bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Identifying the Inventive Templates of New Products: A Channeled Ideation Approach
Authors: Goldenberg Jacob , Mazursky David , Solomon Sorin
Published: December 2018

New product ideation might be improved by identifying and applying certain well-defined schemes derived from an historical analysis of product-based trends, termed “templates.” These templates might contribute to the understanding and prediction of new product emergence. The authors derive templates in a study that maps the evolution of product changes by adapting a set of intrinsic operations originally designed to uncover hidden logical patterns in technological inventions. They find that the majority of new product versions can be accounted for by as few as five templates. The authors define the five templates and show that they derive from six elementary (first principle) operators. A procedure for using the dominant template, termed “Attribute Dependency,” is outlined, followed by a report of two experiments examining its usefulness in the context of product ideation.
Signaling Unobservable Product Quality through a Brand Ally
Authors: Rao Akshay R. , Qu Lu , Ruekert Robert W.
Published: December 2018

In this article, the authors examine the circumstances in which brand names convey information about unobservable quality. They argue that a brand name can convey unobservable quality credibly when false claims will result in intolerable economic losses. These losses can occur for two reasons: (1) losses of reputation or sunk investments and (2) losses of future profits that occur whether or not the brand has a reputation. The authors test this assertion in the context of the emerging practice of brand alliances. Results from several studies are supportive of the premise and suggest that, when evaluating a product that has an important unobservable attribute, consumers’ quality perceptions are enhanced when a brand is allied with a second brand that is perceived to be vulnerable to consumer sanctions. The authors discuss the theoretical and substantive implications for the area of brand management.
Vital Dimensions in Volume Perception: Can the Eye Fool the Stomach?
Authors: Raghubir Priya , Krishna Aradhna
Published: December 2018

Given the number of volume judgments made by consumers, for example, deciding which package is larger and by how much, it is surprising that little research pertaining to volume perceptions has been done in marketing. In this article, the authors examine the interplay of expectations based on perceptual inputs versus experiences based on sensory input in the context of volume perceptions. Specifically, they examine biases in the perception of volume due to container shape. The height of the container emerges as a vital dimension that consumers appear to use as a simplifying visual heuristic to make a volume judgment. However, perceived consumption, contrary to perceived volume, is related inversely to height. This lowered perceived consumption is hypothesized and shown to increase actual consumption. A series of seven laboratory experiments programmatically test model predictions. Results show that perceived volume, perceived consumption, and actual consumption are related sequentially. Furthermore, the authors show that container shape affects preference, choice, and postconsumption satisfaction. The authors discuss theoretical implications for contrast effects when expectancies are disconfirmed, specifically as they relate to biases in visual information processing, and provide managerial implications of the results for package design, communication, and pricing.
Brand Equity Dilution: Retailer Display and Context Brand Effects
Authors: Buchanan Lauranne , Simmons Carolyn J. , Bickart Barbara A.
Published: December 2018

Consistency among the various elements of a marketing program is believed essential in building and maintaining brand image and equity. And yet, a brand's ultimate presentation to customers is controlled more often by the retailer than by the manufacturer. In this research, the authors demonstrate that the retailer's display decisions can negate the equity of an established brand. The authors suggest that this occurs because consumers have expectations about retail displays and the relationship among displayed brands. Display conditions that disconfirm these expectations can lead consumers to reevaluate the brand. Specifically, the results demonstrate that high-equity brand valuations are influenced by an unfamiliar context brand when (1) a mixed display structure leads consumers to believe that the context brand is diagnostic for judging the high-equity brand, (2) the precedence given to one brand over another in the display makes expectations about brand differences or similarities accessible, and (3) the unfamiliar context brand disconfirms these expectations.
Acinetobacter species in laboratory mice: species survey and antimicrobial resistance
Authors: Benga Laurentiu , Feßler Andrea T. , Benten W. Peter M. , Engelhardt Eva , Köhrer Karl , Schwarz Stefan , Sager Martin
Published: December 2018

