Non-response bias in randomized control experiments in criminology : putting the Queensland Community Engagement Trial (QCET) under a microscope

Objectives The goal of this article is to examine whether or not the results of the Queensland Community Engagement Trial (QCET)-a randomized controlled trial that tested the impact of procedural justice policing on citizen attitudes toward police-were affected by different types of nonresponse bias. Method We use two methods (Cochrane and Elffers methods) to explore nonresponse bias: First, we assess the impact of the low response rate by examining the effects of nonresponse group differences between the experimental and control conditions and pooled variance under different scenarios. Second, we assess the degree to which item response rates are influenced by the control and experimental conditions. Results Our analysis of the QCET data suggests that our substantive findings are not influenced by the low response rate in the trial. The results are robust even under extreme conditions, and statistical significance of the results would only be compromised in cases where the pooled variance was much larger for the nonresponse group and the difference between experimental and control conditions was greatly diminished. We also find that there were no biases in the item response rates across the experimental and control conditions. Conclusion RCTs that involve field survey responses-like QCET-are potentially compromised by low response rates and how item response rates might be influenced by the control or experimental conditions. Our results show that the QCET results were not sensitive to the overall low response rate across the experimental and control conditions and the item response rates were not significantly different across the experimental and control groups. Overall, our analysis suggests that the results of QCET are robust and any biases in the survey responses do not significantly influence the main experimental findings.

Learning and teaching epidemiology with audience response technology

Background The learning and teaching of epidemiology is core to many public health programs. Many students find the content of epidemiology, and specifically risk of bias assessment, challenging to learn. Howbeit, learning is enhanced when knowledge is able to be acquired from an active-learning, hands-on experience. Methods The innovative use of wireless audience response technology “clickers” was incorporated into the lectures of the university’s post-graduate epidemiology units and the tailored epidemiological modules delivered for professional disciplines (e.g. optometry). Clickers were used to apply several pedagogical approaches of active learning including peer-instruction and real-world simulation. Students were also assessed for their gain in knowledge within the lecture (pre-post) and their perceptions of how the use of clickers helped them learn. The routine university-wide end of semester Insight Survey provided further information of the student’s satisfaction with the approach. Results The technology was useful in identifying deficits of knowledge of key concepts either before or after instruction. Where key concepts were re-tested post-lecture, as expected, knowledge increased significantly and provided immediate feed-back to students. Across the lecture series, typically 85% of students identified the technology helped them learn, increased their opportunity to interact with the lecturer, and recommend their use for future classes. The Insight Survey report identified 93% of respondents identified the unit in which clickers were consistently used provided good learning opportunities. Numerous student comments supported the teaching method. Conclusions Epidemiological subject matter lends itself to incorporation of audience response technology. The use of the technology to facilitate interactive voting provides an instant response and participation of everyone to enhance the classroom experience. The pedagogical approach increases students’ knowledge and increases their satisfaction with the unit.

Blast response and safety evaluation of a composite column for use as key element in structural systems

This paper presents the blast response, damage mechanism and evaluation of residual load capacity of a concrete–steel composite (CSC) column using dynamic computer simulation techniques. This study is an integral part of a comprehensive research program which investigated the vulnerability of structural framing systems to catastrophic and progressive collapse under blast loading and is intended to provide design information on blast mitigation and safety evaluation of load bearing vulnerable columns that are key elements in a building. The performance of the CSC column is compared with that of a reinforced concrete (RC) column with the same dimensions and steel ratio. Results demonstrate the superior performance of the CSC column, compared to the RC column in terms of residual load carrying capacity, and its potential for use as a key element in structural systems. The procedure and results presented herein can be used in the design and safety evaluation of key elements of multi-storey buildings for mitigating the impact of blast loads.

Use of vibration characteristics to predict the axial deformation of columns

Vibration characteristics of columns are influenced by their axial loads. Numerous methods have been developed to quantify axial load and deformation in individual columns based on their natural frequencies. However, these methods cannot be applied to columns in a structural framing system as the natural frequency is a global parameter of the entire framing system. This paper presents an innovative method to quantify axial deformations of columns in a structural framing system using its vibration characteristics, incorporating the influence of load tributary areas, boundary conditions and load migration among the columns.

