bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcanal Transpromontorial Acoustic Neuroma Surgery: Results and Facial Nerve Outcomes
Authors: Marchioni Daniele , Soloperto Davide , Masotto Barbara , Fabbris Cristoforo , De Rossi Stefano , Villari Domenico , Presutti Livio
Published: December 2017

Background:

Recently, the transcanal approach for the removal of acoustic neuromas has been introduced. Facial nerve (FN) preservation is one of the main challenges of this kind of surgery.

Objective:

To describe our experience in the surgical treatment of acoustic neuromas, focusing on the functional results of FN preservation after a transcanal approach.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was carried out on clinical data and videos from operations on 49 patients who underwent surgery with a totally transcanal exclusive endoscopic approach for Koos stage I–II lesions, or an enlarged transcanal transpromontorial approach for Koos stage II–III tumors, between March 2012 and February 2017. Patients and tumor characteristics, clinical manifestations, radiologic features, audiological results, FN outcomes (according to the House–Brackmann [HB] grading system) and complications were evaluated. Tumors were classified according to the Koos grading system.

Results:

The age of the patients (34 females and 15 males) ranged from 27 to 77 years (mean age: 54.9 yr). Preoperative diagnosis was “vestibular schwannoma” in all patients. At the last follow-up (range 1–60 mo, mean 13.9 mo), 42 of 49 showed grade I HB FN function, 5 of 49 grade II HB, and 2 of 49 grade III HB. Overall, in 95.9%, FN function was preserved (grade I–II HB) with stable results at follow-up; in 4.1% of cases, FN function was reduced, but not worse than grade III.

Conclusion:

The transcanal approach represents a feasible, minimally invasive, and conservative technique for the management of acoustic neuromas of the internal auditory canal.
An Unusual Presentation of Pituitary Gland Apoplexy With Noninfectious Meningitis
Authors: LaPorte Margaret , Pollock Jenna , Ward Michael , Fulcher James
Published: December 2017

Pituitary adenomas make up 10% of intracranial tumors, but because of their location, they may go undetected for long periods. In this article, we report the case of a 68-year-old white man found deceased in his residence, who died of acute pituitary tumor apoplexy. He was known to have severe symptoms including acute headache, vision loss, and altered behavior. When found, his home was in extreme disarray, mimicking a possible assault. At autopsy, the decedent had multiple superficial abrasions about the upper and lower extremities, as well as a 2.5 × 3-cm pituitary adenoma compressing the carotid arteries and optic nerves. Initial coroner and police investigators were strongly considering homicide with robbery as a motive, given the disarray present at the scene. This case highlights the importance of postmortem examination of the pituitary gland in all cases where neurological symptoms are reported prior to death.
Big Data Analytical Approaches to the NACC Dataset
Authors: Lin Ming , Gong Pinghua , Yang Tao , Ye Jieping , Albin Roger L. , Dodge Hiroko H.
Published: December 2017

Background:

Clinical trials increasingly aim to retard disease progression during presymptomatic phases of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and thus recruiting study participants at high risk for developing MCI is critical for cost-effective prevention trials. However, accurately identifying those who are destined to develop MCI is difficult. Collecting biomarkers is often expensive.

Methods:

We used only noninvasive clinical variables collected in the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Sets version 2.0 and applied machine learning techniques to build a low-cost and accurate Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) conversion prediction calculator. Cross-validation and bootstrap were used to select as few variables as possible accurately predicting MCI conversion within 4 years.

Results:

A total of 31,872 unique subjects, 748 clinical variables, and additional 128 derived variables in NACC data sets were used. About 15 noninvasive clinical variables are identified for predicting MCI/aMCI/naMCI converters, respectively. Over 75% Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curves (ROC AUC) was achieved. By bootstrap we created a simple spreadsheet calculator which estimates the probability of developing MCI within 4 years with a 95% confidence interval.

Conclusions:

We achieved reasonably high prediction accuracy using only clinical variables. The approach used here could be useful for study enrichment in preclinical trials where enrolling participants at risk of cognitive decline is critical for proving study efficacy, and also for developing a shorter assessment battery.
Neuronal morphology and projection analysis by multispectral tracing in densely labeled mouse brain
Authors: Roossien Douglas H. , Webb John M. , Sadis Benjamin V. , Yan Yan , Min Lia Y. , Dizaji Aslan S. , Bogart Luke J. , Mazuski Cristina , Huth Robert S. , Stecher Johanna S. , Akula Sriakhila , Lichtman Jeff W. , Hensch Takao K. , Herzog Erik D. , Cai Dawen
Published: December 2017

