Showing papers by "Danny Miller published in 2018"

Polymedia: Towards a new theory of digital media in interpersonal communication / transl. from Eng. A. Paukova, V. Chumakova

Abstract: This article develops a new theory of polymedia in order to understand the consequences of digital media in the context of interpersonal communication. Drawing on illustrative examples from a comparative ethnography of Filipino and Caribbean transnational families, the article develops the contours of a theory of polymedia. We demonstrate how users avail themselves of new media as a communicative environment of affordances rather than as a catalogue of ever proliferating but discrete technologies. As a consequence, with polymedia the primary concern shifts from the constraints imposed by each individual medium to an emphasis upon the social, emotional and moral consequences of choosing between those different media. As the choice of medium acquires communicative intent, navigating the environment of polymedia becomes inextricably linked to the ways in which interpersonal relationships are experienced and managed. Polymedia is ultimately about a new relationship between the social and the technological, rather than merely a shift in the technology itself.

Governance Mechanisms and Family Firms

Abstract: Governance, along with goals and resources, is a key determinant of the distinctiveness and heterogeneity of family firms. Our introduction discusses formal and informal governance mechanisms that emanate from inside and outside the firm and then reviews, integrates, and extends the contributions to this topic of the six articles and four commentaries in this special issue. Building and reflecting on these contributions, we suggest that although formal governance mechanisms inside family firms have unique characteristics, informal governance mechanisms may be equally important, and external mechanisms, both formal and informal, can also profoundly influence the behavior and performance of family firms.

Challenging trends in configuration research: Where are the configurations?:

Abstract: The configuration approach to the study of organizations is enjoying increasing popularity, in part, due to the methodological advances of qualitative comparative analysis. I argue that there are significant contrasts between earlier taxonomic clustering and typology approaches to configuration and the newer ones being pursued with the qualitative comparative analysis methodology. I compare the two approaches and their application, arguing that what is missing in many studies, old and new, often due to the lack of qualitative evidence, is “configuration itself”—that is, contrasting common, thematic, and rich characterizations that provide insight into how organizations function.

Looking Back at and Forward From: “Family Governance and Firm Performance: Agency, Stewardship, and Capabilities”:

Abstract: Looking back on a Family Business Review article we published in 2006, we discuss its origins, publication challenges, apparent influence, and how we might build on it today. Much of this reflectio...

Beyond the Firm: Business Families as Entrepreneurs:

Abstract: Business families, we argue, will be core drivers of economic growth over the next decades, particularly in developing markets. We discuss the resources that provide them with advantages in multibu...

Competitive Landscape Shifts: The Influence of Strategic Entrepreneurship on Shifts in Market Commonality

Abstract: The competitive dynamics literature offers important insights regarding competitive behavior; however, the critical question of how previously nonrival firms become more direct competitors remains unanswered To address this question, we extend the strategic entrepreneurship construct to develop a theory-based model of competitive landscape shifts We theorize that firms engaging in strategic entrepreneurship will be better able to recognize entrepreneurial opportunities outside of their competitive domain(s), which will enable them to enact radical competitive actions In turn, radical competitive actions will lead to shifts where these firms increase their market commonality with competitors with dissimilar resources and/or decrease their market commonality with competitors with similar resources In developing our model of competitive landscape shifts, we also consider several important boundary conditions that influence the proposed relationships

Two for One: A Change in Hand Positioning During Low-Dose Spinal Stereoradiography Allows for Concurrent, Reliable Sanders Skeletal Maturity Staging.

