bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling and Constraining Conditions of Professional Teacher Agency
Authors: Long Caroline , Graven Mellony , Sayed Yusuf , Lampen Erna
Published: January 2017

The South African people have a history of resistance to domination, injustice and inequality. It is therefore surprising that there has been an increase in social inequality, since the start of political democracy in 1994. Recently, the five teachers’ unions refused to administer the Annual National Assessments. This action indicates some resistance to domination. In this article, we will first explore the concept of professional teacher agency in the light of teaching, both as a profession and as a vocation constrained by prior experience and social context. Second, we will draw on the current assessment context to outline its problems and perspectives, and consider within this context the enabling and constraining conditions for teacher agency. Third, we will discuss how assessment as a tool for monitoring teacher performance may impede the conditions for quality education. Finally, we would like to propose that the delivery of a good quality education requires adopting a teacher education model which supports agency, and in which the design of diagnostic assessments is locally responsive.
Seeing Light
Authors: Kaur Gurjeet
Published: January 2017

Despite its familiarity and the fact that it becomes a formal area of study in early upper primary grades, optics remains a cognitive challenge for young as well as advanced learners, not only because much of it is counter-intuitive but also because its conceptual comprehension involves negotiating the vocabulary and graphical symbolism involved in the study of the subject. In this article, I will attempt to trace the comprehension difficulties faced by learners in the area of optics to the nature of the subject, the intuitive notions associated with it and its textbook representations. I will also describe an investigation into prospective teachers’ ideas in optics and discuss the effect of an intervention that was conceptualised as a way forward in its teaching.
Corporate Governance Disclosure in Hong Kong Fashion Retailing Industry
Authors: Fong Steve CC , Wong Mill MY
Published: January 2017

This study is to identify the role of Corporate Governance (CG) and its importance in Hong Kong fashion retailing industry. It compares the CG performance of the listed companies, and then examines the relationships among CG disclosure, proportion of independent non-executive directors (INEDs) on the board and the company size. Content analysis has been adopted to analyze data, and CG disclosure guidelines of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants are used as evaluation tools to analyze the CG disclosure of the selected companies. The study result supports the relationship between CG disclosure and company size. It also discovers there is no relationship between the disclosure and the proportion of INEDs. This study provides further information for the fashion retailing companies to examine the importance of Corporate Governance.
Empirical Study on Ownership Structure and Firm Performance
Authors: Haldar Arunima , Rao SVD Nageswara
Published: January 2017

Researchers have come up with varied assertions with regard to the relationship between ownership structure and firm performance. Studies show positive, negative as well as both positive and negative relationship at differing levels of equity holdings by managers. Majority findings argued about owner controlled firm's performance being better than manager controlled ones, yet lacking statistical assertion for the same. This research work is empirically investigating the efficiency of ownership groups in enhancing corporate performance by analyzing firms traded on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). We are using BSE – 500 index firms to create an unbalanced annual panel data from 2001 to 2008. By using fixed and random effect techniques of panel data analysis, we wish to contribute towards the enduring debate of corporate governance as to which ownership group maximizes firm performance. This debate has so far, largely remained inconclusive with different researchers advocating varied view points.
Board Structure, Capital Structure and Dividend Per Share: Is there Interaction Effect?
Authors: Alias Norazlan , Rahim Ruzita Abdul , Nor Fauzias Mat , Yaacob Mohd. Hasimi
Published: January 2017

This study examines the direct effects of firm�s characteristics such as board structure and capital structure on divided per share as a proxy of firm�s performance and interaction between board structure and capital structure on dividend. The fixed effect regression uses a sample of 361 non-financial Malaysian listed firms over the period of 2002 to 2007. The decision made by the board of directors with duality role of Chairman cum Chief Executive Officer and larger board size to pay dividend demonstrates that duality role of chairman cum chief executive officer have negative effect on dividend payment but not outside independent director(s). The interaction between board structure namely duality, independent directors, board size and capital structure namely debt ratio reveals that duality weakens the negative effect of debt ratio on dividend while independent directors strengthens the negative effect of debt ratio on dividend payment. Overall, the results of this study may be summarized to suggest that distributable income to shareholders increases through a balanced financing decision between capital structure choice and dividend payment made by the board of directors that possessed duality role.
Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainability: Synergies and Inter-relationships
Authors: Sharma J.P. , Khanna Swati
Published: January 2017

