bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reclaiming Instructional Supervision: Using Solution-Focused Strategies to Promote Teacher Development
Authors: Stark Marcella D. , McGhee Marla W. , Jimerson Jo Beth
Published: January 2017

To positively affect teacher quality, instructional leaders must engage teachers in ways that support improved practice and seek to empower teachers as creative and knowledgeable risk takers. A collaborative, strengths-based approach that promotes teacher growth, rather than one that conditions teachers to await administrator directive or approval, is warranted. In this conceptual article, we draw from developmental supervision and solution-focused supervision to posit a blended model of instructional supervision that equips aspiring and emerging instructional leaders with strategies to identify and amplify teacher strengths.
Fuzzy Modelling and Output Feedback Stabilization of an Active Magnetic Bearing with Delayed Feedback
Authors: Zheng K , Liu H , Yu L
Published: January 2017

This article presents a fuzzy logic-base control scheme for a non-linear magnetic bearing system that is subject to time delay in a feedback loop. A new Takagi—Sugeno fuzzy model is proposed to represent the non-linear magnetic bearing. Based on the new fuzzy model, an output feedback controller is designed in terms of a proposed delay-dependent stability criterion which guarantees the asymptotic stability of the fuzzy model. The results of simulation verified the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Pokémon GO: Mobile media play, place-making, and the digital wayfarer
Authors: Hjorth Larissa , Richardson Ingrid
Published: January 2017

This special commentary for Mobile Media & Communication seeks to put these divisive debates in context. Through the lens of Pokémon GO, we can understand and critically interpret a variety of issues involved in the politics and practice of playful mobile media. These issues move across debates around location-aware technologies in constructions of privacy (Coldewey, 2016; Cunningham, 2016), risk and surveillance (Machkovech, 2016; Mishra, 2016) to the role of mobile media in commodifying (Evangelho, 2016) and expanding the social, cultural, and creative dimensions of play (Isbister, 2016; Mäyrä, 2012). As the mobile media and game theorists in this commentary highlight, the game sits at the nexus of several technological and cultural trajectories: the playful turn; the ubiquity of location-based and haptic mobile media (and apps and games); innovative game design; the effects of digital mapping technologies; the intertwining of performative media games and art; our individual and collective memories of playworlds and transmedia universes; the increasing importance of issues concerning privacy and risk in public spaces; the ongoing augmentation of place and space; and the politics embedded in this hybrid experience of the lifeworld.
Why Don’t More Black Americans Offend? Testing a Theory of African American Offending’s Ethnic-Racial Socialization Hypothesis
Authors: Gaston Shytierra , Doherty Elaine Eggleston
Published: January 2017

Criminology is replete with research on the correlates of African American offending, yet theorizing efforts have lagged. Unnever and Gabbidon recently proposed a Theory of African American Offending, an integrated explanation of African Americans’ risks for and resilience to offending. Many of the theory’s hypotheses remain untested, especially its major claim that positive ethnic-racial socialization is the main reason more Black Americans do not offend. The theory argues that positive ethnic-racial socialization inhibits African American offending by attenuating the criminogenic effect of weak social bonds. Using data from a prospective, longitudinal cohort of African Americans from the Woodlawn Project, we test whether these postulations hold for adolescent delinquency and adult offending and find general support: Positive ethnic-racial socialization buffers the effect of weak school bonds on adolescent substance use and adult offending for males, but not females, across most crime types. Advancing criminological discourse on race, offending, and resilience, this study has implications for broader criminological theorizing and crime-reduction efforts.
Does democracy guarantee (de)forestation? An empirical analysis
Authors: Rydning Gaarder Anders , Vadlamannati Krishna C
Published: January 2017

It is a commonly held view that democracy is better at safeguarding environment while autocracy is predatory in nature, and is thus insensitive towards environment. However, others argue that democracy leads to environmental degradation. We revisit this contentious relationship between regime type and environment degradation in the context of deforestation. Using panel data on 139 countries during the 1990–2012 period, we find that democracy is associated with lower levels of forest coverage. Although our results appear counter-intuitive, further analyses reveal the positive effect of democracy on forest area coverage is conditional upon the level of economic development. Roughly, at per capita income of about US$8200, the impact of democracy on forest coverage becomes positive. Our results suggest that a democratic government’s priority to tackle environmental problems depends on its level of economic development. These results also highlight the fundamental reason as to why there is a lack of coordinated effort between developing and developed countries in addressing environmental issues.
An Empirical Research on Consumer Behaviour towards Small Car Segment in Indian Market
Authors: Malhotra Gunjan , Nandi Abhishek , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: January 2017

