A quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of laparascopy and endoscopy virtual reality simulators

The increasing use of virtual reality (VR) simulators in surgical training makes it imperative that definitive studies be performed to assess their training effectiveness. Indeed in this paper we report the meta-analysis of the efficacy of virtual reality simulators in (1) the transference of skills from the simulator training environment to the operating room and (2) their ability to discriminate between the experience levels of its users. The task completion time and the error score were the two study outcomes collated and analyzed in this meta-analysis. Sixteen studies were identified from a computer-based literature search (1996-2004). The meta-analysis of the random-effects model (because of the heterogeneity of the data) revealed that training on virtual reality simulators did lessen the time taken to complete a given surgical task as also clearly differentiate between the experienced and the novice trainees. Meta-analytic studies such as the one reported here would be very helpful in the planning and setting up of surgical training programs and for the establishment of reference ‘learning curves’ for a specific simulator and surgical task. If any such programs already exist they can then indicate the improvements to be made in the simulator used such as providing for more variety in their case scenarios based on the state and/or rate of learning of the trainee.     

The medium matters: Mining the long-promised merit of group interaction in creative idea generation tasks in a meta-analysis of the electronic group brainstorming literature

This meta-analysis examines the influence of electronic communication media on group idea generation tasks. Data from the following three areas of the brainstorming literature are synthesized to assess differences across performance variables and group member satisfaction: (1) electronic brainstorming (EBS) groups versus traditional face-to-face (FTF) interacting groups, (2) EBS groups versus nominal groups, and (3) EBS versus electronic nominal (e-nominal) groups. The results of this integration show that EBS groups are more productive and more satisfied with the interaction process than FTF groups. Additionally, large EBS groups outperformed nominal groups, whereas small nominal groups outperformed EBS groups. These findings have important implications for electronic collaboration and teamwork in both academic and organizational settings, especially given the recent proliferation of virtual teamwork.     

A meta-analysis of mobile commerce adoption and the moderating effect of culture

This research aims to discover the general factors that influence mobile commerce adoption. A meta-analysis of previous empirical studies on individuals’ mobile commerce adoption behavior was conducted and the proposed mobile commerce adoption model was tested using structural equation modeling. Furthermore, moderator analysis was carried out using partition tests by dividing context into subgroups of eastern and western culture, to investigate the moderating effect of culture. Results confirm the proposed model, and moderator analysis indicates that culture does have specific moderating effects on mobile commerce adoption. The findings of this paper will yield theoretical and managerial implications for the future.     

The value for innovation of inter-firm networks and forming alliances: A meta-analytic model of indirect effects

In the past few decades, we have seen strong growth in the number of publications on the role of alliances and networking on innovative performance and, more generally, firm performance. The empirical results of these studies are, however, often debated, and there seems to be little consensus in the academic literature. We therefore focus our meta-analytical model test on the accumulated direction and magnitude of the indirect relationships reported in the literature between innovation, networking, alliances, and firm performance. Our meta-analysis is based on 517 correlations, 156 studies, and a total sample size of 93,048 firms. We compare the findings of our meta-analysis to the results of a bootstrapping analysis. Our results corroborate the bulk of studies, which suggests that networks and alliance experience play an important role in generating rents from innovation resources through both direct and indirect effects. The practical implication is that firms need to engage in networks and also develop strong alliance management capabilities to be able to increase the contribution innovation resources can make to their performance.     

The effect of internet use on well-being: Meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis study was to investigate the effect of internet use on the components of well-being. Life satisfaction, well-being and self-esteem were evaluated as markers of well-being and their interaction with internet use was assessed. Publications in the literature were collated (N = 281) by investigating articles related to the topic. In light of criteria determined by the researcher, 23 studies were included in the analysis. This study comprised a sample group of 21,054 individuals. The mean age of the sample group was calculated as 20.32 years. According to the results of the analysis using the random effect model, internet use has a significant effect on well-being at low levels (k = 28, r = −0.18, p < 0.001). The components of well-being were used as moderator variables. Results of moderator analysis showed that the well-being components were not significant moderator variables of the effect of internet use on well-being (Qb = 1.34, df = 2, p > 0.05). According to the results of the research, internet use is an effective variable on well-being. The results are discussed in light of the literature.     

