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Urban ecological studies have the potential to expand our understanding of socioecological systems beyond that of an individual city or region. Cross‐comparative empirical work and synthesis are imperative to develop a general urban ecological theory. This can be achieved only if studies are replicable and generalizable. Transparency in methods reporting facilitates generalizability and replicability by documenting the decisions scientists make during the various steps of research design; this is particularly true for sampling design and selection because of their impact on both internal and external validity and the potential to unintentionally introduce bias. Three interdependent aspects of sample design are study sample selection (e.g., specific organisms, soils, or water), sample specification (measurement of specific variable of interest), and site selection (locations sampled). Of these, documentation of site selection—the where component of sample design—is underrepresented in the urban ecology literature. Using a stratified random sample of 158 papers from 12 major urban ecology journals, we investigated how researchers selected study sites in urban ecosystems and evaluated whether their site selection methods were transparent. We extracted data from these papers using a 50‐question, theory‐based questionnaire and a multiple‐reviewer approach. Our sample represented almost 45 years of urban ecology research across 40 different countries. We found that more than 80% of the papers we read were not transparent in their site selection methodology. We do not believe site selection methods are replicable for 70% of the papers read. Key weaknesses include incomplete descriptions of populations and sampling frames, urban gradients, sample selection methods, and property access. Low transparency in reporting the where methodology limits urban ecologists' ability to assess the internal and external validity of studies' findings and to replicate published studies; it also limits the generalizability of existing studies. The challenges of low transparency are particularly relevant in urban ecology, a field where standard protocols for site selection and delineation are still being developed. These limitations interfere with the fields' ability to build theory and inform policy. We conclude by offering a set of recommendations to increase transparency, replicability, and generalizability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BJP is changing its procedures for the submission of articles so that authors can optimize transparency and experimental design. This relates to current moves to strengthen the robustness of the basic research that underpins drug discovery and therapeutics. To this end we are publishing new Instructions to Authors (ITA). Some are already in place and take immediate effect while others will be introduced over the next few months. Emphasis is placed on gathering essential information that authors often forget to include; this will also facilitate peer-review by hard-pressed reviewers. We have been in discussion with the Editors of other Pharmacology journals and plan that similar changes will be taking place across the sector. This will ensure that the various generic guidelines are more clearly specified for pharmacology. The major changes will be supported by three editorials: In order to link published work to the growing network of databases we are introducing hyperlinks to drug targets and key drugs in the authoritative Guide to PHARMACOLOGY database of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, which is now produced with the support of BPS. This is then further linked to other biological and chemical databases, placing the work first in a pharmacological then in a broader scientific context. (McGrath et al., 2015a)., We have assessed the implementation of the 2010 ARRIVE guidelines for reporting experiments involving animals and respond by significantly strengthening our requirements, especially relating to disclosure of information, rather than urging compliance with respect to every conceivable issue (McGrath & Lilley, 2015). As an international journal we believe that this must be done on a worldwide basis, taking account of differing practices but adhering to one ethical standard (McGrath et al., 2015b)., Inadequacy of experimental design and statistical validity of analysis of drug-related research that underpins the discovery of new medicines has attracted recent criticism. We will publish new guidance for reporting statistical analysis and experimental design (Curtis et al., 2015)., Linked Editorials This Editorial is part of a series. To view the other Editorials in this series, visit: and [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses points of argument regarding the replacement and additive designs of plant competition studies. Proposed flaws in the experimental designs; Inadequacy of replacement designs in mixed-cropping studies; Points of agreement.

Introduction: Despite the advancements in Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE), the voices of traditionally underserved groups are still poorly reflected in dementia research. This study aimed to report on a PPIE partnership between academics and members of the public from underserved communities to co‐design Forward with Dementia—Social Care, a resource and information website supporting people receiving a dementia diagnosis. Methods: The PPIE partnership was set up in four stages: 1–identifying communities that have been under‐represented from PPIE in dementia research; 2—recruiting PPIE partners from these communities; 3—supporting PPIE partners to become confident to undertake their research roles and 4—undertaking research co‐design activities in an equitable fashion. Results: To address under‐representation from PPIE in dementia research we recruited seven PPIE partners from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ communities; remote/rural area; religious minorities and partners living with rare forms of dementia. The partners met regularly throughout the project to oversee new sections for the study website, refine existing content and promote the website within their communities. Conclusion: Strategies can be used to successfully recruit and involve PPIE partners from underserved communities in co‐design activities. These include networking with community leaders, developing terms of reference, setting out 'rules of engagement', and investing adequate resources and time for accessible and equitable involvement. These efforts facilitate the co‐design of research outputs that reflect the diversity and complexity of UK contemporary society. Patient or Public Contribution: This study received support from seven members of the public with lived experience of dementia from communities that have been traditionally underserved in dementia research. These seven members of the public undertook the role of partners in the study. They all equally contributed to the study design, recruitment of participants, development and revision of topic guides for the interviews and development of the website. Three of these partners were also co‐authors of this paper. On top of the activities shared with the other partners, they contributed to write independently of the academic team the section in this paper titled 'Partners' experiences, benefits and challenges of the partnership'. Further, they provided input in other sections of the paper on a par with the other (academic) co‐authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parameter identifiability methods assess whether the parameters of a model are uniquely determined by the observations. While the success of a model fit can provide some information on this, it can be valuable to determine identifiability before any fit has been attempted, or to separate identifiability from other issues. Two concepts that lean themselves well for identifiability analysis and have been underutilized are the sensitivity matrix (SM) and the Fisher information matrix (FIM). This paper presents two newly developed methods, one based on the SM and one based on the FIM. Both methods can assess local identifiability for a wide set of models, can be used with limited effort, and are freely available. The methods require the proposed model in the form of a set of differential equations, the parameter values, and the study design as input. They can be used a priori, as they do not need observed values or a successful model fit. Traditional methods provide a single categorical (yes/no) answer to the question of identifiability. In many cases, this is not very informative, and identifiability depends on study design (e.g., dose levels or observation times) and parameter values. Indicators on a continuous scale characterizing the level of identifiability would provide more detailed and relevant information, for example, to guide model development. Our two methods provide both categorical and continuous indicators. Both methods indicate which parameter combinations are difficult to identify by calculating the directions in parameter space that are least identifiable. The methods were validated