bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular, Dermatological, Gastrointestinal, Hematological, Hormonal, and Immunosuppressant Agents
Authors: Generali Joyce A.
Published: January 2018

“Black-box” warnings report valuable postmarketing safety data about prescription drugs, keeping practitioners informed about potential adverse events, drug interactions, key dosing information, monitoring and administration requirements, and at-risk patient populations. They are especially crucial for newly approved agents. A list of agents with black-box warnings does not currently exist; however Hospital Pharmacy will be publishing comprehensive lists by drug category in this column until November 2002. At that time, a complete list in wall chart form will be released. Hospital Pharmacy will update the data as salient information becomes available.
Vasopressin for Vasodilatory Shock
Authors: Hodges Brian M. , Fraser Gilles
Published: January 2018

This feature examines the impact of pharmacologic interventions on the treatment of the critically ill patient–an area of health care that has become increasingly complex. It will review recent advances (including evolving and controversial data) in drug therapy for adult ICU patients and assess these new modalities in terms of clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes. Direct questions or comments to Gil Fraser, PharmD, at fraseg@mmc.org .
The Implementation Process (Part 2)
Authors: Miller Alicia S.
Published: January 2018

This continuing feature will inform readers about the process of implementing, maintaining, and supporting computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE) at the Ohio State University Medical Center. (By “prescribers,” we refer to health care professionals authorized to prescribe medications by their states.) Practical information on what worked and what failed will be provided, along with current updates on the status of CPOE at the Medical Center.
Involving Nonclinical Departments in Patient Safety Discussions can Reduce the Risk of Serious Errors; “40 of K” is Not OK; NDC Number ID of Compounded Prescription Ingredient Leads to Error; Topamax-Toprol XL Mix-Up
Authors: Cohen Michael R.
Published: January 2018

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again–perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them in your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the USP Medication Errors Reporting Program, which is presented in cooperation with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. If you have encountered medication errors and would like to report them, you may call USP toll-free, 24 hours a day, at 800-233-7767 (800-23-ERROR).

Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.
Using Innovative Technologies to Set New Safety Standards for the Infusion of Intravenous Medications
Authors: Eskew James A. , Jacobi Judith , Buss William F. , Warhurst Heather M. , Debord Cynthia L.
Published: January 2018

Intravenous (IV) administration errors present a particularly challenging problem to hospital pharmacists. Current control systems intercept only 2% of drug administration errors causing preventable adverse drug events (PADEs).4 Estimated costs per preventable ADE are $4685 (1993 dollars). Of the most serious, life-threatening errors, 60% are associated with IV therapy. Conventional, general-purpose infusion devices cannot limit doses or easily be customized for specific patient populations. Clarian Health Partners, a 1400-bed health care system, consolidated infusion devices at three hospitals by implementing the MEDLEY Medication Safety System with Guardrails Safety Software. This new technology offers an innovative IV medication safety platform that functions at the point of care. Clarian became the first U.S. health care system to use this system on a hospital-wide basis. Development of a customized data set based on Clarian's best-practice guidelines was completed in 60 days, and installation at the 775-bed Methodist Hospital was completed in 3 hours. A potentially serious error was averted on the first day of system use. Initial data indicate that use of the IV medication safety system at Clarian's three hospitals will result in 4,000 events of reprogramming annually due to Guardrails alerts.
Ziprasidone Mesylate for Injection
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Levien Terri , Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2018

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive five to six well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late Phase III trials. The monographs are targeted to your Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Subscribers also receive monthly one-page summary monographs on the agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation (DUE) is also provided each month. The monographs are published in printed form and on diskettes that allow customization. Subscribers to the The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. If you would like information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800–322–4349. The November 2002 monograph topics are adefovir dipivoxil, ximelagatran, agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta, pemetrexed, and emtricitabine. The DUE is on adefovir dipivoxil.
Survey of Alternative Supplement Use within a Hospitalized Population
Authors: Leady Michelle A. , Wolsefer Joshua S. , Sweet Burgunda V.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Study objectives were to identify the types of alternative supplements used by a group of hospital inpatients, determine if use continued within the hospital, and ascertain whether health professionals inquired about and documented patients' alternative supplement use.

Methods

One hundred patients 18 years of age or older from various hospital departments were randomly surveyed about the use of alternative supplements.