Abstract: Study Design Prospective survey. Objectives To evaluate the reliability of low-dose stereoradiography compared to standard hand bone age films for assessing Sanders skeletal maturity stage in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data The Sanders skeletal maturity staging system is a valuable tool in the care of juvenile and adolescent spine scoliosis, but obtaining dedicated hand films adds additional time, radiation, and expense to the clinic visit. A change in patient hand positioning for routine full-length PA spine low-dose stereoradiography may offer a viable alternative. Methods A survey consisting of 30 standard bone age hand films and 26 posteroanterior spine low-dose stereoradiography images (magnified view of hands only) was created in REDCap and distributed to two pediatric spine surgeons and two fellows. The graders were asked to classify the images according to the Sanders skeletal maturity classifications. Images were graded in two trials conducted one week apart. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was assessed using the mean linearly weighted kappa to provide an overall index of agreement. Results In Trial 1, the interobserver reliability was similar for both the standard bone age films (κ = 0.82) and for the low-dose stereoradiography films (κ = 0.79) (p = .501). In Trial 2, reliability was similar between imagine modalities and slightly improved for both standard bone age films (κ = 0.85) and low-dose stereoradiography films (κ = 0.82) (p = .192). Intraobserver reliability was strong for both standard films (κ=0.89) and low-dose stereoradiography films (κ = 0.86) (p = .446). Conclusion A simple change in patient hand positioning for low-dose stereoradiography allows clinicians to simultaneously assess a patient’s spinal deformity and skeletal maturity with excellent reliability. Given the frequency of scoliosis surveillance visits, this simple change could lead to significant savings of time, money, and radiation exposure for the growing child. Level of Evidence Level III.

Firearm-associated Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Trends in the United States 2003-2012.

Abstract: Background Firearm-associated injuries are the second leading cause of death in children in the United States. Fractures are common comorbid injuries in young patients with firearm-associated injuries. The purpose of this study was to define the burden of firearm-associated fractures (FAFs) in children and adolescents in the United States. Methods We analyzed the 2003-2012 Kids' Inpatient Database. Patients were grouped into 4 age groups: 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 20 years old. Sample observations with both an external cause of injury code indicating gunshot injury and a diagnosis code indicating orthopaedic fracture (extremity, pelvis, or spine) were identified as cases of FAF. Sex, age, race, cause of injury, and fracture-related operating room procedures were catalogued. Population-level incidence was calculated for each year studied. Results From 2003 to 2012, the incidence of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased from 73 to 96 cases per 100,000 admissions (P=0.009). The 0 to 4 age group saw the largest increase in injury frequency (141%, P=0.08). There was a 4-fold increase in the rate of unintentional injury in this subgroup. The most common age group affected by FAFs was 15 to 20 year olds. Minorities and male individuals were disproportionately affected. Assault and unintentional causes were the most common reasons for injury. Conclusions The frequency of FAF in patients 20 years and below of age increased over the study period, with almost 1 case per 1000 admissions in 2012. The finding that certain subpopulations are disproportionately affected reflects the complex sociologic factors influencing gun violence in the United States. Level of evidence Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Agreement Between Manual and Computerized Designation of Neutral Vertebra in Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Abstract: Study Design Survey-based cross-sectional study. Objectives To describe interobserver agreement among experienced spine surgeons in choosing neutral vertebra (NV) based on manual measurements from radiographs. Secondarily, to use axial vertebral rotation (AVR) values obtained from low-dose stereoradiography (SR) post-processing software (SterEOS 2D/3D) to separately designate the NV in subject cases and to compare manually derived and software-derived NV designations. Summary of Background Data Investigators have previously suggested that parameters such as Lenke classification, stable vertebra level, end vertebra level, and NV level be used to decide on fusion levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Studies have revealed suboptimal interobserver reliability in these vertebral designations. SR post-processing software may represent a useful tool for standardizing NV designation. Methods Thirty-two subjects with idiopathic scoliosis and Lenke 1–4 curves were assessed. Experienced surgeons (range of 7–35 years in practice) assigned NV based on preoperative radiographs. Interobserver reliability was quantified using the Fleiss Kappa statistic. Surgeon responses were compared with NV designations made using AVR values provided by SR postprocessing software. Agreement between these values was quantified using percentage agreement. Results Surgeons exhibited moderate agreement in choosing NV based on radiographs (Kappa 0.444). Surgeon responses agreed with the SR-derived NV in 26.9% of cases, lay within 1 level in 82.1% of cases, and lay within 2 levels in 97.5% of cases. Surgeons were more likely to choose distal to the SR NV rather than proximal. Conclusions Variability in instrumented level selection and outcomes in idiopathic scoliosis may be partially related to inconsistency in selection of the NV. The use of SR post-processing software may provide a more reliable method for choosing NV. Level of Evidence Level II.

Facebook Interactions: An Ethnographic Perspective:

Abstract: This article starts with a consideration of the different reasons academics might be interested in the detailed analysis of who interacts with whom on a social media platform such as Facebook. We t...