with an example problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper describes the design and implementation of an online survey experiment to investigate the effects of alcohol warning labels on alcohol‐related knowledge, risk perceptions and intentions. Method: The survey collected self‐reported data from 14 European countries through two waves of data collection with different recruitment strategies: dissemination via social media and public health agencies was followed by paid‐for Facebook ads. The latter strategy was adopted to achieve broader population representation. Post‐stratification weighting was used to match the sample to population demographics. Results: The survey received over 34,000 visits and resulted in a sample size of 19,601 participants with complete data on key sociodemographic characteristics. The responses in the first wave were over‐representing females and higher educated people, thus the dissemination was complemented by the paid‐for Facebook ads targeting more diverse populations but had higher attrition rate. Conclusion: Experiments can be integrated into general population surveys. Pan‐European results can be achieved with limited resources and a combination of sampling methods to compensate for different biases, and statistical adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies inference in randomized controlled trials with multiple treatments, where treatment status is determined according to a "matched tuples" design. If there are |D| possible treatments, then by a matched tuples design, we mean an experimental design where units are sampled i.i.d. from the population of interest, grouped into "homogeneous" blocks of size |D|, and finally, within each block, exactly one individual is randomly assigned to each of the |D| treatments. We first study estimation and inference for matched tuples designs in the general setting where the parameter of interest is a vector of linear contrasts over the collection of average potential outcomes for each treatment. Parameters of this form include standard average treatment effects used to compare one treatment relative to another, but also include parameters that may be of interest in the analysis of factorial designs. We first establish conditions under which a sample analog estimator is asymptotically normal and construct a consistent estimator of its corresponding asymptotic variance. Combining these results establish the asymptotic exactness of tests based on these estimators. In contrast, we show that, for two common testing procedures based on t‐tests constructed from linear regressions, one test is generally conservative while the other is generally invalid. We go on to apply our results to study the asymptotic properties of what we call "fully‐blocked" 2K factorial designs, which are simply matched tuples designs applied to a full factorial experiment. Leveraging our previous results, we establish that our estimator achieves a lower asymptotic variance under the fully‐blocked design than that under any stratified factorial design, which stratifies the experimental sample into a finite number of "large" strata. A simulation study and empirical application illustrate the practical relevance of our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of species traits in basic and applied ecology, conservation and biogeography has led to an exponential increase in functional diversity analyses, with > 10 000 papers published in 2010–2020, and > 1800 papers only in 2021. This interest is reflected in the development of a multitude of theoretical and methodological frameworks for calculating functional diversity, making it challenging to navigate the myriads of options and to report detailed accounts of trait‐based analyses. Therefore, the discipline of trait‐based ecology would benefit from the existence of a general guideline for standard reporting and good practices for analyses. We devise an eight‐step protocol to guide researchers in conducting and reporting functional diversity analyses, with the overarching goal of increasing reproducibility, transparency and comparability across studies. The protocol is based on: 1) identification of a research question; 2) a sampling scheme and a study design; 3–4) assemblage of data matrices; 5) data exploration and preprocessing; 6) functional diversity computation; 7) model fitting, evaluation and interpretation; and 8) data, metadata and code provision. Throughout the protocol, we provide information on how to best select research questions, study designs, trait data, compute functional diversity, interpret results and discuss ways to ensure reproducibility in reporting results. To facilitate the implementation of this template, we further develop an interactive web‐based application (stepFD) in the form of a checklist workflow, detailing all the steps of the protocol and allowing the user to produce a final 'reproducibility report' to upload alongside the published paper. A thorough and transparent reporting of functional diversity analyses ensures that ecologists can incorporate others' findings into meta‐analyses, the shared data can be integrated into larger databases for consensus analyses, and available code can be reused by other researchers. All these elements are key to pushing forward this vibrant and fast‐growing field of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, the statistical distribution of the total strain and the fatigue life in the low cycle fatigue (LCF)–high cycle fatigue (HCF) life range is analytically derived starting from the Coffin–Manson and Morrow model. The maximum likelihood principle is exploited for parameter estimation, thus allowing to consider both failures and runout specimens. A straightforward procedure for the estimation of the design curves based on the likelihood ratio confidence lower bound has been also developed. The proposed model has been validated with literature datasets obtained by testing steel and aluminum alloys, proving its effectiveness and representing a reliable alternative to the currently adopted literature models. Highlights: A method for the strain–life design curves is proposed.Likelihood ratio lower confidence bound is exploited for the design curves.The analytical formulation of the statistical distribution of total strain is derived.A procedure for parameter estimation based on maximum likelihood principle is proposed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aim to establish the characteristics of published cardio‐oncology research of clinical trials by bibliometric analysis and to talk about the prospects and difficulties facing the development of cardio‐oncology. Methods: Search of data related to clinical trials in cardiac oncology from 1990 to 2022 from the Web of Science core collection. Using CiteSpace to perform co‐citation analysis of authors, countries (regions) and institutions, journals and cited journals, cited authors and cited literature, and keywords. Results: Of the 607 clinical trial studies, the number of papers published per year has increased over time. The regions with the greatest influence were North America (especially the United States) and Europe. Multicenter research has always been the focus of cardio‐oncology research, but cross‐regional cooperation was still lacking. Myocardial toxicity caused by anthracyclines has received the earliest attention and has been studied for the longest time. Meanwhile, the efficacy and cardiotoxicity of new anticancer drugs always came into focus, but at a slow pace. Few studies on myocardial toxicity were related to the treatment of tumors except breast cancer. Risk factors, heart disease, adverse outcomes, follow‐up, and intervention protection were the major hotspots revealed by co‐citation cluster. Conclusions: There is great potential for the development of clinical trials in cardio‐oncology, especially in multicenter cooperation across different regions. Expansion of tumor types, myocardial toxicity of different drugs, and effective interventions in the research direction and design of clinical trials are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the field experiment is a powerful and well‐established method to investigate causal relationships, operations management (OM) has embraced this methodology only in recent years. