bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scarcity in the Theories of Value
Authors: Palumbo Antonella 
Published: May 2021

Building on Krishna Bharadwaj’s analysis of the differences between neoclassical economics and classical political economy and her careful historical reconstruction of the process that culminated in the birth of the former, this article focuses on the characterisation of neoclassical theories as ‘scarcity’ theories of value. The article intends, in the first place, to analyse the relation that neoclassical theories bear to earlier theoretical developments, particularly the earlier conception of value based on the demand-and-supply interaction, in which the notion of scarcity played a crucial role, a conception entertained both by pre-classical authors and contemporaries of Ricardo. In the second place, it aims to show that the scarcity conception of value is at the root of some basic inconsistencies of the neoclassical approach. Attention will thus be devoted to a particular expression of the latter, the so-called Walras–Cassel system of general equilibrium, and to the discussions that took place in the 1930s on the properties of such system—afterwards culminating in the Vienna debate over the formal properties of the system—in which the limitations of the scarcity conception of value were clearly addressed. JEL Code: B12, B13, D51
The effect of the airflow pattern inside air gaps on the assessment of interstitial mould: A theoretical approach
Authors: Efthymiopoulos Spyridon , Altamirano Hector , Aktas Yasemin Didem 
Published: May 2021

Internal wall insulation is one of the few, possibly, the only feasible solution to efficiently reduce heat losses through the external walls of buildings where the application of external insulation is not an option, for example, in conservation areas. However, the application of this intervention may lead to unintended consequences, such as moisture accumulation and mould growth. Currently, no international standards and regulations exist to evaluate these hazards via non-destructive inspections. Air sampling through impaction and culture-based analysis was suggested in previous research as a potential non-disruptive methodology for interstitial mould testing. The method requires the perforation of the inner side of a wall and the creation of airflow through the operation of a pump, to allow the collection of particles from the confined space of interest. The present study aimed to assess the location of perforations and their effect on the airflow created and the airflow pattern variations due to changes in the airflow velocity at the outlet. Results regarding airflow features such as the turbulence intensity, dynamic pressure and volume-averaged velocity were also extracted and discussed. Practical application: The rapid changes in climate and net-zero emissions targets call for major improvements of the existing building stock towards a more sustainable future. The installation of internal wall insulation is one of the few and might be the only feasible solution for the efficient reduction of heat losses through uninsulated walls. However, this intervention might lead to moisture accumulation and thus moisture-related problems such as mould growth. This study aims to build upon previous work on interstitial mould growth assessment and contribute to the development of a well-defined testing protocol for building professionals.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in low-risk patients: A case of rational over exuberance. The time is not now
Authors: Navaratnarajah Manoraj , Luthra Suvitesh , Ohri Sunil 
Published: May 2021

Background Review of evidence and concerns, relating to extension of transcatheter aortic valve implantation usage to low–risk patients. Methods Comprehensive literature review was conducted identifying articles relating to transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Results Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is effective in patients with aortic stenosis. Currently, long-term durability and cost-effectiveness are unproven, anticoagulation requirement undefined, permanent pacemaker implantation and paravalvular leak rates higher than following surgical aortic valve replacement. Conclusions Current evidence supporting transcatheter aortic valve implantation usage in low-risk patients is insufficient. Extending use now, to this large young patient population is premature, and should be delayed.
Understanding and addressing challenges for advance care planning in the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the UK CovPall survey data from specialist palliative care services
Authors: Bradshaw Andy , Dunleavy Lesley , Walshe Catherine , Preston Nancy , Cripps Rachel L , Hocaoglu Mevhibe , Bajwah Sabrina , Maddocks Matthew , Oluyase Adejoke O , Sleeman Katherine , Higginson Irene J , Fraser Lorna , Murtagh Fliss ,   On behalf of the CovPall study team
Published: May 2021