Results

Nineteen patients reported using a total of 16 herbal products. Green tea was the most commonly used herbal product. Of those who admitted taking alternative supplements, 15 of 19 patients (79%) indicated that their outpatient physicians were aware of this use. Only 9 of 19 patients (47%) indicated that their community pharmacists were aware that they used the supplements. Only 36 of 100 inpatients (36%) surveyed were asked about their alternative supplement use during their hospital stays. Of alternative supplement users who were asked about their use of alternative products, 33% indicated that they had not disclosed this use to the clinician. Additionally, 4 of 19 herbal users (21%) indicated that they were using their herbal products as inpatients, and 6 of 19 (32%) herbal users indicated an interest in using their herbs as inpatients, but had not yet done so.

Conclusions

Clinicians should encourage patients to disclose supplement use upon hospital admission. Pharmacy should be notified of inpatients' alternative supplement use so that potential drug–herb interactions can be avoided.
Community reconstruction orientation by victims of the disaster of a post-monsoon flood in Malaysia
Authors: Amir Zal WA
Published: January 2018

A monsoon flood often happens on a huge scale on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has an immediate impact on the community. This article explores the community reconstruction orientation of the victims of the disaster of a post-monsoon flood in Malaysia. The study was carried out using an exploratory case study design on nine flood victims in Pahang, Malaysia. These informants were chosen by using purposive sampling, and data were gathered using the interview and observation methods. This study found three forms of community reconstruction orientation: (1) self-orientation, (2) family orientation, and (3) community orientation. Each orientation can be observed in a context through a participation indicator element, such as priority and commitment; readiness, knowledge, and skill; and social routine. A reconstruction effort from all parties ought to consider these orientations to avoid negative effects on the community. Thus, this study suggests that a partnership approach should be applied in the future to carry out community reconstruction. However, the findings cannot be generalized since it was a preliminary study.
Breaking Down Barriers and Building Bridges: Transformative Practices in Community- and School-Based Urban Teacher Preparation
Authors: Lee Robert E.
Published: January 2018

Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers is especially challenging in urban districts. It is in these communities where teacher candidates must begin their preparation. This article provides a conceptual framework and programmatic examples used to develop a community-based urban teacher preparation model within a third hybrid space where community scholars, school practitioners, and university faculty come together to create a “pipeline” of community-minded teachers committed to teaching in their communities. Bridging the gap between content-based preparation at universities and culturally situated pedagogical training within the very urban classrooms where teachers are likely to be hired results in teachers with higher levels of self-efficacy, agency, and confidence. In turn, this positively affects teacher persistence, resilience, and higher rates of retention over time.
Analyzing Student Learning Gains to Evaluate Differentiated Teacher Preparation for Fostering English Learners’ Achievement in Linguistically Diverse Classrooms
Authors: Lavery Matthew Ryan , Nutta Joyce , Youngblood Alison
Published: January 2018

Researchers compared pre/post classroom assessment scores of n = 8,326 K-12 students taught by n = 288 teacher candidates to determine if a differentiated teacher education program prepared them to support English learners’ (ELs) achievement in classrooms including native and nonnative speakers of English. Candidates in Group 1 comprised academic subject (secondary mathematics, science, and social studies) teacher candidates, who completed six teacher preparation courses with 15 key assignments that included a focus on ELs. Certification areas for Group 2 candidates include language arts instruction (elementary, early childhood, and secondary English language arts). Group 2 candidates completed from 12 to 15 courses with 41 to 50 key assignments that included a focus on ELs. Results indicate that teacher candidates in both groups helped narrow the gap between ELs and non-ELs from pretests to posttests. ELs performed no differently when taught by candidates from either group. Implications for teacher preparation are discussed.
A longitudinal study on timing and velocity of rat molar eruption: Timing of rat molar eruption
Authors: Denes Balazs J , Lagou Aikaterini , Dorotheou Domna , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: January 2018

Rat molar eruption and occlusion data were compiled from several studies but several inconsistencies were found, rendering the planning of eruptional studies difficult and imprecise. Our aim was to measure eruption and occlusion days, as well as eruption velocity, in the upper and lower three molars from infancy to end of adolescence in the rat. A total of 19 male and female Wistar rats were scanned daily by micro-computed tomography (CT) from day 15 to 70. We measured the eruption of all maxillary and mandibular molars with reference points at the hard palate and mandibular canal at three stages: pre-emergent, pre-occlusal, and functional. Statistical analysis was performed with a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a Sidak post hoc test. The first molar erupts on average on day 17, the second molar on day 20, and the third molar on day 33. The eruption velocity of the first molar was the highest at 90.9 microns/day (standard error (se) = 12.80), followed by the second molar at 65.9 microns/day (se = 5.80), and the lowest was the third at 47.0 microns/day (se = 3.28), ( p < 0.001). On average, the pre-occlusal phase had the highest velocity at 97.2 microns/day (se = 1.72), the pre-emergent was lower at 84.9 (se = 2.29), and the functional was the lowest at 21.7 (se = 0.45), ( p < 0.001). The eruption rate decreased from the first to third molar and was also different between phases: the pre-occlusal phase had the highest rate, closely followed by the pre-emergent phase while the functional eruption rate was significantly lower than the other phases.
Opening Up the Participation Laboratory
Authors: Krzywoszynska Anna , Matt Watson , Buckley Alastair , Chiles Prue , Gregson Nicky , Holmes Helen , Mawyin Jose
Published: January 2018