India's automobile industry has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade. The small car segment (A1 and A2 segment compact cars) remains at the forefront of this growth story. The automotive industry in India grew at a Computed Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.5% over the past five years, and the growth rate in last FY2010-11 was impressive at more than 26% (Maruti Suzuki Ltd, Annual Report 2009-2010). This research paper focuses on customer perception towards various features of existing cars and tries to find the degree of consumer preferences about different automobile features which influences their buying behavior. The increasing disposable income of common people evolution of a sophisticated well off middle class and affordability of high quality cars fuels the growth of the Indian automobile sector. The research analyses 161 complete responses from northern region of India and suggests certain product aspects that the existing players should focus on more closely to allure the customers with better services and at the same time to retain the existing customers.
Determinants of Effective Service Delivery: A Study of Selected Public, Private and Foreign Sector Banks in Odisha
Authors: Swar Biranchi , Sahoo Prasant
Published: January 2017

This paper aims to study whether banks from three different sectors differ in terms of serv1ce delivery perceptions and expectations of their respective customers and employees. For this study, 600 bank customers and 125 employees were selected on judgmental basis and administered SERVQUAL questionnaires containing the determinants of service quality delivery. The results of the study indicate that there is a significant difference among three banking sectors with respect to quality of service delivery to both their customers and employees. The major implication of the study include that the banker may utilize the findings of the study to evolve an operation strategy to meet the customers' needs on a daily basis by allocation of appropriate resources. The study has used one-way Anova to analyze the data. The outcome of the study shows that banks can assess the determinants of service delivery� to determine the level of services delivered and to decide which dimensions need improvement. In order to provide an effective service delivery, it is necessary to contact employees frequently and evaluate their service experiences. National studies across different states by comparing quality of service delivery in different banking sectors are required to further enrich the subject researched.
Strategic Implication of Pharmaceutical Packaging to Enhance Prescription from Indian Doctors - A Study on the Four Metro Cities
Authors: Mathew Thomas , Srivastava R.K.
Published: January 2017

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is expected to be US$ 55 billion by the year 2015. In the clustered market of several thousands of brands it's essential to evolve a unique marketing strategy that would increase sales in the rapidly expanding market. This paper examines the value addition for the utility function that packaging can do to boost the sales efforts of the pharmaceutical product. The technological aspects of the packaging are the key value additions to the utility function. There are several technologies available globally, these are classified as ‘new technologies’ that are new to the Indian pharmaceutical markets where the awareness of the doctors are studied and ‘ existing technologies’ that studied the perceptions among the doctors in terms of value addition are considered as this can enhance the prescription sales. Based on these factors the target segment of doctors is identified to achieve above average returns especially when the discovery of drugs takes time and money and success of the product is difficult due to the cluttered market. The study covered 400 doctors over the four metro cities in India that helps to add value and strategize the pharmaceutical business based on the package.
Reverse Innovation: A Gift from Developing Economy to Developed Economy
Authors: Sinha Ritu
Published: January 2017

In the era of globalization, emerging market economies are surfacing into centers of innovation. These innovations associate with low-cost products like healthcare devices, wind power, micro finance, electric cars and many more. The success of these frugal innovated products enable developed countries to adopt well. Hence, reverse innovation refers to those innovations which are adopted by developing countries first and then by developed countries. These innovative products are a result of cutting edge technology, common sense and ingenious use of local commodities with the price range that is affordable to a huge mass of consumers like Tata's one lakh ($ 1677) car Nano, Nokia's sturdy mobile phones, the Chottu Cool' refrigerator and many more. These products might be conceptualized for the customers at the bottom of the pyramid still not limited by scaled down versions meant for the lower end. This paper is an attempt to evaluate how reverse innovations are possible in emerging markets and how it can unlock business opportunities at a global scale.
Examining the Linearity of Customer Satisfaction: Return on Satisfaction as an Alternative
Authors: Devasagayam Raj , R. Stark Nicholas , Valestin Laura Spitz
Published: January 2017

Past literature has suggested maximizing customer satisfaction as a strategic choice to increase customer loyalty and ensuring revenues. However, the relationship between increased customer satisfaction and resultant revenue has remained unexamined. This research focuses on optimizing customer satisfaction rather than maximizing it. This optimization of customer satisfaction is based on maximizing profitability. In aiming for higher customer satisfaction levels with no regard to profitability, a company runs the risk of self-annihilation. Based on conceptual foundations of prior research on Return on Quality (ROQ), we propose the construct of Return on Satisfaction (ROS).

