bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bending the Cost Curve—Establishing Value in Spine Surgery
Authors: Parker Scott L. , Chotai Silky , Devin Clinton J. , Tetreault Lindsay , Mroz Thomas E. , Brodke Darrel S. , Fehlings Michael G. , McGirt Matthew J.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: As publically promoted by all stakeholders in health care reform, prospective outcomes registry platforms lie at the center of all current evidence-driven value-based models.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the variability in outcomes and cost at population level and individual patient level for patients undergoing spine surgery for degenerative diseases.

METHODS: Retrospective analysis of prospective longitudinal spine registry data was conducted. Baseline and postoperative 1-year patient-reported outcomes were recorded. Previously published minimal clinically important difference for Oswestry Disability Index (14.9) was used. Back-related resource utilization and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were assessed. Variations in outcomes and cost were analyzed at population level and at the individual patient level.

RESULTS: A total of 1454 patients were analyzed. There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes at postoperative 1 year (P < .0001). For patients demonstrating health benefit at population level, 12.5%, n = 182 of patients experienced no gain from surgery and 38%, n = 554 failed to achieve minimal clinically important difference. Mean 1-year QALY-gained was 0.29; 18% of patients failed to report gain in QALY. For patients with 2-year follow-up, surgery resulted in 0.62 QALY-gained at average direct cost of $28 953. A wide variation in both QALY-gained and cost was observed.

CONCLUSION: Spine treatments that on average are cost-effective may have wide variability in value at the individual patient level. The variability demonstrated here represents an opportunity, through registries, to identify specific care that may be less effective, and refine patient-specific care delivery and indications to drive overall group-level treatment value. Understanding value of spine care at an individualized as well as population level will allow clinicians, and eventually payers, to better target resources for improving care for nonresponders, ultimately driving up the average health for the whole population.
Novel Osteobiologics and Biomaterials in the Treatment of Spinal Disorders
Authors: Hsu Wellington K. , Goldstein Christina L , Shamji Mohammed F. , Cho Sam K. , Arnold Paul M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Mroz Tom E.
Published: January 2017

Spinal osteobiologics have evolved substantially in this century after the development of many product categories such as growth factors, allograft, and stem cells. The indications for the use of novel biologics within spine surgery are rapidly expanding as the mechanism of each is elucidated. While the knowledge base of bone morphogenetic protein increases with each subsequent year, the application of new nanotechnology and cell-based strategies are being reported. This review will discuss the most recent data in novel osteobiologics, and where we could use future study.
Neurosurgical Practice in Transition: A Review
Authors: Kim Dong H. , Dagi T. Forcht , Bean James R.
Published: January 2017

Neurosurgery is experiencing a period of acute change driven by 2 forces: (1) the perception that the healthcare system in the United States is wasteful and that patients are receiving low “value” care, (2) the belief that quality and long-term outcomes can be measured accurately. We believe 3 important shifts will emerge as a result of these forces. First, payment models will change. They will become anchored to a concept of population health, with capitation payments on a per-patient basis going to provider entities that undertake financial risk. Second, fee-for-service payments will be tied increasingly to administrative and clinical quality measures. Finally, out-of-pocket costs for patients will increase and affect both treatment decisions and willingness to participate in restrictive health care networks. In this review, we describe these changes and discuss possible consequences. We note the changing demographics of neurosurgical practices. Overall, independent private practices, managed by the neurosurgeons, will decline. The proportion of fee-for-service cases will decrease while cases reimbursed through capitation will increase. Physician integration with provider organizations, whether via full employment, a “lease,” or some other arrangement, will also increase. We note the increasing importance of quality measures, and how they are likely to affect neurosurgical practices and reimbursement. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of fee-for-service and population health; describe opportunities and risks arising from these transitions; and outline strategies to thrive in a changing environment.
Prediction of Cerebral Hyperperfusion After Carotid Artery Stenting by Cerebral Angiography and Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography Without Acetazolamide Challenge
Authors: Ohta Tsuyoshi , Nakahara Ichiro , Matsumoto Shoji , Ishibashi Ryota , Miyata Haruka , Nishi Hidehisa , Watanabe Sadayoshi , Nagata Izumi
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: Definitive preoperative predictors of cerebral hyperperfusion following carotid artery stenting are yet to be established.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the preprocedural risk factors for cerebral hyperperfusion phenomenon (CHP) following carotid artery stenting.

METHODS: Patients undergoing preprocedural single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and cerebral angiography prior to their first carotid artery stenting were monitored for occurrence of CHP. In addition to patient characteristics, we investigated imaging parameters, such as cerebral blood flow, cerebral vasoreactivity, and asymmetry index on SPECT, and presence of near occlusion and leptomeningeal anastomosis on cerebral angiography.

