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Aston University researcher takes on leadership role within biomedical engineering
Dr Antonio Fratini is the new chair of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers Biomedical Engineering Division It is one of the largest group of professional biomedical engineers in the UK The specialism merges professional engineering with medical knowledge of the human body, such as artificial limbs and robotic surgery. An Aston University researcher has been given a leading role within the biomedical engineering sector. Dr Antonio Fratini CEng MIMechE has been elected as the new chair of the Biomedical Engineering Division (BmED) of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), one of the largest groups of professional biomedical engineers in the UK. The IMechE has around 115,000 members in 140 countries and has been active since 1847. Biomedical engineering, also known as medical engineering or bioengineering, is the integration of engineering with medical knowledge to help tackle clinical problems and improve healthcare outcomes. Dr Fratini previously served as chair of the Birmingham centre of the division for five years and as vice-chair of the division for one year. His research includes responsible use of AI, 3D segmentation and anatomical modelling to improve surgical training and planning, motor functions and balance rehabilitation. He leads Aston University’s Engineering for Health Research Centre within the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and has vast experience in the design, development and testing of new medical devices. Currently he is the University’s principal investigator for the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator and he has a growing reputation in the UK and internationally within the biomedical engineering profession. He said: “Biomedical engineering is continuously evolving and our graduates will create the future of health tech and med tech for more effective, sustainable, responsible and personalised healthcare. “I am very honoured of this appointment. This three-year post will be a great opportunity to further develop the biomedical engineering profession worldwide and to show Aston University’s commitment to an inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational impact within the field.” Professor Helen Meese, outgoing chair of the division, said: “I am delighted to see Antonio take on the chair’s position. He has, over the years, contributed significantly to the growth of the Birmingham regional centre and has actively supported me throughout my tenure as chair. I know how passionate he is about our profession and will undoubtedly continue to drive the division forward over the next three years.” Dr Frattini was presented with his new title on 20 June at the IMECHE HQ at 1 Birdcage Walk, London during the Institution’s technology strategy board meeting. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk
A new study conducted by CAA Manitoba (CAA MB) shows that 59 per cent of Manitoba drivers have witnessed a close-call collision or distracted driving traffic violation. For many Manitobans, these close calls are fueling safety concerns, as 89 per cent of drivers in the province feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving. “Distracted driving is the leading contributing factor in fatal motor vehicle collisions in Manitoba,” says Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations at CAA Manitoba. “By raising awareness of the risks of distracted driving, we hope to do our part to save lives and increase safety." Distracted driving has a direct impact on road safety Manitoba’s ban on using hand-held devices while driving has been in effect since July 2010. However, distracted driving caused by technology continues to be a concern across the province. The survey found that 60 per cent of Manitoba drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted. “Safe driving requires focus and concentration. It is always best to set up your navigation system and send your text messages before driving,” says Friesen, “Using this technology while driving is simply not worth the risk of potential charges and the danger it poses to both the driver and others on the road.” The survey also found that 51 per cent of Manitoba drivers stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past, with three per cent admitting to having been charged. While there can be many distractions on the road, the top five most concerning distractions for those surveyed are: 1. Holding a mobile device 2. Watching TV 3. Making a video call 4. Grooming 5. Wearing headphones or earbuds “It is always best to send your text messages and make your video calls before driving,” says Friesen, “Engaging in these behaviours is not only illegal, but they put the life of the driver and those around them at risk.” Manitobans believe fines, penalties and public education remain the most effective methods to combat distracted driving According to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), using a mobile device while driving is illegal. If ignored, this can result in a $672 fine and possible license suspension. The survey also found that 57 per cent of Manitoba drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions. For more information, please visit https://www.caamanitoba.com/distracted The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from January 22 to February 5, 2024, with 506 Manitoba drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=506 and with a confidence level of 95 per cent, the margin of error for this research is +/- 3%.)
