bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dependence of Global Cloud and Lapse Rate Feedbacks on the Spatial Structure of Tropical Pacific Warming
Authors: Andrews Timothy , Webb Mark J.
Published: October 2017

An atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) is forced with patterns of observed sea surface temperature (SST) change and those output from atmosphere–ocean GCM (AOGCM) climate change simulations to demonstrate a strong dependence of climate feedback on the spatial structure of surface temperature change. Cloud and lapse rate feedbacks are found to vary the most, depending strongly on the pattern of tropical Pacific SST change. When warming is focused in the southeast tropical Pacific—a region of climatological subsidence and extensive marine low cloud cover—warming reduces the lower-tropospheric stability (LTS) and low cloud cover but is largely trapped under an inversion and hence has little remote effect. The net result is a relatively weak negative lapse rate feedback and a large positive cloud feedback. In contrast, when warming is weak in the southeast tropical Pacific and enhanced in the west tropical Pacific—a strong convective region—warming is efficiently transported throughout the free troposphere. The increased atmospheric stability results in a strong negative lapse rate feedback and increases the LTS in low cloud regions, resulting in a low cloud feedback of weak magnitude. These mechanisms help explain why climate feedback and sensitivity change on multidecadal time scales in AOGCM abrupt4xCO2simulations and are different from those seen in AGCM experiments forced with observed historical SST changes. From the physical understanding developed here, one should expect unusually negative radiative feedbacks and low effective climate sensitivities to be diagnosed from real-world variations in radiative fluxes and temperature over decades in which the eastern Pacific has lacked warming.
Pharmacists’ Knowledge of the Cost of Laboratory Testing
Authors: VanGalder Keni , Mersfelder Tracey L. , VanLangen Kali
Published: October 2017

Purpose: The objective of this study was to ascertain baseline knowledge of pharmacists and pharmacy residents concerning the cost of laboratory tests for monitoring medications, and to determine whether an educational session delivered to pharmacy residents improves their knowledge of these costs. Methods: An online survey was provided to pharmacists and pharmacy residents, testing their knowledge of 15 common laboratory tests used to monitor the safety and efficacy of medications. One of the researchers presented a lecture to all pharmacy residents that detailed individual laboratory costs; after that, the researchers delivered a follow-up survey to assess the effectiveness of the educational session. Results: Baseline knowledge of pharmacists showed that greater than 64% of the responses were more than 30% away from the actual cost of the laboratory test for all 15 tests. Baseline knowledge of pharmacy residents showed that greater than 58% of the responses were more than 30% away from the actual cost of the laboratory test for each individual test. Although there was no statistically significant improvement in individual cost prediction after the educational session, 2 laboratory values showed improvement in margins of error post intervention: alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase and lipids ( P = .008 and .014, respectively). Conclusions: Pharmacists and pharmacy residents poorly predicted the costs of common laboratory tests. A brief lecture discussing the cost of laboratory tests demonstrated minor improvement in pharmacy residents’ knowledge of the costs reviewed. Pharmacists need to be educated on the cost of laboratory tests to better understand the profession’s contribution to health care expenditures.
Insulin Degludec/Liraglutide
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: October 2017

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433. The May 2017 monograph topics are brodalumab, etelcalcetide, guselkumab, ribociclib, and sirukumab. The MUE is on ribociclib.
Drug Monographs: Avelumab and Ribociclib
Authors: Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: October 2017

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc, 4201 Wilson Blvd #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, email: OncRxSvc@comcast.net ; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net .
Compounded Apixaban Suspensions for Enteral Feeding Tubes
Authors: Caraballo Maria L. , Donmez Seda , Nathan Kobi , Zhao Fang
Published: October 2017