Accurate and complete neuronal wiring diagrams are necessary for understanding brain function at many scales from long-range interregional projections to microcircuits. Traditionally, light microscopy-based anatomical reconstructions use monochromatic labeling and therefore necessitate sparse labeling to eliminate tracing ambiguity between intermingled neurons. Consequently, our knowledge of neuronal morphology has largely been based on averaged estimations across many samples. Recently developed second-generation Brainbow tools promise to circumvent this limitation by revealing fine anatomical details of many unambiguously identifiable neurons in densely labeled samples. Yet, a means to quantify and analyze the information is currently lacking. Therefore, we developed nTracer, an ImageJ plugin capable of rapidly and accurately reconstructing whole-cell morphology of large neuronal populations in densely labeled brains.
Putting focus on transcranial direct current stimulation in language production studies
Authors: Klaus Jana , Schutter Dennis J.L.G.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Previous language production studies targeting the inferior frontal and superior temporal gyrus using anodal tDCS have provided mixed results. Part of this heterogeneity may be explained by limited target region focality of conventionally used electrode montages. We examined the focality of conventionally and alternative electrode montages.

Methods

Electrical field distributions of anodal tDCS targeting IFG and pSTG were simulated in conventional setups (anodal electrode over IFG/pSTG, reference electrode over right supraorbital region) and an alternative electrode montage in four different brains.

Results

Conventional montages showed maximum field strengths outside of the target regions. Results from alternative electrode montages showed that focality of tDCS could be improved by adjustments in electrode size and placement.

Conclusions

Heterogeneity of findings of language production studies deploying conventional tDCS montages may in part be explained by diffuse electrical field distributions. Alternative montages may improve focality and provide more unequivocal results.

Significance

Reliability of tDCS in language production research, both in basic and applied fields, can be improved by adopting different electrode montages which target the region of interest in a more direct way.
4,4′,4′′,4′′′-({4′λ5,6λ5,6′λ5-Spiro[dibenzo[d,f][1,3,2]dioxaphosphepine-6,2′-[1,3,5,2,4,6]triazatriphosphinine]-4′,4′,6′,6′-tetrayl}tetrakis(oxy))tetrabenzaldehyde
Authors: Hou Guohui , Zhang Yumeng , Zhu Jing , Xiong Anxian , Wei Hongliang , Chu Huijuan
Published: December 2017

The complete molecule of the title compound, C40H28N3O10P3, is generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry, with one P and one N atom lying on the rotation axis. The central P3N3ring is close to planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of the six fitted atoms of 0.077 Å. The 2,2′-biphenoxy moiety generates a seven-membered spirocyclic structure with an endocyclic C—C—C—C torsion angle about the central biphenoxy C—C bond of 38.5 (4)°. The formyl-substituted phenyl rings subtend dihedral angles of 56.83 (10) and 61.02 (13)° with respect to the phosphazene core. The C=O and C—H groups of the formyl groups are disordered over two orientations in a 0.640 (4):0.360 (4) ratio. No directional interactions beyond normal van der Waals contacts could be identified in the crystal.
Risk communication for religious crowds: preferences of Hajj pilgrims
Authors: Taibah Hassan , Arlikatti Sudha , Andrew Simon
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe empirical research intended to gauge the channels of risk information and their perceived effectiveness expressed by Hajj pilgrims in 2013 to better inform risk-reduction strategies at crowded religious events.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, a research team partially funded by the Transportation and Crowd Management Center of Research Excellence from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia conducted face-to-face interviews with 348 Hajj pilgrims in 2013. The semi-structured survey instrument used the Protective Action Decision Model framework to gather information on six pre-decisional variables that influence threat perceptions, stakeholder perceptions and decisions to take protective actions against impending threats.

Findings

Results of the multinomial logit regression using the traditional media (i.e. television and radio) as the reference category found support for ease of access, language of choice, gender and age differentials, as factors positively or negatively influencing respondents’ selections of their top three most preferred channels for risk communication materials. Printed materials (i.e. pamphlets and billboards) ranked first followed by smart technologies and outreach activities.

Research limitations/implications

The convenience sampling strategy adopted with only four female interviewers compared to 17 male interviewers, limited the number of female respondents to only 47 (13.7 percent) due to cultural restrictions. Interviews were conducted only in English and Arabic, leaving out the preferences of other language speakers.

Originality/value

Despite these limitations, this study makes a valuable contribution to theory and practice by highlighting the social and cognitive variables influencing risk communication at Hajj. No studies to date have examined choices and preferences of heterogeneous Hajj pilgrims.
The impact of values, bias, culture and leadership on BME under-representation in the police service
Authors: Afful Irene
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine whether the individual values and bias of police officers could be frustrating attempts to achieve black and ethnic minority (BME) representation within the police service, especially at senior levels. It focusses on the micro-individual level, examining perceptions, values and attitudes towards equality and diversity, unconscious bias and the impact of leadership in addressing these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on values, police culture and leadership. It draws upon data produced from a very small study undertaken within a local police service specialist unit where the author was employed, by means of semi-structured interviews with a selection of staff and senior officers, and values and attitudes surveys. Data were examined from a national survey of BME officers and Human Resources Leads, conducted by the College of Policing’s BME Progression 2018 Programme. Finally, unconscious bias test data of samples of police officers, including senior leaders and HR professionals were examined.