A new study conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) shows that over half of Ontario drivers (66 per cent) have witnessed a close-call collision or traffic violation caused by distracted driving. For many Ontarians, those close calls are fueling safety concerns. Ninety-one per cent of drivers in the province feel somewhat or very concerned about distracted driving, a number that remains unchanged from 2023. “Distracted driving continues to be a leading factor in collisions on highways and city roads,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant for CAA SCO. “We continue to raise awareness of the risks associated with using your mobile device or in-vehicle technology while driving.” Distracted driving has a direct impact on road safety Ontario’s ban on using hand-held devices while driving has been in effect since October 2009. Despite this ban, distracted driving is still a common sight on our roads. The survey found that 63 per cent of Ontario Drivers have been behind a driver in another vehicle who missed a traffic light change because that driver was distracted. "It takes only a split second of inattention to cause a close call or even a tragic collision. Staying focused behind the wheel is not just a personal responsibility but a crucial act of safety for everyone on the road,” adds Stewart. The survey also found that 42 per cent of Ontario drivers stated that they had met the criteria for being distracted drivers in the past, with two per cent admitting to having been charged. While there can be many distractions on the road, the top five most concerning distractions for those surveyed are: 1. Holding a mobile device 2. Watching TV 3. Making a video call 4. Grooming 5. Typing a destination into a GPS or navigation app “Safe driving requires focus and concentration. It is always best to set up your navigation system and send your text messages before driving,” says Stewart, “Using this technology while driving is simply not worth the risk of potential charges and the danger it poses to both the driver and others on the road.” Ontarians believe fines and penalties remain the most effective methods to combat distracted driving Ontario drivers can face a minimum fine of $615 up to $1,000, three demerit points and a three-day licence suspension for their first conviction of distracted driving. According to survey data, 60 per cent of drivers support increasing fines and penalties for distracted driving convictions – however, only 32 per cent were aware of all the penalties that come with your first conviction. “As we continue to see a trend in these behaviours behind the wheel, we understand the public’s concern and desire for stronger repercussions,” says Stewart. “CAA SCO will continue to advocate for road safety through education and community member insights to help us create safer roads for all.” For more information, please visit www.caasco.com/distracted DIG Insights conducted the survey from January 22 to February 5, 2024, as a follow-up to research to previous CAA reports. The online survey was conducted with 1,513 Ontario drivers aged 18 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,513 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)
#ExpertSpotlight: Who is Julian Assange?
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital information and cybersecurity, Julian Assange stands as a central figure, symbolizing the complex intersection of transparency, secrecy, and journalism in the modern world. This topic is not only newsworthy because of Assange’s controversial role in founding WikiLeaks and exposing classified information, but also due to the profound implications his actions have had on national security, international relations, and the ethics of journalism. Furthermore, Assange's ongoing legal battles and the broader debates they spark about freedom of speech, whistleblower protections, and government accountability are crucial for understanding the dynamics of information control in contemporary society. The story of Julian Assange offers multiple angles of interest, including: The Genesis of WikiLeaks: Exploring the foundation and mission of WikiLeaks, and how it has changed the landscape of journalism and whistleblowing. Major Leaks and Their Impact: Analyzing significant leaks published by WikiLeaks, such as the Iraq War Logs and the diplomatic cables, and their impact on global politics and public opinion. Legal Battles and Extradition: Investigating Assange’s legal challenges, including the charges against him, the extradition process, and the implications for international law and human rights. Freedom of Speech vs. National Security: Examining the debates surrounding Assange's actions, balancing the right to information with concerns over national security and the protection of sensitive information. Role of Journalism in the Digital Age: Discussing the ethical considerations and responsibilities of journalists and media organizations in handling leaked information. Assange’s Personal Journey: Delving into Assange’s personal life, his motivations, and the psychological and physical