How to embed reflexivity in public participation in techno-science and to open it up to the agency of publics are key concerns in current debates. There is a risk that engagements become limited to “laboratory experiments,” highly controlled and foreclosed by participation experts, particularly in upstream techno-sciences. In this paper, we propose a way to open up the “participation laboratory” by engaging localized, self-assembling publics in ways that respect and mobilize their ecologies of participation. Our innovative reflexive methodology introduced participatory methods to public engagement with upstream techno-science, with the public contributing to both the content and format of the project. Reflecting on the project, we draw attention to the largely overlooked issue of temporalities of participation, and the co-production of futures and publics in participation methodologies. We argue that many public participation methodologies are underpinned by the open futures model, which imagines the future as a space of unrestrained creativity. We contrast that model with the lived futures model typical of localized publics, which respects latency of materials and processes but imposes limits on creativity. We argue that to continue being societally relevant and scientifically important, public participation methods should reconcile the open future of research with the lived futures of localized publics.
Differential effects of early palliative care based on the age and sex of patients with advanced cancer from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nipp Ryan D , El-Jawahri Areej , Traeger Lara , Jacobs Jamie M , Gallagher Emily R , Park Elyse R , Jackson Vicki A , Pirl William F , Temel Jennifer S , Greer Joseph A
Published: January 2018

Background:

Early palliative care interventions enhance patient outcomes, including quality of life, mood, and coping, but it remains unclear whether certain subgroups of patients are more likely to benefit from early palliative care. We explored whether age and sex moderate the improved outcomes seen with early palliative care.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a randomized trial of 350 patients with advanced lung and non-colorectal gastrointestinal cancer. Patients received an early palliative care intervention integrated with oncology care or usual oncology care alone. We used linear regression to determine if age (older or younger than 65) and sex moderated the effects of the intervention on quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General (FACT-G)), depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)), and coping (Brief COPE) within lung and gastrointestinal subgroups.

Results:

At 24 weeks, younger patients with lung cancer receiving early palliative care reported increased use of active coping ( B = 1.74; p = 0.02) and decreased use of avoidant coping ( B = –0.97; p = 0.02), but the effects of early palliative care on these outcomes were not significant for older patients. Male patients with lung cancer assigned to early palliative care reported better quality of life (FACT-G: B = 9.31; p = 0.01) and lower depression scores (PHQ-9: B = –2.82; p = 0.02), but the effects of early palliative care on these outcomes were not significant for female patients. At 24 weeks, we found no age or sex moderation effects within the gastrointestinal cancer subgroup.

Conclusion:

Age and sex moderate the effects of early palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer. Early palliative care may need to be tailored to individuals’ unique sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
Diagnosing Prosopagnosia: The Utility of Visual Noise in the Cambridge Face Recognition Test
Authors: Corrow Sherryse L. , Albonico Andrea , Barton Jason J. S.
Published: January 2018

Adding visual noise to facial images has been used to increase reliance on configural processing. Whether this enhances the ability of tests to diagnose prosopagnosia is not known. We examined 15 subjects with developmental prosopagnosia, 13 subjects with acquired prosopagnosia, and 38 control subjects with the Cambridge Face Memory Test. We compared their performance on the second phase, without visual noise, and on the third phase, which adds visual noise. We analyzed the results with signal detection theory methods. The performance of controls worsened more than did that of prosopagnosic subjects when noise was added. The second phase showed better ability to discriminate between prosopagnosic and control subjects than did the third phase. For developmental prosopagnosia, a test using only the 48 trials of the first and second phases yielded sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 91% with a criterion of 33/48 correct, performance characteristics that are similar for a criterion of 43/72 for the whole test. We conclude that a shortened Cambridge Face Memory Test without the noisy images may be a quicker yet equally effective instrument for diagnosing prosopagnosia. The theoretical advantage of noisy images is outweighed by the poorer performance of control subjects with visual noise.
Location of Rotator Cuff Tear Initiation: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of 191 Shoulders
Authors: Jeong Jeung Yeol , Min Seul Ki , Park Keun Min , Park Yong Bok , Han Kwang Joon , Yoo Jae Chul
Published: January 2018