Findings

The interview data show that equality and diversity are perceived to be largely embedded by organisational members. This is contradicted by the data from the values and attitudes survey which show that equality is not fully embedded in the culture, and the data from BME officers survey supports this. Leader role models and behaviours were found to play a crucial role in embedding these values, along with training. The findings also demonstrated a higher level of unconscious bias among senior officers and HR professionals, responsible for recruitment and selection, than police employees in general.

Research limitations/implications

This exploratory research is concerned with policing in England and Wales. The very small sample limits inferences possible in the findings but is highly relevant to current and future policing.

Practical implications

The paper highlights some potential barriers to achieving a representative police service at an individual rather than organisational level and makes a number of recommendations on the role of leaders now, and crucially in the future, to fully embed equality and diversity into police culture to address under-representation, a phenomenon which has plagued the police service throughout its entire history.

Originality/value

There appears to be a dearth of studies examining the issue of under-representation at the micro-individual level within British police organisations. The current, exploratory research study seeks to contribute to closing this gap.
Real-time control of triglide robot using sliding mode control method
Authors: Aydin Muhammet , Yakut Oguz
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to design a three-dimensional (3D) triglide parallel robot with a different approach and to control the manufactured robot via sliding mode control method that has not been applied to the robot before.

Design/methodology/approach

The x, y and z coordinates of the end effector of the robot have been given as a reference. The x, y and z reference values are transformed as new reference values of the vertical movement of the robot on the endless screw by using the inverse kinematic equations of the robot. The control of the robot over these reference values is provided by a sliding mode control. The MATLAB/real-time toolbox has been used for creating the interface. The real-time control of the triglide robot has been carried out with a sliding mode controller in the Simulink environment.

Findings

When the results of the sliding mode control are examined, it is seen that the desired reference values are provided in about 0.6 s. The velocity of the sliding limbs in each arm of the robot is approximately 50 mm/s. The reference values have been reached using the sliding mode control method, with an average error of 0.01 mm. In addition, the problem of chattering in the system caused by using the sign function has been relatively eliminated by using the saturation function instead of the sign function. Thus, the sliding mode control method with saturation function is more feasible.

Originality/value

In this study, the triglide parallel robot was manufactured using a 3D model after taking into consideration the dimensions of the 3D model. After production, the necessary hardware connections were provided, and a real-time sliding mode control method was implemented to the robot by using the interface program in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The literature contribution of the paper is the real-time control of the triglide robot with the sliding mode control method.
Analysis, optimization and prototyping of a parallel RCM mechanism of a surgical robot for craniotomy surgery
Authors: Dehghani Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Moghadam Majid , Torabi Pourya
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Removing the bone flap is a compulsory step in open skull surgeries and is very cumbersome and time-consuming. Exerting large forces during the milling and cutting of the skull renders the surgeon exhausted and consequently increases probable errors in further task of manipulating the sensitive brain tissue. This paper aims to present the development of a robotic system capable of perforating and cutting the required bone flap without restraining the surgeon.

Design/methodology/approach

For the purpose of optimization, the target workspace is estimated by 3D modeling of the sample skull and bone flaps of targeted surgeries. The optimization considers kinematic performance matrices and the extracted workspace requirements by assigning scores to each possible design and finally selects the design with highest score.

Findings

The design utilizes a parallel remote center of motion mechanism. Coordinating the remote center of motion (RCM) of the mechanism with the center of a sphere which circumscribes the skull, the milling tool is always nearly perpendicular to the skull bone. The paper presents the concept design, optimization criteria and finally the optimal design of the robot and the fabricated prototype. Tests indicate that the prototype is able to sweep the target workspace and to exert the required forces for bone milling.

Originality value

The workspace requirements of the craniotomy/craniectomy surgeries are investigated and converted into one quantitative target workspace. An optimized design for a surgical robot is developed which satisfies the workspace requirements of the targeted surgeries.
Principals and teachers “craft coherence” among accountability policies
Authors: Stosich Elizabeth Leisy
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how US school leaders and teachers make sense of multiple accountability policies, including the Common Core State Standards and teacher evaluation, and how this process relates to school priorities and classroom practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a comparative case study approach to understand how principals and teachers in three high-poverty urban schools respond to policy.

Findings

Although principals and teachers viewed academic standards and the teacher evaluation framework as complementary, two of the three schools focused on meeting the expectations of the teacher evaluation framework at the expense of attention to academic standards. Without attention to the connections among policies and school priorities, the introduction of new policies may detract from rather than reinforce attention to academic standards.