The extra-hospital epidemiology of Acinetobacter infections is a subject of debate. In recent years, the prevalence of animal multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter infections has increased considerably. The goal of the present study was to specify Acinetobacter species isolated from laboratory mice and to test them for their antimicrobial susceptibility. During routine microbiological monitoring of laboratory mice, 12 Acinetobacter spp. were isolated. By means of 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequencing, seven of the isolates were identified as Acinetobacter radioresistens, three isolates belonged to Acinetobacter genomospecies 14BJ, one isolate was classified as Acinetobacter pitii and one as Acinetobacter sp. ANC 4051. The distribution of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values was uniform for 21 of the 23 antimicrobial agents tested, whereas a broad MIC distribution was recorded for tulathromycin and streptomycin. The MIC values recorded were low for the majority of the antibiotics tested. Nevertheless, very high MIC values, which will probably render a therapeutic approach using these substances unsuccessful, were recorded for florfenicol, tiamulin, tilmicosin and cephalothin in most of the isolates. In conclusion, we document colonization of laboratory mice with different Acinetobacter species, displaying similar antibiotic susceptibility profiles, with possible implications in the Acinetobacter epidemiology as well as in the husbandry and experimentation of the colonized animals.
Fast-curing halogen-free flame-retardant epoxy resins and their application in glass fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Yang Bo , Mao Yanyun , Zhang Yihui , Wei Yi , Liu Wanshuang , Qiu Yiping
Published: December 2018

A series of novel fast-curing halogen-free flame-retardant epoxy resins were formulated and used to prepare glass fiber-reinforced composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the optimized epoxy system could be completely cured in 0.5 h at 150℃ and had a glass transition temperature ( Tg) of above 130℃. The optimized epoxy system was also used as matrix resin to make glass fiber prepregs and composite panels. The flame-retardant properties of the glass fiber-reinforced composites were investigated, including the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and flaming, smoke and toxicity properties. The glass fiber-reinforced composite had good flame retardancy with a UL-94 V-1 rating and high LOI of ∼36%. More significantly, the composite based on the flame-retardant epoxy resin showed lower smoke density compared with those based on phenolic resins. Finally, the glass fiber prepregs were used to fabricate honeycomb sandwich composites. The peel strength of the epoxy-based composites was almost twice that of the composites based on phenolic resin.
Formality as exception
Authors: Pratt Andy
Published: December 2018

In this commentary piece, we are reminded that naming (in-formality) is an inherently political act. Informality is discussed through a number of dimensions: conceptually in relation to the term ‘formal’; considering its (ordinary) presence in the city; discussing the recognition and devaluation of the informal economy; and pointing to the contribution it makes to the global economy. Analytically, it is argued that informality requires a balancing concept of the formal; politically, informality is ‘the Other’, bound into a teleological relationship with the formal, but unable to ever achieve it. As such, informality is tied to and legitimates the ‘formal’. By reviewing the ontological critique and epistemological diversions deployed by some of the articles of this special issue, the commentary shows that the informal economy is not a ‘residual’ category but one that encompasses the majority of the human experience (urban and non-urban). In this sense, it puts forward the suggestion of viewing formality as exception and informality as the norm, for it is difficult to imagine a totally formal activity with no informality. Informality, then, should be interpreted as a hybrid of what is termed formal and informal. In all its varieties, it is shown that informality constitutes the everyday of the city. Yet, this commentary also calls to resist generalisations so as to be able to ‘see’ particular timed and placed informalities that exist in relation to a wider (local) social, political and economic setting, as well as a global one.
The “Less-Than-Lethal Weapons Effect”—Introducing TASERs to Routine Police Operations in England and Wales: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ariel Barak , Lawes David , Weinborn Cristobal , Henry Ron , Chen Kevin , Brants Sabo Hagit
Published: December 2018

We used a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of mass deployment of TASERs on policing. The findings show that the presence of a TASER is causally linked to statistically significant increases in the use of force more generally—a 48% higher incidence during treatment conditions for TASER-equipped officers, a 19% higher incidence for non-TASER-equipped officers, and a 23% higher rate force wide, compared to control conditions. Assaults of officers doubled. However, there were fewer complaints during treatment compared to control conditions (five versus nine complaints). We conclude that, as is the case with other types of weapons, the presence of TASERs leads to increased aggression. The visual cue of a TASER in police–public interactions leads to aggression. Given other benefits of TASERs for policing identified by previous studies, our findings suggest that both enhanced training as well as concealment of TASERS should be considered.
A Case Study of Chinese Netizens’ Opinions on Capital Punishment: Diversity, Rationale, and Interaction
Authors: Liu Jianhong , Liang Bin
Published: December 2018

Empirical studies of Chinese public opinion on capital punishment are very rare. Almost all past studies suffered from questionable survey designs and/or nonrepresentative/nonrandom sampling (e.g., student samples). In this study, to examine the breadth and the depth of public opinion on capital punishment, we turn to Chinese netizens’ opinions online on a particular capital case, the Lin Senhao poisoning case. Though our netizen sample has its own limitations, it is innovative and encompasses a broader group of representations than in past studies. Specifically, we address three questions: the diversity of netizens’ opinions, the rationales for netizens’ support for Lin’s death sentence, and netizens’ interactions. This study is the first to examine Chinese netizens’ opinions in a capital case in detail and to uncover potential complexities and nuances of such opinions.
Analysis and robust position control of an electromechanical control actuation system
Authors: Daş Ersin , Delice İsmail İlker , Keleş Murat
Published: December 2018