RESULTS: Out of 100 patients (mean age: 73.0 ± 7.6 years; 85 men), 9 developed CHP. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, asymmetry index (%) on SPECT (odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.93, P = .003) and presence of leptomeningeal anastomosis on cerebral angiography (OR 72.1, 95% CI 3.52-1480, P = .006) were independent predictors of CHP.

CONCLUSION: Combined use of cerebral angiography and SPECT may obviate the need for acetazolamide challenge to predict the risk of CHP following carotid artery stenting.
Multimodality Treatment of Skull Base Chondrosarcomas: The Role of Histology Specific Treatment Protocols
Authors: Raza Shaan M. , Gidley Paul W. , Meis Jeanne M. , Grosshans David R. , Bell Diana , DeMonte Franco
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist to guide the multimodality management of chondrosarcomas (CSAs) arising in the skull base.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of histological subtype/grade on progression-free survival (PFS) and the indications for surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy based on histology.

METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 37 patients (conventional type: 81%, mesenchymal: 16.2%, dedifferentiated: 2.7%) treated at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Of the conventional subtype, 23% were grade 1, 63% were grade 2, and 14% were grade 3. In addition to surgery, mesenchymal/dedifferentiated CSAs (18% of the cohort) underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 48.6% of the overall cohort received adjuvant radiotherapy. Histological grade/subtype and treatment factors were assessed for impact on median PFS (primary outcome).

RESULTS: Conventional subtype vs mesenchymal/dedifferentiated was positively associated with median PFS (166 vs 24 months, P < .05). Increasing conventional grade inversely correlated with median PFS (P < .05). Gross total resection positively impacted PFS in conventional CSAs (111.8 vs 42.9 months, P = .201) and mesenchymal/dedifferentiated CSAs (58.2 vs 1.0 month, P < .05). Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly impacted PFS in conventional grades 2 and 3 (182 vs 79 months, P < .05) and a positive trend with mesenchymal/dedifferentiated CSAs (43.5 vs 22.0 months). Chemotherapy improved PFS for mesenchymal/dedifferentiated CSAs (50 vs 9 months, P = .089).

CONCLUSION: There is a potential need for histological subtype/grade specific treatment protocols. For conventional CSAs, surgery alone provides optimal results grade 1 CSAs, while resection with adjuvant radiotherapy yields the best outcome for grade 2 and 3 CSAs. Improvements in PFS seen with neoadjuvant therapy in mesenchymal/dedifferentiated CSAs indicate a potential role for systemic therapies. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the proposed treatment protocols.
Health-Related Quality of Life Dynamics 2 Years Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study Using EQ-5D
Authors: von Vogelsang Ann-Christin , Thelin Eric Peter , Hakim Ramil , Svensson Mikael
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to a large extent. However, longitudinal studies on HRQoL after aSAH are scarce, and there is limited knowledge whether different HRQoL dimension scores change over time, and if so, if the scoring differs from results from the general population.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate HRQoL dynamics over time, 2 years following aSAH, and compare the results with general population.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort design, 88 consecutive aSAH patients (85% of eligible) were followed up with the generic HRQoL instrument EQ-5D at 3 time points: 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the onset. Data were collected in 2006 to 2009, and the results were compared with a general population sample from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, matched by age and sex.

RESULTS

Overall HRQoL in the aSAH sample was stationary over time. Improved function was only found in the usual activities dimension (P = .026). HRQoL was most affected in participants reporting comorbidity. Compared with the general population, women in the aSAH sample reported significantly more problems in 4 out of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression). Men in the aSAH sample reported significantly more problems in the usual activities dimension in comparison to the general population.

CONCLUSION

HRQoL is stationary during the first 2 years following aSAH, and is significantly worse when compared to the general population. Rehabilitation efforts should be initiated shortly after hospitalization.
Endovascular Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery M2 Occlusion Strokes: Clinical and Procedural Predictors of Outcomes
Authors: Mokin Maxim , Primiani Christopher T , Ren Zeguang , Kan Peter , Duckworth Edward , Turner Raymond D , Turk Aquilla S , Fargen Kyle M , Dabus Guilherme , Linfante Italo , Dumont Travis M , Brasiliense Leonardo B C , Shallwani Hussain , Snyder Kenneth V , Siddiqui Adnan H , Levy Elad I
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients with strokes from M2 segment middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion have been underrepresented in recent randomized trials of endovascular therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To better understand the clinical, imaging, and procedural predictors of successful recanalization and clinical outcomes in this population of patients.