This paper seeks to explore the association between corporate social responsibility, corporate governance and sustainability by empirically studying the interrelationship between these through correlation analysis. Findings from the study revealed that (a) a very low negative insignificant correlation exists between corporate social responsibility and corporate governance; (b) a positive low and insignificant correlation is observed between corporate governance and sustainability; and (c) significant correlation is found between corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The study recommends theme of corporate social responsibility and sustainability should be embedded within the governance practices of the firms. A separate board committee on sustainability and mandatory reporting on its activities should be formed to facilitate transparent disclosures on corporate social responsibility and sustainability practices. Mandatory reporting on corporate social responsibility and sustainability along with reporting on Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement norms will augment the quality of information available to stakeholders in terms of economic, environmental and social performance of firms.
A Theoretical Framework for Corporate Governance
Authors: Pande Santosh , Ansari Valeed Ahmad
Published: January 2017

We lack an overarching and unifying theory of corporate governance. The most popular theoretical framework, the agency theory, led to the evolution of the Anglo-Saxon model of corporate governance that is used widely to help the board of directors in curbing excessive executive power in the hands of management. However, with the blurring of the roles of the principal and the agent, the currently prevalent governance frameworks, based on this theory, have become self limiting and ineffective.

Efforts to supplement the agency theory with alternative theoretical frameworks such as the stakeholder theory and the stewardship theory have, at times, tended to place the board of directors in conflict with their legal obligations that requires them to work in the interests of the shareholders. A governance model based on the Gandhian concept of trusteeship, while providing fresh insights, suffers from problems in implementation and remains, at best, an idealistic goal to aim for.

We need new theoretical insights that will take us towards a comprehensive theory of governance. This paper seeks to revisit the discussion on the various theoretical frameworks for corporate governance and suggests that a new and different framework is required as the underlying theory for corporate governance. One such framework is based on viewing the �organization as an organism� with its primary focus on the organization�s longevity and growth and which seeks to maximize the long term strategic value for an organization.
An Analysis of CSR Expenditure by Indian Companies
Authors: Verma Ashutosh , Kumar C.V.R.S. Vijaya
Published: January 2017

The Companies Act 2013 has made a provision requiring corporates to spend 2% of the profits towards Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). The purpose of this study is to analyse the expenditure pattern of corporates towards CSR activities in the period of voluntary spending and based on the results, evaluate whether insertion of such a provision in the Act was necessary or not. The sample consists of thirty companies included in BSE Sensex from 2001 to 2012. The analysis is done on the basis of number of companies spending on CSR, details of CSR expenditure, amount of CSR spending as percentage of sales and profits for each year and on an overall basis. The analysis shows that the CSR spending has been very low as percentage of revenue and profits during the phase of voluntary spending. The results also suggest that spending on environment and pollution control is not on the priority list of companies. Though, impact of CSR activities cannot always be evaluated in terms of fund allocations, still it is one of the most important indicators of the engagement of companies with society. Therefore, based on the findings, it can be concluded that insertion of this provision is an appropriate step by the regulators to make corporates socially more responsible.
Routine Activity Theory and the Likelihood of Arrest: A Replication and Extension With Conjunctive Methods
Authors: Drawve Grant , Thomas Shaun A. , Hart Timothy C.
Published: January 2017

Drawve, Thomas, and Walker applied routine activity theory (RAT) to examine whether measures of offender motivation, target suitability, and guardianship influence the likelihood of an offender’s arrest in incidents of aggravated assault. The current study uses the method of conjunctive analysis of case configurations (CACC) to explore the robustness of their results across alternative analytic methods. We begin with an estimation of the basic “main-effect” model used in the original article and then perform a series of conjunctive analyses to evaluate the contextual variability within each variable in this model. The observed pattern of substantial context-specific effects in the conjunctive analysis illustrates the limitation of traditional quantitative analysis and the utility of CACC for future exploratory and confirmatory studies in evaluating RAT and other criminological research questions.
Effects of Sequences of Cognitions on Group Performance Over Time
Authors: Molenaar Inge , Chiu Ming Ming
Published: January 2017

Extending past research showing that sequences of low cognitions (low-level processing of information) and high cognitions (high-level processing of information through questions and elaborations) influence the likelihoods of subsequent high and low cognitions, this study examines whether sequences of cognitions are related to group performance over time; 54 primary school students (18 triads) discussed and wrote an essay about living in another country (32,375 turns of talk). Content analysis and statistical discourse analysis showed that within each lesson, groups with more low cognitions or more sequences of low cognition followed by high cognition added more essay words. Groups with more high cognitions, sequences of low cognition followed by low cognition, or sequences of high cognition followed by an action followed by low cognition, showed different words and sequences, suggestive of new ideas. The links between cognition sequences and group performance over time can inform facilitation and assessment of student discussions.
Effects of Brief Wilderness Programs in Relation to Adolescents' Race
Authors: Orren Pamela M. , Werner Paul D.
Published: January 2017