Background:

Degenerative rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are generally thought to originate at the anterior margin of the supraspinatus tendon. However, a recent ultrasonography study suggested that they might originate more posteriorly than originally thought, perhaps even from the isolated infraspinatus (ISP) tendon, and propagate toward the anterior supraspinatus.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

It was hypothesized that this finding could be reproduced with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose was to determine the most common location of degenerative RCTs by using 3-dimensional multiplanar MRI reconstruction. It was assumed that the location of the partial-thickness tears would identify the area of the initiation of full-thickness tears.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted including 245 patients who had RCTs (nearly full- or partial-thickness tears) at the outpatient department between January 2011 and December 2013. RCTs were measured on 3-dimensional multiplanar reconstruction MRI with OsiriX software. The width and distance from the biceps tendon to the anterior margin of the tear were measured on T2-weighted sagittal images. In a spreadsheet, columns of consecutive numbers represented the size of each tear (anteroposterior width) and their locations with respect to the biceps brachii tendon. Data were pooled to graphically represent the width and location of all tears. Frequency histograms of the columns were made to visualize the distribution of tears. The tears were divided into 2 groups based on width (group A, <10 mm; group B, <20 and ≥10 mm) and analyzed for any differences in location related to size.

Results:

The mean width of all RCTs was 11.9 ± 4.1 mm, and the mean length was 11.1 ± 5.0 mm. Histograms showed the most common location of origin to be 9 to 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon. The histograms of groups A and B showed similar tear location distributions, indicating that the region approximately 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon is the most common site of tear initiation.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that degenerative RCTs most commonly originate from approximately 9 to 10 mm posterior to the biceps tendon.
Enhanced Dermal Regeneration using Modified Collagen Scaffolds: Experimental Porcine Study
Authors: Markowicz M.P. , Steffens G.C.M. , Fuchs P.C. , Pallua N.
Published: January 2018

Ongoing research has achieved much progress towards the development of new artificial skin substitute products. However, effective implant material for correcting full-thickness defects (such as those arising from extensive burns, tumor resection, hereditary or congenital defects and chronic wounds) has not yet become available.

Following split-thickness skin grafting, contraction and scar formation are unavoidable. These phenomena are believed to be due to poor dermis regeneration.

Collagen dermis substitute has been developed for the treatment of deep, poorly vascularized tissue defects. However, their application is problematic, because scaffolds of this kind fail to adequately induce the neoangiogenesis needed for regeneration. To overcome these shortcomings a number of matrices have been chemically modified. Furthermore, these matrices first require implantation and follow-up by skin grafting 3 to 5 weeks later.

In this article we describe new materials made of modified collagen which enhance dermal regeneration and neoangiogenesis. The procedure was applied in successfully dealing with full-thickness defects in pigs, with subsequent split-thickness skin grafting being performed immediately afterwards. Histological findings revealed that the neodermis obtained resembles a normal dermis structure.

These scaffolds have the potential of serving as an off-the-shelf skin replacement in the reconstruction of deep wounds, thus supporting wound-healing processes.
Made in Algeria: Mapping layers of colonial memory into contemporary visual art
Authors: Hubbell Amy
Published: January 2018

In 2016, the Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée in Marseille hosted the ‘Made in Algeria: Généalogie d’un territoire’ exhibition which gathered cartographic depictions of Algeria from the earliest European encounters to modern images of an independent culture still bearing colonial remnants. The contemporary pieces, notably by Franco-Algerian artists Zineb Sedira and Katia Kameli, expose multiple layers of the past as they reformulate what had been erased by colonisation and what had been silenced by the subsequent ruptures of independence. Their images, like the artists who have migrated back and forth between Algeria and France across time, show accumulated layers of colonial memory enmeshed in contemporary images of the Algerian people and landscape. By assessing the marks still visibly mapped onto Algeria in the exhibition, this article explores how what is ‘Made in Algeria’ remains heavily marked by France.
Illness perception is significantly determined by depression and anxiety in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nowicka-Sauer K , Hajduk A , Kujawska-Danecka H , Banaszkiewicz D , Smoleńska Ż , Czuszyńska Z , Siebert J
Published: January 2018

Objectives

Illness perception is a cognitive representation influencing physical and psychological functioning and adherence in patients with rheumatic disease. Studies exploring illness perception in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are still scarce and none of them have investigated factors determining illness perception. We aimed to assess illness perception and to identify psychological, clinical and sociodemographic factors that might influence illness perception in SLE.

Methods

The study involved 80 patients with SLE (87.5% women, mean age 41.56 years). The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Visual Analogue Scale-Pain and Fatigue Severity Scale were used. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected via structured interview and medical files review.