METHODS

We performed a multicenter retrospective analysis of consecutive patients with acute MCA M2 segment occlusion who underwent thrombectomy with stent retrievers or primary aspiration thrombectomy (including A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique approach). We correlated clinical and radiographic outcomes with demographic, clinical, and technical characteristics.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventeen patients were included in analysis (median admission National Institutes of Health stroke scale [NIHSS] score 15, mean age 67.0 ± 14.5, 42% females). Good clinical outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale [mRS] ≤ 2) was achieved in 56% of patients. Treatment beyond 6 h of symptoms onset (P = .69, OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.38-1.73) and age over 80 (P = .47, OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.25-1.70) were not predictive of poor outcome. NIHSS > 15 was a strong predictor of clinical outcome, based on mRS distribution at 3 months (P = .0085, OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.74). Direct aspiration and primary stent retriever thrombectomy approaches showed similar radiographic and clinical success rates.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age and time to treatment beyond 6 h from symptom onset were not predictive of clinical outcome with thrombectomy. NIHSS score above 15 was a strong predictor of outcome. Direct aspiration and primary stent retriever thrombectomy showed similar efficacy.
Exceptional preservation of soft tissue in a new specimen of Eoconfuciusornis and its biological implications
Authors: Zheng Xiaoting , O’Connor Jingmai K. , Wang Xiaoli , Pan Yanhong , Wang Yan , Wang Min , Zhou Zhonghe
Published: January 2017

We report on an exceptional specimen of Eoconfuciusornis preserving rare soft-tissue traces of the ovary and wing. Ovarian follicles preserve a greater hierarchy than observed in Jeholornis and enantiornithines, suggesting confuciusornithiforms evolved higher rates of yolk deposition in parallel with the neornithine lineage. The preserved soft tissues of the wing indicate the presence of a propatagium and postpatagium, whereas an alular patagium is absent. Preserved remnants of the internal support network of the propatagium bear remarkable similarity to that of living birds. Soft tissue suggests the confuciusornithiform propatagium could maintain a cambered profile and generate lift. The feathers of the wing preserve remnants of their original patterning; however, this is not strongly reflected by observable differences under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tail plumage lacks elongate rectrices, suggesting that the earliest known confuciusornithiforms were sexually dimorphic in their plumage.
Lithium in CEMP-no stars: A new constraint on the lithium depletion mechanism in the early universe
Authors: Matsuno Tadafumi , Aoki Wako , Suda Takuma , Li Haining
Published: January 2017

Most relatively warm, unevolved, metal-poor stars (Teff ≳ 5800 K and [Fe/H] ≲ −1.5) exhibit almost constant lithium abundances, irrespective of metallicity or effective temperature, and thus form the so-called Spite plateau. This was originally interpreted as arising from lithium created by the Big Bang nucleosynthesis. Recent observations, however, have revealed that ultra metal-poor stars (UMP stars; [Fe/H] < −4.0) have significantly lower lithium abundances than those of the plateau. Since most of the UMP stars are carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars with no excess of neutron-capture elements (CEMP-no stars), a connection between the carbon enhancement and lithium depletion is suspected. A straightforward approach to this question is to investigate carbon-normal UMP stars. However, only one object is known in this class. As an alternative, we have determined lithium abundances for two CEMP-no main-sequence turn-off stars with metallicities [Fe/H] ∼ −3.0, where there are numerous carbon-normal stars with available lithium abundances that can be considered. Our 1D local thermodynamic equilibrium analysis indicates that the two CEMP-no stars have lithium abundances that are consistent with values near the plateau, which suggests that carbon enhancement and lithium depletion are not directly related. Instead, our results suggest that extremely low iron abundance is a fundamental cause of depleted lithium in UMP stars.
The redshift-selected sample of long gamma-ray burst host galaxies: The overall metallicity distribution at z < 0.4
Authors: Niino Yuu , Aoki Kentaro , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Hattori Takashi , Ishikawa Shogo , Kashikawa Nobunari , Kosugi George , Onoue Masafusa , Toshikawa Jun , Yabe Kiyoto
Published: January 2017

We discuss the host galaxy metallicity distribution of all long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) whose redshifts are known to be <0.4, including newly obtained spectroscopic datasets of the host galaxies of GRB 060614, 090417B, and 130427A. We compare the metallicity distribution of the low-redshift sample to the model predictions, and constrain the relation between metallicity and GRB occurrence. We take account of spatial variation of metallicities among star-forming regions within a galaxy. We found that the models in which only low-metallicity stars produce GRBs with a sharp cutoff of GRB production efficiency around 12+log(O/H) ∼ 8.3 can reproduce the observed distribution well, while the models with no metallicity dependence are not consistent with the observations. We also discuss possible sampling biases we may suffer by collecting long GRBs whose redshifts are known, presenting the photometric observations of the host galaxy of GRB 111225A at z = 0.297 whose redshift has been undetermined until ∼2.3 yr after the burst.
Black hole spin of Cygnus X-1 determined from the softest state ever observed
Authors: Kawano Takafumi , Done Chris , Yamada Shin’ya , Takahashi Hiromitsu , Axelsson Magnus , Fukazawa Yasushi
Published: January 2017