This research assessed effects of brief wilderness programs on adolescents' self-concepts, internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and environmental attitudes and contrasted effects for adolescents in five racial groups. A pretest-posttest design compared adolescents who particpated in wilderness outings (n = 67) with adolescents on a waiting list to participate in wilderness outings (n = 76). Questionnaires were completed by adolescents, their primary caregivers, and outing leaders. Contrary to expectation, no differential improvement was found for program participants. Among African-American outing participants, reported self-concept decreased between pretest and posttest. Findings suggest that brief wilderness programs may not beneficially affect adolescents' self-concept, behaviors, or environmental attitude, perhaps because participants do not experience the presumed effective ingredients of wilderness programs in these outings.
The Contribution of a Simple Decision Process (SDP) to Reducing Biases in Educational Decisions
Authors: Klein Joseph
Published: January 2017

The use of intuition in educational decisions disposes educators to emotional arousal and biases. An excessively methodical approach is also criticized. This study tested a decision-making procedure, the Simple Decision Process (SDP), that integrates both approaches. One hundred and seventy four teachers studied a number of dilemmas (i.e., situations in which a decision must be made) and formulated decisions for each using three different decision-making procedures: (a) intuition; (b) a systematic procedure employing the Decision Support System (DSS); and (c) SDP. The dilemmas varied in the level of emotional arousal created. When the impact was limited, SDP and DSS decisions were similar; the intuitive process yielded different results. In a dilemma that aroused strong feelings, the intuitive and SDP results resembled each other but were different from DSS conclusions. The findings shed light on the potential latent in humans to make balanced and unbiased educational decisions without computerized support. The findings also illuminate the difficulty of making balanced judgments in a state of high emotional arousal.
Rethinking Experience: What Do We Mean by This Word “Experience”?
Authors: Fox Karen
Published: January 2017

This paper uses autoethnography to reassess the concept “experience” and the lack of theoretical frameworks within experiential education for delimiting experience within the practices and research around experiential, adventure, and outdoor education. Although a pivotal and essential part of practice, theoretical understandings of experience have been missing in experiential education scholarship. Experience is clearly a complex, constructed “reality.” Jagger (cited in Lauritzen, 1997, p. 83) has pointed out that an appeal to experience is “fraught with methodological difficulties.” What exactly is experience? Whose experience is heard? Like other disciplines, for example the studies of religions and psychology, experiential education has no rigorous definitions, characterizations, typologies, or conceptualizations of the focus of its study and practice—a type of experience. Drawing upon critiques from Indigenous, feminist, postcolonial, and black Americans and Canadians, and integrating with an autoethnographic approach, this paper provides a critique of the existing use of “experience” and sketches an initial approach for developing theoretical understandings of the central phenomenon of experiential, adventure, and outdoor education.
A Five-Year Follow-Up of a Survey of North American Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Programs
Authors: Russell Keith , Gillis H. Lee , Lewis T. Grant
Published: January 2017

This study reports the results of a five-year follow-up survey of private-pay outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) programs operating in the United States and Canada. A total of 65 of 102 programs identified as meeting certain characteristics responded to the survey and identified themselves as an OBH program that utilizes a clinical treatment model that primarily uses wilderness expeditions. The goal of the study was to determine industry trends by comparing the results of this study to results generated in a 2001 survey of OBH programs. An additional goal of the study was to discuss the findings in the context of recent reports on OBH and related programs concerning program management and practice. Key findings indicate that the number of OBH programs operating appears to have increased since 2001, and that the clear majority of these programs are state-licensed and half are accredited. Family involvement in programming has decreased, as has the number of families receiving co-pay to help alleviate the costs of treatment. Field instructor training and qualifications, supervision, and oversight of daily treatment and program operation, and drug detoxification practices at admission are all issues that warrant further investigation. A conclusion is made that care should be taken by policy makers and others when making broad generalizations that implicate all OBH treatment programs, when it appears that most programs are licensed, have licensed clinicians on staff, and adhere to best practices in treatment as identified by a variety of agency and association standards.
Leadership Status Congruency and Cohesion in Outdoor Expedition Groups
Authors: Eys Mark A. , Ritchie Stephen , Little Jim , Slade Heather , Oddson Bruce
Published: January 2017

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between status congruency and group cohesion in outdoor expedition groups in an educational setting. Specifically, three aspects of status congruency were assessed in relation to group cohesion in four adventure canoe groups. The groups participated in 2-week expeditions in the northern areas of the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The participants were 32 upper-year undergraduate students enrolled in a central Canadian university (Mage = 22.41, SD = 2.43 years). Results indicated that (a) individuals who ranked themselves higher in the group's status hierarchy compared to where their peers ranked them had lower perceptions of their attraction to their group's social pursuits; (b) perceptions of group cohesion were greater when individuals occupying formal leadership positions were higher in the group's status ranking (i.e., greater congruency between formal and informal status hierarchies); and (c) individuals who were members of groups that had some level of consensus regarding status rankings perceived their groups to be more cohesive than those who were members of the group that had no consensus.
Creating Outcomes through Experiential Education: The Challenge of Confounding Variables
Authors: Ewert Alan , Sibthorp Jim
Published: January 2017