Results

Illness perception was significantly positively correlated with anxiety, depression, sleep quality, fatigue and pain while it was not related to age, education, steroid treatment, disease duration and activity (SLEDAI) or organ damage (SLICC/ACR). Regression analysis revealed that state anxiety and depression explained 43% of illness perception variance. Cluster analysis identified three patient groups among which the middle-aged group had the most negative illness perception, the highest levels of anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue, and the poorest sleep quality.

Conclusions

The study has proved a significant relationship between negative illness perception and anxiety and depression. Patients reporting fatigue, poor sleep and pain might have special needs in terms of psychological intervention focused on negative illness perception and distress symptoms. Multidisciplinary care in managing SLE seems to be of great importance.
Econometric Analysis of Brazilian Scientific Production and Comparison with BRICS
Authors: Hayne L.A. , Wyse A.T.S.
Published: January 2018

This article proposes a study that placed Brazilian scientific production at the core of the debate, and Brazil as a member of BRICS framework emphasises its importance. It starts from the argument that scientific production is a key factor considering that it is through knowledge that societies evolve. This issue becomes even more relevant when pointing to the capitalist production model that transforms knowledge into wealth. That was the starting point for leading an econometric study to formulate a model to explain Brazilian scientific production from 1994 to 2014. The least square method was used to estimate the parameters of a production function to identify the variables that most influenced, statistically, the behaviour of Brazilian scientific production. The main variables that strongly explained the number of published articles, proxy of the scientific production, are number of post-graduate programmes, number of masters and doctors, Brazilian population and expenditure on research and development (R&D). The present study showed that postgraduate programmes are the ones that most influenced the behaviour of Brazilian published articles. Therefore, it is necessary to equip Brazilian postgraduate system to create the basis of a structure, which, in the near future, will produce knowledge in large scale and with high competitiveness.
Economic Freedom, Country Risk and Cost Efficiency in Jordan and the GCC Countries
Authors: Al-Gasaymeh Anwar
Published: January 2018

Using data from 2003 to 2010, we examine the impact of economic freedom and country risks on the bank costs of potential Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) union. In estimating a common frontier, this article employs Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA) to control for country-specific variables, that is, economic freedom, country risk, macroeconomic conditions, bank accessibility and bank structure, for an unbalanced panel of 90 Jordanian and the GCC countries’ banks. This article further estimates bank efficiency levels in the potential GCC union member countries to shed some light on the capability and capacity of the banks to compete and survive within the future GCC union. We find that economic freedom helps in reducing potential bank costs. Enhancing economic freedom is crucial for the region to attract more investments and create a viable banking system. In order for the GCC members to have a successful union and achieve the objectives faster, it is important to have a similar level of economic performance, in particular in the banking sector.
Thinking Globally, Working Locally: Employability and Internationalization at Home
Authors: Watkins Heather , Smith Roy
Published: January 2018

As an approach to the internationalization of higher education, Internationalization at Home (IaH) looks beyond the mobility of a minority of students, emphasizing instead the delivery to all students of an internationally focused curriculum and the embedding of intercultural communication. This can be expanded to include extracurricular activities and building relationships with local cultural and ethnic community groups. The MA in international development at Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, has implemented this approach, looking beyond both mobility and curriculum to apply IaH directly to student employability, embracing intercultural competence as a key professional skill. This article explores the efficacy of this combination in the MA’s professional development pathway, which requires students to complete a placement, which demonstrates international and intercultural engagement, usually undertaken “at home,” and to critically reflect not just on their professional skills, but on their ability to engage in the ethical practice, which is a key element of IaH.
The Social Dynamics of Entrepreneurship
Authors: Bygrave William , Minniti Maria
Published: January 2018

We present a framework describing the interdependence between entrepreneurial decisions at the individual level and the local amount of entrepreneurial activity. We view the entrepreneur as someone who has the ability to perceive and exploit previously unrecognized profit opportunities. His behavior, we argue, produces the conditions for new markets to develop and, as a consequence, new entrepreneurial opportunities are created. Thus, entrepreneurs act as catalysts of economic activity for the entire economy. In other words, we introduce a distinction between the microeconomic effects of entrepreneurial activity within a specific market and its effects at the aggregate level. Specifically, the goal of this paper is to show that the actual rate of entrepreneurship creates a network externality that, by favoring the concentration of a significant quantity of economic activity and by encouraging alertness, also promotes growth. If, indeed, entrepreneurship creates a network externality, then its effect on the aggregate level of activity exceeds the value of each individual entrepreneurial action, and the contribution of the entrepreneurial sector to economic growth is more than proportional to the relative size of the sector itself.
CEO Stakes and Board Composition in Small Private Firms
Authors: Fiegener Mark K. , Brown Bonnie M. , Dreux Dirk R. , Dennis William J.
Published: January 2018

