in addition to other mechanisms, including PN factors, host immune responses, and intestinal bacterial dysbiosis.
Reflections on Patient‐Centered Care: From the Perspective of a Young Otolaryngologist
Authors: Jamal Nausheen
Published: July 2017

It is now well recognized that patient engagement in health care is a key factor in improving satisfaction; however, it is also critical if we are to improve the health outcomes of our patients, as well as the economic and quality outcomes of our health system. Medicine, though, has traditionally resisted a culture of patient‐centered or patient‐controlled care. What follow are the reflections of one otolaryngologist on the importance and challenges of making the transition to patient‐centered care.
Optimal sizing of iliac vein stents
Authors: Raju Seshadri , Buck William J , Crim William , Jayaraj Arjun
Published: July 2017

Background

Iliac vein stenting has emerged as a therapeutic option in chronic venous disease. The optimal stent size is unknown but should match normal caliber at a minimum.

Methods

Teleology: The iliac-femoral outflow caliber was measured by Duplex in healthy volunteers to determine normal caliber. Patient IVUS data: The distribution curve of IVUS planimetry data in 345 chronic venous disease limbs was analyzed: values at the right tail end of the curve should approach normal values according to distribution theory. The optimal stent size was also projected using Poiseuille equation and Young’s scaling rule.

Results

The optimal stent sizes in the common iliac, external iliac, and common femoral vein segments are: 16, 14, and 12 mm diameters, respectively.

Conclusion

Stent correction of iliac vein stenosis should aim to restore the lumen to the minimum recommended caliber during the initial procedure and later re-interventions.
Towards an individualized management strategy for patients with chronic venous disease: Results of a Delphi consensus
Authors: van der Velden SK , van den Bos RR , Pichot O , Nijsten T , De Maeseneer MGR
Published: July 2017

Objective

To obtain consensus on management criteria for symptomatic patients with chronic venous disease (CVD; C2–C6) and superficial venous reflux.

Method

We used a Delphi method by means of 36 statements sent by email to experts in the field of phlebology across the world over the course of three rounds. The statements addressed criteria for different venous treatments in patients with different characteristics (e.g. extensive comorbidities, morbid obesity and peripheral arterial disease). If at least 70% of the ratings for a specific statement were between 6 and 9 (agreement) or between 1 and 3 (disagreement), experts’ consensus was reached.

Results

Twenty-five experts were invited to participate, of whom 24 accepted and completed all three rounds. Consensus was reached in 25/32 statements (78%). However, several statements addressing UGFS, single phlebectomies, patients with extensive comorbidities and morbid obesity remained equivocal.

Conclusion

Considerable consensus was reached within a group of experts but also some gaps in available research were highlighted.
The effectiveness of various interventions versus standard stripping in patients with varicose veins in terms of quality of life
Authors: Argyriou Christos , Papasideris Christos , Antoniou George A , Georgakarakos Efstratios , Papanas Nikolaos , Lazarides Miltos K , Georgiadis George S
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Lower limb varicose veins have a significant effect upon the quality of life and a considerable socioeconomic impact despite their relatively benign nature. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of various therapeutic strategies among patients with varicose veins to surgical ligation and vein stripping on the basis of quality of life.

Methods

PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases were systemically searched from 1 January 2000 until 23 December 2015 for studies reporting outcome on the quality of life of different treatment techniques for varicose veins. We used Cohen’s d to make the outcomes of the reported scales comparable. Heterogeneity was calculated with the use of the Q statistic and the I2.

Results

A total of 1047 participants were randomized across all analyzed trials. The number of participants in a single trial ranged from 30 to 308. The majority of participants in any trial were C2 on the CEAP scores. Overall, the quality of evidence was low. For the meta-analysis performed at 12 months postintervention (seven studies, n = 1047 patients) and after random effects meta-analyses due to high heterogeneity, no differences are observed between intervention and surgical ligation and vein stripping. The pooled estimate is −0.001 and the 95% confidence interval is −0.069 to 0.067 with a p = 0.98. In the case of the 24 months, postintervention analysis (six studies, n = 840 patients) the inference is almost identical. The effect of various interventional modes of treatment compared to surgical ligation and vein stripping is negligible in terms of clinical outcomes and quality of life so that surgical ligation and vein stripping versus the other interventional procedures were equally effective approaches to treat great saphenous vein incompetence in terms of quality of life measurements.

Conclusion

The procedures were at least equally efficient in treating patients with varicose vein disease in terms of quality of life assessment tools at 12 and 24 months compared to surgical ligation and vein stripping.