This study investigates a modified electromechanical actuator for a guided ammunition fin control system. This modification, which is required due to space limitations, is the use of an eccentric type inverted slider crank mechanism instead of a centric type inverted slider crank mechanism. Brushless DC motor-driven mechanism is modeled experimentally. Using the obtained model, the H∞ type robust position controller is synthesized in the simulation environment and applied to the real system in hardware in the loop tests. The effectiveness of the proposed mechanism and the performance of the synthesized robust position controller are verified by comparing the pre-determined performance requirements and the obtained tests results. It has been shown that for a constant volume, the eccentric type mechanism provides about a 7.6% reduction ratio advantage over the centric type mechanism.
Sadism and Aggressive Behavior: Inflicting Pain to Feel Pleasure
Authors: Chester David S. , DeWall C. Nathan , Enjaian Brian
Published: December 2018

Sadism is a “dark” trait that involves the experience of pleasure from others’ pain, yet much is unknown about its link to aggression. Across eight studies (total N = 2,255), sadism predicted greater aggression against both innocent targets and provocateurs. These associations occurred above-and-beyond general aggressiveness, impulsivity, and other “dark” traits. Sadism was associated with greater positive affect during aggression, which accounted for much of the variance in the sadism–aggression link. This aggressive pleasure was contingent on sadists’ perceptions that their target suffered due to their aggressive act. After aggression, sadism was associated with increases in negative affect. Sadism thus appears to be a potent predictor of aggression that is motivated by the pleasure of causing pain. Such sadistic aggression ultimately backfires, resulting in greater negative affect. More generally, our results support the crucial role of anticipated and positive forms of affect in motivating aggression.
The impacts of live streaming and Twitch.tv on the video game industry
Authors: Johnson Mark R , Woodcock Jamie
Published: December 2018

This article explores the growing importance of live streaming, specifically on website and platform Twitch.tv, to the games industry. We focus not on live streaming as a form of media production and consumption, but instead explore its newly central role in the contemporary political economy of the whole video games ecosystem. We explore three cases: streaming newly released games and the attendant role of streaming in informing consumer choice; the visibility and added lifespan that streaming is affording to independent and niche games and older games; and the live streaming of the creation of games, shedding light on the games industry and subverting ordinarily expensive or highly competitive game-design courses, training and employment paths. To do so, we draw on empirical data from offline and online fieldwork, including 100 qualitative interviews with professional live-streamers, offline ethnography at live-streaming events, and online ethnography and observation of Twitch streams. The article concludes that live streaming is a major new force in the games industry, creating new links between developers and influencers and shifting our expectations of game play and game design, and is consequently a platform whose major structural effects are only now beginning to be understood.
Impersonal subjectivation from platforms to infrastructures
Authors: Langlois Ganaele , Elmer Greg
Published: December 2018

The rapid expansion of social media has led to the concentration of digitized, networked, and mediated processes into the hands of a few giant corporations (e.g. Google, Facebook, and Amazon), their partners and affiliates. From smart watches to targeted advertising and reputation scores, this new political economy of subjectivation – or subject making – sees an intensification of datafication to sell commodities, manipulate moods, inject ideologies, and influence behaviors. This article argues that in order to understand this new political economy of subjectivation, we need to complicate and build upon framework that focus on the collection of personal data and its risks on individual users. We argue that as social media and digital media giant corporations move away from an enclosed platform model toward a distributed, impersonal infrastructure, the mining of individual data and the shaping of individual attitudes is increasingly geared toward establishing relationships between user data and a plethora of non-human, environmental data. Such an infrastructure invokes impersonal subjects, and thus requires a new politics of relationality.
“Aha”ptics: Enjoying an Aesthetic Aha During Haptic Exploration
Authors: Muth Claudia , Ebert Sabine , Marković Slobodan , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: December 2018