Objective: There is limited information on compounded apixaban formulations for administration via enteral feeding tubes. This study was designed to identify a suitable apixaban suspension formulation that is easy to prepare in a pharmacy setting, is compatible with commonly used feeding tubes, and has a beyond-use date of 7 days. Methods: Apixaban suspensions were prepared from commercially available 5-mg Eliquis tablets. Several vehicles and compounding methods were screened for ease of preparation, dosage accuracy, and tube compatibility. Two tubing types, polyurethane and polyvinyl chloride, with varying lengths and diameters, were included in the study. They were mounted on a peg board during evaluation to mimic the patient body position. A 7-day stability study of the selected formulation was also conducted. Results: Vehicles containing 40% to 60% Ora-Plus in water all exhibited satisfactory flowability through the tubes. The mortar/pestle compounding method was found to produce more accurate and consistent apixaban suspensions than the pill crusher or crushing syringe method. The selected formulation, 0.25 mg/mL apixaban in 50:50 Ora-Plus:water, was compatible with both tubing types, retaining >98% drug in posttube samples. The stability study also confirmed that this formulation was stable physically and chemically over 7 days of storage at room temperature. Conclusions: A suitable apixaban suspension formulation was identified for administration via enteral feeding tubes. The formulation consisted of 0.25 mg/mL apixaban in 50:50 Ora-Plus:water. The stability study results supported a beyond-use date of 7 days at room temperature.
Effect of a Rivaroxaban Patient Assistance Kit (R-PAK) for Patients Discharged With Rivaroxaban: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Castelli Michelle R. , Saint Catherine A. , Nuziale Brandon T. , Stern Gretchen M. , Stacy Zachary A. , Crannage Andrew J. , Pitlick Jamie M.
Published: October 2017

Background: The combination of poor health literacy and a complex dosing regimen/transition for rivaroxaban in venous thromboembolism (VTE) treatment may increase the likelihood of negative clinical outcomes secondary to nonadherence. Objective: The aim was to determine if a Rivaroxaban Patient Assistance Kit (R-PAK) given at hospital discharge increases proper dose transition and overall patient adherence. Methods: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at an 859-bed academic medical center. Patients were randomized into 2 groups. In the treatment group, patients received the R-PAK with counseling at discharge, whereas patients in the control group received discharge counseling alone. In addition, patients were contacted after 21 days of therapy to assess dose transition, adherence, satisfaction, and safety. The primary outcome was percentage of patients who properly transitioned to rivaroxaban once daily on day 22. Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled; 12 received an R-PAK, whereas 13 comprised the control group. No difference in the baseline assessment of health literacy status was noted ( P = 1.00). Proper transition to daily administration on day 22 was no different between the groups ( P = .891). Adherence was reported in 99.8% of R-PAK patients and 97.65% of control patients ( P = .074). Side effects were rarely reported. Conclusions: The use of an R-PAK for the treatment of VTE was not associated with an improvement in transition to daily administration; however, both groups had high rates of overall adherence. Pharmacist counseling/education was provided in both groups and is an important component to include in any patient discharge, especially for medications with dose transitions.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists for Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Walker Scot
Published: October 2017

Migraine is a common disorder affecting 12% of the U.S. population. Prophylaxis is recommended for patients who experience frequent migraines. Because current drugs used for prophylaxis are not 100% effective and cause adverse effects that affect compliance, new strategies have been studied to prevent headaches. One new pharmacologic strategy is to use an inhibitor of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). As a class, the CGRP receptor inhibitors have reduced monthly migraine days and are well tolerated. This article will briefly review CGRP inhibitors in development.
Formulary Drug Review: Naldemedine
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: October 2017

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433. The September 2017 monograph topics are brigatinib, durvalumab, edaravone, midostaurin, and sarilumab. The MUE is on sarilumab.
Domestic Terrorism in Democratic States: Understanding and Addressing Minority Grievances
Authors: Ghatak Sambuddha , Gold Aaron , Prins Brandon C.
Published: October 2017

Scholars continue to disagree on the relationship between regime type and political violence, perhaps because the empirical evidence remains contradictory. To date, most studies generally explore the direct relationship between democracy and terrorism. Yet, we think the effect of regime type on terrorism is conditional on the presence of politically excluded groups whose grievances motivate them to challenge the state. We need to take into account both willingness/grievance and opportunity to understand political violence. Using a global data set of domestic terrorism between 1990 and 2012, we find that different regime-associated features of democracy relate differently to domestic terrorism. Higher levels of the rule of law tend to decrease terrorism, whereas electoral democracies tend to experience more domestic terrorism. However, domestic terrorism increases in every form of democracy in the presence of political exclusion. As such, an effective counterterrorism policy must address underlying grievances as democratization by itself may actually drive domestic terrorism up.
Liveness redux: on media and their claim to be live
Authors: van Es Karin
Published: October 2017

Increasingly media are asserting themselves as live. In television, this has been an important strategy and recently it has been employed by new media platforms such as Facebook, Periscope and Snapchat. This commentary explains the revival of live media by exploring the meaning and operations of the concept and argues the continued relevance of the concept for the study of social media. Traditionally, there have been three main approaches to the live in academic writing (i.e. liveness as ontology, as phenomenology and as rhetoric): each has its particular shortcoming. This paper proposes that it is more productive to understand the live as a construction that assists to secure media a central role in everyday life.
Impact of a medication reconciliation program on cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Al-Jazairi Abdulrazaq S , Al-Suhaibani Lujain Khalid , Al-Mehizia Rayd A , Al-Khani Salma , Lewis Glyn , De Vol Edward B , Saad Elias Juan
Published: October 2017

Background

Cardiac surgery patients are at high risk of medication errors. Resumption of home medications reduces the significance and number of medication errors. This could be achieved by implementing a medication reconciliation program.