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the existing OM literature leveraging field experiments. It also serves as a one‐stop guide for future application of field experiments in the OM area. We start by recapping the characteristics that distinguish field experiments from other common types of experiments and organizing the relevant OM studies by topic. Corresponding to the commonly overlooked issues in field experiment‐based OM studies, we then provide a detailed roadmap, ranging from experimental design and implementation to post‐experiment analysis. We further outline the methodological and practical issues as well as corresponding solutions when applying field experiments. We conclude by identifying future research directions from an OM perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Methods in Ecology & Evolution is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The linear mixed‐effects model (LME) is a versatile approach to account for dependence among observations. Many large‐scale neuroimaging datasets with complex designs have increased the need for LME; however LME has seldom been used in whole‐brain imaging analyses due to its heavy computational requirements. In this paper, we introduce a fast and efficient mixed‐effects algorithm (FEMA) that makes whole‐brain vertex‐wise, voxel‐wise, and connectome‐wide LME analyses in large samples possible. We validate FEMA with extensive simulations, showing that the estimates of the fixed effects are equivalent to standard maximum likelihood estimates but obtained with orders of magnitude improvement in computational speed. We demonstrate the applicability of FEMA by studying the cross‐sectional and longitudinal effects of age on region‐of‐interest level and vertex‐wise cortical thickness, as well as connectome‐wide functional connectivity values derived from resting state functional MRI, using longitudinal imaging data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study release 4.0. Our analyses reveal distinct spatial patterns for the annualized changes in vertex‐wise cortical thickness and connectome‐wide connectivity values in early adolescence, highlighting a critical time of brain maturation. The simulations and application to real data show that FEMA enables advanced investigation of the relationships between large numbers of neuroimaging metrics and variables of interest while considering complex study designs, including repeated measures and family structures, in a fast and efficient manner. The source code for FEMA is available via: https://github.com/cmig-research-group/cmig_tools/. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes the method of uniform flow loading the improved consensus algorithm to achieve obstacle avoidance for multi‐UAV with 3‐D formation. In view of that the flow function is generally only applicable to two dimensional flow field, dimension reduction is to treat multi‐UAV formation as each UAV flows around along the circular surface of the projected cylinder of spherical obstacle at its different heights. To formation guaranteeing the smooth realization of obstacle avoidance of multi‐UAV formation centered on the leader, it is used the tactics of virtually expanding the radius of these static or moving equivalent cylindrical obstacles to reserve a certain space. The innovation of this strategy is to further reduce the possibility of collision between UAV formation and the edge of obstacles, meanwhile the problem of multi‐UAV formation avoiding obstacles is transformed into the problem of collision avoidance navigation for the leader treated as a particle. It is considered collision avoidance for multi‐UAV formation under three scenarios assumed are the most common situations, and the simulation experimental results of these scenarios are demonstrated on the validity of the designed experiments based on these algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Older carers or 'care partners' of older people experiencing care needs often provide essential support, at times while neglecting their own health and well‐being. This is an increasingly frequent scenario due to both demographic changes and policy shifts towards ageing in place. Multiple community stakeholders within the care and support ecosystem hold valuable expertise about the needs of older care partners, and the programme and policy responses that may better support their health and well‐being. The aim of this study was to identify the perspectives of stakeholders obtained through the codesign phase of a multicomponent research project investigating new models of care and support for older care partners suitable for the Australian context. Methods: Principles of codesign were used to engage a purposeful sample of older care partners, health professionals, researchers, policy makers and health service administrators. Participants took part in a series of three codesign workshops conducted remotely via video conferencing. The workshops were supported with briefing material and generated consensus‐based summaries, arriving at a preferred service model. Findings: This paper reports the research design and structure of the codesign panels, the range of findings identified as important to support the health and well‐being of older carers of older people, and the resulting service model principles. The codesigned and preferred model of care is currently being prepared for implementation and evaluation in Australia. Public Contribution: This study was conducted using codesign methodology, whereby stakeholders including older care partners and others involved in supporting older carers, were integrally involved with design, development, results and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Reviewers acknowledgement" is a list of individuals who have reviewed articles submitted for publication in Volume 13 of FEBS Open Bio. The editors express their gratitude to these reviewers for their time and expertise in carefully scrutinizing the experimental design and results of the papers. The list includes a diverse range of names from various cultural backgrounds, reflecting the global nature of the research community. [Extracted from the article]

The high temperature (HT) characteristics of silicon carbide (SiC) devices enable power electronic converters to operate at higher ambient temperature, and the importance of HT isolated gate drivers is becoming increasingly significant. Compared with the complex silicon on insulator (SOI) HT chips and normal silicon (Si) ICs, the Si‐based discrete devices can well balance the temperature capability and design cost. A feasible isolated gate driver design method is proposed in this paper by using discrete MOSFETs, discrete BJTs and other passive components with consideration of cost and can be with less leakage current than normal integrated circuits. The function of gate driver includes signal isolation and signal amplification. In the signal isolation part, a CMOS‐based isolation circuit is proposed with its merits. In the signal amplification part, normal topologies are improved to get better efficiency and high‐speed capability. SiC power module‐based double pulse test is used to verify the switching performance, and experiments are done to verify the continuous operating capability. The main factors which affect the performance of the proposed isolated gate driver are summarized. This technology provides a novel solution for SiC MOSFET gate driver in HT environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hyperspectral data, especially spaceborne images, are rich in spectral information, their spatial resolution is usually low due to the limitation of sensor design and other factors. Therefore, for the application of hyperspectral images, unmixing technology is a key processing technology, such as linear mixing model and its derived algorithms have made a certain progress. However, a real scene often contains both pure and mixed pixels. The existing methods usually ignore the consideration and analysis of this situation in the process of model design and simulation experiment. In this context, this paper proposes a robust linear unmixing model with the enhanced constraint of classification for hyperspectral image. In general, it designs a framework combining unmixing and classification. In the task for real scene data, endmembers are extracted first, and then the hard classification term constructed after the expansion of endmembers (training samples) based on similarity is introduced to provide the sparsity constraint of the overall model, so as to realize relatively complete adjustment and effective image unmixing under complex conditions. Considering the scene with different distributions, the simulation experiment designs several groups of data tests, including different proportions of pure and mixing pixels. The unmixing results of three simulated datasets and two real datasets show that the unmixing results of this method are better than those of the other six comparison methods. This model improves the accuracy of unmixing and realizes effective unmixing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 Statement was developed to provide guidance for inclusion of key methodological components in clinical trial protocols. However, these standards do not include guidance specific to pathology input in clinical trials. This systematic review aims to synthesise existing recommendations specific to pathology practice in clinical trials for implementation in trial protocol design. Articles were identified from database searches and deemed eligible for inclusion if they contained: (1) guidance and/or a checklist, which was (2) pathology‐related, with (3) content relevant to clinical trial protocols or could influence a clinical trial protocol design from a pathology perspective and (4) were published in 1996 or later. The quality of individual papers was assessed using the AGREE‐GRS (Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation – Global Rating Scale) tool, and the confidence in cumulative evidence was evaluated using the