We review frameworks of customer satisfaction examined by scholars in marketing and then propose a conceptual ROS model. We use empirical data (n =1597) obtained from an institution of higher education to test the conceptual model we propose. Results indicate that the data demonstrates construct validity and points to promising directions for further research. We conclude by underscoring managerial implications as well as the scholarly contributions of this research.
Customer Adoption of Mobile Payment Services by Professionals across two Cities in India: An Empirical Study Using Modified Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Thakur Rakhi
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors involved in adoption of a new innovation by consumers specifically in the mobile payment services context. With the mobile penetration of nearly 70% in India, mobile payments services have huge potential in the country; however, customer adoption of mobile payment systems is very low. Therefore, there is a need for research to identify the factors affecting consumer intention to use mobile payment systems. To get meaningful comprehensive insights on customers' perception and usage intention of mobile payment systems, current research validates a model based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) using a sample of urban population from two metros in India. The empirical findings indicate that the constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions have significant impact on mobile payment services adoption among the consumers. This study provides insights into mobile payment services in India which has not been investigated well. Also, there is lack of studies which connect consumer attitudinal factors like performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions in the e-finance and mobile finance context especially in India.
Impact of Banking Penetration on Economic Growth: A State-wise Comparative Study
Authors: Kumar Sharad , Parimal Sarkar Jyoti , Bonnerjee Sharmila
Published: January 2017

The study tries to investigate the level of banking penetration in 16 major states of India in terms of population covered per branch, banking business (deposit + advances) per branch, credit-deposit ratio and also examines their impact on socio-economic development in these states in terms of per capita Net State Domestic Product (pcNSDP) and Human Development Index (HDI). These parameters have been analysed through the time series data from 1991 onwards i.e. after the implementation of economic and banking sector reforms. The analyses have shown that there exist significantly high between banking indicators and development indicators i.e. the developed states are the gainers from banking penetration. The functional relationship between these two types of indicators/variables has also been established through regression analysis. The overall analyses have clearly pointed towards the reasonably strong relationship between 'banking penetration' and 'socio-economic development' of states. Thus, the Government of India, the Reserve Bank of India, the commercial banks and the respective state government have to give extra attention to the banking developments in less developed states so as to facilitate economic growth and minimize regional disparities in socio-economic development of the states.
Cost of Outpatient Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Among Commercially Insured Patients in the United States, 2005-2013
Authors: Herzog Mackenzie M. , Marshall Stephen W. , Lund Jennifer L. , Pate Virginia , Spang Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Despite the significance of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, these conditions have been under-researched from a population-level perspective. It is important to determine the economic effect of these injuries in order to document the public health burden in the United States.

Purpose:

To describe the cost of outpatient arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and health care utilization among commercially insured beneficiaries in the United States.

Study Design:

Economic and decision analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study used the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database, an administrative claims database that contains a large sample (approximately 148 million) of privately insured individuals aged <65 years and enrolled in employer-sponsored plans. All claims with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 29888 (arthroscopically aided ACL reconstruction or augmentation) from 2005 to 2013 were included. “Immediate procedure” cost was computed assuming a 3-day window of care centered on date of surgery. “Total health care utilization” cost was computed using a 9-month window of care (3 months preoperative and 6 months postoperative).

Results:

There were 229,446 outpatient arthroscopic ACL reconstructions performed over the 9-year study period. Median immediate procedure cost was $9399.49. Median total health care utilization cost was $13,403.38. Patients who underwent concomitant collateral ligament (medial [MCL], lateral [LCL]) repair or reconstruction had the highest costs for both immediate procedure ($12,473.24) and health care utilization ($17,006.34). For patients who had more than 1 reconstruction captured in the database, total health care utilization costs were higher for the second procedure than the first procedure ($16,238.43 vs $15,000.36), despite the fact that immediate procedure costs were lower for second procedures ($8685.73 vs $9445.26).

Conclusion:

These results provide a foundation for understanding the public health burden of ACL injuries in the United States. Our findings suggest that further research on the prevention and treatment of ACL injuries is necessary to reduce this burden.
Physical Activity Level and Sport Participation in Relation to Musculoskeletal Pain in a Population-Based Study of Adolescents
Authors: Guddal Maren Hjelle , Stensland Synne Øien , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Johnsen Marianne Bakke , Zwart John-Anker , Storheim Kjersti
Published: January 2017

Background:

Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among adolescents is high, and pain in adolescence increases the risk of chronic pain in adulthood. Studies have shown conflicting evidence regarding associations between physical activity and musculoskeletal pain, and few have evaluated the potential impact of sport participation on musculoskeletal pain in adolescent population samples.

Purpose:

To examine the associations between physical activity level, sport participation, and musculoskeletal pain in the neck and shoulders, low back, and lower extremities in a population-based sample of adolescents.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence 4.