Patients and Methods

Patients were eligible for inclusion in this prospective study if they were admitted, transferred, and/or discharged under cardiac surgery team care from September 2015 to March 2016. The primary outcome was the number and proportion of unintentional medication discrepancies. Secondary outcomes included the number of interventions to resolve discrepancies and their clinical significance, and the medication regimen complexity index and its correlation with discrepancies.

Results

There were 374 patients included and 1000 encounters tracked. Four-hundred and seventy (47%) of the included encounters were for adult patients. Of the 260 medication discrepancies detected, 181 (69.61%) were detected during admission. Discrepancies among adults were 0.913, 0.307, and 0.176 on admission, transfer, and discharge, respectively. Two-hundred (76.92%) of the interventions recommended by the pharmacy residents were accepted by the medical team, and the remaining were accepted with modifications, with no rejections. One-hundred and sixty-six (83%) of the accepted interventions were of high clinical significance. There was a significant correlation between the number of medication discrepancies and medication regimen complexity index on admission ( p < 0.0001, r = 0.34), transfer, and discharge.

Conclusion

Implementation of a medication reconciliation program in cardiac surgery units and its step-down units can be a powerful mean of identifying medication errors in post-cardiac surgery patients at admission and throughout the transition of care.
Shared decision-making at the end of life: A focus group study exploring the perceptions and experiences of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals working in the home setting
Authors: Brogan Paula , Hasson Felicity , McIlfatrick Sonja
Published: October 2017

Background:

Globally recommended in healthcare policy, Shared Decision-Making is also central to international policy promoting community palliative care. Yet realities of implementation by multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals who provide end-of-life care in the home are unclear.

Aim:

To explore multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals’ perceptions and experiences of Shared Decision-Making at end of life in the home.

Design:

Qualitative design using focus groups, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Setting/participants:

A total of 43 participants, from multi-disciplinary community-based services in one region of the United Kingdom, were recruited.

Results:

While the rhetoric of Shared Decision-Making was recognised, its implementation was impacted by several interconnecting factors, including (1) conceptual confusion regarding Shared Decision-Making, (2) uncertainty in the process and (3) organisational factors which impeded Shared Decision-Making.

Conclusion:

Multiple interacting factors influence implementation of Shared Decision-Making by professionals working in complex community settings at the end of life. Moving from rhetoric to reality requires future work exploring the realities of Shared Decision-Making practice at individual, process and systems levels.
Do Public Corruption Convictions Influence Citizens’ Trust in Government? The Answer Might Not Be a Simple Yes or No
Authors: Zhang Yahong , Kim Min-Hyu
Published: October 2017

The influence of corruption convictions on government trust is complicated. On one hand, they may reflect the severity of corruption in a jurisdiction. On the other hand, they might indicate the degree of anticorruption efforts. Existing literature has suggested the severity of corruption’s negative effects and the positive effect of anticorruption efforts on institutional trust. This research synthesized existing studies, identified the intellectual puzzle in the literature, and developed open hypotheses to investigate the way in which corruption convictions systematically affect citizens’ trust in government. State-level panel data merged from different sources were used for the empirical analyses. The results showed a positive influence of corruption convictions on public trust in government.
A retrospective study of a multicomponent rehabilitation programme for community-dwelling persons with dementia and their caregivers
Authors: Cornelis Elise , Gorus Ellen , Beyer Ingo , Van Puyvelde Katrien , Lieten Siddhartha , Versijpt Jan , Vande Walle Nathalie , Aerts Greet , De Roover Karen , De Vriendt Patricia
Published: October 2017

Introduction

This study determined whether the multicomponent rehabilitation programme of a memory clinic had positive outcomes on ameliorating everyday functioning, quality of life, mood and behavioural disturbances of persons with dementia and reducing distress and burden of caregivers.