Research limitations/implications

Principals who are stronger instructional leaders may be better able to “craft coherence” among multiple standards-based policies and school priorities for instruction and student learning. Although their experiences are not generalizable, findings suggest that attending to standards for student and teacher performance without connecting to the implications for content and students’ learning may lead to superficial integration of accountability policies with school priorities.

Practical implications

Findings provide further evidence that principals play an essential role in responding to policy and suggest that districts and external support providers can assist their efforts by creating opportunities for professional learning about the connections among multiple policies and their implications for practice.

Originality/value

This paper extends Honig and Hatch’s conceptualization of “crafting coherence” to the work of teachers and the implications for classroom practice.
Repositioning the high street: evidence and reflection from the UK
Authors: Millington Steve , Ntounis Nikos
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Drawing on evidence from ten towns (across England, Wales and Northern Ireland) participating in the High Street UK 2020 (HSUK2020) project, the purpose of this paper is to reveal how local stakeholders involved in place management respond to high street decline through a strategy of repositioning.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identifies the challenges faced by the towns considering repositioning, and highlights examples of good practice of relevance to the practitioners. First, it outlines the perspectives on repositioning from the academic research and theory, before drawing on evidence from across ten UK towns that participated in the HSUK2020 project, to reveal how repositioning involves more than just taking a snapshot profile of a place.

Findings

The research revealed major challenges faced by local stakeholders in clearly identifying and communicating their market position, in particular, the maintenance of up-to-date information on catchments was lacking at all the locations. Despite having local knowledge and some data, stakeholders still did not possess a clear (or shared) understanding of the identity or function of their towns. This evidence reflects the complexity of analysing and understanding repositioning and developing coherent strategies.

Practical implications

Knowledge exchange between stakeholders involved in place management can help inform the identification of new strategic objectives, appropriate interventions and project planning and delivery. Where resources are limited, particularly in smaller towns and settlements, the research demonstrates the significance of collecting and sharing data and analysis with other stakeholders, because this can generate positive outcomes for all.

Originality value

By offering empirical evidence based on the experience of local practitioners, this paper provides valuable insight into how town centre stakeholders collect, interpret and analyse data, revealing the challenges, opportunities and practicalities involved in developing and implementing repositioning strategies.
Nurses’ leadership self-efficacy, motivation, and career aspirations
Authors: Cziraki Karen , Read Emily , Spence Laschinger Heather K. , Wong Carol
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to test a model examining precursors and outcomes of nurses’ leadership self-efficacy, and their aspirations to management positions.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of 727 registered nurses across Canada was conducted. Structural equation modelling using Mplus was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Results supported the hypothesized model:χ2(312) = 949.393; CFI = 0.927; TLI = 0.919; RMSEA = 0.053 (0.049-0.057); SRMR 0.044. Skill development opportunities (ß= 0.20), temporary management roles (ß= 0.12) and informal mentoring (ß= 0.11) were significantly related to nurses’ leadership self-efficacy, which significantly influenced motivation to lead (ß= 0.77) and leadership career aspirations (ß= 0.23). Motivation to lead was significantly related to leadership career aspirations (ß= 0.50).

Practical implications

Nurses’ leadership self-efficacy is an important determinant of their motivation and intention to pursue a leadership career. Results suggest that nurses’ leadership self-efficacy can be influenced by providing opportunities for leadership mastery experiences and mentorship support. Leadership succession planning should include strategies to enhance nurses’ leadership self-efficacy and increase front-line nurses’ interest in leadership roles.

Originality value

With an aging nurse leader workforce, it is important to understand factors influencing nurses’ leadership aspirations to develop and sustain nursing leadership capacity. This research study makes an important contribution to the nursing literature by showing that nurses’ leadership self-efficacy appears to be an important determinant of their motivation to lead and desire to pursue a career as a nurse leader.
Diagnostics of ventricular tachycardia signals soft computing approach
Authors: Petrovic Dejan
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the ventricular tachycardia by soft computing. Ventricular tachycardia is a type of regular and fast heart rate which arises from improper electrical activity in the ventricles of the heart.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a soft computing approach was applied for the ventricular tachycardia detection. The soft computing was used to detect which factors are the most important for the ventricular tachycardia.

Findings

Three factors were used: brain natriuretic peptide, troponin I which is a part of the troponin complex and C-reactive protein which is an annular (ring-shaped), pentameric protein found in blood plasma.

Originality/value

It was found that troponin I has the most influence on the ventricular tachycardia prediction.
Behavioural assessment unit improves outcomes for patients with complex psychosocial needs
Authors: Braitberg George , Gerdtz Marie , Harding Susan , Pincus Steven , Thompson Michelle , Knott Jonathan
Published: December 2017

Objective

We aimed to assess the impact of a new model of care for patients presenting to the ED with acute behavioural disturbance.