Perceptual insight, like recognizing hidden figures, increases the appreciation of visually perceived objects. We examined this Aesthetic Aha paradigm in the haptic domain. Participants were thinking aloud during haptic exploration of 11 visually nonaccessible panels. They explored them again evaluating them on liking, pleasingness, complexity, and interestingness. Afterwards they rated photographs of the panels on the same variables. Haptic pleasingness was predictable by the strength of insight (Aha!) during free exploration and the material feel. Liking was increased when complexity was high in addition. Pleasingness and interest were negatively related to each other but predicted liking in a combined model. Personality and explorative strategies were considered, for example, strength of insight was increased for ambiguity-tolerant people, and people with high need for closure explored more globally. Evaluations of haptic and visual explorations correlated significantly, and in both modalities, complexity correlated more strongly with interest than with liking. Our study transfers the Aesthetic Aha effect to the haptic domain and reveals slight differences in its hedonic quality with a potentially higher relevance of pleasingness. We suggest that revealing a (meaningful) structure during exploration—visually or haptically—can enhance positive affect and interest hereby benefits from an increased level of complexity.
Effect of Penalty Minute Rule Change on Injuries and Game Disqualification Penalties in High School Ice Hockey
Authors: Kriz Peter K. , Staffa Steven J. , Zurakowski David , MacAskill Matthew , Kirchberg Tyler , Robert Kyle , Baird Janette , Lockhart Greg
Published: December 2018

Background:

Recent efforts have focused on eliminating dangerous hits in ice hockey. Fair play rule changes have successfully reduced injury risk but have not been widely implemented.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of a penalty infraction minutes (PIM) rule change in high school boys’ ice hockey on injuries and game disqualification penalties.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Injury data were collected from 2 Rhode Island hospital systems and game/penalty data through the Rhode Island Hockey Coaches Association website. Participants included high school boys’ hockey varsity players aged 13 to 19 years presenting to 5 emergency departments for hockey injuries during 6 seasons (December 2012–April 2018). Rule change for the 2015-2016 season implemented varying suspensions for players accumulating ≥50 PIM and ≥70 PIM during regular season and playoffs. Injuries were classified as body checking or non–body checking related, and injury rates pre– versus post–rule change were compared via the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test with the odds ratio (OR) to measure risk reduction.

Results:

During the study period, 1762 boys’ high school varsity hockey games were played. Of 134 game-related injuries, 82 (61.2%) were attributable to body checking. The PIM rule change was associated with a significant reduction in all injuries (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.35-0.86; P = .008), concussion/closed head injury (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.23-0.85; P = .012), and combined subgroups of concussion/closed head injury and upper body injury (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.80; P = .003). Game disqualification penalties per season were not significantly reduced following the rule change, occurring in 5.2% of games before the rule change and 4.4% of games after (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.54-1.31; P = .440).

Conclusion:

Implementation of a statewide PIM restriction rule change effectively reduced the mean number of game-related injuries per season among high school boys’ hockey varsity players.
The Quest for Education: An Insight into the Educational Theories and Practices of the Colonial Government in Bengal Presidency
Authors: Suman Amit Kumar
Published: December 2018

The present article would try to examine the trajectories of an evolving knowledge system or how it travelled from the West and grafted itself on indigenous institutions reconstituting the one already in existence. Western knowledge arrived in India through the coercive agency of colonialism, the colonial administrators, particularly Macaulay, asserting that this knowledge was true and that the indigenous knowledge system, like the gods of the natives, was false. Knowledge was thus sought to be reconstituted rather than being a product of knowing subject from the outside. Thus, the article offers a preliminary analysis of how colonial authority was established over cultural spaces in India first by establishing indigenous centres of higher learning and then by subverting them by bringing the management under colonial authority based on the ideological undercurrent of the superiority of European civilisation and administrative needs. Hence, there were attempts to replace personalised Indian cultural authority by institutionalising and co-opting Indian forms of authority leading to immense changes in the social matrix of the Indian society and culture.
From Apple to Orange: Narratives of Small City Migration and Settlement among the Urban Middle Class
Authors: Ocejo Richard E.
Published: December 2018

As large cities become unaffordable, some people in the urban middle class are moving to small cities but risk replicating gentrification and its harms. Based on a qualitative research project on Newburgh, a small city north of New York City, this paper examines the narratives that middle-class urbanites construct to make sense of this migration, their new urban environment, and their place within it. These narratives describe their decision to move (migration) and their everyday lives in the city (settlement). Most importantly, their narratives are shaped by their social positions as both displaced residents and gentrifiers and as both consumers and producers of space. But despite being self-aware gentrifiers, their settlement narratives lack reflections on their own displacement from New York City, and instead emphasize how they try to mitigate gentrification’s harms. The paper concludes with a discussion of what makes gentrifiers in small cities distinct from those in large ones.
Public Opinion of Capital Punishment: An Intersectional Analysis of Race, Gender, and Class Effects
Authors: Trahan Adam , Dixon Andrekus , Nodeland Brooke
Published: December 2018

Extant research on the demographic correlates of capital punishment opinion has separately analyzed race, gender, and class. Intersectionality has shown a flaw of this approach is that these characteristics overlap and interact to shape people’s identities and opinions. Using data from the Cumulative File of the General Social Survey (1972–2016), we regressed capital punishment opinion on respondents’ race, gender, and class intersections. Findings show wide variation in opposition to capital punishment. Implications of the findings, including the superiority of the intersectional approach, are discussed.
Against Teleology in the Study of Race: Toward the Abolition of the Progress Paradigm
Authors: Seamster Louise , Ray Victor
Published: December 2018