Method

A retrospective pre-test–post-test study without control group was conducted on the first cohort of persons with dementia ( n = 30) and their caregivers ( n = 30), who participated in a programme lasting for a maximum of 1 year with 25 1-hour counselling sessions. The assessment contained an evaluation of everyday functioning in basic, instrumental and advanced activities of daily living, cognition, mood, emotional and behavioural disturbances, quality of life and caregiver burden.

Results

Eight participants dropped out prematurely. For persons with dementia ( n = 22), participating in the programme did not improve everyday functioning and cognition but ameliorated quality of life significantly ( Z = –2.7, p = 0.006, 95% CI (.003–.005)) and stabilized mood, emotional and behavioural disturbances for 60% or more of them. For caregivers ( n = 22), the mild to moderate burden of care remained stable or got better for 63.6% of the caregivers.

Conclusion

This programme appears to be promising and valuable, and might reduce institutionalization rates. Future explorations are recommended to research how participants evolve and to investigate which participants responded in a positive way.
Questions of uncertainty in geography
Authors: Fusco Giovanni , Caglioni Matteo , Emsellem Karine , Merad Myriam , Moreno Diego , Voiron-Canicio Christine
Published: October 2017

The concept of uncertainty has fostered in the last decade’s fundamental and applied research in different disciplinary fields. Couclelis (2003) clearly demonstrated the pervasiveness of uncertainty in the production process of geographical knowledge. The paper shares this epistemological point of view. Pragmatically, its goal is to show how questions of uncertainty arise in the praxis of geographic research. It suggests that scientific work can be enriched, and not hindered, by addressing uncertainty in knowledge. The paper discusses eight domains within the activity of the geographer, where questions of uncertainty arise: geographic information, geographic definitions, the explanation of geographic phenomena, the complexity of spatial systems, geosimulation, the representation of spatial knowledge, subjectivity in spatial phenomena, and planning. Within each domain uncertainty issues are identified as well as their possible interrelations.
Unraveling latent dimensions of the urban mosaic: A multi-criteria spatial approach to metropolitan transformations
Authors: Salvati Luca , Carlucci Margherita , Serra Pere
Published: October 2017

We investigated local-scale urban profiles by analysing the spatial structure of 124 territorial indicators to identify possibly relevant dimensions influencing urban evolution and promoting socioeconomic transformation. To assess patterns and processes of urban expansion, Athens (Greece) was taken as a prototype of metropolitan systems with a diversified morphology and entropic functions. Exploratory spatial data analysis identified six dimensions of urban evolution: population concentration, sprawl, social segregation, income growth, specialization in commerce/retail/logistics and industrial decline. Urban centres were profiled according to the dominant dimension(s). Cluster analysis identified the urban hierarchy in the Athens metropolitan region based on population density, highlighting more subtle gradients associated with settlement morphology, social diversification, local development and economic performance. The proposed methodology stems from the ‘factorial ecology' approach, providing a coherent overview of the recent transformations that impact dimensions of urban sustainability.
Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) of the visual cortex decreases experimental photophobia
Authors: Lozano-Soto Elena , Soto-León Vanesa , Sabbarese Simona , Ruiz-Alvarez Lara , Sanchez-del-Rio Margarita , Aguilar Juan , Strange Bryan A , Foffani Guglielmo , Oliviero Antonio
Published: October 2017

Background

Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) reduces cortical excitability in humans.

Methods

The objective of this study was to determine whether tSMS over the occipital cortex is effective in reducing experimental photophobia. In a sham-controlled double-blind crossover study, tSMS (or sham) was applied for 10 minutes with a cylindrical magnet on the occiput of 20 healthy subjects. We assessed subjective discomfort induced by low-intensity and high-intensity visual stimuli presented in a dark room before, during and after tSMS (or sham).

Results

Compared to sham, tSMS significantly reduced the discomfort induced by high-intensity light stimuli.

Conclusions

The visual cortex may contribute to visual discomfort in experimental photophobia, providing a rationale for investigating tSMS as a possible treatment for photophobia in migraine.
Grandparent Caregiving, Race, and Cognitive Functioning in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia S. , Schulz Richard
Published: October 2017