We show the softest ever spectrum from Cyg X-1, detected in 2013 with Suzaku. This has the weakest high-energy Compton tail ever seen from this object, so should give the cleanest view of the underlying disk spectrum, and hence the best determination of black hole spin from disk continuum fitting. Using the standard model of a disk with simple non-thermal Comptonization to produce the weak high-energy tail gives a high-spin black hole. However, we get a significantly better fit by including an additional, low-temperature thermal Comptonization component, which allows a much lower black hole spin. Corroboration of the existence of an additional Compton component comes from the frequency-dependent hard lags seen in the rapid variability in archival high/soft state data. These cannot be explained if the continuum is a single non-thermal Comptonization component, but are instead consistent with a radially stratified, multi-zone Comptonization spectrum, where the spectrum is softer further from the black hole. A complex multi-zone Comptonization continuum is required to explain both spectra and timing together, and this has an impact on the derived black hole spin.
Technological Innovation, Resource Allocation, and Growth*
Authors: Kogan Leonid , Papanikolaou Dimitris , Seru Amit , Stoffman Noah
Published: January 2017

We propose a new measure of the economic importance of each innovation. Our measure uses newly collected data on patents issued to U.S. firms in the 1926 to 2010 period, combined with the stock market response to news about patents. Our patent-level estimates of private economic value are positively related to the scientific value of these patents, as measured by the number of citations the patent receives in the future. Our new measure is associated with substantial growth, reallocation, and creative destruction, consistent with the predictions of Schumpeterian growth models. Aggregating our measure suggests that technological innovation accounts for significant medium-run fluctuations in aggregate economic growth and TFP. Our measure contains additional information relative to citation-weighted patent counts; the relation between our measure and firm growth is considerably stronger. Importantly, the degree of creative destruction that is associated with our measure is higher than previous estimates, confirming that it is a useful proxy for the private valuation of patents.
More Data or Better Data? A Statistical Decision Problem
Authors: Dominitz Jeff , F. Manski Charles
Published: January 2017

When designing data collection, crucial questions arise regarding how much data to collect and how much effort to expend to enhance the quality of the collected data. To make choice of sample design a coherent subject of study, it is desirable to specify an explicit decision problem. We use the Wald framework of statistical decision theory to study allocation of a budget between two or more sampling processes. These processes all draw random samples from a population of interest and aim to collect data that are informative about the sample realizations of an outcome. They differ in the cost of data collection and the quality of the data obtained. One may incur lower cost per sample member but yield lower data quality than another. Increasing the allocation of budget to a low-cost process yields more data, while increasing the allocation to a high-cost process yields better data. We initially view the concept of “better data” abstractly and then fix attention on two important cases. In both cases, a high-cost sampling process accurately measures the outcome of each sample member. The cases differ in the data yielded by a low-cost process. In one, the low-cost process has non-response and in the other it provides a low-resolution interval measure of each sample member’s outcome. In these settings, we study minimax-regret sample design for prediction of a real-valued outcome under square loss; that is, design which minimizes maximum mean square error. The analysis imposes no assumptions that restrict the unobserved outcomes. Hence, the decision maker must cope with both the statistical imprecision of finite samples and the partial identification of the true state of nature.
Definition of the “Purity Protocol” for Producing Gluten‐Free Oats
Authors: Allred Laura K. , Kupper Cynthia , Iverson Gary , Perry Tracy B. , Smith Seaton , Stephen Robert
Published: January 2017

Several oat processors in the United States and Canada operate under what is referred to as a Purity Protocol for the provision of gluten‐free oats. This term is derived from a Health Canada position statement that indicated that pure oats, which they defined as oats that are harvested, transported, stored, processed, and manufactured under good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to minimize the presence of gluten, can safely be consumed by some persons with celiac disease. While proprietary definitions of the appropriate GMPs have been used in industry for many years, no independent definition of the requirements to make a Purity Protocol claim has been published. This paper provides a consensus definition of the Purity Protocol requirements based on input from the four largest Purity Protocol oat processors in North America. This definition provides transparency to gluten‐free consumers and allows for auditing of a Purity Protocol claim.
Amelioration of Salt Stress on Bermudagrass by the Fungus Aspergillus aculeatus
Authors: Xie Yan , Han Shijuan , Li Xiaoning , Amombo Erick , Fu Jinmin
Published: January 2017