Methods

This pre‐/post‐intervention study involved creating a dedicated, highly resourced six bed unit, the behavioural assessment unit (BAU). Co‐located with the ED at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the unit was designed to fast‐track the admission of patients affected by intoxication, mental illness or psychosocial crisis and provide front‐loaded interventions.

Results

In 12 months from 1 April 2016, 2379 patients were admitted to the BAU. They were compared with a similar cohort of 3047 patients from the entire 2015 ED population. The BAU resulted in a decreased wait to be seen (40 min [interquartile range (IQR): 17–86] vs 68 min [IQR: 24–130], P < 0.001), a decreased wait for a mental health review (117 min [IQR: 49–224] vs 139 min [IQR: 57–262], P = 0.001) and a decreased ED length of stay (180 min [IQR: 101–237] vs 328 min [IQR: 227–534], P < 0.001). Patients admitted to the BAU were less likely to have a security code (349 (14.7%) vs 538 (17.7%), P = 0.003) and less likely to have mechanical restraint (156 episodes (6.6%) vs 275 (9.0%), P < 0.001) or therapeutic sedation (156 episodes (6.6%) vs 250 (8.2%), P < 0.001).

Conclusion

A unit specifically designed to improve the care of patients requiring prolonged ED care due to mental illness and/or intoxication reduces the time spent in the ED and the use of some restrictive interventions. We recommend this model of care to EDs that care for this complex and challenging group of patients.
Impact of a Shared Decision Making Intervention on Health Care Utilization: A Secondary Analysis of the Chest Pain Choice Multicenter Randomized Trial
Authors: Schaffer Jason T. , Hess Erik P. , Hollander Judd E. , Kline Jeffrey A. , Torres Carlos A. , Diercks Deborah B. , Jones Russell , Owen Kelly P. , Meisel Zachary F. , Demers Michel , Leblanc Annie , Inselman Jonathan , Herrin Jeph , Montori Victor M. , Shah Nilay D.
Published: December 2017

Background

Patients at low risk for acute coronary syndrome are frequently admitted for observation and cardiac testing, resulting in substantial burden and cost to the patient and the health care system.

Objectives

The purpose of this investigation was to measure the effect of the Chest Pain Choice (CPC) decision aid on overall health care utilization as well as utilization of specific services both during the index emergency department (ED) visit and in the subsequent 45 days.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis of data from a pragmatic multicenter randomized trial of shared decision making in adults presenting to the ED with chest pain who were being considered for observation unit admission for cardiac stress testing or coronary computed tomography angiography. The trial compared an intervention group engaged in shared decision making facilitated by the CPC decision aid to a control group receiving usual care. Hospital‐level billing data were used to measure utilization for the index ED visit and during the following 45 days. Patients in both groups also were asked to keep a diary recording health care utilization over the same 45‐day period. Outcomes assessed included length of time in the ED and observation, ED visits, office visits, hospitalizations, testing, imaging, and procedures.

Results

Of the 898 patients included in the original trial, we were able to contact 834 (92.9%) patients for 45‐day health care diary review. There was no difference in patient‐reported health care utilization between the study arms. Hospital‐level billing data were obtained for all 898 (100%) patients. During the initial ED visit the length of stay (LOS) was similar, and there was no difference in the frequency of observation unit admission between study arms. However, the mean observation unit LOS was 95 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 40.8–149.8) shorter in the CPC arm and the mean number of tests was lower in the CPC arm (decrease in 19.4 imaging studies per 100 patients, 95% CI = 15.5–23.3). When evaluating the entire encounter and follow‐up period, the intervention arm underwent fewer tests (decrease in 125.6 tests per 100 patients, 95% CI = 29.3–221.6). More specifically, there were fewer advanced cardiac imaging tests completed (25.8 fewer per 100 patients, 95% CI = 3.74–47.9) in the intervention arm.

Conclusions

Shared decision making in low‐risk chest pain can lead to decreased diagnostic testing without worsening outcomes measured over 45 days.
Sacral neuromodulation for pelvic pain and pelvic organ dysfunction: A case series
Authors: Vancaillie Thierry , Kite Lauren , Howard Elizabeth , Chow Jason
Published: December 2017

Background

The use of neuromodulation is growing and it is an established therapy for conditions such as bladder dysfunction. It is an increasingly used therapy for the management of chronic perineal pain but little research is currently available looking at its efficacy.

Aim

We present a series of 52 patients who underwent placement of a neuromodulator, the majority of whom suffered from perineal pain, with most placements via the sacral hiatus.

Method

Patients were asked to complete a survey recalling their symptoms prior to implantation and describing their symptoms and experience after. The majority had two leads placed via the sacral hiatus.