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between noncustodial grandparent caregiving and cognition using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a population-based study of older adults. Method: Participants were White and African American grandparents aged ≥65 years. Only noncustodial grandparents who reported not living with their grandchildren over the three waves were included in our analyses. Grandparent caregiving status and cognition were assessed in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Analyses controlled for demographics, baseline health, depressive symptoms, and baseline cognition. Results: Both the number of waves of grandparent caregiving and the total number of grandparent caregiving hours across the three waves were associated with better cognitive functioning at 4-year follow-up in 2010. Associations were observed among Whites, but not among African Americans. Discussion: This study uses longitudinal data to evaluate the association between grandparent caregiving and cognitive functioning. Findings suggest that providing care may be beneficial for some grandparents.
Virtual tyre force sensors: An overview of tyre model-based and tyre model-less state estimation techniques
Authors: Acosta M , Kanarachos S , Blundell M
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a comprehensive literature review on tyre force estimation and road grip recognition approaches. With the development of modern automotive control systems, a precise estimation of a large number of vehicle states is necessary to guarantee a robust actuation of the controller. Moreover, the estimation of these states must be carried out in a cost-effective and reliable way. The aim of this work is to provide a solid base for the development of automotive virtual sensors, and in particular, virtual tyre force sensors. An initial overview of the tyre force estimation problem is provided in the first section. Tyre and vehicle modelling, as well as observers for vehicle state estimation, are covered in detail in the second section. The third section introduces a brief discussion regarding the main limitations of direct tyre force measurement approaches. In the following sections, relevant works regarding three-axis tyre force estimation and road grip recognition are discussed. The review is structured around longitudinal force estimation, lateral force estimation, combined tyre force estimation, tyre self-alignment torque estimation and vertical tyre force estimation. Within each section, the most significant road grip identification approaches are introduced. An additional section, Road slope and bank angle compensation, describes relevant work on estimation methods for global chassis orientation. A brief summary of the presented approaches is provided in the section Summary of presented approaches. Finally, relevant conclusions and further research steps are given in the last section.
Design of electromechanical height adjustable suspension
Authors: Amati Nicola , Tonoli Andrea , Castellazzi Luca , Ruzimov Sanjarbek
Published: October 2017

In the general context of vehicles’ fuel consumption and emissions reduction, the minimization of the aerodynamic drag can offer not negligible benefits regarding the environmental issues. The adjustment of the vehicle height is one of the possible ways to provide a reduction of the resistances to vehicle motion, in addition to consequent aspects regarding the increased versatility of the vehicle. The aim of this paper is to present in a systematic way the state of the art of height adjustment systems for passenger vehicles, summarizing the main modes of operations, working principles, and architectures. Particular attention is then given to electromechanical systems, which represent the next trends for future vehicles due to their high reliability and relatively low costs. A design methodology for electromechanical height adjustment systems with the purpose of optimizing their performance is presented. Such procedure is able to reach the most efficient working point even in presence of constraints of different nature. Prototypes have been designed, produced and tested to demonstrate the potentialities of electromechanical height adjustment systems. Furthermore, potential benefits and drawbacks of using such systems are highlighted.
Who is minding the kids? New developments and lost opportunities in reforming the British early education workforce
Authors: Gambaro Ludovica
Published: October 2017

The last 20 years have seen a substantial increase in enrolment in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in several European countries. The expansion of ECEC services inevitably requires new staff. There is however a tension between a rapid growth of services via the creation of low-paid, low-qualified jobs and the aspiration, voiced unanimously by policy makers, to improve the qualification and status of ECEC workers. This paper examines the case of the UK, where ECEC services and public expenditure devoted to them have increased substantially. It uses UK Labour Force Survey data to document changes in the pay and educational qualifications of the early education workforce. Results show how despite a general increase in the qualification level of these workers, their pay remains relatively low. Moreover, pay is found to be mostly related to characteristics of the workplace, and its access to public funding, rather than to the productive characteristics of workers. The paper concludes by arguing that the issue of low pay in ECEC is likely to become more salient in the future, as governments expand services while trying to keep down their costs.
The interplay of educational and labour market institutions and links to relative youth unemployment
Authors: Brzinsky-Fay Christian
Published: October 2017

Many institutional theories assume that institutions function in conjunction with each other and, therefore, constitute regimes. Moreover, when analysing institutional effects most researchers maintain a purely variable-oriented approach and its ceteris-paribus logic of causal association. This article analyses associations between configurations of labour market and education institutions and relative youth unemployment by examining 30 countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The analysis reveals that no single institution constitutes a sufficient or necessary condition for relative youth unemployment. Institutions unfold their effects only in combination with other institutions, that is, they are always conjunctural. Low relative youth unemployment cannot be explained adequately. Employment protection is only associated with high relative youth unemployment if vocational specificity, standardisation and stratification is low.
Academic, vocational or general? An analysis of public opinion towards education policies with evidence from a new comparative survey
Authors: Busemeyer Marius R , Garritzmann Julian L
Published: October 2017