There is an increasing interest in the field of experiential education to move beyond simply documenting the value of experiential education programs and, instead, develop more evidence-based models for experiential education practice (cf., Gass, 2005; Henderson, 2004). Due in part to the diversity of experiential education programs, participants, goals, designs, and specific program experiences, there exists a broad constellation of variables that can impact the results of studies using an evidence-based approach. While many of these variables are accounted for through effective research designs, others are largely uncontrollable, yet remain influential. These uncontrollable variables can often distort or confound the results from research and evaluation efforts. This paper categorizes some of the most common confounding variables into three temporally based categories: Precursor, Concomitant, and Postexperience. Following this, suggestions for researchers and evaluators in addressing these variables are provided.
The Czech Way of Inclusion through an Experiential Education Framework
Authors: Kudláček Martin , Bocarro Jason , Jirásek Ivo , Hanuš Radek
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this article is to present the development of inclusive experiential education courses in the Czech Republic. The inclusion of people with disabilities (PWD) in recreation, sport, and education has become more prevalent in Czech society. This article describes the conceptual meaning of the term inclusion from both a historical and theoretical perspective based on the work of two Central/Eastern European authors (Jesenský, 1998; Válková, 1998). The article also highlights one case study of The Czech Outward Bound branch Prazdninová škola Lipnice Vacation School Lipnice, which has applied these theoretical perspectives in developing inclusive experiential education programs. This article also provides specific examples of programs and activities that can help enhance the inclusion of PWD within the experiential educational environment.
Outcomes of a Spiritually Focused Wilderness Orientation Program
Authors: Bobilya Andrew J. , Akey Lynn D. , Mitchell Donald
Published: January 2017

Higher education often supports new student transition through various orientation programs. Recently a greater focus on student spiritual growth has emerged as an important aspect. The wilderness orientation program in this study is unique because of its length (12–14 days) and its focus on students' spiritual development. The purpose of this study was to understand the students' perceptions of a spiritually focused wilderness orientation program and the influence of their participation in the program during their transition to the college. Data were collected through a post-course essay, the Student Adaptations to College Questionnaire, and a focus group interview. The themes that emerged indicate categories that the students recognized as important: (a) community, (b) developing competence, (c) stewardship, and (d) spiritual growth. These results are helpful in answering some of the questions asked by those involved in traditional student transition programs and those providing wilderness orientation programs.
Exploring Post-Program Psychological Adjustment for Adult Staff Facilitating a Wilderness Adventure Program
Authors: Lawrence-Wood Ellie , Raymond Ivan
Published: January 2017

This paper outlines a pilot study of the post-program psychological adjustment outcomes of adult staff facilitating an Australian-based wilderness adventure program for youth at risk. The descriptive and correlational survey study ( N = 62) examined the psychological adjustment processes staff underwent following program completion, and the factors that predicted adjustment. The study found that post-program psychological adjustment is neither an abnormal nor a drawn-out process, with the majority of staff reporting broadly positive experiences. A number of significant predictors of post-program psychological adjustment were identified, with perceived “program success” positively related to increased “reflective” and decreased “reactive” adjustment experiences. Level of physical challenge experienced by staff was also positively related to reflective adjustment outcomes. These findings are discussed in light of organisational responses and directions for future research.
Joking Culture: The Role of Repeated Humorous Interactions on Group Processes during Challenge Course Experiences
Authors: Rothwell Erin , Siharath Kassidy , Bell Steven , Nguyen Kim , Baker Carla
Published: January 2017

When groups form, they develop their own culture from the shared meaning created from their interactions. Humor is part of every social group, and when repeatedly referenced, it forms a joking culture. The joking culture of small groups influences group processes by smoothing group interaction, forming a collective identity, separating the group from others, and securing appropriate behavior. Adventure education challenge courses include humor as part of their context; therefore, studying the joking culture of groups during challenge course experiences may provide additional insight and tools for improving group outcomes. Two ethnographic examples of continued joking from a participant observation approach are provided to demonstrate the presence of continued joking during challenge course experiences.
Differential Outcomes for American College Students Engaged in Community Service-Learning Involving Youth and Adults
Authors: Seider Scott , Rabinowicz Samantha , Gillmor Susan
Published: January 2017