Methods:

Data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (Young-HUNT3) were used. All 10,464 adolescents in the Nord-Trøndelag county of Norway were invited, of whom 74% participated. Participants were asked how often they had experienced pain, unrelated to any known disease or acute injury, in the neck and shoulders, low back, and lower extremities in the past 3 months. The associations between (1) physical activity level (low [reference], medium or high) or (2) sport participation (weekly compared with no/infrequent participation) and pain were evaluated using logistic regression analyses, stratified by sex, and adjusted for age, socioeconomic status, and psychological distress.

Results:

The analyses included 7596 adolescents (mean age, 15.8 years; SD, 1.7). Neck and shoulder pain was most prevalent (17%). A moderate level of physical activity was associated with reduced odds of neck and shoulder pain (OR = 0.79 [95% CI, 0.66-0.94]) and low back pain (OR = 0.75 [95% CI, 0.62-0.91]), whereas a high level of activity increased the odds of lower extremity pain (OR = 1.60 [95% CI, 1.29-1.99]). Participation in endurance sports was associated with lower odds of neck and shoulder pain (OR = 0.79 [95% CI, 0.68-0.92]) and low back pain (OR = 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.92]), especially among girls. Participation in technical sports was associated with increased odds of low back pain, whereas team sports were associated with increased odds of lower extremity pain. Strength and extreme sports were related to pain in all regions.

Conclusion:

We found that a moderate physical activity level was associated with less neck and shoulder pain and low back pain, and that participation in endurance sports may be particularly beneficial. Our findings highlight the need for health care professionals to consider the types of sports adolescents participate in when evaluating their musculoskeletal pain.
Facilitators and Barriers for Successful Breastfeeding Among Migrant Chuukese Mothers on Guam
Authors: Wood Kathryn M. , Qureshi Kristine
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was to identify factors that serve as facilitators and barriers for breastfeeding among Chuukese immigrant women living in Guam. Traditionally, Chuukese women exclusively breastfeed their babies; however, it is reported that breastfeeding decreases among these women when they migrate to Guam. Little is known about why this happens. A qualitative approach that included key informant interviews and focus groups of Chuukese women ( N = 24) who had migrated to Guam and delivered a baby on Guam within the past 5 years was completed. The project interview or discussion guides were guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action and explored facilitators and barriers for successful breastfeeding among these Chuukese immigrant women. Among this population, key facilitators for breastfeeding included high levels of self-confidence, family support, knowledge about breastfeeding, and the existence of strong traditional Chuukese cultural values. Key barriers included experiences of cultural conflict or social change, lack of support from their local community, family and health-care staff, as well as limited self-knowledge about how to manage common breastfeeding problems. Where more facilitators were reported, breastfeeding was more often practiced, and where more barriers were reported, formula feeding was more likely. Social factors, health system policies, and proactive nursing support are important influencing factors for breastfeeding among the Chuukese immigrant population on Guam. Nursing can play key roles in policy, professional leadership and practice, and social advocacy to support breastfeeding promotion and maintenance on Guam.
Urban form, building characteristics, and residential electricity consumption: A case study in Tainan City
Authors: Chen Yen-Jong , Matsuoka Rodney H , Liang Tzu-Min
Published: January 2017

Which urban form factor most affects household electricity consumption? This study investigated the relationships between urban density, community layout, and land use factors and household electricity consumption simultaneously, along with building characteristics and demographic indicators. The study site involved 231 communities located in the former provincial area of Tainan City, Taiwan. Due to the area’s subtropical climate, air conditioning accounts for approximately 40% of the total yearly household electricity consumption. Of the urban form factors examined, greater population density was most strongly associated with lower household electricity consumption, followed respectively by greater urban canyon narrowness, or higher height to width ratios, and greater percentages of vacant space and building land use. Notably, both urban canyons and building land use percentages were associated with decreased consumption only after increasing past threshold levels, specifically a 1.5 height to width ratio and 40.7%, respectively. In addition, building characteristics, namely smaller household living areas and greater building age, were most strongly connected with lower household electricity consumption. In contrast, larger household living areas were linked with decreased household electricity consumption/floor area, revealing the importance of lower energy intensities of sizable scales. Of the demographic indicators studied, higher percentages of older adults were associated with lower household electricity consumption. Concerning urban form, the findings suggest that to reduce residential energy usage in a subtropical climate, buildings should be clustered to maximize the inter-building shadows resulting from narrower urban canyons, while simultaneously increasing non-built land use percentages in the adjacent areas.
An activity-related land use mix construct and its connection to pedestrian travel
Authors: Gehrke Steven R , Clifton Kelly J
Published: January 2017