Education policy is a salient topic both in political debates and in the scholarly literature. Still, the study of individual policy preferences on education policy has received little scholarly attention, mostly because existing comparative surveys provide only very crude measures on education policy. To address this research gap, we conducted a representative survey of public opinion on the details of education policy in eight Western European countries. This article, first, presents analyses of these data, focusing on people’s preferences for public expenditure on education relative to other social policies as well as its distribution across different education sectors (early childhood and pre-primary education, general schools, vocational education and training, and higher education). In contrast to existing surveys, our survey forces citizens to prioritize between different policy areas and education sectors. We investigate determinants of individual preferences, focusing particularly on self-interest, ideological norms and institutional feedback effects. We find that individual educational background, partisan ideology and having children are significantly associated with variation in preferences. Furthermore, we find tentative evidence for self-undermining institutional feedback effects.
Perceived Investment Performance of Individual Investors is Related to the Big-Five and the General Factor of Personality (GPF)
Authors: Akhtar Fatima , Thyagaraj K. S. , Das Niladri
Published: October 2017

The present study tries to examine whether (i) Big-Five personality traits and (ii) general personality factor (Big-One), that is, the higher order factor for Big-Five are related to the factors measuring perceived investment performance. Cross-sectional data were collected from individual investors ( N = 396), through stratified and quota sampling approach. Data were analysed using correlation, regression, hierarchical regression and structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the strength of relationship between the constructs. The results of the study indicated that Big-Five dimensions of personality, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness, are associated with perceived investment performance. Moreover, the correlation and regression analysis depicted that Big-One is also a major antecedent for perceived satisfaction and tends to contribute largely (3.8 per cent) to the variance in perceived investment performance.
Do Franchisor and Franchisee Really Perceive Alike? Evidence from Indian Education Sector
Authors: Savita Ubba , Sharma Shruti
Published: October 2017

Franchisor–franchisee relationship has received little attention in literature in Indian context. Attempts have been made to find out the difference in the perceptions of franchisor and franchisee regarding various relationship issues: cooperation, loyalty and relationship quality (trust, commitment and satisfaction). Reviews state that franchisors and franchisees often tend to work for their own interests and forget the mutual benefits they can give to each other. T-test was employed to test the differences in the perceptions of franchisors and franchisees included in the study. A significant gap was found in the perceptions of franchisee and franchisor regarding issues pivotal for their relationship in Indian education sector. This article infers that such gaps are detrimental towards their relationship. Thus, it also suggests how these perception gaps can be minimized so that the relationship works well.
Genetic polymorphisms of HOTAIR gene are associated with the risk of breast cancer in a sample of southeast Iranian population
Authors: Hassanzarei Shekoufeh , Hashemi Mohammad , Sattarifard Hedieh , Hashemi Seyed Mehdi , Bahari Gholamreza , Ghavami Saeid
Published: October 2017

There is an increasing body of evidence which highlights the critical functions of long non-coding RNAs in the carcinogenicity mechanism of a variety of cancers. It has been reported that HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA, a member of long non-coding RNA family, increases breast cancer risk. To date, no data regarding the association between HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA polymorphisms and the risk of breast cancer development has been reported in Iran. Here, we examine the possible association between HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA gene polymorphisms and breast cancer in a sample of southeast Iranian female population. The HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA rs920778, rs12826786, rs4759314, and 1899663 gene polymorphisms were genotyped in 220 cases and 231 controls by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. Our findings indicated that rs920778 polymorphism has significant positive association with breast cancer; rs12826786 and rs1899663 polymorphisms demonstrated significant negative association with breast cancer; and the rs4759314 variant was not associated with breast cancer risk. Haplotype analysis revealed that TGAC, CTAT, and TTAT haplotypes significantly decreased the risk of breast cancer compared with rs920778T/rs1899663G/rs4759314A/rs12826786T haplotype. In conclusion, we investigated only four variants of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA gene, and the findings suggest that HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA rs920778, rs12826786, and rs1899663 polymorphisms may be associated with breast cancer risk in a sample of southeast Iranian population. Further replication studies with other polymorphisms of HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA gene involving a greater sample size and different ethnicities are necessary to verify our findings.
Origins of School Nursing
Authors: Houlahan Bridget
Published: October 2017