Optical coupling of Au nanoparticles on vertical graphenes to maximize SERS response

Gold particle interaction with few-layer graphenes is of interest for the development of numerous optical nanodevices. The results of numerical studies of the coupling of gold nanoparticles with few-layer vertical graphene sheets are presented. The field strengths are computed and the optimum nanoparticle configurations for the formation of SERS hotpots are obtained. The nanoparticles are modeled as 8 nm diameter spheres atop 1.5 nm (5 layers) graphene sheet. The vertical orientation is of particular interest as it is possible to use both sides of the graphene structure and potentially double the number of particles in the system. Our results show that with the addition of an opposing particle a much stronger signal can be obtained as well as the particle separation can be controlled by the number of atomic carbon layers. These results provide further insights and contribute to the development of next-generation plasmonic devices based on nanostructures with hybrid dimensionality.

Design of a traumatic injury simulator for assessing lower limb response to high loading rates

Current military conflicts are characterized by the use of the improvised explosive device. Improvements in personal protection, medical care, and evacuation logistics have resulted in increasing numbers of casualties surviving with complex musculoskeletal injuries, often leading to lifelong disability. Thus, there exists an urgent requirement to investigate the mechanism of extremity injury caused by these devices in order to develop mitigation strategies. In addition, the wounds of war are no longer restricted to the battlefield; similar injuries can be witnessed in civilian centers following a terrorist attack. Key to understanding such mechanisms of injury is the ability to deconstruct the complexities of an explosive event into a controlled, laboratory-based environment. In this article, a traumatic injury simulator, designed to recreate in the laboratory the impulse that is transferred to the lower extremity from an anti-vehicle explosion, is presented and characterized experimentally and numerically. Tests with instrumented cadaveric limbs were then conducted to assess the simulator’s ability to interact with the human in two mounting conditions, simulating typical seated and standing vehicle passengers. This experimental device will now allow us to (a) gain comprehensive understanding of the load-transfer mechanisms through the lower limb, (b) characterize the dissipating capacity of mitigation technologies, and (c) assess the bio-fidelity of surrogates.

Response to “Comment on ‘Indications of energetic consequences of decoherence at short times for scattering from open quantum systems’” [AIP Advances 1, 049101 (2011)]

The Comment by Mayers and Reiter criticizes our work on two counts. Firstly, it is claimed that the quantum decoherence effects that we report in consequence of our experimental analysis of neutron Compton scattering from H in gaseous H2 are not, as we maintain, outside the framework of conventional neutron scatteringtheory. Secondly, it is claimed that we did not really observe such effects, owing to a faulty analysis of the experimental data, which are claimed to be in agreement with conventional theory. We focus in this response on the critical issue of the reliability of our experimental results and analysis. Using the same standard Vesuvio instrument programs used by Mayers et al., we show that, if the experimental results for H in gaseous H2 are in agreement with conventional theory, then those for D in gaseous D2 obtained in the same way cannot be, and vice-versa. We expose a flaw in the calibration methodology used by Mayers et al. that leads to the present disagreement over the behaviour of H, namely the ad hoc adjustment of the measured H peak positions in TOF during the calibration of Vesuvio so that agreement is obtained with the expectation of conventional theory. We briefly address the question of the necessity to apply the theory of open quantum systems.

Hybrid frequency–time domain models for dynamic response analysis of marine structures

Time-domain models of marine structures based on frequency domain data are usually built upon the Cummins equation. This type of model is a vector integro-differential equation which involves convolution terms. These convolution terms are not convenient for analysis and design of motion control systems. In addition, these models are not efficient with respect to simulation time, and ease of implementation in standard simulation packages. For these reasons, different methods have been proposed in the literature as approximate alternative representations of the convolutions. Because the convolution is a linear operation, different approaches can be followed to obtain an approximately equivalent linear system in the form of either transfer function or state-space models. This process involves the use of system identification, and several options are available depending on how the identification problem is posed. This raises the question whether one method is better than the others. This paper therefore has three objectives. The first objective is to revisit some of the methods for replacing the convolutions, which have been reported in different areas of analysis of marine systems: hydrodynamics, wave energy conversion, and motion control systems. The second objective is to compare the different methods in terms of complexity and performance. For this purpose, a model for the response in the vertical plane of a modern containership is considered. The third objective is to describe the implementation of the resulting model in the standard simulation environment Matlab/Simulink.