GRADE‐CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation–Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach. Extracted recommendations were synthesised using the best fit framework method, which includes thematic analysis followed by a meta‐aggregative approach to synthesis within the framework. Of the 10 184 records screened and 199 full‐text articles reviewed, only 40 guidance resources met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. Recommendations extracted from 22 guidance documents were generalisable enough for data synthesis. Seven recommendation statements were synthesised as follows: (1) multidisciplinary collaboration in trial design with early involvement of pathologists, particularly with respect to the use of biospecimens and associated biomarker/analytical assays and in the evaluation of pathology‐related parameters; (2) funding and training for personnel undertaking trial work; (3) selection of an accredited laboratory with suitable facilities to undertake scheduled work; (4) quality assurance of pathology‐related parameters; (5) transparent reporting of pathology‐related parameters; (6) policies regarding informatics and tracking biospecimens across trial sites; and (7) informed consent for specimen collection and retention for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper criticizes "The Impact of Uncertainty Reporting on the Loan Decision," by Robert Libby, as being flawed concerning the "subject to" opinion. Research methods and the experimental design are discussed including: analysis of the auditor's report or "subject to" variable--defined in levels of "issued" and "not issued"--which is a between-subjects variable and not a "pure" treatment; and three levels of the uncertainty variable--uncertainty footnote, supplemental report, and prediction of outcome. The issue is that the design does not allow for a distinction between the footnote and the supplemental report because they occur or do not occur at the same point or time. Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 5 and the "except for" or adverse opinion are mentioned.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Economics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent decades, the discipline of bioethics has grown rapidly, as has the practice of ethical consultation. Interestingly, this new recognition of the relevance of moral philosophy to our daily life has been accompanied by skepticism among philosophers regarding the existence of moral expertise or the benefits of philosophical training. In his recent article in Bioethics, William R. Smith suggested that this skepticism is rooted in philosophers' belief that moral expertise is inconsistent with liberal–democratic values, when in fact they are compatible. In this paper, we provide a unique opportunity to empirically examine Smith's observation by utilizing and extending global data on philosophers' beliefs about moral expertise, involving 4087 philosophers from 96 countries. Our findings support Smith's theoretical observation and show that societal levels of support for liberal–democratic values are associated with greater skepticism about moral expertise. We suggest that these findings might be explained by the cognitive process of motivated reasoning and an invalid inference of "is" from "ought." Consequently, the potential tension between moral expertise and liberal–democratic values is invalidly used for rejecting the existence of moral expertise, while its main and valid implication is for how moral expertise should be applied in liberal–democratic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a traditional pharmacokinetic (PK) bioequivalence (BE) study, a two‐way crossover study is conducted, PK parameters (namely the area under the time‐concentration curve [AUC] and the maximal concentration [Cmax]) are obtained by noncompartmental analysis (NCA), and the BE analysis is performed using the two one‐sided test (TOST) method. For ophthalmic drugs, however, only one sample of aqueous humor, in one eye, per eye can be obtained in each patient, which precludes the traditional BE analysis. To circumvent this issue, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed an approach coupling NCA with either parametric or nonparametric bootstrap (NCA bootstrap). The model‐based TOST (MB‐TOST) has previously been proposed and evaluated successfully for various settings of sparse PK BE studies. In this paper, we evaluate, via simulations, MB‐TOST in the specific setting of single sample PK BE study and compare its performance to NCA bootstrap. We performed BE study simulations using a published PK model and parameter values and evaluated multiple scenarios, including study design (parallel or crossover), sampling times (5 or 10 spread across the dosing interval), and geometric mean ratio (of 0.8, 0.9, 1, and 1.25). Using the simulated structural PK model, MB‐TOST performed similarly to NCA bootstrap for AUC. For Cmax, the latter tended to be conservative and less powerful. Our research suggests that MB‐TOST may be considered as an alternative BE approach for single sample PK studies, provided that the PK model is correctly specified and the test drug has the same structural model as the reference drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gillmore and Stallings criticize Nedler and Sebera's paper in terms of the experimental design, statistical analysis, and data errors in the report. I am responding because responsibility for the research design and analysis of the project in question was mine. To provide some context: Mrs. Nedler was responsible for developing the Early Childhood program reported on in the paper. She was assisted by a staff of about 12 professionals, including three teachers. Mrs. Sebera's responsibility was for testing and other data-gathering functions called for in an evaluation design developed by the Research and Evaluation Division, Southwest Educational Developmental Laboratory (SEDL), which I directed. That R&E staff included about 25 professionals, four of whom were statisticians. In October 1962 the R&E division published a complete evaluation report, wherein the project was described and results were reported. Neither Mrs. Nedler nor Mrs. Sebera has responsibility for the evaluation design, analysis, or report, although both were involved. However, Nedler and Sebera (hereafter, N & S) based the article in question on their own experiences and knowledge of the evaluation design and analysis described in the October 1969 report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Patient and public involvement (PPI) has potential to enhance health‐care research and is increasingly an expectation, particularly for many funding bodies. However, PPI can be tokenistic, which may limit this potential. Furthermore, few studies report PPI processes and impact, particularly in doctoral research studies, which are seldom reported in peer‐reviewed papers. The aim of this paper was to explore the impact of PPI on two health‐related doctoral research studies and identify how PPI could be used meaningfully at this level. Method: The PPI processes included (a) involvement of two 'Research Buddies' who informed the research design and ensured implementation of a booklet intervention was feasible for family carers, (b) data analysis workshops with 'Research Buddies' to identify emerging themes from practitioner interviews, (c) public and stakeholder involvement who informed data collection tool design, and the design of an intervention to help people with obesity who attend weight loss groups. Findings: The application of PPI enhanced both doctoral studies by assisting data analysis; problem solving and improving recruitment rates; improving the usability and appeal of data collection tools and interventions; and developing implementation strategies. Patient and public involvement was considered a rewarding experience for both researchers and PPI contributors. Conclusion: This paper demonstrates the value of PPI in doctoral research in relation to its impact on research processes, researchers and contributors. We also present recommendations on how PPI could be incorporated into future doctoral research, including resources required, planning PPI processes and involving PPI contributors in all stages of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article updates the guidance published in 2015 for authors submitting papers to British Journal of Pharmacology (Curtis et al., 2015) and is intended to provide the rubric for peer review. Thus, it is directed towards authors, reviewers and editors. Explanations for many of the requirements were outlined previously and are not restated here. The new guidelines are intended to replace those published previously. The guidelines have been simplified for ease of understanding by authors, to make it more straightforward for peer reviewers to check compliance and to facilitate the curation of the journal's efforts to improve standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes an architecture based on the improved local binary pattern (LBP) shallow deep convolution neural network, which integrates hand‐crafted feature pre‐processing and the advantage of character learning in