Use of secondary data to estimate instantaneous model parameters of diabetic heart disease: Lemonade Method

With the increasing burden of chronic diseases on the health care system, Markov-type models are becoming popular to predict the long-term outcomes of early intervention and to guide disease management. However, statisticians have not been actively involved in the development of these models. Typically, the models are developed by using secondary data analysis to find a single “best” study to estimate each transition in the model. However, due to the nature of secondary data analysis, there frequently are discrepancies between the theoretical model and the design of the studies being used. This paper illustrates a likelihood approach to correctly model the design of clinical studies under the conditions where (1) the theoretical model may include an instantaneous state of distinct interest to the researchers and (2) the study design may be such that study data cannot be used to estimate a single parameter in the theoretical model of interest. For example, a study may ignore intermediary stages of disease. Using our approach, not only can we accommodate the two conditions above, but more than one study may be used to estimate model parameters. In the spirit of “If life gives you lemon, make lemonade”, we call this method “Lemonade Method”. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the finite sample property of this method. In addition, the method is demonstrated through application to a model of heart disease in diabetes.     

Association between increase in fixed penalties and road safety outcomes: A meta-analysis

Studies that have evaluated the association between increases in traffic fine amounts (fixed penalties) and changes in compliance with road traffic law or the number of accidents are synthesised by means of meta-analysis. The studies were few and different in many respects. Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis of changes in compliance. Four studies were included in the meta-analysis of changes in accidents. Increasing traffic fines was found to be associated with small changes in the rate of violations. The changes were non-linear. For increases up to about 100%, violations were reduced. For larger increases, no reduction in violations was found. A small reduction in fatal accidents was associated with increased fixed penalties, varying between studies from less than 1–12%. The main pattern of changes in violations was similar in the fixed-effects and random-effects models of meta-analysis, meta-regression and when simple (non-weighted) mean values were computed. The main findings are thus robust, although most of the primary studies did not control very well for potentially confounding factors. Summary estimates of changes in violations or accidents should be treated as provisional and do not necessarily reflect causal relationships.     

A large meta-analysis of the global prevalence rates of S. aureus and MRSA contamination of milk

ABSTRACT

Past reports have indicated a high prevalence of milk contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), but the pooled prevalence rates of S. aureus and MRSA in pasteurized and boiled cow's milk, raw cow's milk, and raw Caprinae milk (raw sheep's milk and raw goat's milk) and across different periods, continents, economic conditions and purchase locations remain inconsistent. We searched relevant articles published in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science before July 2016. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement was used to evaluate the quality of 93 included studies. We observed that the pooled prevalence rates of S. aureus contamination in pasteurized and boiled cow's milk, raw cow's milk, and raw Caprinae milk were 15.4% (95% CI, 6.1–27.5%), 33.5% (95% CI, 29.5–37.7%) and 25.8% (95% CI, 17.5–35.0%), respectively. The pooled prevalence rates of MRSA contamination were 4.9% (95% CI, 0.0–15.7%), 2.3% (95% CI, 1.3–3.6%), and 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5–1.8%), respectively. The prevalence of S. aureus contamination in raw cow's milk increased over time. However, the pooled prevalence of raw cow's milk contaminated with S. aureus was lowest in European studies. These findings give an indication of the consequence of better milk regulation in Europe. High S. aureus prevalence rates in raw milk collected from farms and processing companies pose a potential threat to consumers. The implementation of good hygiene practices, appropriate health knowledge, and food safety principles at the farm level, as well as the prudent use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine and heat treatment before drinking, are necessary to reduce the potential risk of S. aureus and MRSA contamination.     

Health effects of exposure to nano-TiO2: a meta-analysis of experimental studies

The paper is aimed to investigate the toxicity of nano-TiO₂ and its potential harmful impact on human health using meta-analysis of in vitro and short-time animal studies. Data were retrieved according to included and excluded criteria from 1994 to 2011. The combined toxic effects of nano-TiO₂ were calculated by the different endpoints by cell and animal models. From analysis of the experimental studies, more than 50% showed positive statistical significance except the apoptosis group, and the cytotoxicity was in a dose-dependent but was not clear in size-dependent manner. Nano-TiO₂ was detained in several important organs including the liver, spleen, kidney, and brain after entering the blood through different exposure routes, but the coefficient of the target organs was altered slightly from animal models. It is possible that nano-TiO₂ can induce cell damage related to exposure size and dose. Further studies will be needed to demonstrate that nanoparticles have toxic effects on human body, especially in epidemiological studies.