Background: Specialist palliative care services play an important role in conducting advance care planning during COVID-19. Little is known about the challenges to advance care planning in this context, or the changes services made to adapt. Aim: Describe the challenges that UK specialist palliative care services experienced regarding advance care planning during COVID-19 and changes made to support timely conversations. Design: Online survey of UK palliative/hospice services’ response to COVID-19. Closed-ended responses are reported descriptively. Open-ended responses were analysed using a thematic Framework approach using the Social Ecological Model to understand challenges. Respondents: Two hundred and seventy-seven services. Results: More direct advance care planning was provided by 38% of services, and 59% provided more support to others. Some challenges to advance care planning pre-dated the pandemic, whilst others were specific to/exacerbated by COVID-19. Challenges are demonstrated through six themes: complex decision making in the face of a new infectious disease; maintaining a personalised approach; COVID-19-specific communication difficulties; workload and pressure; sharing information; and national context of fear and uncertainty. Two themes demonstrate changes made to support: adapting local processes and adapting local structures. Conclusions: Professionals and healthcare providers need to ensure advance care planning is individualised by tailoring it to the values, priorities, and ethnic/cultural/religious context of each person. Policymakers need to consider how high-quality advance care planning can be resourced as a part of standard healthcare ahead of future pandemic waves. In facilitating this, we provide questions to consider at each level of the Social Ecological Model.
Preliminary study of microparticle coagulation properties in septic patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Meng Shishuai , Kang Kai , Fei Dongsheng , Yang Songlin , Gu Quankuan , Pan ShangHa , Zhao Mingyan 
Published: May 2021

Background Sepsis typically results in enhanced coagulation system activation and microthrombus formation. Microparticle (MP) production promotes coagulation and enhances pro-coagulation. This study investigated how circulating MP levels and tissue factor-bearing MP (TF+-MP) activity caused coagulation in patients with septic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Methods Thirty patients with septic DIC and 30 healthy controls were studied from December 2017 to March 2019. Patient blood samples were collected at enrolment (day 1) and on days 3 and 5; DIC scores and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded. TF+-MP activity was measured using TF-dependent factor Xa generation experiments. Circulating MP concentrations were determined by MP capture assay. Clotting factor activity, antithrombin level, soluble thrombomodulin, and serum tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) concentrations were measured. Results Patients with septic DIC had lower circulating MP levels than healthy control patients. Circulating MP levels in patients with septic DIC were positively correlated with DIC scores and negatively correlated with coagulation factors, but TF+-MP activity did not correlate with clotting factor levels and TFPI. Conclusions In patients with septic DIC, circulating MP levels are important in promoting coagulation activation and increasing clotting factor consumption. TF+-MP activity may not be the main form of active TF.
An 8-gene DNA methylation signature predicts the recurrence risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Ma Jing-Hang , Huang Yu , Liu Lu-Yao , Feng Zhen 
Published: May 2021

Objective This study examined the predictive utility of DNA methylation for cervical cancer recurrence. Methods DNA methylation and RNA expression data for patients with cervical cancer were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and differentially expressed genes were screened and extracted via correlation analysis. A support vector machine (SVM)-based recurrence prediction model was established using the selected DMGs. Cox regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used for self-evaluation. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was applied for external validation. Functional enrichment was determined using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. Results An eight-gene DNA methylation signature identified patients with a high risk of recurrence (area under the curve = 0.833). The SVM score was an independent risk factor for recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.418; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.26–0.67). The independent GEO database analysis further supported the result. Conclusion An eight-gene DNA methylation signature predictive of cervical cancer recurrence was identified in this study, and this signature may help identify patients at high risk of recurrence and improve clinical treatment.
The retirement puzzle
Authors: Ruthbah Ummul 
Published: May 2021

The present-day retirees may not be as well off as they expect to be during their retirement. Given the current state of the world – higher life expectancy, close to zero real interest rate and the economic turmoil caused by Covid-19 pandemic, a superannuation balance as large as $545,000 may not be enough to support a comfortable lifestyle. Besides, the means-tested age pension results in cases where spending at retirement does not increase proportionally with assets, providing incentives for a broad spectrum of people to deplete their superannuation in the early years of retirement, with significant negative consequences for government finances. JEL Classification: G17, G18, G51, H55
Relationship between Rheological Indices and Cracking Performance of Virgin, Recycled, and Rejuvenated Asphalt Binders and Mixtures
Authors: Kaseer Fawaz , Martin Amy Epps , Arámbula-Mercado Edith 
Published: May 2021