This study investigated the origin and implementation of school nursing in New York City, using traditional historical methods with a social history framework. The intent of this research was to produce a comprehensive historical analysis of school nursing at the turn of the 20th century in order to provide a historical framework to promote the work of school nurses today. Understanding the core fundamental concepts of school nursing from its origins and the significance of the emergence of community support for the role of the school nurse at the turn of the 20th century can inform current policy to back school nursing and school health today.
Intravenous Carbamazepine for Adults With Seizures
Authors: Vickery P. Brittany , Tillery Erika E. , DeFalco Alicia Potter
Published: October 2017

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, dosage and administration, potential drug-drug interactions, and place in therapy of the intravenous (IV) formulation of carbamazepine (Carnexiv) for the treatment of seizures in adult patients. Data Sources: A comprehensive PubMed and EBSCOhost search (1945 to August 2017) was performed utilizing the keywords carbamazepine, Carnexiv, carbamazepine intravenous, IV carbamazepine, seizures, epilepsy, and seizure disorder. Additional data were obtained from literature review citations, manufacturer’s product labeling, and Lundbeck website as well as Clinicaltrials.gov and governmental sources. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language trials evaluating IV carbamazepine were analyzed for this review. Data Synthesis: IV carbamazepine is FDA approved as temporary replacement therapy for treatment of adult seizures. Based on a phase I trial and pooled data from 2 open-label bioavailability studies comparing oral with IV dosing, there was no noted indication of loss of seizure control in patients switched to short-term replacement antiepileptic drug therapy with IV carbamazepine. The recommended dose of IV carbamazepine is 70% of the patient’s oral dose, given every 6 hours via 30-minute infusions. The adverse effect profile of IV carbamazepine is similar to that of the oral formulation, with the exception of added infusion-site reactions. Conclusion: IV carbamazepine is a reasonable option for adults with generalized tonic-clonic or focal seizures, previously stabilized on oral carbamazepine, who are unable to tolerate oral medications for up to 7 days. Unknown acquisition cost and lack of availability in the United States limit its use currently.
Sexual Abuse of Children With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Helton Jesse J. , Gochez-Kerr Tatiana , Gruber Ellen
Published: October 2017

Although children with a learning disability (LD) are at an increased risk of sexual abuse, it is unclear whether conditions specific to their impairment are associated with sexual assault or if risk derives from other comorbid conditions such as behavioral problems, social skill deficits, or loneliness. Using a national probability study of child maltreatment investigations in the United States ( n = 2,033), we hypothesized that children over the age of 4 with a LD are target congruent to a sexual perpetrator. Seven percent of children were identified as having a LD, and the odds of a sexual abuse allegation was 2.5 times greater for children with a LD relative to children without a LD regardless of confounders. Further, type and severity of assaults varied by group: over 3 times more children with a LD experienced digital or oral copulation compared to those without a LD. Results suggest that children with LDs may require tailored prevention efforts to protect them from sexual abuse.
God’s Giving Me Words for You/Bless This Research: When Prayer Meets Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Whitney Anne Elrod
Published: October 2017

In a study of the writing practices of Christian pastors, interviewees would often pray with and for me. In this essay, I narrate three such instances in which prayer became provocative. Participants’ prayers for me inspired—literally, breathed into—my writing processes in transformative ways. Specifically, these experiences with prayer altered my conceptions of what counts as data, practices of reflexivity, and the relationships between intellectual and spiritual activities. They also changed the way I pray.
Inquiry on the Sly: Playful Intervention as Philosophical Action
Authors: Kuntz Aaron M. , Guyotte Kelly W.
Published: October 2017

As an ongoing practice, work can never be fully accounted for or described. Furthermore, the notion of play is often situated in opposition to work in Western cultures—as though work and play cannot occur simultaneously or even within the same location. In this article, we engage in a bit of a quandary—how to make our playful actions visible while resisting the foreclosure that visibility often entails. As an attempt at exploring this question (among others), we invoke de Certeau’s conception of la perruque (“the wig”) as a playful mechanism for “working inquiry.” We overlay Certeau’s work with a Deleuzian-inspired orientation toward the excessive capacity of becoming to articulate our central argument: Through playful excess, the work of inquiry intervenes in normative processes of knowing and being. Such a disruption makes possible an indeterminate space in which inquiry and social justice work (as inquiry) might be differently enacted. This is the sly and playful action necessary for reconceiving a methodology-of-the-past into methodologies-of-the-immanent-now.
Optimizing patient education of oncology medications: A descriptive survey of pharmacist-provided patient education in Canada
Authors: Donald Gillian , Scott Samantha , Broadfield Larry , Harding Claudia , Meade Andrea
Published: October 2017

Background

The incidence of cancer is increasing in Canada due to an aging and growing population. This frequently necessitates chemotherapy, which is a high-risk treatment, often given as a part of a complex regimen with serious side effects. A review of the evidence of pharmacy-provided patient education initiatives targeted to oncology patients revealed that minimal is known about this service.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the different models of patient education of oncology medications delivered by pharmacists to adult oncology patients in a hospital or cancer center in Canada.