The Serve Program at Ignatius University is a community service-learning program that combines academic study of philosophy with a year-long field-based project at one of approximately 50 different sites. Half of these projects entail working with youth, while the other half entail working with adults. This mixed methods analysis found that college students engaged in adult-oriented service demonstrated larger shifts in public service motivation and belief in a just world than their peers engaged in youth-oriented service. Qualitative interviews with participating students suggest that these differences may be due to the disparate expectations of participants who entered into their respective service experiences.
Efficacy and Safety of BMY 21,502 in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Shrotriya Rajesh C , Cutler Neal R , Sramek John J , Veroff Amy E , Hironaka Denise Y
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the efficacy and safety of BMY 21,502, a nootropic agent, in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease.

DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS:

Sixty-nine patients with Alzheimer disease (28 men, 41 women, mean age 72 y, range 54–92, mean Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score 23.5) were randomized to receive either BMY 21,502 (n = 34) or placebo (n = 35) for 12 weeks of double-blind treatment followed by a 4-week placebo washout period.

SETTING:

Outpatient research facility.

MEASUREMENTS:

Primary efficacy assessments were the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS) and the Clinical Global Impressions Scale. The Computerized Neurological Test Battery and MMSE were performed as secondary efficacy measurements.

RESULTS:

Although overall effects were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), patients taking BMY 21,502 showed a mean change in the ADAS cognitive score of −1.5 points at week 12, compared with −0.5 in patients who received placebo. Patients with moderate dementia (MMSE ≤20) showed a greater change at week 12 with BMY 21,502 (−2.7 points) compared with placebo (+0.3 points), but the difference was not statistically significant. Although BMY 21,502 was well tolerated in general, patients treated with BMY 21,502 experienced higher rates of abnormal liver enzyme concentrations and nausea than did those in the placebo group. There was also a higher rate of discontinuations in the BMY 21,502 group, with 12 of 34 (35%) patients in the BMY 21,502 group discontinuing, compared with 3 of 35 (9%) in the placebo group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

In this pilot study, BMY 21,502 was not found to be significantly superior to placebo during the treatment period. The compound was generally well tolerated, although 8 of 34 (24%) patients discontinued active drug treatment. Further evaluation of BMY 21,502 in a larger study population may be warranted.
Evaluation of Inpatient Depot Antipsychotic Prescribing
Authors: Pabis Dennis J , Dorson Peter G , Crismon M Lynn
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the use of fluphenazine decanoate and haloperidol decanoate in an inpatient setting.

DESIGN:

A prospective observational study conducted over a 3-month period.

SETTING:

A 400-bed state psychiatric hospital.

INTERVENTIONS:

The psychiatric pharmacy staff evaluated the medical records and new orders of 30 consecutive patients receiving depot antipsychotic formulations using a detailed evaluation form and the hospital pharmacy computer database. Criteria for evaluation were derived from the medical literature and product information, and included the following areas: diagnosis, stabilization on a short-acting form of the antipsychotic, appropriateness of dosage conversion to depot therapy, concomitant administration of short-acting antipsychotics (and duration of concomitant medications), and plasma concentration monitoring.

RESULTS:

Only 7 patients (23%) received what would be considered optimal depot antipsychotic therapy. These patients were receiving a stable dosage of a short-acting antipsychotic prior to conversion to depot therapy (i.e., ≥7 d), received optimal dose conversion to a depot form, and received optimum overlap with a short-acting preparation (i.e., overlap ≤7 d with fluphenazine HCl and 7–30 d with haloperidol HCl). When length of stay data were evaluated, no significant differences were observed in patients who received optimal therapy versus those who did not. There was also no difference in length of stay when the study group was compared with an age-, sex-, and diagnosis-matched cohort group. However, quantitatively fewer adverse effects were reported for patients whose treatment was considered optimal on the basis of the evaluation criteria.

CONCLUSIONS:

Depot antipsychotic therapy frequently did not meet the criteria for optimal use. This did not affect length of hospital stay in these individuals. However, individuals who met the criteria experienced quantitatively fewer adverse events.
Cefepime: A Fourth-Generation Parenteral Cephalosporin
Authors: Wynd Michael A , Paladino Joseph A
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To review the chemistry, microbiology, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic efficacy, adverse effect profile, drug interactions, dosing, and administration of cefepime, a new fourth-generation parenteral cephalosporin.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search of the available literature, including clinical trials and reviews, was performed. Abstracts presented at recent scientific conferences and current publications were also reviewed.