Long-term cracking performance of asphalt mixtures is heavily influenced by asphalt binder rheology, and changes in binder stiffness, ductility, and aging condition significantly affect the cracking resistance of the corresponding asphalt mixture. This study evaluated the effectiveness of several common and recently developed binder rheological indices in capturing the effects of binder performance grade (PG) and source, recycled binder content, recycling agent (rejuvenator) dose, and long-term aging. These binder rheological indices included the Superpave intermediate-temperature PG (PGI), the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter, the crossover temperature (Tδ = 45°), the rheological index (R-value), and ΔTc. This study also directly compared the binder rheological indices with the cracking performance of corresponding asphalt mixtures to explore possible correlations and their robustness. Asphalt mixture cracking performance was evaluated using the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) for intermediate-temperature cracking, and the disk-shaped compact tension (DCT) test and the uniaxial thermal stress and strain test (UTSST) for low-temperature cracking. Results indicated that all the binder rheological indices (except PGI) consistently captured the effects of binder blend composition and proportions and aging condition, with a few exceptions. Results also showed that the G-R parameter, the crossover temperature (Tδ = 45°), and ΔTc had the best correlation to asphalt mixture and field core cracking performance as compared with other rheological indices (PGI and R-value), with ΔTc demonstrating the overall best correlation to mixture cracking performance.
Incidental prostate cancer in patients who underwent radical cystectomy for high risk non muscle invasive bladder cancer: Is it clinically significant?
Authors: Fragkoulis Charalampos , Glykas Ioannis , Mari Victoria , Lamprou Stavros , Tzelves Lazaros , Stathouros Georgios , Papadopoulos Georgios , Ntoumas Konstantinos 
Published: May 2021

Introduction and objective: Non muscle invasive, high-risk, bladder cancer is an entity which is usually treated with radical cystectomy. Incidental prostate cancer refers to prostate cancer detected in radical cystectomy specimens in patients with no signs of the disease. Objective of this study is to report the prevalence, characteristics, and clinical significance of incidental prostate cancer in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients treated with radical cystectomy in our department. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 41 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for non-muscle invasive, high risk, bladder cancer during the years 2016–2020 in our department. Prostate cancer was described as clinically significant when there were positive surgical margins, extraprostatic extension, Gleason score >6, or tumor volume ⩾0.5 cm3. Two groups of patients were formed according to the presence or absence of clinically significant prostate cancer. Results: Incidental prostate cancer in the cystectomy specimens was detected in 21 of the 35 patients investigated. Clinically significant prostate cancer was detected in five patients. Positive surgical margins and extraprostatic extension were present in one patient, respectively. Gleason score was more than six in four of the five patients and PCa tumor volume was above 0.5 cm3 in three patients. Two patients with clinically significant prostate cancer were diagnosed with biochemical recurrence during their follow up. Conclusions: In non-muscle invasive, high-risk patients undergoing radical cystectomy, clinically significant incidental PCa is an important issue as it may affect prognosis, quality of life, metastasis free survival, and overall survival.
The Treatment Effect of Business Education on the Supply of High School Entrepreneurs in Atlanta and New Orleans
Authors: Price Gregory N. , Surprenant Chris W. 
Published: May 2021

Strengthening the pathway to entrepreneurship for high school students could be important in regions of the United States where economic mobility is low. We examine the impact of high school business education on the decision to be a self-employed entrepreneur in two southeastern urban U.S. high schools. We appeal to a potential-outcomes framework to estimate the treatment effect of having taken a business and coding/programming course in high school on actually being a self-employed entrepreneur, and planning to do so in the future. We find evidence that having taken a business course in high school increases the likelihood of actually being a self-employed entrepreneur, and on planning to be one in the future. Our results suggest that, at least in Atlanta and New Orleans, urban high school business education can be effective in increasing the supply of entrepreneurs, which could improve economic mobility in these urban regions. JEL Classification: C14, C21, E10, I26, J01, J20, J40, M13
Older Adults’ Behavior Intentions Once a COVID-19 Vaccine Becomes Available
Authors: Callow Michael A. , Callow Daniel D. 
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of antecedent variables on older adults’ intention to get a CORONAVIRUS DISEASE-2019 vaccine. Older adults are at higher risk of severe illness from the disease and face an increasingly ageist general population who misrepresent the pandemic as an older adult problem. We use the Theory of Planned Behavior framework to examine vaccine behavior intention. Method: A convenience sample ( n = 583) of adults aged 60 and older in the United States participated in an online survey using vignettes. Hierarchical regression and analysis of covariance were used to test our model. Results: Results suggest that perceived risk of the pandemic, general vaccine beliefs, and political affiliation influence respondents’ attitude toward the vaccine. Respondents’ attitudes toward the vaccine and their physician’s recommendation help shape vaccine intention. Conclusion: The results provide partial support to the proposed model in shaping vaccine intention among older adults.
Return-On-Investment for Billable Pharmacist-Provided Services in the Primary Care Setting
Authors: Tran Thuy , Moczygemba Leticia R. , Musselman Kerri T. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Pharmacists are increasingly fulfilling roles on primary care teams, yet business models for pharmacist services in these settings have not been optimized. This study describes how an ambulatory care pharmacy department implemented various billing methods to generate revenue for pharmacist services. Objectives: (1) Describe pharmacist-delivered billable and non-billable services; and (2) Assess the impact of various billing methods on the return-on-investment (ROI) for billable services. Methods: This study was conducted from September 2016 to August 2017 in Virginia. Pharmacist time spent performing billable encounters using current procedural technology (CPT) codes (e.g., incident-to a physician, annual wellness visits) was calculated. Encounters eligible for the hospital-based facility (G0463) and chronic care management (CCM) codes were considered to be potentially billable services. The ROI was calculated for billable and potentially billable services. Results: A total of 948.3 hours (0.46 full-time equivalents (FTE)), 17% of all clinical services, were billed using CPT codes. This resulted in a total revenue of $173,638.66. Missed revenue from not billing for the G0463 and CCM codes was $68,268.37. The cost of pharmacist services for 0.46 FTE was $78,613.08, resulting in a ROI for billed pharmacist services of 1.2:1. The ROI increased to 1.6:1 when considering potentially billable services. Conclusion: It is feasible to have a positive ROI for billable pharmacist services. To achieve a sustainable business model, there must be a high volume of billable services. G0463 and CCM codes are often underutilized, yet represent significant opportunities in revenue for pharmacist services and should be pursued.
Review of Prothrombin Complex Concentrates Use in Apixaban and Rivaroxaban Associated Intracranial Hemorrhages
Authors: Ibarra Francisco 
Published: May 2021