Integrating a diverse set of land use types within a neighborhood is a central tenet of smart growth policy. Over a generation of urban planning research has heralded the transportation, land use, and public health benefits arising from a balanced supply of local land uses, including the improved feasibility for pedestrian travel. However, land use mixing has largely remained a transportation-land use planning goal without a conceptually valid set of environmental indicators quantifying this multifaceted spatial phenomenon. In this study, we incorporated activity-based transportation planning and landscape ecology theory within a confirmatory factor analysis framework to introduce a land use mix construct indicative of the paired landscape pattern aspects of composition and configuration. We found that our activity-related land use mix measure, and not the commonly adopted entropy-based index, predicted walk mode choice and home-based walk trip frequency when operationalized at three geographic scales.
The Utilization of Internet Resources by Foot and Ankle Patients
Authors: Rosenbaum Andrew J. , Jones Mackenzie T. , Marinescu Anca , Ellis Scott J.
Published: January 2017

Background:

It is critical for patients seeking foot and ankle care to have access to quality online resources, as the treatment of their conditions may involve the use of a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities with which they are unfamiliar. This study was performed to enhance our understanding of if and why patients use Internet-based educational materials, to identify trends in utilization, and to delineate the patient-perceived attributes of quality resources.

Methods:

Questionnaires were distributed to 150 adult foot and ankle patients. The questionnaire consisted of demographic and Internet utilization questions. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the frequency of responses for each question and the relationship between demographics and Internet usage.

Results:

Younger patients were more likely to use the Internet ( P= .006). However, there were no other significant differences in demographic attributes between patients who did (76%) and did not (24%) utilize the Internet ( P <.05). Of the participants who didn’t search the Internet about their condition, the most commonly cited reason was they preferred to receive information directly from their physician (47%). Among Internet users, most found the quality of resources to be good or very good (75%). However, many patients were unsure of the specific websites they accessed (66%) and if materials were AOFAS sponsored (18%). When asked about the attributes of a reliable website, patients felt that physician and/or medical society endorsement were most important (52% and 46%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Although physician and medical society endorsement positively shape patients’ opinions of online education materials, patients often struggle in remembering the site they visited and if it was sponsored by a certain society. Despite this, patients are generally satisfied with online foot and ankle education resources. Future works must assess whether patient and physician perceptions of quality Internet resources are correlated.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Epiretinal Membrane Peeling in Patients With Good Preoperative Vision
Authors: Chinskey Nicholas D. , Shah Gaurav K.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing removal of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) with good starting visual acuity.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Participants:

Forty eyes of 40 patients seen at a tertiary, referral-based private practice.

Methods:

All patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with removal of an ERM by a single surgeon (G.K.S.) from the years 2012 to 2014 were evaluated. Patients who were phakic, had a baseline visual acuity of 20/50 or worse, and those who had surgery less than 6 months prior to data collection were excluded.

Results:

Of the 40 patients included, only 2 (5%) developed a serious postoperative complication. One had a vitreous hemorrhage that cleared without further surgical intervention, and another developed a macula on retinal detachment that required 1 additional procedure. Nineteen (47.5%) had improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 10 (25%) maintained their initial BCVA, 7 (17.5%) lost 1 to 2 lines, and 4 (10%) lost 3 lines or greater at their last follow-up visit. When looking only at idiopathic ERMs in the group, the results were similar with 48% with improved vision, 29% maintained the initial BCVA, 16% lost 1 to 2 lines, and 6% lost 3 lines or greater.

Discussion:

Surgery to remove an ERM is a reasonable option for those with significant metamorphopsia and highly symptomatic blurring of central vision, even with good baseline visual acuity.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Outcomes in HIV-Infected and Non–HIV Patients at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Orlin Anton , Nadelmann Jennifer , Gupta Mrinali , Patel Sarju , D’Amico Donald J. , Chan R. V. Paul , Artis Amanda , Kiss Szilárd
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To describe cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis outcomes in HIV-infected and non–HIV patients at a tertiary care center.

Participants:

Twenty-six eyes from 20 patients with active CMV retinitis were included in this study. Patients were immunocompromised due to HIV or secondary to immunosuppressive therapy for malignancy and organ transplantation.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, observational study of patients with newly diagnosed active CMV retinitis. The main outcomes included the incidence of visual acuity loss, the loss of visual acuity to 20/200 or worse, and the loss of 3 lines of vision or more. Secondary outcomes included the identification of risk factors for these visual results and the development of various complications such as retinal detachment (RD) and cataract formation.

