Showing papers by "Long Island University published in 2018"

Online Education: Worldwide Status, Challenges, Trends, and Implications

Abstract: Online education in its various modes has been growing steadily worldwide due to the confluence of new technologies, global adoption of the Internet, and intensifying demand for a workforce trained...

Corporate social responsibility and firm financial performance: the mediating role of productivity

Abstract: This study treats firm productivity as an accumulation of productive intangibles and posits that stakeholder engagement associated with better corporate social performance helps develop such intangibles. We hypothesize that because shareholders factor improved productive efficiency into stock price, productivity mediates the relationship between corporate social and financial performance. Furthermore, we argue that key stakeholders’ social considerations are more valuable for firms with higher levels of discretionary cash and income stream uncertainty. Therefore, we hypothesize that those two contingencies moderate the mediated process of corporate social performance with financial performance. Our analysis, based on a comprehensive longitudinal dataset of the U.S. manufacturing firms from 1992 to 2009, lends strong support for these hypotheses. In short, this paper uncovers a productivity-based, context-dependent mechanism underlying the relationship between corporate social performance and financial performance.

Neutron star mergers as a probe of modifications of general relativity with finite-range scalar forces

Abstract: Observations of gravitational radiation from compact binary systems provide an unprecedented opportunity to test general relativity in the strong field dynamical regime. In this paper, we investigate how future observations of gravitational radiation from binary neutron star mergers might provide constraints on finite-range forces from a universally coupled massive scalar field. Such scalar degrees of freedom (d.o.f.) are a characteristic feature of many extensions of general relativity. For concreteness, we work in the context of metric f(R) gravity, which is equivalent to general relativity and a universally coupled scalar field with a nonlinear potential whose form is fixed by the choice of f(R). In theories where neutron stars (or other compact objects) obtain a significant scalar charge, the resulting attractive finite-range scalar force has implications for both the inspiral and merger phases of binary systems. We first present an analysis of the inspiral dynamics in Newtonian limit, and forecast the constraints on the mass of the scalar and charge of the compact objects for the Advanced LIGO gravitational wave observatory. We then perform a comparative study of binary neutron star mergers in general relativity with those of a one-parameter model of f(R) gravity using fully relativistic hydrodynamical simulations. These simulations elucidate the effects of the scalar on the merger and postmerger dynamics. We comment on the utility of the full waveform (inspiral, merger, postmerger) to probe different regions of parameter space for both the particular model of f(R) gravity studied here and for finite-range scalar forces more generally.

Black Hole Dynamics in Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton Theory

Abstract: We consider the properties and dynamics of black holes within a family of alternative theories of gravity, namely Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theory. We analyze the dynamical evolution of individual black holes as well as the merger of binary black hole systems. We do this for a wide range of parameter values for the family of Einstein-Maxwell-dilaton theories, investigating, in the process, the stability of these black holes. We examine radiative degrees of freedom, explore the impact of the scalar field on the dynamics of merger, and compare with other scalar-tensor theories. We argue that the dilaton can largely be discounted in understanding merging binary systems and that the end states essentially interpolate between charged and uncharged, rotating black holes. For the relatively small charge values considered here, we conclude that these black hole systems will be difficult to distinguish from their analogs within General Relativity.

Photophysical Properties and Improved Stability of Organic–Inorganic Perovskite by Surface Passivation

Abstract: Organic–inorganic perovskite materials in the form of nanocrystals and thin films have received enormous attention recently because of their unique optoelectronic properties such as high absorption coefficient, narrow and tunable emission bandwidth, high photoluminescence quantum yield, long exciton lifetime, and balanced charge transport properties. These properties have found applications in a number of important fields, including photovoltaic solar cells, light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, sensors, and lasers. However, the stability of the materials and devices is strongly affected by several factors such as water moisture, light, oxygen, temperature, solvent, and other materials in contact such as metal oxides used in devices. Defects, particularly those related to surface states, play a critical role in the stability as well as the performance of the perovskites. Various surface modification and defect passivation strategies have been developed to enhance stability and improve performance. We rev...