the supervised high‐level function of CNN, in order to enhance its performance. This study introduced the information of scale space into the LBP to reduce the sensitivity to noise, and applied feature maps with two features, the maximum selection feature map (MLBP) and the first selection feature map (FLBP). The former selected the edge with the strongest intensity to reduce the influence of noise points, while the latter measured local binary features through the scale detection of an effective edge. In the network architecture design, according to the differences of input features, networks of different depths were used for learning, and the features learned by the two networks were adopted for classification. The experimental results show that, the ILBPSDNet proposed had certain recognition abilities in many character data sets, and the network parameters and computation were also reduced. Therefore, it has a significant effect in realizing the application of real‐time character recognition. Finally, compared with other latest networks, its network performance could be maintained at a certain level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved finite‐control‐set model predictive control (MPC) strategy for the doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The MPC‐based controller's main drawback is high computational burden, which requires a long time to perform online optimization. In this regard, real‐time implementation becomes impossible in some cases. Thereupon, this paper suggests a variable sampling time in the prediction process to achieve a balance between the prediction horizon and computational burden. In other words, compared to the conventional MPC‐based techniques, longer horizon is predicted with fewer samples. In this method, there are two sampling times including a fixed sampling time for the system discretization structure, and a variable sampling time used in the prediction process. The proposed technique also utilizes a comparative incremental algorithm to prevent checking all possible control inputs over the objective function in order to reduce the computational time further. In addition, a penalty term, which includes the number of switch changes, is added to the cost function to reduce the switching frequency. Both the simulation and experimental results show that the proposed MPC can significantly improve the DFIG control system's performance by increasing the accuracy of tracking response and reducing the computational time. The experimental test is carried out by the hardware in loop system by using TMS320F28338 and PC‐Lab card. The computational delay caused by the digital signal processor and other influential factors are compensated by using the prediction plus prediction approach. The results confirm that the proposed controller has a lower overshoot and power ripple compared to the vector controller and direct torque controller. It also reduces the computational time up to 40% and reduces the average switching frequency by 12% in comparison to the conventional MPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increasing attention to sustainability as a source of new business opportunities, current research on new ventures has hardly considered this factor with respect to access to funding. This paper examines the role of new venture sustainability signals on business angels' willingness to invest. Specifically, it considers the effects of third‐party sustainability certification and the self‐proclaimed label of sustainable entrepreneurship as congruent reputational signals for inducing angel investors' willingness to invest. Three studies were conducted using a 2 × 2 between‐subject experimental design on certification and label conditions, respectively, in two samples from the Amazon MTurk crowdsourcing marketplace and one from business angels. Results show that early‐stage ventures would use such signals in their sustainability exemplification strategy to convey quality and prestige and eventually improve their chances of raising business angel funding. Implications for theory and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successful retirement adjustment requires careful planning in the lead up to this important life transition. While financial planning is routinely prioritized, evidence suggests that the social changes in retirement can be just as challenging to manage — if not more. GROUPS 4 RETIREMENT (G4R) is a new online intervention that addresses this gap by targeting the identity changes that people typically experience in retirement. This paper reports findings from two studies evaluating the acceptability and efficacy of this intervention. Study 1 (N = 89) used a pre‐post design to assess G4R and found that the intervention was positively evaluated by users and led to significant increases in their sense of thriving, perceived control, life satisfaction, anticipated retirement satisfaction, and planning intentions. Study 2 (N = 98) tested the intervention using an experimental design in which participants were randomly assigned to either G4R or a financial planning control condition. Results showed that G4R was as effective as financial planning in improving most outcomes and showed a clear advantage in increasing anticipated retirement satisfaction and intentions to engage in social and activities planning. Together, these studies provide initial evidence of the value of engaging in social identity‐focused social planning to support well‐being and preparedness in the lead up to retirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single‐case experimental designs (SCEDs) are a group of methodologies of growing interest, aiming to test the effectiveness of an intervention at the single‐participant level, using a rigorous and prospective methodology. SCEDs may promote flexibility on how we design research protocols and inform clinical decision‐making, especially for personalized outcome measures, inclusion of families with challenging needs, measurement of children's progress in relation to parental implementation of interventions, and focus on personal goals. Design options for SCEDs are discussed in relation to an expected on/off effect of the intervention (e.g. school/environmental adaptation, assistive technology devices) or, alternatively, on an expected carry‐on/maintenance of effects (interventions aiming to develop or restore a function). Randomization in multiple‐baseline designs and 'power' calculations are explained. The most frequent reasons for not detecting an intervention effect in SCEDs are also presented, especially in relation to baseline length, trend, and instability. The use of SCEDs on the front and back ends of randomized controlled trials is discussed. What this paper adds: Single‐case experimental designs (SCEDs) may promote flexibility on how we design research protocols.Randomization in multiple‐baseline designs allows 'power' calculations based on randomization tests.Whenever feasible, N‐of‐1 trials should be preferred to other SCEDs and to group randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Big data research requires public support. It has been argued that this can be achieved by public involvement and engagement to ensure that public views are at the centre of research projects. Researchers should aim to include diverse communities, including seldom‐heard voices, to ensure that a range of voices are heard and that research is meaningful to them. Objective: We explored how researchers involve and engage seldom‐heard communities around big data research. Methods: This is a qualitative study. Researchers who had experience of involving or engaging seldom‐heard communities in big data research were recruited. They were based in England (n = 5), Scotland (n = 4), Belgium (n = 2) and Canada (n = 1). Twelve semistructured interviews were conducted on Zoom. All interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed, and we used reflexive thematic analysis to analyse participants' experiences. Results: The analysis highlighted the complexity of involving and engaging seldom‐heard communities around big data research. Four themes were developed to represent participants' experiences: (1) abstraction and complexity of big data, (2) one size does not fit all, (3) working in partnership and (4) empowering the public contribution. Conclusion: The study offers researchers a better understanding of how to involve and engage seldom‐heard communities in a meaningful way around big data research. There is no one right approach, with involvement and engagement activities required to be project‐specific and dependent on the public contributors, researchers' needs, resources and time available. Patient and Public Involvement: Two public contributors are authors of the paper and they were involved in the study design, analysis and writing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the need for development of system dynamics model for resolving problems in complex systems. The importance of metaphorical model in identification of deformities in complex processes is included. An overview of fishing model developed by researchers for framing and understanding complex system processes is included.