Results:

In all, 51.9% (n = 14) of eyes lost vision from baseline at most recent follow-up and 34.6% (n = 9) lost 3 lines or more of vision, 34.6% (n = 9) of the eyes lost significant vision at most recent follow-up and had a final vision of 20/200 or worse, and 22.73% of phakic eyes underwent cataract surgery, whereas 23.1% (n = 6) of eyes developed RD. Patients presenting with a CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/µL were more likely to lose vision when compared to those presenting with a count >100 cells/µL ( P = .0440). Although not statistically significant, patients who were immunocompromised due to HIV were less likely to lose 3 or more lines of vision ( P = .1881) and less likely to have a final visual acuity of 20/200 or worse ( P = .1881), when compared to patients who were immunocompromised due to other reasons. There was also a nonsignificant trend for eyes affected by a larger area of CMV retinitis at baseline (>25%) to have a final visual acuity of 20/200 or worse when compared to eyes with CMV retinitis involving <25% of the total retina ( P = .089). We did not detect trends or associations between any other risk factors tested and visual outcomes. We did not identify an association between HIV status and baseline area or zone affected by CMV retinitis.

Conclusions:

Our cohort demonstrated that CMV retinitis remains a vision-threatening problem among patients who are immunocompromised due to HIV or other conditions. Immunocompromised patients are still at a significant risk of vision loss and complications from CMV retinitis and should be managed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians. In the immediate future, improved therapies are necessary to achieve immune recovery in patients, particularly for those remaining chronically immunosuppressed.
Retinal Detachment Repair in a Patient With Active Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Ryder Steven J. , Tutiven Jacqueline L. , Gayer Steven , Miller Darlene , Flynn Harry W. , Townsend Justin H.
Published: January 2017

A patient had successful retinal detachment repair during the active phase of serologically confirmed Zika virus infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case documenting a necessary vitreoretinal surgery in a patient with active Zika disease. As more traveling and domestic patients become infected, data on surgical management during active Zika viremia may prove useful.
Erythromycin-Induced Ototoxicity: Case Report
Authors: Fayed Desouky F. , Dahmash Nabil S.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To report a case of erythromycin-induced ototoxicity and to discuss the occurrence of this event.

Case Summary:

A 26-year-old woman was admitted to the medical intensive care unit with a two-day history of progressive shortness of breath, high-grade fever, cough, and pleuritic chest pain. Arterial blood gases on room air showed severe hypoxemia, and a chest X-ray revealed right lower-lobe infiltrates. Provisional diagnosis was atypical pneumonia, for which erythromycin lactobionate 1 g q6h iv was administered. All other chronic medications were maintained at the same dosage and frequency. All laboratory work remained stable. After 36 hours, the patient developed sensorineural hearing loss. Erythromycin was stopped immediately. After 24 hours, there was subjective improvement of hearing, with complete return to pretreatment levels in 72 hours.

Discussion:

A review of the literature showed only 40 reported cases of reversible ototoxicity, mainly with high dosages of erythromycin (4 g/d).

Conclusions:

High-dose erythromycin therapy can cause reversible sensorineural hearing impairment. Treatment with erythromycin 4 g/d should be reserved for immunosuppressed patients with Legionnaires' disease and patients with Legionella endocarditis. Patients should have a baseline audiogram and regular monitoring for subjective evidence of sensorineural hearing loss, and the drug should be discontinued if ototoxicity is suspected.
Medication Error Reduction: The Pharmacy Technician's Role
Authors: Dunn Eddie B , Wolfe Jonathan J
Published: January 2017

This article presents medication error reduction as a public health issue relevant to the pharmacy technician. The chief types of errors are presented, and opportunities for technicians to identify errors and factors that promote errors are described. The article then discusses the importance of medication error reporting by technicians. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of examining the reason why errors occur rather than assigning blame. The US Pharmacopeia Practitioners' Reporting Network is described in detail, along with the newer National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention.
Influence of lithium hexafluorophosphate/ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate electrolyte soaking on heat seal strength of polyamide 6/aluminum/cast-polypropylene laminates used as lithium-ion battery packaging
Authors: Guo Zhansheng , Fan Yang , Du Shiyu
Published: January 2017