There is considerable evidence that plant abiotic-stress tolerance can be evoked by the exploitation of a globally abundant microbe. A. aculeatus, which was initially isolated from the rhizosphere of bermudagrass, has been shown to increase heavy metal tolerance in turfgrasses. Here, we report on the potential of A. aculeatus to induce tolerance to salt stress in bermudagrass. Physiological markers for salt stress, such as plant growth rate, lipid peroxidation, photosynthesis, and ionic homeostasis were assessed. Results indicated that strain A. aculeatus produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores and exhibited a greater capacity for Na+ absorption under salt stress. The plant inoculation by A. aculeatus increased plant growth and attenuated the NaCl-induced lipid peroxidation in roots and leaves of bermudagrass. The fungus significantly elevated the amount of IAA and glutathione and slightly enhanced photosynthetic efficiency of salt-treated bermudagrass. Tissues of inoculated plants had significantly increased concentrations of K+ but lower Na+ concentrations than those of uninoculated regimes. It appears that the role of A. aculeatus in alleviating bermudagrass salt stress is partly to produce IAA, to increase the activity of antioxidases, to absorb Na+ by fungal hyphae, and to prevent the plant from ionic homeostasis disruption.
Expression of the Potato Late Blight Resistance Gene Rpi-phu1 and Phytophthora infestans Effectors in the Compatible and Incompatible Interactions in Potato
Authors: Stefańczyk Emil , Sobkowiak Sylwester , Brylińska Marta , Śliwka Jadwiga
Published: January 2017

This study describes late blight resistance of potato breeding lines resulting from crosses between cultivar ‘Sárpo Mira’ and Rpi-phu1 gene donors. The progeny is investigated for the presence of Rpi-Smira1 and Rpi-phu1 resistance (R) genes. Interestingly, in detached-leaflet tests, plants with both R genes withstood the infection of the Phytophthora infestans isolate virulent to each gene separately, due to either interaction of these genes or the presence of additional resistance loci. The interaction was studied further in three chosen breeding lines on the transcriptional level. The Rpi-phu1 expression, measured over 5 days, revealed different patterns depending on the outcome of the interaction with P. infestans: it increased in infected plants whereas it remained low and stable when infection was unsuccessful. The expression patterns of P. infestans effectors Avr-vnt1, AvrSmira1, and Avr8, recognized by the Rpi-phu1, Rpi-Smira1, and Rpi-Smira2 genes, respectively, were evaluated in the same experimental setup. This is the first report that the Avr-vnt1 effector expression is not switched off permanently in virulent isolates to avoid recognition by an R protein but can reappear in a postbiotrophic phase and is present constantly when infecting plants without the corresponding R gene. Both a plant and a pathogen can react to the other interacting side by changing the transcript accumulation of R genes or effectors.
Information seeking and simulation: Roles of attention in guiding a goal-directed behavior
Authors: Akaishi Rei , Hoshi Eiji
Published: January 2017

We usually actively seek out the information we need. However, it is still debated whether information seeking in decision situation is a purposeful behavior or a random process. We investigated this issue using the decision task involving multiple goal-directed event sequences, in which a contextual cue specifies an associated target and touch to the target delivers the reward. We found that the gaze followed the sequence of contextual cue to the associated target, which was eventually chosen. This fixation sequence from contextual cue to the associated target could be observed even when there were multiple goals and when the focus was shifted from one goal to another. To causally investigate the effects of sequential simulation, we directly manipulated the processing of the contextual cues and found its influence on the final choice of target. Furthermore, past episodes of the sequences influenced both final choices of targets and initial gaze to contextual cues. We interpret the results as suggesting that the internal process of simulating goal-directed event sequence drives information-seeking behavior such as attention/gaze in decision situations.
An information integration approach for waiting room management in high speed railway stations
Authors: Lei Ding-you , Niu Feng , Zhang Ying-gui
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a systematic approach to facilitate passenger flow in high speed rail (HSR) stations. A case study is conducted to validate the approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that HSR station management consists of train management, station capacity management, waiting room management and passenger flow management, and that two-way and dynamic information exchange exists among the components. Accordingly, the proposed approach integrates the components in HSR station management based on information exchange and heuristic algorithms. A HSR station in China with four regular waiting rooms, one mother-and-infant waiting room and one VIP waiting room located on two floors are chosen for a case study. An arrangement plan for waiting zones and waiting rooms is generated by following the proposed approach.

Findings

The result of the case study indicates that the proposed approach is capable of arranging waiting zones and waiting rooms quickly and effectively to maximize utilization of waiting room capacity and to minimize passenger walking distance from waiting rooms to platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The management problem of railway station waiting room also relates to some other factors such as platforms, tracks adjustment and delay of the trains. As an emerging technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to offer promising solutions to transform the operation and role of many existing industrial systems such as transportation systems including railway systems. The future study of the authors will focus on IoT intelligent railway management system.

Practical implications

The result indicates that the proposed method is an effective solution to the management of railway station waiting room, which can be applied to railway station management system.