CEOs of small firms must reconcile two countervailing interests with respect to their board composition choices. Boards with substantial representation by “Independent” directors—individuals who are not linked to the CEO via personal or professional relationships—may be more effective in providing good counsel and linkages to external resources, but may also limit CEO discretion. This study investigates whether CEO ownership, family, and generational “stakes” in the business—indicators of CEO desire to protect discretion from board interference—are related to board composition. The results (survey of 2365 small private firms) indicate that CEOs with greater ownership and family stakes have less independent board compositions.
Managing HR in the Small and Medium Enterprise: The Impact of Professional Employer Organizations
Authors: Klaas Brian S. , Mcclendon John , Gainey Thomas W.
Published: January 2018

Due to their limited size, many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) cannot justify full-time HR professionals in their organizations. Thus, the complex and time-consuming nature of many HR activities can result in a significant drain on existing managerial resources. Professional employer organizations (PEOs), however, offer SMEs an alternative for handling their workforce by providing compensation programs, regulatory compliance, and other HR-related services. This study examines the satisfaction levels of 763 customers of one large PEO. Results show that firm growth, past HR problems, workforce size, contractual detail, service representative-client relations, value congruence, and overall PEO usage are significantly related to managerial satisfaction with PEO services.
Exploring Perceptions of A Priori Barriers to Entrepreneurship: A Multidisciplinary Approach
Authors: Kouriloff Michail
Published: January 2018

This exploratory study integrates the disciplines of economics, psychology, and sociology to identify perceptions of a priori barriers in the entrepreneurial environment. The Central-West of N.S.W., Australia was surveyed to find the proportions of four groups in the general population—potential, intending, actual entrepreneurs, and no wish to start—and the barriers faced by each. A profile analysis across the three disciplines found that the more important barriers are largely non-economic and intractable to government policy. Barriers are different from other regions. Significant differences in importance between groups are identified and the pattern of group differences varies between barriers. Further, the issues of sequentiality and combinations of barriers are important, for there is no panacea to engendering venture creation.
Determinants of Initial Satisfaction with the Succession Process in Family Firms: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Sharma Pramodita , Chrisman James J. , Pablo Amy L. , Chua Jess H.
Published: January 2018

Leadership succession continues to form the core of the family business literature. Numerous studies have suggested factors that influence family members' initial satisfaction with the succession process, but this body of work is highly fragmented and lacks a unifying framework. In this paper, we draw on stakeholder theory and other organizational, behavioral, and economic theories to develop a conceptual model that integrates the findings from the literature. The research and practical implications of this integrative, ready-to-test, model are discussed.
Speed to Initial Public Offering of VC-Backed Companies
Authors: Shepherd Dean A. , Zacharakis Andrew
Published: January 2018

Venture capitalists realize returns on their investments when their portfolio companies either go public (IPO) or are acquired by a publicly traded company. Finance theory implies that the sooner a particular return can be realized the higher the “real” return to the investor. We use an ecosystem perspective to investigate speed to initial Public Offering. Findings indicate that geography of the portfolio company matters, that non high-tech portfolio companies go public faster than do those in the computer-related sector, and that speed is increased with the recent favorable IPO market but not at the same rate for all regions.
The Focus of Entrepreneurial Research: Contextual and Process Issues
Authors: Ucbasaran Deniz , Westhead Paul , Wright Mike
Published: January 2018

Low and MacMillan (1988) suggested that research into entrepreneurial behavior should consider contextual issues and identify the processes that explain rather than merely describe the entrepreneurial phenomenon. Recent studies focusing upon entrepreneurial behavior, especially heuristics, and differences between ‘types’ of entrepreneurs are discussed in this review. The literature focusing upon opportunity recognition and information search is examined. Further, the literature relating to the organizational forms selected by entrepreneurs is discussed. Studies examining the relationship between external environmental conditions and the nature of entrepreneurial activity are reviewed. We conclude that additional research attention should be directed towards gaining a greater understanding of the behavior of different types of entrepreneur (i.e., nascent, novice, serial, and portfolio entrepreneurs) and the different organizational forms selected (I.e., corporate venturing, management buy-outs and buy-ins, franchising, and the inheritance of a family firm) by entrepreneurs.
Issues of Research Design and Construct Measurement in Entrepreneurship Research: The past Decade
Authors: Chandler Gaylen N. , Lyon Douglas W.
Published: January 2018