The heat-seal strength of polymer–metal–polymer laminates, widely used in the packaging industry and more recently for pouch lithium-ion batteries, is a critical factor for the integrity of flexible package structures during service. The influences of lithium hexafluorophosphate/ethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate (LiPF6/EC/DMC) electrolyte soaking time and storage temperature on heat-seal strength were investigated through T-peel testing using a universal testing machine. Sealed multilayer laminates’ heat-seal strength and their failure modes were measured for specimens sealed at various heat-sealing temperatures and dwell times before and after exposure to room temperature and 60℃ soaking conditions. The soaking condition significantly influences heat-seal strength, especially for the packages heat-sealed at low temperatures and short heat-sealing times. Higher storage temperature during electrolyte-soaking accelerates the heat-seal strength decrease. Failure modes are affected by the soaking conditions and become more complicated than the packages without soaking. The optimized heat-sealing processing window is obtained under a certain soaking condition. The electrolyte hydrogen ion concentration (pH) decreases with longer soaking time and higher storage temperature, indicating that acidification may also contribute to decreased heat-seal strength. The results are important for understanding how stored lithium-ion batteries deteriorate and can help to guide battery design to maximize their shelf life.
Time-to-Credit Gender Inequities of First-Year PhD Students in the Biological Sciences
Authors: Feldon David F. , Peugh James , Maher Michelle A. , Roksa Josipa , Tofel-Grehl Colby
Published: January 2017

Equitable gender representation is an important aspect of scientific workforce development to secure a sufficient number of individuals and a diversity of perspectives. Biology is the most gender equitable of all scientific fields by the marker of degree attainment, with 52.5% of PhDs awarded to women. However, equitable rates of degree completion do not translate into equitable attainment of faculty or postdoctoral positions, suggesting continued existence of gender inequalities. In a national cohort of 336 first-year PhD students in the biological sciences (i.e., microbiology, cellular biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, and genetics) from 53 research institutions, female participants logged significantly more research hours than males and were significantly more likely than males to attribute their work hours to the demands of their assigned projects over the course of the academic year. Despite this, males were 15% more likely to be listed as authors on published journal articles, indicating inequality in the ratio of time to credit. Given the cumulative advantage that accrues for students who publish early in their graduate careers and the central role that scholarly productivity plays in academic hiring decisions, these findings collectively point to a major potential source of persisting underrepresentation of women on university faculties in these fields.
System of Criteria for Monitoring of Property and Financial Situation of the Company
Authors: Арасланов  , Araslanov Tagir
Published: February 2017

The article considers the application of the system of criteria, including the analysis of the dynamics of net

profi t, valuation and creditworthiness of the company, in order to implement continuous monitoring of its property and

fi nancial situation. Th e role of the proposed approach for the detection and prevention of negative facts in fi nancial and

economic activity of the enterprise and the development of appropriate adjustments and measures aimed at strengthening

its position in the market is noted.
Decision making in practice: influences, management and reflection
Authors: Ellis Neil
Published: January 2017

During placements, student nurses encounter a multitude of scenarios where decisions are made that influence patient outcomes. Many factors help support these decisions and this article will use a number of theories and models to analyse a clinical decision. It will critically discuss what influences health professionals' decision making and how they present treatment options to patients. The importance of reflection in decision making and its role in broadening students' knowledge on key nursing skills and best practice techniques in preparation for registered practice are also discussed.
The future of the NHS: the state of care in hospitals
Authors: Glasper Alan
Published: January 2017

Emeritus Professor Alan Glasper, from the University of Southampton, discusses the Care Quality Commission's annual report looking at health and social care in England
Introduction of the Teaching Excellence Framework: make your voice heard
Authors: Rosser Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

Elizabeth Rosser, Deputy Dean (Education and Professional Practice) and Professor of Nursing at Bournemouth University, considers what students should expect from universities and how they can influence education quality
Patient consent and conscientious objection
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2017

John Tingle, Reader in Health Law at Nottingham Trent University, discusses an important court case on refusal of consent for a blood transfusion by a Jehovah's Witness and new guidance on caring for patients who refuse blood
Improving clinical care for patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Thompson Julie
Published: January 2017

Progress has been made in the past year in the guidance available for health professionals caring for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In April 2016, the first National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standard on IBS in adults was published and new dietary guidelines were developed. Nurses are at the forefront of caring for people with IBS across all healthcare sectors and may have more time to understand the patient's perspective and advise on lifestyle changes than a general practitioner in the average 10-minute consultation. Rapid diagnosis and evidence-based treatments using treatment pathways significantly reduces healthcare costs in primary care and improves quality of life. First-line treatment modalities remain a combination of lifestyle factors, diet and medications, but for persistent refractory symptoms, referral to specialist practitioners should be considered. This article aims to update nurses on new practice guidance and provide information on when it is appropriate to refer patients for specialist care.
Service development of a nurse-led community-based PICC insertion service
Authors: Bedford Eva , Waterhouse Dee
Published: January 2017