Social implications

China Railway System provides service to billions of passengers. This research has significant social-economic impacts.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an information integrated approach for improving waiting room management in high speed railway stations and a case study testing the approach.
Transmission of information about consumer product quality and safety: a social media perspective
Authors: Wang Xin , Xu Yingcheng , Wang Li , Xu Xiaobo , Chen Yong
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to the information about consumer product quality and safety that can easily attract public attention and become the focus of public opinion. In recent years, the fast-growing social media have become an import platform for firms for releasing product quality and safety information and for firms and governments to hear public opinion.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore how information about consumer product quality and safety gets disseminated and a public opinion is formed in social media, this paper proposes two information transmission models, one with government intervention and the other without government intervention, based on the theory of complex network. A simulation case study in MATLAB is conducted to verify the proposed models.

Findings

Information transmission models were constructed, one without government intervention and one with government intervention. The influence of information transmission with government intervention was analyzed. MATLAB was used to simulate the Barabasi and Albert (BA)-based model to consider event information level, government information level and possible panic population proportion. The government intervention effect was evaluated.

Originality/value

Based on a complex network, the derived transmission rule can provide decision-making support for monitoring and managing Web information of consumer product quality and safety.
Mind Matters: a psychoeducation programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities and co-morbid diagnoses of mental disorder
Authors: Ashworth Sarah , Jansen Krista , Bullock Lydia , Mooney Paul
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a feasibility study into the development and pilot of a psychoeducational group for people with intellectual disability and co-morbid mental disorder (including mental illness and personality disorder) within forensic settings.

Design/methodology/approach

“Mind Matters”, a psychoeducational programme for people with an intellectual disability and co-morbid mental disorders is a group based programme in a medium secure hospital, adapted and developed to be suitable for people with intellectual disability therapist multidisciplinary approach was key to its development. An open group on a 16-bedded ward for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disability and co-morbid mental illness was delivered over a six-week period.

Findings

The group was positively received in pilot by participants and members of the clinical teams. Attendance and engagement of participants were key measures of the success of the programme. In addition to the apparent increased social skills and motivation to engage with future psychological intervention.

Practical implications

The authors believe that this approach benefitted both the group members and staff on ward, reinforcing strategies for maintaining positive mental health. It also stimulated engagement, discussion about mental disorders including mental illness, personality disorder and intellectual disabilities.

Originality/value

This paper shows how a psychoeducational approach to mental disorder and mental health in individuals with an intellectual disability is possible, beneficial and well received.
Exploring the design elements of open evaluation
Authors: Haller Jörg B.A. , Velamuri Vivek K. , Schneckenberg Dirk , Möslein Kathrin M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Firms increasingly integrate a wide range of actors in the early ideation and concept creation phases of innovation processes leading to the collection of a large number of ideas. This creates the challenge of filtering the most promising ideas from a large number of submissions. The use of external stakeholders into the evaluation and selection of submissions (i.e. open evaluation (OE)) might be a viable alternative. The purpose of this paper is to provide a state-of-the-art analysis on how such OE systems are designed and structured.

Design/methodology/approach

Since OE is a new phenomenon, an exploratory qualitative research approach is adopted. In all, 122 instances of OE in 90 innovation contest cases are examined for their design elements.

Findings

This research reveals that OE systems are configured in many different ways. In total, 32 design elements and their respective parameters are identified and described along the six socio-technical system components of an OE system. This study allows for a comprehensive understanding of what OE is and what factors need to be taken into consideration when designing an OE system.

Practical implications

Scholars and professionals may draw insights on what design choices to make when implementing OE.

Originality/value

The comprehensive analysis performed in this study contributes to research on open and user innovation by examining the concept of OE. In particular, it extends knowledge on design elements of OE systems.
Chanell Cumber in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Cumber Chanell , Carson Jerome
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chanell Cumber.

Design/methodology/approach

Chanell starts by giving a short account of her life. She is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Chanell witnessed years of domestic abuse from her father towards her mother. This led her to develop mental health problems at a young age. Her account reveals her struggles to recover.

Research limitations/implications

While single case studies are just that, they offer us insights that are missing from many professional narratives. These can often allow us a unique window into peoples’ lives.

Practical implications

Chanell points out the need for mental health services to have a more prolonged engagement with people who use services and outlines why this is important.

Social implications

As a society we do not always reach out to quieter individuals who may go under “the radar”. Sometimes being more forward and offering people a chance to open up, may provide them with the opportunity to reveal the pressures they are under.