Results

Fifty‐two patients had implantation of a permanent neuromodulator and 44 completed at least part of the survey. Forty‐eight had leads placed via the sacral hiatus, 29 of whom had these leads only. Forty patients had perineal pain as an indicator and 32 reported that their pain improved; this difference was statistically significant (95% CI: 2.60–4.27, P < 0.001). Bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction were reported by about half the cohort with smaller numbers of improvement for each. Thirty‐five patients reported improved quality of life and 32 said they would have the procedure done again. Ten patients had the device removed.

Conclusion

We present the largest published case series looking at the use of sacral neuromodulation as a treatment option for pelvic pain and the overall results of our audit are promising for the ongoing use and further development of this modality as a management option.
Hobson's Theory of Imperialism and its Indebtedness to Socialism: A Challenge to Conventional Narratives of early International Relations
Authors: Villanueva Ricardo
Published: December 2017

Traditionally, the origins of International Relations as a stand‐alone academic discipline have been traced to the inspiration of a generation of so‐called liberal idealist thinkers. Since the late 1990s, however, a growing revisionist literature has challenged this assumption. Important studies have been conducted to show that prominent early IR scholars, such as Leonard Woolf and David Mitrany, hardly share the characteristics of so‐named IR's idealism. The case of J.A. Hobson has also been part of revisionist efforts. Paradoxically, however, he has been at times placed in alignment with “idealist” values. This article aims to employ Hobson to challenge IR orthodox narratives. Through an analysis of Hobson's writings on imperialism, the article aims to reveal a little acknowledged and yet significant underlying theoretical socialist influence on his international theory.
The Conflict between U.S. Patent Protection and Technological Innovation: Analysis and Problem Solving by Means of the Integrated Causal Model for Innovated Ethic
Authors: Chumney Wade M. , Wasieleski David M. , Schumacher E. Günter
Published: December 2017

Criticisms of patent laws for technological innovations in the United States reveal a multifaceted milieu of problems centered around the protection of short‐term economic gain and individual property rights. In this article, we consider this a conflict between current patent laws and the innovation capabilities of organizations. We propose a solution that enables the company to assure its long‐term survival in the face of these restrictions. This presumes that the firm will at least maintain its innovation capacities while preserving the company's ethical values and those of its social environment. We offer a theoretical model that is designed to help managers and policymakers reorient their governance strategies for managing the innovation process, using the “ethics of responsibility,” which establishes the link to individual moral values at the beginning of a governance process as well as the consequences of a decision. Our integrated causal model of ethical innovation for patents is presented and implications for global organizations and possible solutions for patent law process failure are offered.
Economic research in Canada: Evolution and convergence
Authors: Brander James A. , Smith Gregor W.
Published: December 2017

We describe the history and current state of economic research in Canada, including the role of the Canadian Economics Association (CEA) and other institutions. Our paper is organized around two central questions. Is Canadian economic research distinctive? And should it be more distinctive? We argue that a distinct Canadian “school” of economics existed in the past, but that economic research in Canada has converged on an evolving global standard in both method and topics. We ask whether this convergence serves the Canadian public interest and we raise some questions about the future of the CEA and its flagship journal, the CJE.
Transporting Urban Inequality through Public Transit Designs & Systems
Authors: Purifoye Gwendolyn Y.
Published: December 2017

Four large, and often overflowing, dumpsters are situated at one of the more than dozen bus stops at the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Red Line 95th Street/Dan Ryan train station. This station is on the city's far south side and the ridership on the buses that board and disembark there and the train is predominantly minority. On a warm or hot day, the smell of bus engines and dumpster contents fill the waiting areas. One 28–year–old Black male passenger (BMP) noted, as he stood at one of the nearly one dozen (no seating available) bus stops at the station, “In the summer it's really horrible because of the smells, flies, and bees.” He also added that as far as he could remember “they've [the bus stop dumpsters] been here my whole life” (June 2012). His experience at the south end of this train line, which also has a majority minority ridership, is starkly different from the waiting experiences on the far north end of the same line, Howard Street, where the ridership is diverse (with a large white ridership). The north end station is surrounded by shops and restaurants, more open waiting spaces, and places to sit to wait for buses that travel through the adjoining bus depot. There are no bus stop benches at the south end station, even though there are over a dozen buses that use that station's depot.
Waist circumference at five common measurement sites in normal weight and overweight adults: which site is most optimal?
Authors: Brown R. E. , Randhawa A. K. , Canning K. L. , Fung M. , Jiandani D. , Wharton S. , Kuk J. L.
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to determine (i) if adults would measure their own waist circumference (WC), (ii) which WC site(s) are the most intuitive and easy to measure and (iii) if measurement accuracy and association between WC and blood pressure differs across five measurement sites. Participants (n = 198) measured their WC first with no instruction and then using visual instructions for the iliac crest, last rib, midpoint, minimal waist and umbilicus. Without instruction, men most commonly measured their WC at the umbilicus and iliac crest, while women measured their WC at the umbilicus and minimal WC. Both men and women reported the minimal waist and umbilicus to be moderately easier to self‐measure compared to the other sites (P < 0.05). Prevalence of abdominal obesity varied significantly by gender and measurement site, especially for females (normal weight: 0–18%; overweight: 51–79%). Measurement site did not influence accuracy of WC self‐measurement or the association between WC and blood pressure (P > 0.05). A universal WC landmark is needed. From these results, there does not appear to be a clear clinical advantage in terms of blood pressure or practical advantage of measuring one WC site over another. However, the umbilicus may be the most intuitive and easy to measure.
From International to Global Development: New Geographies of 21st Century Development
Authors: Horner Rory , Hulme David
Published: December 2017