The Practice and Promise of Critical Information Literacy: Academic Librarians' Involvement in Critical Library Instruction

Abstract: Critical information literacy is a way of thinking and teaching that examines the social construction and political dimensions of libraries and information, problematizing information’s production and use so that library users may think critically about such forces. Being an educational approach that acknowledges and emboldens learners’ agency, critical information literacy has much to offer librarians. Using a survey and follow-up interviews with thirteen librarians practicing critical information literacy, this paper illustrates some of the many ways that librarians incorporate this vital approach to teaching the complexities of information, as well as the potential advantages and difficulties of doing so.

The Impacts of Risk on Deploying and Sustaining Lean Six Sigma Initiatives

Abstract: Continuous improvement is used to enhance productivity and customer value. However, throughout the years, its efficacy dwindled. Thus, a hybrid methodology known as Lean Six Sigma was developed. It combines Lean and Six Sigma in a continuous improvement effort to address most challenges organizations face. However, risks are associated with deployment and implementation of Lean Six Sigma in differing organizations. Lean Six Sigma uses DMAIC to evaluate and measure efficacy. Successful execution of Lean practices depends on effective project management, support, and commitment from top management, employees, and stakeholders. An organization must be willing to change existing corporate culture, empower employees, and hire trained personnel to experience the benefits of Lean Six Sigma. This paper discusses results from implementing this hybrid methodology, including improved productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction. This paper concludes that Lean Six Sigma is an effective approach for any organization to use to ascertain continuous improvement.

Can Project Management Help Improve Lean Six Sigma

Abstract: Today, project managers are challenged with improving efficiency and overall productivity while working on specific tasks. They must be flexible and understand how to use tools and methods to improve results. While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) provides an overall data-driven process for detecting and enhancing system defects, project management has tools to evaluate and create a defined plan and manage a project. This paper examines LSS alongside project management. It breaks down Six Sigma's define, measure, analyze, improve, and control process, and shows how to incorporate both LSS and project management tools. If LSS only focuses on minimizing defects, then time management, cost reduction, and overall project planning must be integrated to achieve successful project completion. The question ultimately is “Can project management benefit LSS?” By combining some critical aspects from project management, this paper proposes a more comprehensive approach to LSS. The approach is known as define, measure, analyze, improve, implement, control, and closure; a list of comprehensive tools and concepts that could be applied are also presented and discussed.

Immediate Physical Therapy Initiation in Patients With Acute Low Back Pain Is Associated With a Reduction in Downstream Health Care Utilization and Costs.

Abstract: Background Physical therapy is an important treatment option for patients with low back pain (LBP). However, whether to refer patients for physical therapy and the timing of initiation remain controversial. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of receiving physical therapy and the timing of physical therapy initiation on downstream health care utilization and costs among patients with acute LBP. Design The design was a retrospective cohort study. Methods Patients who had a new onset of LBP between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013, in New York State were identified and grouped into different cohorts on the basis of whether they received physical therapy and the timing of physical therapy initiation. The probability of service use and LBP-related health care costs over a 1-year period were analyzed. Results Among 46,914 patients with acute LBP, 40,246 patients did not receive physical therapy and 6668 patients received physical therapy initiated at different times. After controlling for patient characteristics and adjusting for treatment selection bias, health care utilization and cost measures over the 1-year period were the lowest among patients not receiving physical therapy, followed by patients with immediate physical therapy initiation (within 3 days), with some exceptions. Among patients receiving physical therapy, those receiving physical therapy within 3 days were consistently associated with the lowest health care utilization and cost measures. Limitations This study was based on commercial insurance claims data from 1 state. Conclusions When referral for physical therapy is warranted for patients with acute LBP, immediate referral and initiation (within 3 days) may lead to lower health care utilization and LBP-related costs.

Diagnostic exome sequencing in children: A survey of parental understanding, experience and psychological impact.