DATA SELECTION:

In vitro and preclinical data were included, as well as data from Phase II and III clinical trials.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Cefepime is an extended-spectrum parenteral cephalosporin antibiotic active in vitro against a broad spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic bacteria. The gram-positive spectrum is similar to that of cefotaxime, the gram-negative spectrum is similar to that of ceftazidime, and many, though not all, organisms resistant to these two agents remain susceptible to cefepime, prompting the fourth-generation designation. Cefepime has a high affinity for penicillin-binding proteins and, due to its zwitterionic configuration, rapidly penetrates outer-membrane porin channels of bacteria. Beta-lactamases appear to have a low affinity for the drug. Cefepime has a decreased propensity to induce beta-lactamases compared with other beta-lactam antibiotics. Cefepime has a pharmacokinetic disposition similar to that of other renally eliminated cephalosporins, with a half-life of approximately 2 hours. Cefepime has demonstrated clinical efficacy against a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and skin and skin structure infections. Cefepime is generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Cefepime may have several chemical and pharmacologic advantages over currently available third-generation cephalosporins. In vitro data indicate that cefepime retains activity against some, but not all, gram-negative bacteria resistant to third-generation cephalosporins; however, clinical efficacy against infections due to resistant pathogens remains to be established. Cefepime was at least as effective as comparators during clinical trials, and may prove to be a viable alternative to other currently available agents.
Clinical Implications of Antidepressant Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacogenetics
Authors: Cohen Lawrence J , DeVane C Lindsay
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To review available data on pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic influences on the response to antidepressant therapy, analyze the mechanisms for and clinical significance of pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic differences, and explain the implications of pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics for patient care.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search of English-language clinical studies, abstracts, and review articles on antidepressant pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, and drug interactions was used to identify pertinent literature.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

The pharmacokinetic profiles of selected antidepressants are reviewed and the impact of hepatic microsomal enzymes on antidepressant metabolism is considered. How phenotypic differences influence the metabolism of antidepressant drug therapy is addressed. To evaluate the clinical implications of these pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic considerations, the findings of studies designed to elucidate drug interactions involving antidepressant agents are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Differences in antidepressant plasma concentrations, and possibly safety, are caused by polymorphism in the genes that encode some of the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes that metabolize antidepressants. The isoenzymes 1A2, 2C9/19, 2D6, and 3A4 are the major enzymes that catalyze antidepressant metabolic reactions. Antidepressants can be either substrates or inhibitors of these enzymes, which also metabolize many other pharmacologic agents. Although the cytochrome enzymes that metabolize antidepressants have not been fully characterized, interaction profiles of the newer antidepressants are becoming more clearly defined. Determining patient phenotypes is not practical in the clinical setting, but an awareness of the possibility of genetic polymorphism in antidepressant metabolism may help explain therapeutic failure or toxicity, help predict the likelihood of drug interactions, and help clinicians better manage antidepressant drug therapy.
Economic Factors Affecting the Likelihood of a Switch to a Volunteer Army
Authors: Greene Kenneth V. , Newlon Daniel H.
Published: January 2017

The authors use the proposition that it is the size of the net gains from a change to the volunteer army that determines its probability to describe circumstances which unambiguously increase the probability of a policy change. Certain events which intuitively seem to imply a greater probability of a volunteer army are shown to have ambiguous implications for such a policy change.
Heated intravenous fluids alone fail to prevent hypothermia in cats under general anaesthesia
Authors: Jourdan Geraldine , Didier Caroline , Chotard Erwan , Jacques Sandra , Verwaerde Patrick
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the clinical efficiacy of a constant rate infusion of heated fluid as the sole means of preventing intraoperative hypothermia in cats.

Methods

This randomised, prospective, clinical study was conducted at a university teaching veterinary hospital. Female cats (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] grade I) undergoing elective surgery by laparotomy under general anaesthesia (acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg SC; morphine 0.2 mg/kg IV; propofol IV titrated, isoflurane 2% in 100% oxygen) were randomised in two groups. Both groups were infused with fluid (NaCl 0.9%, 5 ml/kg/h) either at room temperature (control group) or prewarmed at 43°C (warmed group) using an Astoflo Plus eco (Stihler Electronic) fluid heating device. No other heating device was used. Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and SpO2 were evaluated after induction (T0) and every 15 mins for 1 h (T15, T30, T45, T60). Mean arterial blood pressure was recorded every 30 mins (T0, T30 and T60).

Results

Thirty-four female cats (ASA grade I) were enrolled in the study. There was no difference in age, weight, propofol dose or room temperature (22.4 ± 1.1°C vs 22.0 ± 1.5°C; P = 0.363) between control and warmed groups, respectively. In both groups, oesophageal temperature significantly decreased during anaesthesia ( P <0.0001). The temperature decrease after 1 h was −3.6 ± 0.7°C in the warmed group and was not significantly different from the control group (−3.4 ± 0.7°C; P = 0.307). The slopes of the temperature decrease did not significantly differ between the two groups (–0.058 ± 0.013°C/min vs −0.060 ± 0.010°C/min for the control and warmed groups, respectively; P = 0.624).