Patients receiving intravenous therapy require reliable venous access. Typically patients with poor peripheral access or requiring long-term treatment from an outpatient antibiotic therapy (OPAT) service need to receive secondary care input for safe central line placement, and radiological confirmation of the correct line tip placement where necessary, if treatment is to proceed as planned. Technological developments that enable accurate ultrasound-guided vein selection and electrocardiograph (ECG)-guided central line tip placement have eliminated the need for radiological or fluoroscopic confirmation of correct tip placement for peripherally placed central catheters (PICCs). This article outlines the development of an out-of-hospital nurse-led PICC insertion service using the Sherlock 3CG® Tip Confirmation System (C.R Bard) to meet the needs of patients requiring long-term intravenous treatment from an OPAT service, and its impact on reducing treatment delays and the need for secondary care intervention.
A blended learning approach to teaching CVAD care and maintenance
Authors: Hainey Karen , Kelly Linda J , Green Audrey
Published: January 2017

Nurses working within both acute and primary care settings are required to care for and maintain central venous access devices (CVADs). To support these nurses in practice, a higher education institution and local health board developed and delivered CVAD workshops, which were supported by a workbook and competency portfolio. Following positive evaluation of the workshops, an electronic learning (e-learning) package was also introduced to further support this clinical skill in practice. To ascertain whether this blended learning approach to teaching CVAD care and maintenance prepared nurses for practice, the learning package was evaluated through the use of electronic questionnaires. Results highlighted that the introduction of the e-learning package supported nurses' practice, and increased their confidence around correct clinical procedures.
New Zealand palliative care nurses experiences of providing spiritual care to patients with life-limiting illness
Authors: Walker Hannah , Waterworth Susan
Published: January 2017

Background:

Internationally it is recognised that providing spiritual care is essential to reduce spiritual distress, particularly in patients who are facing a life-limiting illness.

Aim:

This study sought to explore palliative care nurses experiences providing spiritual care to their patients who are facing a life-limiting illness.

Method:

This study used a qualitative approach: interviews took place with nine nurses working across three hospices in New Zealand in 2013.

Findings:

Nine palliative care nurses participated in the study. Their average age was 53 years and palliative care experience ranged from 3–22 years, with an average of 9 years. The narrative descriptions of nine palliative care nurses were demonstrated under the categories of the assessment of spiritual needs: recognition of spiritual distress, provision of spiritual care and documentation of spiritual care. Additionally, eight sub-categories: individuality and respect; connection; love and compassion; meaning, touching and presence; communication; divine-related spiritual care provision and referral; death preparation and post-modern spiritual care were identified under the category of provision of spiritual care.

Conclusion:

There are challenges in identifying and defining spiritual distress and there is complexity in the provision of spiritual care. However, for the nurses in this study, focusing on the individual patient and developing a relationship that enabled the patient's unique spiritual needs to be met was highly valued. Creating a culture where nurses, and other health professionals involved in the patient's care, share their experiences of spiritual care provision and discussion about how this can be documented is needed.
Concept analysis of good death in long term care residents
Authors: Krishnan Preetha
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this concept analysis paper is to delineate the meaning of good death in long term care (LTC) settings and examine its implications for nursing. The Walker and Avant (2011) method was chosen for this analysis. An in depth literature review identifies uses of the concept and determines the defining attributes of the good death. This paper also illustrates case presentations, antecedents, consequences, empirical referents and implications for clinical practice to clarify the concept of ‘good death’ in this population. In LTC, death is experienced frequently and is considered the ultimate outcome for most admissions. Much of the existing research on end-of-life care has focused on community dwelling cancer patients whose death trajectory is predictable and who may remain cognitively intact until actively dying. In contrast, the LTC population is older and more likely to suffer from dementia and experience chronic illness for long periods prior to death, and they follow a less predictable death trajectory. In this century, death became the province of older people and the assurance of a good death became the responsibility of those caring for them.
Healthcare decision-making: past present and future, in light of a diagnosis of dementia
Authors: Dening Karen Harrison , King Michael , Jones Louise , Sampson Elizabeth L
Published: January 2017

End-of-life care policy in the UK states that all people should identify their needs, priorities and preferences for end-of-life care in the form of advance care planning. Advance care planning in dementia is less well developed than in some other disease groups such as cancer and, arguably, may be more complex. A person with dementia may lose the capacity to make decisions associated with advance care planning early in the course of the disease, requiring more involvement of family carers. This study explores the ‘lived’ context to health care decision-making of dyads (the person with dementia and their carer) in respect of past, present and future healthcare decision-making.
Politics and palliative care: Senegal
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: January 2017

Dion Smyth's review of palliative nursing on the internet
Cattle Review
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: January 2017

Introduction:

This edition of Cattle Review considers papers on heifer lameness, biosecurity protocols and colostrum quality and passive transfer.