We argue that claims of racial progress rest upon untenable teleological assumptions founded in Enlightenment discourse. We examine the theoretical and methodological focus on progress and its historical roots. We argue research should examine the concrete mechanisms that produce racial stability and change, and we offer three alternative frameworks for interpreting longitudinal racial data and phenomena. The first sees racism as a “fundamental cause,” arguing that race remains a “master category” of social differentiation. The second builds on Glenn’s “settler colonialism as structure” framework to describe race relations as a mutually constituted and place-based system of resource allocation. The third framework draws attention to racialized agency.
The Rationale Motive of Adult Christians’ Participation in Education Programs among Episcopal Churches in Southern California
Authors: Mambo Alice W.
Published: December 2018

The understanding of the motivational orientations of adults with complex reasons participating in learning activities is a base for church leaders and directors of Christian education to plan educational programs that meet their needs as adult learners. Knowing their motivation helps determine the curriculum, methods of teaching, and the available resources, leading to success in reaching the desired goals for the members and the church. This paper investigates adults’ voluntary participation in congregationally sponsored Christian education programs among Episcopal churches in Southern California. Adaptation of the education participation scale (EPS) (Boshier, 1991) was used to measure the adult’s motivation to participate.
Effect of Technology and Market Dynamism on the Business Performances of SMEs by Supporting Services
Authors: Park Hun , Yoo Jae-Young , Moon Seong-Hee , Yoo Hyoung-Sun , Lee Ho-Shin , Kwon Tae-Hoon , Hahn Hyuk
Published: December 2018

Research objective of our study is to find the effect of technology and market dynamism on the business performances by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) supporting services. Technology and market dynamism have been introduced as moderating variables, utilisation degree of information provided by SME supporting services was selected as an independent variable and contribution degree to SME business performances such as revenue, export, employment and so on were selected as dependent variables. Structural equation modeling was established to analyse moderating and mediating effects on SME business performances by SME supporting services using Smart PLS programme. The SME supporting services had a direct effect on SME business performances and also indirectly influenced SME business performances via contribution degree to decision-making of SME executives. Technology and market dynamism significantly moderated the effect of decision-making of SME executives on SME business performances. It could be seen that technology and market dynamism had a mediated-moderating effect on SME business performances.
Regulating restraint use in mental health and aged care settings: Lessons from the Oakden scandal
Authors: Maker Yvette , McSherry Bernadette
Published: December 2018

This article argues that there exist unnecessary gaps in the regulation of the use of physical, mechanical and chemical restraints in mental health and aged care settings. While the use of these forms of restraint may be rationalised on the basis of preventing harm to self or others, there are adverse consequences that necessitate the minimisation, if not elimination, of their use. The overuse of mechanical and chemical restraints at the Oakden Older Persons Mental Health Service in South Australia led to several scathing inquiries. This article looks at the lessons learned and suggests a multidimensional, consistent approach is overdue.
Tensions Within the Ministry of Provenance: Reflections on Co-Creating a Research Game Together With Artists
Authors: Wetzel Richard , Bachour Khaled , Flintham Martin
Published: December 2018

Background. Research games are challenging to design as they seek to fulfil a research agenda as well as work as a game. We have successfully collaborated with a group of artists in a research game about people’s perception of provenance called The Apocalypse of the Ministry of Provenance (MoP). The web-based game ran for 6 months with a total of 1004 players signing up over its lifetime with 490 consenting to their data being used for research purposes. While the game allowed us to answer our provenance-related research questions, in this article we look at the game design process of such a collaborative research game.

Aim. The co-creation approach created tensions that had to be carefully negotiated between everyone involved. The purpose of this article is to investigate the nature of these tensions, what has caused them, and how we managed (or failed) to mitigate them. This leads to recommendations for future researchers co-creating a research game with artists.

Method. We use the form of a post-mortem reflection on the development of the game, based on our own experiences, a one-hour long interview with the two artists involved, and post-game phone interviews with players (n=8).

Results. We identify the following three tensions that had a high impact on the overall process: 1) Translating research questions into engaging gameplay elements; 2) Creation of research-relevant content by artists; 3) Artistic vision conflicting with research agenda. We contextualize these tensions by describing six vignettes concerning our collaboration in rich detail that highlight the salient issues of the overall process and resulting game from different perspectives. Lastly, we present seven mitigation strategies on how to deal with the tensions or prevent them from arising.