toll of his prolonged legal and diplomatic battles. The life and actions of Julian Assange provide journalists with a wealth of storylines that illuminate the complex and often contentious relationship between transparency, security, and the right to know in the digital age. Connect with an Expert about Julian Assange : Keith Werhan Professor Emeritus · Tulane University School of Law Samantha Bradshaw Doctor of Philosophy Candidate · Oxford Internet Institute Michael Moreland, JD, PhD University Professor of Law and Religion; Director, Eleanor H. McCullen Center for Law, Religion and Public Policy | Charles Widger School of Law · Villanova University Craig Albert, PhD Professor of Political Science and Graduate Director of the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies · Augusta University Michael S. Rogers Senior Advisor, Washington, D.C. · Brunswick Group Robert Anderson National Security Consultant & Intelligence Analyst · Altadena Group To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Markus Spiske
Hear From an Expert: CNN Offers Debate Feed with Conditions
Dean of the Lawrence Herbert School of Communication Mark Lukasiewicz was interviewed by the Tribune News Service about the ways in which CNN plans to strengthen its brand and maximize exposure when it broadcasts the first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on June 27. Dean Lukasiewicz said the requirements CNN has stipulated are a reasonable trade-off for a simulcast that other networks can run with their own commercials. “I think this is a very fair arrangement,” he said. “It’s a good model if this is how the networks do the debates going forward. I hope they take CNN up on this offer so the debate is seen as widely as possible.” Mark Lukasiewicz is a veteran producer, journalist, and media executive who has spent his professional career telling important stories to worldwide audiences and helping media organizations deal with transformational change. He is available to speak with media regarding this important debate. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
New research from Goizueta’s Diwas KC unpacks the dual impact of Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs on opioid prescriptions and heroin overdose deaths. More than two million individuals in the US are experiencing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The CDC defines OUD as “a problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress.” Around 130 people die of opioid overdoses every day. Perhaps more startlingly, four million people over the age of 12 have reported using pain medication recreationally, including opioids. Prescription opioids are a highly-regulated class of drug. They interact with the opioid receptors on nerve cells throughout the body, as well as the brain, which reduces the intensity of pain signals to the body. For many, they are a necessary prescription to get through the pain of surgery or injury, as the body heals itself. Unfortunately, the function of opioids in the body—releasing endorphins and boosting feelings of pleasure, as well as reducing pain—also make them highly addictive. PDMP: A Successful Federal Mandate The United States continues to see increases in deaths from opioid overdoses. So, federal and state governments have been working in enact policies that are designed to decrease those fatalities. One of the methods states are using to prevent common abuse patterns like “doctor shopping,” which is the pattern of visiting multiple physicians to obtain prescriptions, is the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), designed to be used in conjunction with Health Information Technology (HIT) programs. PDMP serve two purposes: identifying drug-seeking behaviors in patients, and identifying physicians with patterns of inappropriate prescribing. Nearly all 50 states have enacted PDMPs of some degree. Some programs require physicians to check the PDMP before prescribing restricted pharmaceuticals, but in others it’s only suggested. Intrastate communication between PDMPs is not always possible, however. The Unintended Consequences The use of PDMPs has been shown to reduce the number of opioid prescriptions, the intended outcome of the program. Enter a recently published study by Diwas KC, Goizueta Foundation Term Professor of Information Systems & Operations Management. The research shows that during time the research was conducted, prescriptions for opioids declined by 6.1%. However, the research also brought to light a very serious and unintended consequence of the implementation of PDMPs. The study concluded that while the implementation of PDMPs did reduce opioid prescriptions, it did not reduce overall numbers of prescription opioid deaths. In fact, it may have contributed to a 50% increase in heroin overdose fatalities. “The heroin increase was definitely something we were not expecting, it was a total surprise,” says KC. "It was something that we had hypothesized. You’ve got a bunch of individuals who have used prescription opiates and had presumably been dependent. Now with the passage of this PDMP