Recent claims of 21st century global convergence and the ‘rise of the South’ suggest a profound and ongoing redrawing of the global map of development and inequality. This article synthesizes shifting geographies of development across economic, social and environmental dimensions, and considers their implications for the ‘where’ of development. Some convergence in aggregate development indicators for the global North and South during this century challenge, now more than ever, the North–South binary underlying international development. Yet convergence claims do not adequately capture change in a world where development inequalities are profound. Between‐country inequalities remain vast, while within‐country inequalities are growing in many cases. Particular attention is given here to exploring the implications of such shifting geographies, and what those mean for the spatial nomenclature and reference of development. This article concludes by arguing for the need, now more than ever, to go beyond international development considered as rich North/poor South, and to move towards a more holistic global development — where the global South remains a key, although not exclusive, focus.
Vulnerable Creation: Vulnerable Human Life between Risk and Tragedy1
Authors: Springhart Heike
Published: December 2017

In this paper a theology of vulnerability is explored by describing three bridges between risk and tragedy. Conceptually, ontological and situational vulnerability will be explored as the basis of anthropological realism. Hermeneutically, a case study is done by interpreting the documentary film “Roadside Radiation,” which shows attempts to live a normal life in tragedy in the “death zone” around Chernobyl. The theological bridge unfolds a theological approach to vulnerability that grasps its processive character.
The linear and nonlinear refractive index of amorphous Al2O3 deduced from aluminosilicate optical fibers
Authors: Dragic Peter , Cavillon Maxime , Ballato John
Published: December 2017

The Sellmeier coefficients for the linear refractive index of amorphous alumina (a‐Al2O3) are deduced from measurements on binary aluminosilicate glass optical fibers. This data is then used to approximate the nonlinear refractive index, n2, for a‐Al2O3, which was found to be 1.89 × 10−13 esu (4.77 × 10−20 m2/W at a wavelength of 958 nm) and found to increase slightly sublinearly with increasing alumina concentration in silica glass. Several commonalities with some amorphous alumina thin films are suggested. In addition, a proposal for the extension of a simple additive materials model for the calculation of n2 as a function of composition is presented. Alumina is an important dopant into silica for high energy optical fiber‐based lasers and so the determination and modeling of its optical properties is of significant technological value.
Correlations of sensory parameters with physicochemical characteristics of Argentinean honeys by multivariate statistical techniques
Authors: Patrignani Mariela , Ciappini Maria Cristina , Tananaki Chrysoula , Fagúndez Guillermina Andrea , Thrasyvoulou Andreas , Lupano Cecilia Elena
Published: December 2017

Honey acceptability is mainly determined by its colour, crystallisation degree and aroma. In the present work, the sensory characteristics and physicochemical parameters of Argentinean honeys from different ecoregions were analysed. Moisture content, Pfund colour, diastase activity, hydroxymethylfurfural content, electrical conductivity, sugar profile and volatile compounds were analytically determined in honey samples, while sensory characteristics (crystal size, fluency score, sweetness, persistence, granularity, crystallisation, colour intensity and aroma) were evaluated by a trained panel. Significant correlations were found between honey crystallisation degree and hydroxymethylfurfural content and diastase activity (P ≤ 0.05). It could be confirmed that honey crystallisation interferes with the visual perception of colour. Floral, fresh fruit, ripe fruit, balsamic and wood aromas could be successfully linked to honey volatile profile (P ≤ 0.05). These results demonstrate that the parameters that could best guarantee the consumers’ preference can be successfully associated with the chemical composition of honey by multivariate statistical analysis.
The Meaning of Discipleship
Authors: Onyinah Opoku
Published: December 2017

This article is an attempt to use academic tools to bring out the meaning of discipleship from the practitioners' perspective. The mandate of the Great Commission, making people disciples, is the process of making someone become like Christ. This contribution shows that as individuals learn from him and follow the pattern of Jesus' life, there will be marks of discipleship, such as commitment and being like him in deeds. The primary purpose of Jesus' coming to the world was to establish the kingdom of God through his death. The study demonstrates that the kingdom becomes evident in form and practice as people surrender to God's progressive rule. The strength and influence of the church is shown to be wholly dependent upon its commitment to authentic discipleship; that is, producing transformed lives and seeing those lives reproduced in others. The paper concludes that the transformed disciples must together take a journey of transforming communities into the kingdom of God.
When Algorithms go Wrong, Who is Liable?
Authors: Olhede Sofia , Wolfe Patrick
Published: December 2017