Conclusions. A collaboration with artists for the purpose of creating a research game is a rewarding but also challenging process. Overcoming the resulting tensions is possible by utilizing mitigation strategies that need to be implemented jointly between researchers and artists to guarantee the success as an engaging research game.
The Role of Self-Monitoring and Academic Effort in Students’ Career Adaptability and Job Search Self-Efficacy
Authors: Tolentino Laramie R. , Sibunruang Hataya , Garcia Patrick Raymund James M.
Published: December 2018

This article examines the relationship between career adaptability, self-monitoring, academic effort, and job search self-efficacy among university students. Guided by the career construction and self-monitoring theories, we propose that self-monitoring mediates the relationship between career adaptability and job search self-efficacy. Furthermore, we hypothesize that the indirect relationship is stronger for those with high academic effort. We test our proposed model using two samples (Sample 1 = 340, Sample 2 = 547) of university students from Thailand. Results confirm our hypothesized relationships and suggest that career adaptability is positively associated with job search self-efficacy above and beyond the effects of gender. Moderated mediation analyses revealed that the conditional indirect effect of career adaptability in predicting job search self-efficacy via self-monitoring is stronger for students with high as opposed to low levels of academic effort. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Foot Function in Patients With Surgically Treated Preaxial Polydactyly of the Foot Compared With Age- and Sex-Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Burger Elise B. , Lalé Shaktie A. , Hovius Steven E. R. , Nieuwenhoven Christianne A. van , Bus Sicco A.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Treatment of preaxial foot polydactyly, a duplication of the first ray, consists of excision of an extra ray, aiming to improve shoe fitting and aesthetic appearance, while maintaining foot function. Currently, the effect of excision on foot function and foot-related patient experiences is unclear.

Methods:

A cross-sectional comparison between 37 children treated for preaxial foot polydactyly and 37 age- and sex-matched healthy controls was performed. Dynamic foot function was assessed using plantar pressure measurements and static foot characteristics by physical examination. Patient-reported outcomes for foot function and footwear were evaluated, using the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (score, 0-100).

Results:

Compared with controls, patients had significantly lower median peak pressures at the hallux (148 kPa [IQR, 98-245] vs 272 kPa [IQR, 205-381], P < .001) and significantly higher peak pressures at the second metatarsal (217 kPa [IQR, 147-338] vs 166 kPa [IQR, 141-235], P = .002) and third to fifth metatarsals (214 kPa [IQR, 147-290] vs 161 kPa [IQR, 135-235], P < .001). Additionally, patients had a more medially deviated hallux, both while seated (15 degrees (IQR, 11-20) vs 12 degrees [IQR, 10-15], P = .001) and standing (20 degrees [IQR, 15-26] vs 18 degrees [IQR, 15-20], P = .001). No significant correlation between peak pressure distribution and hallux deviation was found. Patients reported minimal problems with foot function (87.5 [IQR, 64.6-100]), but distinct problems with footwear use (50.0 [IQR, 25.0-100]).

Conclusion:

Patients with surgically treated preaxial foot polydactyly had a substantially altered plantar pressure distribution with more lateral foot progression than healthy controls. Although an increased hallux deviation was not related to altered foot function, it seemed to be the reason for the patient-perceived problems with footwear. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.
A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Achilles Tendinopathy (VISA-A)
Authors: Palazón-Bru Antonio , Tomás-Rodríguez María Isabel , Mares-García Emma , Gil-Guillén Vicente Francisco
Published: December 2018

Background:

A reliability generalization study of a questionnaire is necessary to provide higher-level evidence for its reliability. This has not been performed for the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles tendinopathy (VISA-A) questionnaire. The VISA-A has been a commonly used questionnaire to evaluate the symptoms of Achilles tendon disorders and their impact on physical activity, one of the most common disorders among athletes and sports persons (9%-40%). Furthermore, this questionnaire has been translated to several languages and due to its simplicity is one of the most widely used questionnaires for patients with this type of disorder. Therefore, we performed a reliability generalization study of the VISA-A using MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Scopus as data sources.

Methods:

We selected studies that analyzed the reliability of the VISA-A by evaluating Cronbach’s alpha, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Spearman correlation coefficients to compare VISA-A with similar scales. The data were analyzed using fixed- and random-effects models. We assessed sensitivity through the leave-one-out method. Quality analysis was performed using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.

Results:

Of a total of 263 studies (eliminating duplicates), 7 fulfilled inclusion criteria. The mean reliability was (1) Cronbach’s alpha, 0.75 (95% CI, 0.70-0.79); (2) ICC, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.82-0.96); (3) correlation coefficient with the Curwin and Stanish grading system, –0.82 (95% CI, −0.93 to −0.56); and (4) correlation coefficient with the Percy and Conochie classification, 0.91 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93). We were unable to perform the funnel plot analysis and estimate meta-regression models. The Spearman correlation coefficients for both comparative scales showed influential studies (sensitivity analysis).