Originality/value

Each person’s story is unique and gives us differing understandings of the struggles that people battle with and how they have overcome these.
Recovery and practice-based evidence: reconnecting the diverging discourses in mental health
Authors: Collins Padraig , Crowe Sarah
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the discourses which exist around the alleviation of mental distress, from the different perspective of mental health professionals and service users. It then looks at the use of “practice-based evidence” as a means of bringing together these two diverging discourses.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature on the discourses which exist around the cause and treatment of mental distress, from the perspective of professionals and service users, is first explored. Differences between these two discourses are identified, as are theoretical and practical limitations of current professional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. Finally the use of practice-based evidence as a means of bridging the gap between these two discourses is outlined.

Findings

This paper highlights marked differences between the discourse which exists for professionals, and that for service users, around alleviating mental distress. The use of practice-based evidence is explored, not only as a means of bringing these two varying discourses together, but also as a tool which could help to improve treatment outcome in a way which is more inclusive of service users and fits with both empiricism and a broader recovery ethos.

Originality/value

This paper applies a “practice-based evidence” approach to bringing together the divergent perspectives regarding mental health of service providers and users. In doing so it provides a practical and pragmatic approach to true collaborative working.
What works for peer support groups: learning from mental health and wellbeing groups in Bath and North East Somerset
Authors: Fieldhouse Jon , Parmenter Vanessa , Lillywhite Ralph , Forsey Philippa
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what worked well in terms of peer involvement in a diverse network of community groups for people affected by mental health problems in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A participatory action inquiry approach engaged the network’s key stakeholders (group members, facilitators, and commissioners) in critical reflection on what supported successful groups.

Findings

Successful groups have six characteristics: mutual support, a positive shared identity, opportunities for taking on roles, negotiated ground rules, skilled facilitation, and a conducive physical environment. Additionally, each group achieved a balance between the following areas of tension: needing ground rules but wanting to avoid bureaucracy, needing internal structure whilst also committing to group activities, balancing leadership with accountability, wanting peer leadership whilst acknowledging the burden of this responsibility, and lobbying for change in mental health services whilst acknowledging the need for support from them.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation shows a group’s success is about adaptability and group facilitation is the art of navigating a course through these competing demands above. These insights have informed plans for a practical guide for developing peer led groups and for training of peer leaders in BANES.

Originality/value

This evaluation focuses on self-efficacy. It draws on group members’ own perceptions of what worked best for them to provide transferable learning about how peer led support groups might develop more generally. It can thus inform the growth of a comparatively new kind of community-based support for people with mental health problems and for their carers.
Further evidence that singing fosters mental health and wellbeing: the West Kent and Medway project
Authors: Clift Stephen , Manship Sharon , Stephens Lizzi
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Clift and Morrison (2011) report that weekly singing over eight months for people with enduring mental health issues led to clinically important reductions in mental distress. The purpose of this paper is to test the robustness of the earlier findings.

Design/methodology/approach

Four community singing groups for people with mental health issues ran weekly from November 2014 to the end of 2015. Evaluation place over a six-month period using two validated questionnaires: the short Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE-10) questionnaire, and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS).

Findings

In all, 26 participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. CORE-10 scores were significantly reduced, and WEMWBS scores significantly increased. Comparisons with the earlier study found a similar pattern of improvements on CORE items that are part of the “problems” sub-scale in the full CORE questionnaire. There was also evidence from both studies of participants showing clinically important improvements in CORE-10 scores.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of the study are a small sample size and the lack of a randomised control group.

Originality/value

No attempts have been made previously to directly test the transferability of a singing for health model to a new geographical area and to evaluate outcomes using the same validated measure.
Accounting for biodiversity in Australia
Authors: Hossain Md Moazzem
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to respond to recent calls by Jones (2014) and Jones and Solomon (Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 2013) for more studies on biodiversity accounting and reporting. In particular, this paper explores biodiversity reporting of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), an Australian public sector enterprise.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses content analysis of MDBA’s published annual reports over the period of 15 years (1998-2012). Archival data (from different government departments) are also used to prepare natural inventory model.

Findings

The paper finds that although specific species, such as flora and fauna, and habitats-related disclosures have increased over the time, such information still allows only a partial construction of an inventory of natural assets, using Jones’ (1996, 2003) model. However, unlike prior studies that find lack of data availability to be the main impediment for operationalising biodiversity accounting, the abundance of biodiversity data in Australia makes it comparatively easier to produce such a statement.

Research limitations/implications

Informed by the environmental stewardship framework, the results of this paper suggest that the disclosures made by MDBA are constrained potentially due to its use of traditional accounting mechanisms of reporting that only allow tradable items to be reported to stakeholders. An alternative reporting format would be more relevant to stakeholder groups who are more interested in information regarding quality and availability of water, and loss of biodiversity in the basin area rather than the financial performance of the MDBA.