Articles appearing in the mainstream entrepreneurship literature in the past decade are reviewed with respect to the methodologies employed. Journals reviewed include Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Business Venturing, Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management, Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Organization Science, Management Science, and Administrative Science Quarterly. Articles were systematically analyzed. Results indicate trends toward more multivariate statistics and some increase in the emphasis on reliability and validity over the past decade. The authors call for greater emphasis on multiple source data sets, increased emphasis on reliability and validity issues, the development of more sophisticated theoretical models and subsequent analysis, and more longitudinal research.
Growth Intentions of Entrepreneurs in a Transitional Economy: The People's Republic of China
Authors: Lau Chung-Ming , Busenitz Lowell W.
Published: January 2018

This research partially tests a model of entrepreneurial cognition among small business owners In the transition economy of China. Addressing these issues helps to answer questions about how entrepreneurs create, sustain, and transform organizations. The Influence of social context, personal factors, and cognition of Chinese entrepreneurs on their growth intentions and their method of expansion were examined. Based on a sample of 2,878 Chinese small private business owners, we not only found that an entrepreneur's commitment, need for achievement, and social environment is important, but that a cognitive understanding of the environment also has a direct impact on growth intentions.
The Chances of Financial Success (and Loss) from Small Business Ownership
Authors: Dennis William J. , Fernald Lloyd W.
Published: January 2018

The odds of forming a profitable venture are a critical issue for those weighing the risk of business entry. However, few measures exist to help potential business owners assess their chances of forming a financially successful enterprise. This research examines the probability of financial success from business ownership In terms of (1) profit, break-even, or loss during the owner's tenure, and (2) sufficient profit or loss between firm formation and termination to alter the owner's personal financial condition. The analyses rely on reports from a sample of 783 business owners who recently terminated their firms. Results indicate that 50% more small business owners operate a profitable venture during the marriage of owner and business than operate an unprofitable one. Just 17% form profitable ventures that improve the owner's overall financial standing, while 6% form unprofitable ventures that negatively affect it.
Signaling Firm Value through Board Structure: An Investigation of Initial Public Offerings
Authors: Certo S. Trevis , Daily Catherine M. , Dalton Dan R.
Published: January 2018

The relationship between boards of directors and firm performance, whether in the entrepreneurial context or otherwise, has long intrigued scholars. To date, no systematic relationship has been established, leading researchers to explore specialized contexts where such relationships may emerge. We believe the initial public offering (IPO) process provides a promising context. Relying on signaling theory, we investigate the relationship between board structure and IPO underpricing, a performance indicator unique to the IPO context, among a sample of IPOs during the 1990s. Consistent with signaling theory, board size and board reputation are negatively associated with IPO underpricing, but board composition and board leadership structure are not negatively associated with IPO underpricing.
Owner-Manager Attitudes to Family and Business Issues: A 16 Country Study
Authors: Birley Sue
Published: January 2018

This paper reports the results of a 16-country study into the attitudes of owner-managers to both business and family decisions. Three clusters of attitudes emerged—those who wished to involve their family, those who wished to strike a balance, and those who wished to exclude the family. The paper concludes that there is a set of attitudes towards the family and the business that consistently combine to divide owner-managers. This research highlights the need to examine this perspective and to explore further how it may vary across countries.
Exploring the Practice of Corporate Venturing: Some Common Forms and Their Organizational Implications
Authors: Miles Morgan P. , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: January 2018

This study explores the domain of corporate venturing using a theoretically grounded classification typology as an organizing scheme. The typology is applied in a field study of corporations that are active In venturing and based in the United Kingdom or the United States. Corporate venturing is classified into four generic forms by the focus of entrepreneurship and the presence of investment intermediation: (1) direct-internal venturing; (2) direct-external venturing; (3) indirect-internal venturing; and (4) indirect-external venturing. A managerial decision framework is offered to assist corporate executives in selecting potentially appropriate forms of corporate venturing, given specific venturing objectives and corporate circumstances.
Comparing the Performance of Male-and Female-Controlled Businesses: Relating Outputs to Inputs
Authors: Watson John
Published: January 2018

Previous research has found that female-owned businesses generally underperform male-owned businesses on a variety of measures such as sales and profit. Further, this underperformance appears to persist even after controlling for demographic differences. However, previous studies have tended to limit their assessment of performance to output measures (sales or profit, for example) without relating these output measures to appropriate inputs (such as total assets or owner's equity). This would appear to be a significant oversight.