Study Objective: Summarize the studies evaluating the use of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates in the management of apixaban and rivaroxaban associated intracranial hemorrhages. Methods: A PubMed literature search was conducted for articles published between 2013 and 2020 which contained the following terms in their title: (1) apixaban, rivaroxaban, or factor Xa inhibitor*, and (2) prothrombin complex concentrate*. Results: Eighteen observational studies were included. When a ∼25 units/kg (range: 25-26.9 units/kg) non-activated 4 factor prothrombin complex concentrate dose was administered, the hemostatic effectiveness rates were ≥ 79% in 2/4 studies that utilized the Sarode et al criteria, in comparison to 4/5 studies that administered a 50 units/kg dose. The mortality rates were < 20% in 7/9 studies with hemostatic effectiveness rates ≥ 79%. Mortality rates were lower in the studies demonstrating higher hemostatic effectiveness rates and including patients with higher Glasgow coma scale scores and lower intracerebral hemorrhage volumes. Overall, the thromboembolic event rates were 0-18%, with 16/18 studies demonstrating rates ≤ 10%. The thromboembolic event rates were not dose or agent dependent. Conclusion: Rates of hemostatic effectiveness were influenced by the definition of hemostatic effectiveness, dose administered, and patient severity. Studies suggest that higher doses may result in higher hemostatic effectiveness rates without increasing the risk of experiencing a thromboembolic event. This review may be used by providers to modify or validate their reversal strategy approach until well designed studies are available.
The Clinical Pharmacy Specialists’ Role in Antihypertensive Management Surrounding Bariatric Surgery in a Veterans Affairs Population
Authors: O’Neill Jessica L. , Pinkney Rachel A. , Hurren Kathryn M. 
Published: May 2021

Background: No guidelines exist for de-escalating antihypertensive medications surrounding bariatric surgery. This study analyzed clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) management of antihypertensive medications in patients undergoing bariatric surgery at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Objectives: The primary objective was to describe the CPS role in antihypertensive management surrounding bariatric surgery through evaluation of number of CPS encounters, number and type of antihypertensive medications and medication interventions by CPSs and all other providers, over 5 time periods between a pre-operative assessment and up to 6 months post-operatively. Methods: Electronic medical records of patients taking antihypertensive medication who underwent bariatric surgery between 1/1/2014 and 2/27/2018, had primary care through our facility, and at least 1 encounter with a CPS were reviewed. Results: Forty patients were included out of 221 screened. There were 109 total medication interventions in 37 patients. CPSs provided 60 medication interventions (55% of total interventions) in 26 patients. Mean antihypertensive agents per patient was 2.18 at baseline versus 0.95 at 6-months post-operative. Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers had the highest discontinuation rate. Thiazide diuretics were most commonly discontinued prior to surgery and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were discontinued more steadily over the study duration. Nineteen patients (48.7%) had blood pressure <140/90 mmHg and were off all antihypertensive medications at the final CPS encounter. Conclusion: The results of this small study support the role of CPSs in antihypertensive medication management surrounding bariatric surgery.