law, it has become more difficult to obtain prescription opiates. Therefore, some people might be forced to turn to the street version of it." Diwas KC “We didn’t expect the effect size it to be as significant as it is,” says KC. Heroin and commonly prescribed opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone are very similar on a biochemical level. What’s more, they generate a similar sensation in the body, according to KC. That’s why he and his team had the initial hypothesis that some addicted individuals, when unable to get prescription medication, might turn to street drugs, which are much more dangerous on many levels. “There are many aspects to this. One has to do with the potency and the toxicity of the things you get on the streets. There are very little checks and balances on those. There’s no control in quality for sure,” KC says. He also notes the lack of checks and balances on the frequency of usage. “So the frequency of usage, the quality of the substances you’re putting inside your body, and possibly the circumstances of acquiring it might also be very risky too.” A Dual Impact The research concludes that mandating PDMP use is an example of a successful use of policy for intervention. It does, in fact, decrease the number of opioid prescriptions available to patients. That’s critical information for policy makers and physicians to take in. And it’s a solid reason to keep using and expanding PDMP usage, according to KC. "I should point out very clearly that the policy did have the intended effect of reducing prescriptions. So, it definitely benefited people who might otherwise have become addicted." Diwas KC “By reducing unnecessary prescriptions it might have limited the number of people who would have gotten hooked on the drugs in the first place. So there’s definitely the benefit of that,” says KC. “It’s just that when the policy was implemented, there was also this side effect because of people who were already using it. So, when those people were forced to look for alternatives, that’s when things got bad.” Research papers like this one show an important side of using data to mark successes and failures of government policies. Taken on the surface, data can show a policy’s impact for the greater good. But a deeper dive into the surrounding data—like the increase in heroin use after the implementation of PDMPs—gives everyone a better idea of the full impact of this mandate. "Policies have intended as well as unintended consequences. In this case of PDMP it had the desired effect of reducing prescriptions. That probably helped a lot of people not get addicted to opiates in the first place." Diwas KC “But sometimes policies also have unintended consequences,” says KC. “Like in the case of people who were already addicted to painkillers suddenly stopping it, causing them to take drastic actions, and that’s what happened for some of the people in the study. Policies need to consider the possibility of unintended consequences and take actions to also mitigate those unintended consequences.” Interested in knowing more? Diwas KC is the Goizueta Foundation Term Professor of Information Systems & Operations Management. He is available to talk about this important topic - simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today
Tuesday is World Beatles Day - And we've got the classic rock experts who can help with your stories
World Beatles Day celebrates the legendary British rock band, The Beatles, whose music and cultural impact have left an indelible mark on the world. This event matters to the public not only because of The Beatles' timeless music and influence on pop culture but also because it offers a lens through which to explore broader themes of social change, artistic innovation, and historical significance. Recognizing the band's role in shaping modern music, fashion, and societal values, World Beatles Day provides numerous compelling story angles for journalists to explore: The Beatles' Influence on Modern Music: Exploring how contemporary artists are inspired by The Beatles and the enduring relevance of their musical innovations. Cultural Revolution of the 1960s: Analyzing how The Beatles contributed to the social and cultural changes of the 1960s, including the counterculture movement. Beatlemania and Its Impact on Fan Culture: Examining the phenomenon of Beatlemania and its legacy in shaping modern fan culture and celebrity worship. The Beatles and Fashion Trends: Investigating The Beatles' influence on fashion and style, from the iconic "mop-top" haircuts to their psychedelic wardrobe. The Beatles' Contribution to Film and Media: Looking at The Beatles' ventures into film, such as "A Hard Day's Night" and "Yellow Submarine," and their impact on music videos and multimedia storytelling. Global Influence and Legacy: Assessing how The Beatles have left a lasting legacy on music and culture worldwide, including international fan communities and tributes. World Beatles Day serves as a reminder of the band's profound influence on music and culture, offering journalists rich and diverse story opportunities to engage audiences with both historical perspectives and contemporary connections. Connect with an Expert about the history of The Beatles: John Covach Professor of Music and Director of the Institute for Popular Music; Professor of Theory at Eastman School of Music · University of Rochester José Valentino Ruiz Assistant Professor · University of Florida Melissa Avdeeff Assistant Professor · Coventry University Henry Juszkiewicz Chairman and CEO · Gibson Guitar Corp. To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Fedor