Conclusion:

Internal consistency and reproducibility were found to be good, but the parallel-forms reliability could not be supported. Therefore, more scientific evidence is needed to generalize the reliability of the VISA-A.

Level of Evidence:

Level I, meta-analysis of literature.
Validating a Measurement Tool to Predict Aggressive Behavior in Hospitalized Youth
Authors: Dutch Stephanie G. , Patil Nirav
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND: The aggression of hospital patients costs money and affects outcomes. Most methods to assess risk for aggression are developed for adults. This study recommends the use of a predictive tool, the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression–Youth Version (DASA-YV) to improve accuracy in identifying aggression risk in youth. AIMS: To determine if aggressive behavior of youth is better predicted with DASA-YV versus instinct. We sought to validate the feasibility of DASA-YV and determine its predictive validity for aggressive behavior in a youth-specific psychiatric hospital population, which could lead to prevention of aggression and improve interventions or outcomes. METHOD: After establishing interrater reliability of the DASA-YV, a 6-month pilot study with a prospective validation design compared aggressive behavior outcomes predicted with those that occurred within the next 24 hours. RESULTS: DASA-YV was found to be reliable and valid in predicting aggression in a youth population. CONCLUSIONS: Predicting aggression with the DASA-YV tool demonstrates a useful best practice application for psychiatric nurses that positively affects safety.
Influences on Parent Perceptions of Autism Severity
Authors: Dovgan Kristen N. , Nowell Kerri P. , Aguilar Juliana
Published: December 2018

Research in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often relies on parent report for describing behavior and symptoms. Psychometric studies in assessment have supported the utility of parent report; however, cultural and external factors may influence ratings of severity. The purpose of this study was to investigate if parent characteristics influence the severity rating of ASD over and above child characteristics. Using the 2009–2010 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN), we examined 3,037 parents who answered questions about their child’s ASD symptoms. We used hierarchical multiple regression to assess child-level variables (age, developmental delay, intellectual disability, and number of co-occurring emotional or behavioral conditions) and family-level variables (education, income, and language). We also performed mediation analyses to examine the relationship between language and severity ratings. Parents rated their child’s ASD as mild (52.3%), moderate (36%), or severe (11.8%). Parent-level variables explained a significant amount of variance over and above child-level variables. Several different stressors and challenges for English Language Learner parents mediated the relationship between language and severe ASD ratings. When asking parents to evaluate a child’s ASD symptoms, clinicians and researchers must consider the influence of sociocultural factors on ratings. In addition, because parent perception can drive help-seeking behaviors, professionals need to understand that there may be differences across sociocultural groups. Future research should investigate which sociocultural perceptions or expectations may be affecting parent ratings of ASD severity.
An Overlooked Brain Region in the Aetiology of Anorexia Nervosa: The Importance of Behaviourally Driven Neuroimaging Analysis
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Castle David Jonathan , Abel Larry Allen , Gurvich Caroline , Rossell Susan Lee
Published: December 2018

The neurobiological contributions to anorexia nervosa (AN) remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective neurobiological treatments such as medications and brain stimulation. A large number of studies have been undertaken utilising neuroimaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to gain a better understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in the illness. However, the analyses undertaken by many studies have utilised a whole-brain analytical approach as much of this research has been exploratory in nature. This is, however, problematic as small brain regions that differ between groups may not have the statistical power to produce statistically significant results. This is highlighted in a recent study undertaken by our group utilising diffusion-weighted imaging. In this research, we identified widespread white matter microstructural differences in individuals with AN, but only showed differences in a small brain region (the superior colliculus) when a region-of-interest approach that was driven by behavioural findings was utilised. The importance of hypothesis-driven neuroimaging analyses is discussed in this article.
Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein correlates with multiple sclerosis disease severity
Authors: Högel Heidi , Rissanen Eero , Barro Christian , Matilainen Markus , Nylund Marjo , Kuhle Jens , Airas Laura
Published: December 2018

Background:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of two soluble biomarkers, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL), have been shown to associate with multiple sclerosis (MS) disease progression. Now, both biomarkers can be detected reliably in serum, and importantly, their serum levels correlate well with their CSF levels.

Objective:

To evaluate the usability of serum GFAP measurement as a biomarker of progressive disease and disease severity in MS.

Methods:

Clinical course, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), disease duration, patient age and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters were reviewed in 79 MS patients in this cross-sectional hospital-based study. Serum samples were collected for measurement of GFAP and NfL concentrations using single molecule array (Simoa) assay. A cohort of healthy controls was evaluated for comparison.