Conclusions and relevance

This study provides clinical evidence that a constant rate infusion of heated fluid alone fails to prevent intraoperative hypothermia in cats. The low infusion rate (5 ml/kg/h) could partly explain the ineffectiveness of this active warming device in minimising or delaying the onset of intraoperative hypothermia.
Percutaneous cholecystocentesis in cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease
Authors: Byfield Victoria L , Callahan Clark Julie E , Turek Bradley J , Bradley Charles W , Rondeau Mark P
Published: January 2017

Objectives

The objective was to evaluate the safety and diagnostic utility of percutaneous ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis (PUC) in cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease.

Methods

Medical records of 83 cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease that underwent PUC were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

At the time of PUC, at least one additional procedure was performed in 79/83 cats, including hepatic aspiration and/or biopsy (n = 75) and splenic aspiration (n = 18). Complications were noted in 14/83 cases, including increased abdominal fluid (n = 11), needle-tip occlusion (n = 1), failed first attempt to penetrate the gall bladder wall (n = 1) and pneumoperitoneum (n = 1). There were no reports of gall bladder rupture, bile peritonitis or hypotension necessitating treatment with vasopressor medication. Blood products were administered to 7/83 (8%) cats. Seventy-two cats (87%) survived to discharge. Of the cats that were euthanized (9/83) or died (2/83), none were reported as a definitive consequence of PUC. Bacteria were identified cytologically in 10/71 samples (14%); all 10 had a positive aerobic bacterial culture. Bile culture was positive in 11/80 samples (14%). Of the cases with a positive bile culture, cytological description of bacteria corresponded to the organism cultured in fewer than 50% of cases. The most common cytologic diagnosis was hepatic lipidosis (49/66). The most common histopathologic diagnosis was cholangitis (10/21).

Conclusions and relevance

PUC was safe in this group of cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease. Complications were likely associated with ancillary procedures performed at the time of PUC. Bile analysis yielded an abnormal result in nearly one-third of cats with suspected hepatobiliary disease. Complete agreement between bile cytology and culture was lacking. Further evaluation of the correlation between bile cytology and bile culture is warranted.
Nonlinear two-dimensional finite element model for transient and damping analysis of cylindrical sandwich panels with pseudoelastic shape memory alloy composite face sheets
Authors: Khanjani Maryam , Shakeri Mahmoud , Sadighi Mojtaba
Published: January 2017

A new nonlinear finite element model is proposed for the dynamic analysis of cylindrical sandwich panels with shape memory alloy hybrid composite face sheets and flexible core. In order to present a realistic transient vibration analysis, all the material complexities arising from the instantaneous and spatial martensite phase transformation of the shape memory alloy wires are taken into consideration. The one-dimensional constitutive equation proposed by Boyd and Lagoudas is used for modeling the pseudoelastic behavior of the shape memory alloy wires. Since the martensite volume fraction at each point depends on the stress at that point, the phase transformation kinetic equations and the governing equations are coupled together. Therefore, at each time step, an iterative method should be used to solve the highly nonlinear equations. Moreover, considering that the stress resultants generated by the martensite phase transformation in the wires are path-dependent values, an incremental method is used to estimate the increment of the stress resultants at each time step. The governing equations are derived based on the energy method and Newmark time integration method is used to solve the discretized finite element equations. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to examine the effect of various parameters such as intensity of applied pressure load, operating temperature, location of shape memory alloy wires, volume fraction of the shape memory alloy wires, and also boundary conditions upon the loss factor for panels with different aspect ratios.
Ruling divided
Authors: Greene Zachary , Jensen Christian B
Published: January 2017

Issue salience and ideological disagreement often predict coalition government behavior. However, research on portfolio allocation has yet to fully specify the complex relationship between issue salience, disagreement, and coalition negotiations. Scholars treat issue salience and disagreement as distinct and disconnected, despite evidence that they work together and with conditional effects in a range of settings. Following a logic of portfolio trades or “logrolls,” we propose that the relative salience of issues and disagreements at the issue level within the coalition both moderate the effect of issue salience on portfolio allocation. Using data drawn from the Parliamentary Democracy Data Archive, we find compelling evidence for our theory that links party manifestos to portfolio allocation. Consistent with a story on the conditional effect of salience and disagreement, we find evidence that the effect of salience is mitigated by the extent of disagreement between coalition parties.
Tourism and regional development in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Carlos De Santana , Da Silva Emerson Olivier Vieira , Andrade José Roberto De Lima , De Souza Kênia Barreiro
Published: January 2017