Despite recent advances in both the understanding and treatment of the epilepsies, the rate of refractory epilepsy has remained static for many years. However, given our greater understanding of the aetiology and genetic basis of many paediatric and adult epilepsies, there is now scope to expand treatment. In this review, we discuss the current and potential use of precision medicine in the genetic epilepsies of childhood. We will discuss how optimal control and a reduction in the rate of refractory seizures using targeted therapy could be developed and assessed. We propose a six‐tier approach to defining precision therapeutics in epilepsy and discuss how this can be incorporated into a clinical trial design. The lower tiers (1–2) represent therapies in common usage that we know work for certain epilepsy syndromes but do not precisely target the underlying problem. They work to reduce seizures but do not directly or effectively attenuate the developmental phenotype. The higher tiers (5–6) are currently purely speculative and look to a future with highly disease‐specific therapies based on correction of underlying genomic and proteomic issues. In order to achieve this, scientists will have to embark on a 'whole‐omic' approach to understand the underlying pathophysiology in order to design a precision therapy. What this paper addsEpilepsy treatment is classified into six tiers depending on how precisely the mechanism of action addresses the aetiology.Tier 1 treatment is based on the historical response of certain epilepsy phenotypes to specific medication.Tier 6 concerns therapy targeting genes and networks that rescue the whole phenotype.Clinical trial infrastructure and population‐based disease registries are necessary so that patients can participate in trials for novel precision therapies. What this paper adds: Epilepsy treatment is classified into six tiers depending on how precisely the mechanism of action addresses the aetiology.Tier 1 treatment is based on the historical response of certain epilepsy phenotypes to specific medication.Tier 6 concerns therapy targeting genes and networks that rescue the whole phenotype.Clinical trial infrastructure and population‐based disease registries are necessary so that patients can participate in trials for novel precision therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For experimental research to offer valuable insights and predictions, its results and interpretation need to be properly validated. When the experiments deal with complex systems, such as biological materials, multicomponent mixtures, or multiple phases, the use of the rigorous scientific method is essential. Setting and testing hypotheses and design of experimental programs to include formal positive and negative experiments helps to identify artefacts and to minimize the influence of the biases of the investigators that can invalidate the results of studies. The literature has many examples of well‐executed studies, but there is much less discussion of the pitfalls and traps that can beset experimental research. This paper presents cases in the area of chemical reaction engineering and biochemical engineering. Experimental designs are presented that were successful in validating results by using positive and negative controls. Case studies of experimental artefacts that were published suggest that the biases of the investigators were important in failing to fully verify experimental observations. Both strong experimental designs to identify artefacts and publication of negative results are important in avoiding the persistence of what Stephen Poole calls "zombie ideas". These zombie ideas may be benign, or they may lead to considerable wasted effort on studies with no chance of success. Graphical representations and schematics are extremely valuable in communicating results and making them memorable, but they can also be seductive in misleading researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic stock control tasks have been frequently used in laboratory experiments in behavioural research to investigate understanding of dynamic systems. In these studies, the dynamic system is often represented in the form of a simulation model, and they almost exclusively focus on how the structure of a system (i.e. the simulation model) affects human's inference of system behaviour. In doing so, these studies fail to consider that human's performance on dynamic decision making tasks might also be a function of the complexity embedded in other task components like goals, input, processes, output, time and presentation. Hence, the objective of this paper is to carve out what task complexity entails when applied to dynamic stock control tasks in order to determine its usefulness for future research on human understanding of such tasks. In this paper, task complexity is conceptualized consisting of ten complexity dimensions: (1) size; (2) variety; (3) redundancy; (4) ambiguity; (5) variability; (6) inaccuracy; (7) novelty; (8) incongruity; (9) connectivity; and (10) temporal demand. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that collect health outcomes directly from the people who experience them. This review critically synthesizes information on generic and selected condition‐specific PROMs to describe trends and contemporary issues regarding their development, validation and application. Methods: We reviewed academic and grey literature on validated PROMs by searching databases, prominent websites, Google Scholar and Google Search. The identification of condition‐specific PROMs was limited to common conditions and those with a high burden of disease (eg cancers, cardiovascular disorders). Trends and contemporary issues in the development, validation and application of PROMs were critically evaluated. Results: The search yielded 315 generic and condition‐specific PROMs. The largest numbers of measures were identified for generic PROMs, musculoskeletal conditions and cancers. The earliest published PROMs were in mental health‐related conditions. The number of PROMs grew substantially between 1980s and 2000s but slowed more recently. The number of publications discussing PROMs continues to increase. Issues identified include the use of computer‐adaptive testing and increasing concerns about the appropriateness of using PROMs developed and validated for specific purposes (eg research) for other reasons (eg clinical decision making). Conclusions: The term PROM is a relatively new designation for a range of measures that have existed since at least the 1960s. Although literature on PROMs continues to expand, challenges remain in selecting reliable and valid tools that are fit‐for‐purpose from the many existing instruments. Patient or public contribution: Consumers were not directly involved in this review; however, its outcome will be used in programmes that engage and partner with consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) refers to individuals' abilities to process and use health information to promote health. This study aimed to develop the first HL measurement tool for the Chinese Hong Kong population. Methods: A two‐phase methodology was adopted. In Phase I, evidence synthesis with a deductive method was conducted to formulate the item list from the literature. In Phase II, a modified e‐Delphi survey was conducted among stakeholders (i.e., healthcare providers and healthcare consumers) to confirm the content validity of the item list. The stakeholders were invited to rate the relevance of each draft item on a 4‐point scale and provide suggestions for revisions, removal or adding new items. Results: In Phase I, a total of 34 items covering functional, interactive and critical HL were generated. In Phase II, to obtain a balanced view from experts and laypeople, healthcare professionals (n = 12) and consumers (n = 12) were invited to participate in the Delphi panel. The response rates of the three rounds were 100%. After the third round, the consensus was reached for 31 items, and no further comments for adding or revising items were received. All items exhibited excellent content validity (item content validity index: 0.79–1.00; K*: 0.74–1.00). Conclusions: A Health Literacy Scale for Hong Kong was developed. Compared with existing HL scales, the scale fully operationalized the skills involved in functional, interactive and critical HL. The Delphi study shows evidence supporting the high content validity of all items in the scale. In future studies, these items