Releasing the tether: Weight normalization following corrective spinal fusion in cerebral palsy

Abstract: PURPOSE Feeding difficulties are common among patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and neuromuscular (NM) scoliosis. We theorize that posterior spinal fusion (PSF) reduces intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in improved feeding and subsequent weight gain. We hypothesized that, among nonambulatory patients with CP and NM scoliosis, we would observe significant gain in weight following PSF. METHODS Fifty subjects with nonambulatory CP who underwent PSF for NM scoliosis were included. Age and weight were recorded for the preoperative year; on the day of surgery; and at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up. Weights were converted to weight percentiles using CP-specific growth charts. The weight percentile distributions were compared between time points using descriptive statistics as well as regression analysis. RESULTS The average change in weight from the day of surgery to 2-year follow-up was +3.4 percentiles. Patients who started out under the 50th percentile gained an average of 17.3 percentiles in the first year after PSF ( p = 0.009). Regression analysis showed that patients with baseline weight <50th percentile tended to gain in weight percentile over the first postoperative year ( β = 1.990, p = 0.001). No trend was present among this group prior to surgery ( p = 0.692) or during the second postoperative year ( p = 0.945). No trends were noted prior to or after surgery for patients with baseline weights ≥50th percentile. No significant association was observed between curve severity (measured by preoperative Cobb angle) and weight change. CONCLUSIONS This series is the first to document significant weight gain after PSF for NM scoliosis, supporting the theory that spinal correction improves digestive function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic level II.

What's New in Pediatric Orthopaedic Quality, Safety, and Value? A Systematic Review With Results of the 2016 POSNA Quality, Safety, and Value Initiative (QSVI) Challenge.

Abstract: Background Enhancing the safety, quality, and value of care provided is a point of emphasis for modern health care systems. We performed a review of recent literature to highlight those efforts relevant to pediatric musculoskeletal care. Methods We searched the PubMed database for all papers related to quality improvement, patient safety, and/or value in pediatric orthopaedics published from October 1, 2012 to October 31, 2017, yielding 193 papers. Results A total of 36 papers were selected for review based upon new findings. Papers were selected based on significant contributions in the following categories: casting safety, antibiotic stewardship/infection prevention, perioperative care pathways, blood conservation, venous thromboembolic disease prevention, and imaging safety/appropriateness. Conclusions There have been numerous advances in safety, quality, and value in pediatric orthopaedic care. Quality improvement efforts emphasizing provider education and safety monitoring can lead to a decrease in cast-related complications. Perioperative care pathways and bundles are associated with a decrease risk of surgical site infection and decreased length of stay in pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Increased scrutiny has been placed on the value of routine follow-up radiographs in pediatric fracture and spinal deformity care. Level of evidence Level 4-literature review.

The Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) for Congenital Scoliosis

Abstract: Congenital scoliosis with fused ribs in the thoracic spine may affect the growth and function of the lungs and thorax. When severe, the thorax is unable to support normal respiration or lung growth, a condition known as thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS). We present a case of a patient with congenital scoliosis associated with fused ribs and TIS. He was treated with a unilateral, left-sided opening wedge thoracostomy with implantation of a rib-to-rib vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) construct and a rib-to-spine VEPTR construct. This construct was distracted over a 5-year interval. At most recent follow-up, the VEPTR construct has allowed for sustained thoracic growth and stabilization of spinal deformity, without the need for spine fusion.

Response to Greckhamer et al (2018): Studying configurations with qualitative comparative analysis:

Abstract: I agree with the majority of the points made by Greckhamer et al. some of which echo and address the concerns raised in my essay. However, the authors on their pages 5–6 may have misinterpr...

The Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib (VEPTR) for Idiopathic Early-Onset Scoliosis

Abstract: Although many cases of infantile idiopathic scoliosis (IIS) resolve with observation or nonoperative treatment, some severe and/or progressive deformities may benefit from surgical intervention. We present a case of a patient with IIS who was treated initially with bracing. After documented curve progression despite bracing, he was treated with a unilateral rib to spine VEPTR construct. This construct was distracted over a 4-year interval. At most recent follow-up, the VEPTR construct has maintained control of his spinal deformity while preserving thoracic growth and avoiding spinal fusion.