Time kinetics of bone defect healing in response to BMP-2 and GDF-5 characterised by in vivo biomechanics

This study reports that treatment of osseous defects with different growth factors initiates distinct rates of repair. We developed a new method for monitoring the progression of repair, based upon measuring the in vivo mechanical properties of healing bone. Two different members of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family were chosen to initiate defect healing: BMP-2 to induce osteogenesis, and growth-and-differentiation factor (GDF)-5 to induce chondrogenesis. To evaluate bone healing, BMPs were implanted into stabilised 5 mm bone defects in rat femurs and compared to controls. During the first two weeks, in vivo biomechanical measurements showed similar values regardless of the treatment used. However, 2 weeks after surgery, the rhBMP-2 group had a substantial increase in stiffness, which was supported by the imaging modalities. Although the rhGDF-5 group showed comparable mechanical properties at 6 weeks as the rhBMP-2 group, the temporal development of regenerating tissues appeared different with rhGDF-5, resulting in a smaller callus and delayed tissue mineralisation. Moreover, histology showed the presence of cartilage in the rhGDF-5 group whereas the rhBMP-2 group had no cartilaginous tissue. Therefore, this study shows that rhBMP-2 and rhGDF-5 treated defects, under the same conditions, use distinct rates of bone healing as shown by the tissue mechanical properties. Furthermore, results showed that in vivo biomechanical method is capable of detecting differences in healing rate by means of change in callus stiffness due to tissue mineralisation.

β-Arrestin2 regulates RANKL and Ephrins gene expression in response to bone remodeling in mice

PTH-stimulated intracellular signaling is regulated by the cytoplasmic adaptor molecule barrestin. We reported that the response of cancellous bone to intermittent PTH is reduced in b-arrestin22/2 mice and suggested that b-arrestins could influence the bone mineral balance by controlling RANKL and osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression. Here, we study the role of b-arrestin2 on the in vitro development and activity of bone marrow (BM) osteoclasts (OCs) and Ephrins ligand (Efn), and receptor (Eph) mRNA levels in bone in response to PTH and the changes of bone microarchitecture in wildtype (WT) and barrestin2 2/2 mice in models of bone remodeling: a low calcium diet (LoCa) and ovariectomy (OVX). The number of PTH-stimulated OCs was higher in BM cultures from b-arrestin22/2 compared with WT, because of a higher RANKL/OPG mRNA and protein ratio, without directly influencing osteoclast activity. In vivo, high PTH levels induced by LoCa led to greater changes in TRACP5b levels in b-arrestin22/2 compared with WT. LoCa caused a loss of BMD and bone microarchitecture, which was most prominent in b-arrestin22/2. PTH downregulated Efn and Eph genes in b-arrestin22/2, but not WT. After OVX, vertebral trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecular number were lower in b-arrestin22/2 compared with WT. Histomorphometry showed that OC number was higher in OVX-b-arrestin22/2 compared with WT. These results indicate that b-arrestin2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis in vitro, which resulted in decreased bone resorption in vivo by regulating RANKL/OPG production and ephrins mRNAs. As such, b-arrestins should be considered an important mechanism for the control of bone remodeling in response to PTH and estrogen deprivation.

Groundwater table response to sea level rise and its impact on pavement structure

It has been predicted that sea level will rise about 0.8 m by 2100. Consequently, seawater can intrude into the coastal aquifers and change the level of groundwater table. A raise in groundwater table due to seawater intrusion threats the coastal infrastructure such as road pavements. The mechanical properties of subgrade materials will change due to elevated rise of groundwater table, leading to pavement weakening and decreasing the subgrade strength and stiffness. This paper presents an assessment of the vulnerability of subgrade in coastal areas to change in groundwater table due to sea-level rise. A simple bathtub approach is applied for estimating the groundwater level changes according to sea-level rise. Then the effect of groundwater level changes on the soil water content (SWC) of a single column of fine-sand soil is simulated using MIKE SHE. The impact of an increase in moisture content on subgrade strength/stiffness is assessed for a number of scenarios.

Blast response and vulnerability assessment of piled foundations

This research treated the response of pile foundations to blast loads. The influence of important parameters was investigated. The research techniques and the results will enable safer design of pile foundations that are vulnerable to blast loads.