should undergo rigorous testing to examine their psychometric properties in our target population groups. By illuminating the details in the development process, this paper provides a deeper understanding of the scale's scope and limitations for others who are interested in using this tool. Patient or Public Contribution: Public as healthcare consumers, in addition to healthcare providers, were involved in developing a new HL scale for this study. The input from the public contributed to examining the scale's content validity by judging whether all items reflected the skills that they need to find and use health‐related information in their daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modelling a process or equipment is a profitable strategy to build better control strategies, predict fault conditions, and optimize the processes. Different approaches could be explored to achieve the development of better models. This paper investigates the use of experimental data generated by a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) to develop models capable of predicting the performance of a three‐product hydrocyclone for several setups with different dimensional parameters values. Two different modelling strategies are explored: response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural networks (ANN). With the RSM models, it was possible to evaluate the statistical importance of the input variables to each output variable. The ANN models showed improved coefficients of determinations (R2) compared to the RSM models, presenting values higher than 97% for all cases, while the RSM models ranged from 79.07%–88.83%. The ANN was demonstrated to be the most effective method to model the physical problem of three‐product hydrocyclones, and it captured its non‐linearities. It was shown that the combination of the design of experiments and ANN to analyze this physical problem is successful and may also be applied to other problems. As far as we have knowledge, a work regarding the comparison of both RSM and ANN methods applied to three‐product hydrocyclones was not found in the literature; this absence was the motivation for this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) have high power density, stable output torque, low noise, and good speed regulation performance, making them very suitable for electric vehicle propulsion. In this paper, a PMSM controller, based on Renesas MCU, is designed. To meet the requirements of small size, lightweight, wide speed range, and power generation of the PMSM controller the design has been carried out from three aspects: hardware circuit, structural components, and software algorithm, including electronic component selection, hardware protection circuit, printed circuit board layout, control algorithm, structural strength, and the cooling channel. The controller prototype was produced and an experimental platform was built. The controller efficiency test, generator test, field weakening test, and temperature rise test were carried out. The experimental results verify the rationality of the design scheme. Compared with earlier motor controllers, this controller is small in size, light in weight with low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies have begun to question the appropriateness of the widespread and pervasive usage of regressions in two‐step research designs in the accounting literature to obtain variables. The use of residuals from a first‐step model as a dependent variable in a second step has been used in contexts such as earnings management and unexpected audit fees. In this paper, I provide a discussion of the issues within the use of residuals from a first‐step model in a second step. Taking the case of discretionary accruals models, I demonstrate some of the model specification issues explicitly and implicitly considered within these criticisms. I then add a discussion over some concerns regarding the economic interpretation in the use of first‐step residuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As part of a multifaceted approach to patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), alongside traditional methods, a closed Facebook group was established to facilitate PPIE feedback on various aspects of a project that used video‐recording to examine risk communication in NHS Health Checks between June 2017 and July 2019. Objective: To explore the process and impact of conducting PPIE through a closed Facebook group and to identify the associated benefits and challenges. Methods: Supported by reflections and information from project meetings used to document how this engagement informed the project, we describe the creation and maintenance of the Facebook Group and how feedback from the group members was obtained. Facebook data were used to investigate levels and types of engagement in the closed Facebook group. We reflect on the challenges of using this method of engaging the public in health research. Results: A total of 289 people joined the 'Risk Communication of Cardiovascular disease in NHS Health Checks' PPIE closed Facebook group. They provided feedback, which was used to inform aspects of the study, including participant‐facing documents, recruitment, camera position and how the methodology being used (video‐recorded Health Checks and follow‐up interviews) would be received by the public. Discussion: Using a closed Facebook group to facilitate PPIE offered a flexible approach for both researchers and participants, enabled a more inclusive method to PPIE (compared with traditional methods) and allowed rapid feedback. Challenges included maintaining the group, which was more labour intensive than anticipated and managing members' expectations. Suggestions for best practice include clear communication about the purpose of the group, assigning a group co‐ordinator to be the main point of contact for the group, and a research team who can dedicate the time necessary to maintain the group. Conclusion: The use of a closed Facebook group can facilitate effective PPIE. Its flexibility can be beneficial for researchers, patients and public who wish to engage in the research process. Dedicated time for sustained group engagement is important. Patient or Public Contribution: Patient representatives were engaged with the development of the research described in this paper and a patient representative reviewed the manuscript. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although I FEBS Open Bio i does not seek to judge the importance of submissions, our reviewers carefully scrutinize the experimental design and results of all papers and challenge authors about their conclusions. The editors of I FEBS Open Bio i would like to thank all those who have given their time and expertise to review articles submitted for publication in Volume 12. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Less than 5% of all harmful medicine‐related incidents (MIs) or adverse drug reactions received by the Spanish Pharmacovigilance system are notified by Registered Nurses (RNs). The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of a multifaceted institutional intervention (MII) in patient safety on the reporting competence of medication incidents of hospital RNs. Design: One‐group pre‐test–posttest design. Setting: Tertiary, public, teaching hospital in Spain. Participants: A total of 139 RNs responded to pre‐ and postintervention questionnaires constituting the paired sample subjected to analysis. Intervention: A MII, consisting of educational activities and materials, change in MI reporting form from paper to electronic and appointment of reporting support services, was designed and directed to all hospital RNs and midwifes. Main outcome measures: Overall MIs reporting competence (OC) and its dimensions (attitudes, knowledge and skills) were measured through a synthetic variable (total OC value range: 34–170 points) by means of an electronic questionnaire. Results: A statistically significant 7.96‐point increase in OC from baseline to the final measurement was obtained (CI: 5.05–10.85). There was an increase of 7.38 points in the skills dimension (CI: 5.06–9.68). After the MII, 73.4% nurses improved their OC and 33.8% reported at least one no‐harm MI postintervention compared to 4.4% pre‐intervention (p <.001). A one‐point increase in OC improved the probability of becoming reporter by 2.9% and a one‐point increase in skills by 6.4%. Conclusion: MIs reporting competence among RNs increased after a