SCOTUS Sides with Starbucks in Labor Dispute
Mary Anne Trasciatti, director of the Labor Studies Program and professor of rhetoric, talked to Newsday about a Supreme Court ruling that stated a higher standard must be met for the federal government to win court orders when a company is suspected of interfering with union campaigns. The ruling stemmed from a court case involving a labor dispute between Starbucks and its unionized workforce. The decision ruling will make it harder for the National Labor Relations Board to support Starbucks workers when a company is suspected of interfering with union campaigns. Dr. Trasciatti said she was “disappointed but not surprised” by the court’s decision. “Starbucks is talking out of both sides of their mouth,” she said. “It really undercuts their stated commitment to building a positive relationship with their unionized workers.” Dr. Trasciatti is available to speak with media - simply click on her icon now to arrange an interview today.
Sunday is the anniversary of Brexit - We're here with expert insights if you're covering
The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, commonly known as Brexit, stands as one of the most significant geopolitical events of the 21st century. This topic matters to the public because it encompasses profound implications for international trade, immigration, legal frameworks, and political alliances. The ripple effects of Brexit are felt not only within the UK and the EU but also globally, making it a critical issue for journalists to cover. Brexit's impact spans numerous sectors and societal issues, providing a wealth of story angles, including: The economic impact of Brexit on the UK, EU, and global markets Changes in immigration policies and their effects on individuals and industries The evolving political landscape in the UK, including the rise of nationalism and regional independence movements The legal challenges and adaptations post-Brexit, particularly concerning trade agreements and regulatory standards The social and cultural consequences of Brexit, including shifts in public opinion and societal division The future of UK-EU relations and their broader implications for international diplomacy and cooperation As we continue to navigate the complexities of Brexit, journalists have the opportunity to explore these diverse and critical narratives, offering in-depth insights into the ongoing and far-reaching impacts of this historic event. Connect with an Expert about Brexit: Dr David Lowe Senior Research Fellow · Leeds Beckett University Dr Oleksandr Shepotylo Senior Lecturer, Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship · Aston University Dr Patrycja Rozbicka Senior Lecturer · Aston University Dr Jo Michell Associate Professor of Economics · UWE Bristol Patrick L Young Executive Director · Derivatives Vision To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Rocco Dipoppa
Expert Research: Hurricanes and Natural Disasters Linked to “Grocery Tax” for Lower-Income Americans
Research from Goizueta’s William Schmidt uncovers the disproportionate impact of natural disasters on low-income families’ access to essentials. Global warming is accelerating severe weather with cataclysmic outcomes for communities all over the world. In 2023, the hottest year on record, no fewer than 23 weather-related disasters struck the United States. These natural disasters claimed hundreds of lives and caused $57 billion in damage. Recently, the federal government has come under scrutiny for uneven aid response to communities affected by hurricanes, fires, and flooding in America. William Schmidt But might there be other factors at play that see disadvantaged groups more vulnerable to the impact of severe weather events? Weighing into this is award-winning research by Goizueta Business School’s William Schmidt, associate professor of Information Systems and Operations Management. He and Xabier Barriola from INSEAD Business School look at the effect of three major hurricanes in the U.S. in the last 20 years. They find evidence of higher paid prices for basic groceries in the aftermath of each storm that disproportionately impact lower-income communities in affected states. In fact, says Schmidt, when severe weather hits communities, these families end up paying anywhere between one and five percent more relative to high income households for essential food and goods. This puts a major strain on already-strained resources in times of massive disruption. "We see a spike in the prices paid for household groceries of up to five percent hitting low-income groups immediately