Results:

Higher serum concentrations of both GFAP and NfL were associated with higher EDSS, older age, longer disease duration, progressive disease course and MRI pathology.

Conclusion:

Earlier studies have demonstrated that GFAP, unlike NfL, is not increased in association with acute focal inflammation-related nervous system damage. Our work suggests that GFAP serum level associates with disease progression in MS and could potentially serve as an easily measurable biomarker of central nervous system (CNS) pathology related to disease progression in MS.
Educating the recruited and recruiting the educated: Can the new Police Education Qualifications Framework in England and Wales succeed where others have faltered
Authors: Ramshaw Pauline , Soppitt Sarah
Published: December 2018

The complex and changing nature of policing and police work have become firmly embedded in police studies discourse, and reflected in ongoing discussion about contemporary police training and education programmes. Although much public policy debate on the desirability and necessity of higher education qualifications for police officers in England and Wales has intensified of late, the programmes themselves have consistently stalled when faced with challenge. This article provides some historical background to initial police training in England and Wales, and reflects on the College of Policing’s announcement of the new Police Education Qualifications Framework and accompanying entry routes into policing. The article presents a case for grounding initial police training within a university context, but with several key caveats identified towards the end of the article.
Career prospects of undergraduate female students in the Nigeria Police Force
Authors: Buhari Maryam T , Ojedokunand Usman A , Aderinto Adeyinka A
Published: December 2018

The percentage of women serving in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is still small despite efforts to reduce the gender gap. Against this background, this study examined undergraduate female final-year students’ career prospects in the NPF. Expectancy theory was utilised as a theoretical framework. Data were generated through the use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 310 female final-year students at two federal universities who were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Although respondents were familiar with police duties, the majority (72%) were unwilling to join the NPF. Also, a connection exists between perceived gender roles and respondents’ future career prospects in the NPF (χ2 = 24.411; P= 0.000066). The NPF should exert more effort towards breaking the masculine-occupation overtone associated with policing.
Do disciplinary matrices moderate the effects of prior disciplinary actions on perceived organizational support (POS) among police officers?
Authors: Reynolds Paul D , Helfers Richard C
Published: December 2018

Previous research has argued that disciplinary matrices should increase positive attitudes toward the administration because this form of disciplinary practice allows for more salient, consistent, and predictable outcomes; however, no research has examined the influence of disciplinary actions on police officers’ attitudes, particularly among officers working in smaller agencies. Therefore, this exploratory study assessed the relationship between a department having a disciplinary matrix and perceived organizational support (POS) among police officers. Data were collected via a self-reported anonymous online survey administered by a state-wide police officer association in the southern USA. The findings suggest that the presence of a disciplinary matrix, a policy consisting of organizational justice components, has a positive association with officers’ POS and it also moderates disciplined officers’ POS. Thus, providing support that police administrators may be able to enhance organizational attitudes through the development and implementation of policies that adhere to organizational justice principles.
Police officers killed on duty: Comparing the influence of social investment on line of duty deaths of men and women officers in the United States
Authors: Gibbs Jennifer C , Priesman Emily , Ruiz James , Mills Amy
Published: December 2018

In a unique exploration of line of duty police deaths, Kachurik and colleagues found that police officers in the USA with greater social investment (i.e., officers who were married and had children) were less likely than single officers to be feloniously killed (compared with accidental death) in the line of duty (Kachurik S, Ruiz J and Staub M [2013] Police officers killed on duty: a different view. International Journal of Police Science & Management 15: 114–124). This was confirmed by Gibbs et al. (2014) studying deaths of Baltimore Police Department officers, finding marriage, but not the number of children an officer had, was negatively associated with officer homicide (Gibbs JC, Ruiz J and Klapper-Lehman SA [2014] Police officers killed on duty: replicating and extending a unique look at officer deaths. International Journal of Police Science & Management 16: 277–287). Because marriage and children may have varying effects on each sex, this study explores the relationship between social investment and police officer deaths in the line of duty, comparing men and women officers. With a sample of 4840 men and 207 women police officers in the USA who died in the line of duty between 1980 and 2014, logistic regression confirmed the link between social investment and manner of death—although this relationship presented differently for men and women officers. Specifically, children, but not marriage, significantly influenced the death of women police officers; those who were married at the time of their death were less likely to be killed in the line of duty (compared with accidental death) than unmarried officers, but the number of children had no effect on line of duty deaths for women officers. Marriage had no effect on line of duty deaths for men, although having children increased the odds of a felonious death—which is inconsistent with prior studies. Implications are discussed.