multifaceted institutional intervention, due to an improvement in the skills dimension. The MII was also effective in raising both, the rate of RNs who become reporters and the number of no‐harm MIs reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Paediatric patients with disorders that involve brain functioning are particularly vulnerable with respect to including them in shared decision‐making. Current tools are mostly paper or digital patient information. We lay the groundwork for improving engagement with a concept that we coined 'the Self‐Portrait'. The main goals were to identify (1) obstacles and (2) design parameters that enable patient participation. Methods: A research‐through‐design approach was utilized in nine patients with brain‐related disorders (4–12 years), 15 parents and 15 medical professionals, involving contextual research (interviews and observations) within the paediatric hospital and patients' homes and codesign. Sensitizing materials and early instances of design solutions were deployed as catalysts for communication. Five rounds of enriched interviews and design reviews were thematically analysed to answer the research questions. Results: Obstacles to child involvement were related to children's level of understanding, the time and energy necessary for information processing and lack of perceived relevance of the information. Patients' engagement is supported by design features that extend the time frame of interaction beyond the consultation, transfer information interactively and give control and influence during the consultation. Conclusion: Obstacles were detected that complicate child engagement, which differ between stakeholders. Promising design features were identified that have the potential to play an important role in enabling active child involvement. These findings show that applying principles of human‐centred design research and codesign can bring together patients, parents and medical professionals around a tool that provides a shared language and focus, which are prerequisites to increase child engagement. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients, parents and clinicians contributed as design informants during contextual research and design reviews. Clinicians provided feedback on the initial outcomes of thematic analysis. Two researchers assisted in consensus sessions during the thematic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates one researcher's experience of applying design science research (DSR) to the nexus between systems thinking and project scheduling. Project management has become increasingly popular in the decades since its advent but has changed little in that time. This is especially true because of its signature technique, project scheduling. Scheduling research however is vibrant and modern and even includes dynamic concepts such as learning curves in schedule construction. However, justifications for acquiring this level of systems literacy have not yet convinced the practice community. A similar gap is identified in management science, and a literature review yields two potential solutions: dissolving the subjective‐objective divide by adopting Critical Realism and using DSR as a framework for producing artefacts. This paper outlines how these concepts were applied to project scheduling, resulting in a new method for schedule construction that allows an expanded range of concepts to be included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of breastfeeding uptake are lower after a caesarean birth than vaginal birth, despite caesarean rates increasing globally over the past 30 years, and many high-income countries reporting overall caesarean rates of above 25%. A number of factors are likely to be associated with women's infant feeding decisions following a caesarean birth such as limited postoperative mobility, postoperative pain, and ongoing management of medical complications that may have triggered the need for a caesarean birth. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence of interventions on the initiation and duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding among women who had a planned or unplanned caesarean birth. Seven studies, presenting quantitative and qualitative evidence, published in the English language from January 1994 to February 2016 were included. A limited number of interventions were identified relevant to women who had had a caesarean birth. These included immediate or early skin-to-skin contact, parent education, the provision of sidecar bassinets when rooming-in, and use of breast pumps. Only one study, an intervention that included parent education and targeted breastfeeding support, increased initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, but due to methodological limitations, findings should be considered with caution. There is a need to better understand the impact of caesarean birth on maternal physiological, psychological, and physical recovery, the physiology of lactation and breastfeeding and infant feeding behaviors if effective interventions are to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response is presented to the article "An Analysis of the Theories and Explanations Offered for the Mispricing of Accruals and Accrual Components," by Arthur Kraft, Andrew J. Leone, and Charles Wasley, in this issue. Kraft et al. analyse Sloan's earnings fixation hypothesis as an explanation of the accrual anomaly. The article addresses the ways in which the robustness tests change prior beliefs on the causes of accrual anomaly and how to conduct robustness tests. The author questions the way in which Kraft et al. used their data and alleges a biased estimator and skewed data.

The sources of bias in medication adherence research have not been comprehensively explored. We aimed to identify biases expected to affect adherence research and to develop a framework for mapping these onto the phases of adherence (initiation, implementation and discontinuation). A literature search was conducted, key papers were reviewed and a Catalogue of Bias was consulted. The specific biases related to adherence measurement and metrics were mapped onto the phases of adherence using a tabular matrix. Twenty‐three biases were identified, of which 11 were specifically relevant to adherence measures and metrics. The mapping framework showed differences in the numbers and types of biases associated with each measure and metric while highlighting those common to many adherence study designs (e.g., unacceptability bias and apprehension bias). The framework will inform the design of adherence studies and the development of risk of bias tools for adherence research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Using a visual psychophysical paradigm, we sought to assess motion and form coherence thresholds as indices of dorsal and ventral visual stream processing respectively, in individuals with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). We also explored potential associations between psychophysical assessments and brain lesion severity in CVI. Method: Twenty individuals previously diagnosed with CVI (mean age = 17 years 11 months [SD 5 years 10 months]; mean Verbal IQ = 86.42 [SD 35.85]) and 30 individuals with neurotypical development (mean age = 20 years 1 month [SD 3 years 8 months]; mean Verbal IQ = 110.05 [SD 19.34]) participated in the study. In this two‐group comparison, cross‐sectional study design, global motion, and form pattern coherence thresholds were assessed using a computerized, generalizable, self‐administrable, and response‐adaptive psychophysical paradigm called FInD (Foraging Interactive D‐prime). Results: Consistent with dorsal stream dysfunction, mean global motion (but not form) coherence thresholds were significantly higher in individuals with CVI compared to controls. No statistically significant association was found between coherence thresholds and lesion severity. Interpretation: These results suggest that the objective assessment of motion and form coherence threshold sensitivities using this psychophysical paradigm may be useful in helping to characterize perceptual deficits and the complex clinical profile of CVI. What this paper adds: In participants with cerebral visual impairment (CVI), motion (but not form) coherence thresholds were significantly higher compared to controls.These psychophysical results support the notion of dorsal stream dysfunction in CVI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]