after a major storm hits." William Schmidt “Then you have to factor in the reality that poorer households spend around eight times more of their disposable income on basic groceries than high-income households,” says Schmidt. “It becomes clear that the aftermath of severe weather is harder for them to bear. And in our research, this is an effect that lasts for months, not weeks or days.” Exposing Hidden Costs on Those Hit Hardest To get to these findings, Schmidt and Barriola worked from a hunch. They figured that in low-income areas, a lack of infrastructure, lower-quality construction, and fewer grocery store outlets could translate into supply shortages in emergencies. Ensuing stockouts might then lead to knock-on price inflation for customers. These are low-income families for whom inflation has serious and significant consequences, Schmidt says. "We know that inflation hurts poorer communities. High-income families have the option of switching between high and low-priced goods according to needs or preference. But families with lower incomes are already purchasing low-priced groceries." William Schmidt “When there are disaster-induced stockouts to their preferred products, those families are forced to substitute to higher priced groceries,” Schmidt continues. Then there’s retailer behavior. Following large environmental disasters, store managers may be unable to keep necessities in stock. Under those circumstances, it is difficult to justify running promotions or implementing planned price decreases. To test these ideas, Schmidt and his colleagues looked at data from the weeks and months following Hurricanes Katarina (2005), Ike (2008), and Sandy (2012). They decided to pinpoint those locations immediately impacted at the county level. To do so, they used major disaster declarations issued by the federal government at the time. Then they integrated this with detailed grocery store sales data provided by Information Resources Inc (IRI) with zip code-level household income and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau. With each hurricane, the researchers looked at IRI data covering 30 different product categories and around 200 million transactions over a 12-week period. Schmidt and his colleagues then ran a set of analyses comparing prices paid by communities before and after each hurricane. They also contrasted price increases paid by low-income and high-income households as well as communities outside of the areas affected by the storms. Crunching the Numbers “Doing this triple-difference regression analysis, we find that lower-income communities pay an average 2.9 percent more for their groceries. That’s in the eight weeks following each of these disasters,” says Schmidt. "The effect varies. But it is roughly commensurate with the overall economic damage wrought by each hurricane, with Katrina being the worst. Here low-income families were seeing a 5.1 percent increase in the cost of food and basic goods, relative to richer households." William Schmidt The study points to a variety of mechanisms driving these effects. As Schmidt and his co-authors hypothesize, there is evidence that the same disruptions lead to fewer price promotions. They also see more frequent stockouts of low-priced goods. At the same time, there’s a shift in household purchasing from low to higher-priced products. These effects are long-lasting, says Schmidt. According to the study, post-hurricane inflation in the prices paid by consumers continues to affect poorer families for eight or more weeks. This amounts to months of economic hardship for those least resilient to its effects. Schmidt calls this “permanent inflation.” Pursuing Equity in Crisis Operations managers and policymakers should factor these findings into emergency relief efforts, say Schmidt and his colleague. The goal should be to service communities more equitably. So, there should be more thought to the provision of essential food and household goods. Also, there should be a particular focus on those most vulnerable to natural disasters and their effects. Current disaster nutrition relief programs are typically short. Authorities might do better by vulnerable communities by also extending things like cash and voucher programs, says Schmidt. And they should prioritize the ordering, shipment, and warehousing of essential goods. “Our research shows that hurricanes cost certain groups of Americans more than others in the longer run. The permanent inflation on food stuff and household necessities that we find constitutes an additional burden on part of our national fabric. These are people who are least positioned to afford it.” Hurricanes and the economy are both sought-after topics - and if you're covering, we can help. William Schmidt is an associate professor of Information Systems & Operations Management at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. His research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational disruptions, and applications of machine learning in operational decision making. To connect with William to arrange an interview - simply click his icon now.