As automated decisions affect more and different areas of our lives, we are faced with ethical and legal questions that are likely to change the way we think about algorithms and the law. By Sofia Olhede and Patrick Wolfe
The Piecewise Exponential Distribution
Authors: Han Gang , Zhao Brandon , Pye Kendall , Zhao Hongwei
Published: December 2017

Gang Han, Brandon Zhao, Kendall Pye and Hongwei Zhao introduce a statistical distribution to model survival outcomes and time-to-event data when failure rates are non-constant
Cocaine on Cash: Does Quantity Vary by Location?
Authors: Sleeman Richard , Aitken Colin , Wilson Amy
Published: December 2017

Banknotes in general circulation may carry trace amounts of cocaine, but does the quantity of the drug vary across England and Wales? Richard Sleeman, Colin Aitken and Amy Wilson describe their work to answer this question
Where is Everybody?
Authors: Lovell Christopher
Published: December 2017

Exoplanet discoveries now number in the thousands, but the search for life beyond Earth remains fruitless. What does this tell us about the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence? Christopher Lovell investigates
How One Woman Used Regression to Influence the Salaries of many
Authors: Golbeck Amanda
Published: December 2017

Amanda Golbeck tells the story of Elizabeth Scott, the Berkeley statistics professor who spent two decades analysing inequities in academic salaries and advocating for change
Graphical Interpretations of Data: Key Decisions
Authors: Reese R. Allan
Published: December 2017

Keys or legends on graphs are meant to provide clarity in visual communication. But a poorly designed key can leave the reader struggling to make sense of what they are seeing, says R. Allan Reese
Understanding Racial Disparities in Police Use of Lethal Force: Lessons from Fatal Police‐on‐Police Shootings
Authors: Charbonneau Amanda , Spencer Katherine , Glaser Jack
Published: December 2017

During a 29‐year period studied by a government task force, 10 off‐duty police officers were found to have been mistaken for civilians and fatally shot by another police officer. Eight of these officers were Black, one was Hispanic, and one was White. Given that at least 75% of U.S. police officers in this period were White, we estimate that there is a roughly one in one million chance that this disparity reflects a random deviation from a condition in which Black and White officers faced the same risk of being fatally shot by another officer while off duty. Estimates of the magnitude of this racial disparity must be interpreted cautiously, but the increased risk faced by Black officers while off duty compared to their White counterparts appears to be even larger than the racial disparity among civilians killed by police officers. The disparity is much less pronounced in mistaken‐identity fatal shootings of on‐duty officers, of which two were Black, one was Hispanic, and 12 were White. These incidents are rare, but they comprise an important subset of all police interactions because they are known errors that involve a misperception of threat, and because the differential patterns of racial disparities suggest that there are situational factors that vary systematically and contribute to the observed outcomes. We examine fatal, mistaken identity police‐on‐police shootings and explore potential explanations for the dramatic racial disparity among officers killed while off duty.
Perceptions of Police, Racial Profiling, and Psychological Outcomes: A Mixed Methodological Study
Authors: Nadal Kevin L. , Davidoff Kristin C. , Allicock Neil , Serpe Christine R. , Erazo Tanya
Published: December 2017

While scholars have documented the contentious relationship between law enforcement and communities of color, most studies tend to compare perspectives of specific communities of color (e.g., Black Americans, Latina/os, Asian Americans) to White Americans—without examining between‐group differences of the historically marginalized racial groups. In Study 1, 543 participants of diverse racial/ethnic groups (e.g., Black, Latina/o, Asian, White) completed the Perceptions of Police Scale (POPS)—a measure of general attitudes toward law enforcement and beliefs about police bias. Findings demonstrate that Black participants were more likely than Whites and Latina/os to view police negatively. While there were no significant gender differences in participants’ perceptions of police, Black men were more likely to have negative perceptions of police than White and Asian men. In Study 2, we extracted 222 participants from the larger sample who were asked about the number of times police had unlawfully stopped them, while providing a guided narrative to explore their reactions to these experiences. A total of 61 participants (or 27.8% of the total sample) reported being unfairly stopped by police officers. Using the Consensual Qualitative Research method, three domains emerged: (a) Perceived Reasons for Police Stop, (b) Types of Responses, and (c) Perceived Characteristics of Multiple Stops. Implications for community relations and improving the relationship between law enforcement and communities of color are discussed. We also explore the psychological implications for participants who perceive being mistreated or discriminated by the police, particularly for those who are racially profiled. Finally, recommendations are provided to address systemic ways that racial bias can be monitored or minimized in training and hiring processes in police departments.