Originality/value

Although there are a growing number of studies exploring biodiversity reporting in Australia, this paper is one of the earlier attempts to operationalise biodiversity (particularly habitats, flora and fauna) within the context of an Australian public sector enterprise.
Asset-liability management in Islamic banks: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Abou-El-Sood Heba , El-Ansary Osama
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Motivated by massive bank failures during the financial crisis and the remarkable resilience of Islamic banks (IBs), this paper aims to analyze the interdependencies between asset/liability portfolio choices of IBs in emerging markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collect data from the financial statements of IBs in the Middle East and North Africa region and Southeast Asia during the period 2002-2012. Using canonical correlation analysis, the authors investigate the degree of interdependencies between the asset/liability accounts unique to IBs and how their ALM models work at times of economic turmoil.

Findings

IBs tend to make decisions on sources of finance based on their asset portfolio choices. The interdependencies are stronger for small banks. IBs direct more of their investments to risk-mitigating instruments that share the risk with the borrower/client and are based on the purchase and sale of real goods rather than financial instruments. Additionally, banks tend to rely less on equity to finance their investments during economic boom and increase their equity holdings during economic bust.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to research on an under-researched, globally growing finance sector. It extends research on ALM while providing novel evidence using non-standardized asset/liability accounts unique to IBs.

Originality/value

The analysis of unique accounts has not been discussed in prior studies, which mainly used standardized account balances to compare Islamic and conventional banks. Moreover, the resilience of IBs and whether their ALM models are superior at times of turmoil has remained a black box. The results of this study are relevant to unravel this unanswered question.
Basal Vacuolization in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells at Autopsy and Their Relation to Ketoacidosis
Authors: Zhou Chong , Yool Andrea J. , Byard Roger W.
Published: January 2017

Basal vacuolization of renal tubular epithelial cells is a useful postmortem marker for ketoacidosis. To investigate its incidence and relationship to the severity of ketoacidosis, 158 autopsy cases with elevated β‐hydroxybutyrate (>1 mmol/L) over a 7‐year‐period were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty‐eight cases (43%) exhibited basal vacuolizations (vitreous β‐hydroxybutyrate: 1.16–29.35 mmol/L, mean 10.28 mmol/L), and 90 cases (57%) did not (vitreous β‐hydroxybutyrate: 1.03–13.7 mmol/L, mean 2.84 mmol/L). Quantitative analysis revealed on average a fourfold elevation in β‐hydroxybutyrate in cases with basal vacuolizations compared to those without; 10.3% of cases with β‐hydroxybutyrate concentrations between 1.01 and 2.00 mmol/L had basal vacuolizations, and this incidence increased to 33.3% with concentrations between 4.01 and 6.00 mmol/L. A marked increase in incidence to >70% was observed with concentrations >6.00 mmol/L, and basal vacuoles were invariably present (100%) with concentrations >14.01 mmol/L. This study demonstrates that basal vacuolizations are a sensitive marker for significant ketoacidosis and reaffirms its use as an indicator for likely cases of fatal ketoacidosis at autopsy.
The Toxicology of Methadone‐Related Death in Infants Under 1 Year: Three Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Paul Anthea B. Mahesan , Simms Lary , Mahesan Arnold M.
Published: January 2017

Methadone‐related fatalities occur rarely in infants under 1 year, with five confirmed cases in the literature. The interpretation of pediatric postmortem toxicology relies on adult data; however, infants have crucial physiological differences that may impact interpretation of results. Retrospective case review included scene investigation, interviews, autopsy, and NIH/CDC Sudden Unexplained Infant Death Investigation Reporting Form. Methadone levels were confirmed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The fatal blood methadone levels in this case series ranged from 69 to 700 ng/mL. This review of the literature adds toxicological findings of three methadone‐related infant fatalities and reviews the current literature on methadone‐related death in infants under 1 year. With opioid use on the rise in today's society, forensic experts should have a high index of suspicion for the possibility of intentional or unintentional poisoning in infants.
Influence of the Addition of Minced Fish on the Preparation of Fish Sausage: Effects on Sensory Properties
Authors: Lago Amanda M. T. , Vidal Ana C. C. , Schiassi Maria C. E. V. , Reis Tatiana , Pimenta Carlos , Pimenta Maria E. S. G.
Published: January 2017

In this study, we evaluated the effect of minced fish (MF) inclusion on the acceptance of tilapia sausages. One hundred consumers participated in the sensory acceptance test in relation to the attributes appearance, color, aroma, flavor, texture, overall impression, and purchase intent. The tests were conducted using the same composition of ingredients, varying only the raw material (MF and fillet), resulting in 5 different formulations. To represent the results of the sensory attributes, we generated internal preference maps through principal component analysis and parallel factor analysis, as well as frequency histograms. The data showed greater acceptability for the sample produced with 50% MF, although all had shown satisfactory results. We conclude that inclusion of MF can be suitable in the preparation of fish sausage due to high consumer acceptance.