Response variation of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters

Introduction This study investigates uncertainties pertaining to the use of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) in radiotherapy dosimetry. The sensitivity of the luminescent material is related to the density of recombination centres [1], which is in the range of 1015–1016 cm-3. Because of this non-uniform distribution of traps in crystal growth the sensitivity varies substantially within a batch of dosimeters. However, a quantitative understanding of the relationship between the response of an OSLD and its sensitive volume has not yet been investigated or reported in literature. Methods In this work, OSLDs are scanned with a MicroCT scanner to determine potential sources for the variation in relative sensitivity across a selection of Landauer nanoDot dosimeters. Specifically, the correlation between a dosimeters relative sensitivity and the loading density of Al2O3:C powder was determined. Results When extrapolating the sensitive volume’s radiodensity from the CT data, it was shown that there is a non-uniform distribution incrystal growth as illustrated in Fig. 1. A plot of voxel count versus the element-specific correction factor is shown in Fig. 2 where each point represents a single OSLD. A line was fitted which has an R2-value of 0.69 and a P-value of 8.21 9 10-19. This data shows that the response of a dosimeter decreases proportionally with sensitive volume. Extrapolating from this data, a quantitative relationship between response and sensitive volume was roughly determined for this batch of dosimeters. A change in volume of 1.176 9 10-5 cm3 corresponds to a 1 % change in response. In other words, a 0.05 % change in the nominal volume of the chip would result in a 1 % change in response. Discussion and conclusions This work demonstrated that the amount of sensitive material is approximately linked to the total correction factor. Furthermore, the ‘true’ volume of an OSLD’s sensitive material is, on average, 17.90 % less than that which has been reported in literature, mainly due to the presence of air cavities in the material’s structure. Finally, the potential effects of the inaccuracy of Al2O3:C deposition increases with decreasing chip size. If a luminescent dosimeter were manufactured with a smaller volume than currently employed using the same manufacturing protocol, the variation in response from chip to chip would more than likely exceed the current 5 % range.

Quantitative sensory measures distinguish office workers with varying levels of neck pain and disability

This study was undertaken to investigate any relationship between sensory features and neck pain in female office workers using quantitative sensory measures to better understand neck pain in this group. Office workers who used a visual display monitor for more than four hours per day with varying levels of neck pain and disability were eligible for inclusion. There were 85 participants categorized according to their scores on the neck disability index (NDI): 33 with no pain (NDI < 8); 38 with mild levels of pain and disability (NDI 9–29); 14 with moderate levels of pain (NDI ⩾ 30). A fourth group of women without neck pain (n = 22) who did not work formed the control group. Measures included: thermal pain thresholds over the posterior cervical spine; pressure pain thresholds over the posterior neck, trapezius, levator scapulae and tibialis anterior muscles, and the median nerve trunk; sensitivity to vibrotactile stimulus over areas of the hand innervated by the median, ulnar and radial nerves; sympathetic vasoconstrictor response. All tests were conducted bilaterally. ANCOVA models were used to determine group differences between the means for each sensory measure. Office workers with greater self-reported neck pain demonstrated hyperalgesia to thermal stimuli over the neck, hyperalgesia to pressure stimulation over several sites tested; hypoaesthesia to vibration stimulation but no changes in the sympathetic vasoconstrictor response. There is evidence of multiple peripheral nerve dysfunction with widespread sensitivity most likely due to altered central nociceptive processing initiated and sustained by nociceptive input from the periphery.

Chemotaxis and chemokinesis of human prostate tumor cell lines in response to human prostate stromal cell secretory proteins containing a nerve growth factor-like protein

The migration of three human prostate tumor epithelial cell lines (TSU-pr1, PC-3, DU-145) in response to secreted protein from a human prostate stromal cell line was investigated by using the modified blind-well Boyden chamber assay. Migrated cells were quantified by spectrophotometrically measuring the concentration of crystal violet stain extracted from their nuclei. Cell number was correlated linearly with the concentration of extracted crystal violet stain. All three tumor cell lines showed intrinsic migratory ability in the absence of chemoattractants, such that approximately 1-7% of plated cells migrated across the filter of the Boyden chambers during a 5-h incubation period. Prostate tumor cell migration was significantly enhanced (3-13-fold) in response to stromal cell secretory protein in a dose-dependent manner, whereas bovine serum albumin had no effect on stimulating tumor cell migration. Immunoprecipitation of the stromal cell secreted protein with a nerve growth factor antibody partially and significantly reduced its stimulatory activity for tumor cell migration. A Zigmond-Hirsch matrix assay of tumor cell migration in response to various concentration gradients of stromal cell secreted protein demonstrated both chemotaxis and chemokinesis by all three cell lines. These results are consistent with the stromal cell secretory protein stimulation of chemokinetic tumor cell migration through the capsule of the prostate. Outside of the prostate gland metastasis of tumor cells may occur by chemotaxis to preferential sites containing chemoattractants similar to or related to maintenance factors that can substitute for components of stromal cell secretory protein.