Methods

The study design was a descriptive online survey developed by the investigation team and was distributed to pharmacists who provided patient education to adult oncology patients. The primary outcome of this research project was to describe self-reported pharmacist-provided patient education of oncology medications across Canada. The survey data was analyzed quantitatively with Opinio survey software.

Results

Sixty-four pharmacists completed the survey. Key findings of the study were that approximately 50% of pharmacists spend up to 25% of their time providing direct patient care and that not all adult oncology patients are receiving education by a pharmacist.

Conclusions

Pharmacists provide patient education at the first treatment, change in therapy, and on request of another healthcare professional. Most cover administration, side effects, their prevention and management, and drug-interactions. Frequently used teaching methods include structured patient education delivery process, customized teaching for each patient, and repetition of key educational points.
Retrospective chart evaluation of hypercalcemia management in oncology patients at the University of Chicago Medical Center
Authors: Plach Kelly , Knoebel Randall W. , Nanda Rita , Shea Katherine
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Due to the lack of formal guideline recommendations, available primary literature was used to develop a proposed protocol for management of hypercalcemia of malignancy at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Methods

A retrospective, single center, observational study was performed including adult patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of hypercalcemia and active malignancy. Patients were retrospectively identified as treated in a manner aligned with the proposed protocol (“per protocol”) or not treated according to the proposed protocol (“off protocol”), and the outcomes were compared. The primary outcome for efficacy was normalization of corrected calcium within four and seven days of treatment.

Results

Normalization of corrected calcium was observed in 66% of patients managed per protocol compared to 65% of patients managed off protocol ( p = 1.00) at day four, and in 73% of per protocol patients compared to 65% of off protocol patients ( p = 0.44) at day seven. Areas identified where prospective implementation of the proposed protocol can improve management include: decreasing utilization of bisphosphonates in mild hypercalcemia, optimizing bisphosphonate dosing in renal impairment, decreasing intravenous phosphate repletion, and ensuring proper fluid management and calcitonin dosing.

Conclusion

Although a statistical difference was not detected in terms of normalization of corrected calcium levels, areas for optimization in management were identified. Therefore, implementation of the proposed protocol is expected to promote evidence-based management of hypercalcemia of malignancy management at University of Chicago Medical Center.
Privileging the Bromance: A Critical Appraisal of Romantic and Bromantic Relationships
Authors: Robinson Stefan , White Adam , Anderson Eric
Published: October 2017

In this research, utilizing data from thirty semistructured interviews, we examine how heterosexual undergraduate men compare their experiences of bromances to that of their romantic relationships (romances). We find that the increasingly intimate, emotive, and trusting nature of bromances offers young men a new social space for emotional disclosure, outside of traditional heterosexual relationships. Participants state that the lack of boundaries and judgment in a bromance is expressed as emotionally rivalling the benefits of a heterosexual romance. Our participants mostly determined that a bromance offered them elevated emotional stability, enhanced emotional disclosure, social fulfilment, and better conflict resolution, compared to the emotional lives they shared with girlfriends. Thus, this research provides an empirically grounded conceptual framework for understanding men’s view of close homosocial relationships in comparison to their romantic relationship in the twenty-first century.
Parents’ and young adults’ perspectives on transition outcomes for young adults with autism
Authors: Sosnowy Collette , Silverman Chloe , Shattuck Paul
Published: October 2017

Existing research shows that young adults with autism spectrum disorder have poorer outcomes than their peers with other developmental disabilities in the key areas of independent living, postsecondary education, and employment. However, we understand little about how young adults with autism and their families understand and value outcomes and whether these indicators match their goals and aspirations. We interviewed parents (n = 21) and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (n = 20) about their experiences with the transition to adulthood to understand what they consider to be desirable outcomes and how they seek to achieve them. Understanding these perspectives will help identify areas of need as well as disconnections between service objectives and the goals of young adults and their families. Participants described outcomes as more complex and nuanced than current conceptions and measures account for. They defined and evaluated outcomes in relation to their or their child’s individual abilities, needs, and desires. These findings provide important insight into challenges to and facilitators of desired outcomes, which has implications for programming, service delivery, and policy.