This article aims to estimate the economic impacts of expenditure on tourism in the Brazilian Northeast and its effects on the states’ productive structure and regional inequalities. We use an interregional input–output matrix for the nine northeastern states and the rest of Brazil. The main results show that tourist expenditure in the Northeast was responsible for a 3.9% increase in the Northeast’s gross domestic product (GDP). Additionally, the sectorial analysis indicated significant spillover effects to the rest of Brazil, especially from manufacturing industries. On the other hand, tourist spending contributed to reducing regional inequalities.
Patterns of seasonality and tourism demand forecasting
Authors: Vergori Anna Serena
Published: January 2017

Seasonality is a phenomenon that affects the vast majority of tourist destinations. The negative aspects of seasonality have been widely discussed from economic, social and environmental points of view. On the contrary, the unreliability of tourism demand forecasts is rarely listed among the negative effects of seasonality. This is despite the importance of the quality of forecasts for the planning of economic activities. This article evaluates the impact of different patterns of seasonality on tourism demand forecasting in the light of different volume of tourism flows. With this aim in mind, the monthly tourist overnight stays in four European countries – namely Austria, Finland, Portugal and Netherlands – are analysed for the period January 1990–December 2014. Data show both one-peak and two-peak seasonality. Results highlight that the stronger seasonality is, the less reliable forecasts are.
An economic model comparison of EMSI and IMPLAN
Authors: Kim Sungsoo , Miller Chad R.
Published: January 2017

Economic Modeling Specialist International (EMSI) model is a common economic development research tool that has begun to be utilized for tourism research. Therefore, it is important to examine the differences between the EMSI model and the commonly used Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) model. The multiplier effects of the default version of EMSI and IMPLAN were compared using data obtained from a visitor expenditure survey of the Jackson Mississippi Mistletoe Marketplace. The results revealed that IMPLAN estimated larger multiplier effects (both type I and type II) than EMSI for the total output and employment (job supports).
Evaluating hotel productivity growth in Balearic and Canary islands
Authors: Cordero Jose M. , Tzeremes Nickolaos G.
Published: January 2017

This article examines the productivity of hotels operating in the two main sun and sand tourism markets in Spain, the Balearic, and the Canary Islands, from 2004 to 2013. In this manner, we can evaluate the impact of the global economic crisis on this sector. To tackle this issue, we apply alternative Malmquist productivity index decompositions to distinguish between different components of productivity. The results reveal that the economic downturn had major negative effects on hotel productivity for 2 years (2008 and 2009). After that period, hotels have increased their productivity levels driven by both technological and catching-up changes. This result provides new evidence supporting the fact that units operating in those destinations might avoid the process of decline predicted by Butler’s life cycle model.
The strategic evolution of Aer Lingus from a full-service airline to a low-cost carrier and finally positioning itself into a value hybrid airline
Authors: O’Connell John Francis , Connolly David
Published: January 2017

Aer Lingus has been an unique airline as it transitioned from a full-service airline to a low-cost carrier and is currently positioned as a value hybrid airline. It has coexisted with Ryanair for decades and it encountered three imminent periods where bankruptcy prevailed from 1993 to 2009. The research aims to uncover the various strategies that were applied to structurally re-engineer the carrier in order to adapt to its evolving competitive landscape. The key pillars underpinning Aer Lingus’ turnaround as a value hybrid were as follows: strict adherence to capacity discipline; relentless cost control and value-adding, consumer-driven product differentiation; innovative partnerships including contract flying to alleviate its problematic seasonality issues inherent in Aer Lingus markets; and by re-engineering its Dublin-based hub airport. A visionary master plan for the hub was fabricated to capitalize on Ireland’s geographical positioning which targeted the traffic flows between UK/European and North American destinations through its synchronized connection network at Dublin.
“Please write a (great) online review for my hotel!” Guests’ reactions to solicited reviews
Authors: Magno Francesca , Cassia Fabio , Bruni Attilio
Published: January 2017

With the aim of enhancing their online reputation, several hospitality businesses have started soliciting their guests to write online reviews. Available studies have not yet evaluated the effects of this strategy. To fill this knowledge gap, this study draws on the theory of psychological reactance and investigates guests’ attitudinal and behavioral reactions to received solicitations. Evidence collected from a sample of Italian travelers indicates that soliciting reviews has both benefits and drawbacks: It increases the number of reviews for the business, but it also irritates a significant share of guests. Particularly high levels of irritation arise when a business explicitly asks its guests to write positive reviews. The implications of these findings for the reputation management strategy of hospitality businesses are discussed.