After controlling for industry, age of business, and the number of days a business operated, this study finds no significant differences between male- and female-controlled businesses with respect to total income to total assets (TITTA), the return on assets (ROA), or the return on equity (ROE). Interestingly, if the control variables are removed, there is evidence to suggest that female-controlled businesses outperform male-controlled businesses.
Case-Mix Adjustment of the Bereaved Family Survey
Authors: Kutney-Lee Ann , Carpenter Joan , Smith Dawn , Thorpe Joshua , Tudose Alina , Ersek Mary
Published: January 2018

Surveys of bereaved family members are increasingly being used to evaluate end-of-life (EOL) care and to measure organizational performance in EOL care quality. The Bereaved Family Survey (BFS) is used to monitor EOL care quality and benchmark performance in the Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care system. The objective of this study was to develop a case-mix adjustment model for the BFS and to examine changes in facility-level scores following adjustment, in order to provide fair comparisons across facilities. We conducted a cross-sectional secondary analysis of medical record and survey data from veterans and their family members across 146 VA medical centers. Following adjustment using model-based propensity weighting, the mean change in the BFS-Performance Measure score across facilities was −0.6 with a range of −2.6 to 0.6. Fifty-five (38%) facilities changed within ±0.5 percentage points of their unadjusted score. On average, facilities that benefited most from adjustment cared for patients with greater comorbidity burden and were located in urban areas in the Northwest and Midwestern regions of the country. Case-mix adjustment results in minor changes to facility-level BFS scores but allows for fairer comparisons of EOL care quality. Case-mix adjustment of the BFS positions this National Quality Forum–endorsed measure for use in public reporting and internal quality dashboards for VA leadership and may inform the development and refinement of case-mix adjustment models for other surveys of bereaved family members.
Multiple Meanings of Calling: Next Steps for Studying an Evolving Construct
Authors: Dik Bryan J. , Shimizu Adelyn B.
Published: January 2018

Research on work as a calling has rapidly increased in recent years, yet the lack of consensus regarding the construct’s definition presents key challenges to researchers, most notably the potential lack of coherence as research on calling accumulates. We begin with a brief overview of current definitions in the literature to illustrate the overlapping yet distinct conceptualizations of the construct, placing them along a continuum of “neoclassical” to “modern.” Next, we explore strengths and shortcomings of the two most commonly employed methodological strategies for studying calling, the “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches. We invite researchers to adopt a third strategy, the typological approach (and the taxometric method in particular), to offer much-needed conceptual clarity by empirically investigating whether there are distinct types of calling or whether the construct is best conceptualized as dimensional in nature. Finally, we present recommendations to guide researchers, reviewers, and consumers of research related to work as a calling on a path that reduces its ongoing conceptual murkiness.
Transparency at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Califf Robert M.
Published: January 2018

Given the profound public health and economic ramifications of decisions made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the degree to which FDA activities should reflect an approach founded on complete transparency versus one focused on preserving confidentiality of information deserves public discussion. On one hand, reasonable requirements for transparency are critical to stimulating effective innovation, knowledge dissemination, and good business practice. On the other, ensuring the vitality of the medical products industry requires protecting legitimately proprietary information. With current standards reflecting a lengthy accumulation of legal, regulatory, and practical precedent, recent significant changes in the environment in which the FDA operates should prompt a critical examination of current practices. In this article, I comment on Sharfstein and colleagues’ “Blueprint for Transparency,” which calls for multiple specific actions to increase transparency at the agency across five key areas, including interactions between FDA and industry, public disclosure of internal FDA analyses, deliberations concerning generics and biosimilars, expanded access to raw study data, and approaches to countering misleading information in the public sphere. I evaluate these recommendations in light of my experience as a clinician, researcher, and former FDA Commissioner, and reflect on possible outcomes that could result from enacting these practices.
Identification of dynamic coefficients of the journal bearing considering velocity slip of cavitation zone in the rotating spindle unit
Authors: Cheng Feng , Ji Weixi
Published: January 2018

A rotating spindle unit, supported by the journal bearings, is developed to improve the cavitation erosion resistance of the journal bearing as well as the spindle dynamic performance. The turbulent lubrication model considering velocity slip in cavitation zone is derived, and the static and dynamic parameters of the journal bearing are obtained. An identification algorithm is further derivated to identify simultaneously the 16 dynamic coefficients of the two journal bearings in the spindle unit. The available experimental results reveal that the journal bearing coefficients are well predicted and estimated by the present model, and the estimated bearing parameters by regularization solution are in good agreement with the assumed values, while it has opposite effect by directed solution for discrete ill-posed problems. It is concluded that the identification accuracy of bearing parameters is governed by the displacement error, and the percentage deviation of dynamic coefficients decreases with the decrease of the displacement error.