Abstract: Clinical exome sequencing (CES) is increasingly being used as an effective diagnostic tool in the field of pediatric genetics. We sought to evaluate the parental experience, understanding and psychological impact of CES by conducting a survey study of English-speaking parents of children who had diagnostic CES. Parents of 192 unique patients participated. The parent's interpretation of the child's result agreed with the clinician's interpretation in 79% of cases, with more frequent discordance when the clinician's interpretation was uncertain. The majority (79%) reported no regret with the decision to have CES. Most (65%) reported complete satisfaction with the genetic counseling experience, and satisfaction was positively associated with years of genetic counselor (GC) experience. The psychological impact of CES was greatest for parents of children with positive results and for parents with anxiety or depression. The results of this study are important for helping clinicians to prepare families for the possible results and variable psychological impact of CES. The frequency of parental misinterpretation of test results indicates the need for additional clarity in the communication of results. Finally, while the majority of patients were satisfied with their genetic counseling, satisfaction was lower for new GCs, suggesting a need for targeted GC training for genomic testing.

Risks Management in Agile New Product Development Project Environments: A Review of Literature

Abstract: This article reviews the risks associated with the implementation of Agile Project Management practices in projects that involved new products development in manufacturing companies and identified according to existing research the best strategies to approach those risks. Further, this article analyzes the events that can affect the implementation of APM practices in projects that involve the development of new products within manufacturing companies and provides some strategies to mitigate, avoid, and minimize the likelihood if they become risks and its impact in the customer requirements. Principal risks in manufacturing companies were highlighted, and its probability and impact were evaluated regarding scope, quality, schedule, and cost. Risk responses and strategies were noted align with the purpose of the agile practices, which is to deliver innovative products quickly and with high-quality standards.

Personalised treatment for cognitive dysfunction in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Abstract: Cognitive deficits are a well-recognised issue for individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Despite positive group findings for the use of cognitive remediation (CR) interventions, there are substantial individual differences in response to treatment. In addition, the aggregate CR literature reports low moderate effect sizes for cognitive and functional outcomes. Based on personalised medicine theory, this paper uses extant CR literature to examine the individual characteristics determined to predict treatment response. These characteristics, which fall into the broad categories of cognitive, psychological, and biological can be used as tailoring variables to personalise CR to an individual's unique profile. Personalisation through the use of these tailoring variables has the potential to improve the delivery of CR to maximise treatment outcomes.

Robust Nanofibrillated Cellulose Hydro/Aerogels from Benign Solution/Solvent Exchange Treatment

Abstract: To fabricate robust nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) hydro/aerogels, benign solution/solvent exchange treatment was developed by adding five different water miscible solutions/solvents into a NFC aqueous suspension. The NFC self-aggregated and formed self-standing gels during the solution/solvent exchange treatment. After a further exchange of solution/solvent inside the gels with water by a thorough water washing followed by freeze-drying, NFC hydrogels and aerogels were obtained. The NaOH-hydrogel demonstrated a decent rheology with a storage modulus of 36.4 kPa and a satisfactory mechanical property with a compressive modulus of 37.6 kPa. On the contrary, the acetone-hydrogel was weak due to disaggregation. The NFC aerogels were lightweight and had a characteristic porous structure. The packing density and structure varied among aerogels with different solution/solvent treatments. The NaOH-aerogel had a 2D sheet-like structure with densely packed micrometer-sized pores uniformly distributed within the a...

Do cognitive deficits predict negative emotionality and aggression in schizophrenia

Abstract: Schizophrenia is associated with an elevated risk of aggression. Cognitive deficits have been associated with inpatient aggression and future violence. The relationship between cognitive deficits and violent behavior has however been inconsistent across studies. In addition, studies have failed to inform how cognitive deficits may contribute to aggression in schizophrenia. The current study examined the association of cognitive deficits with schizophrenia-related aggression and violent offending. It also explored the putative mediating role of negative emotionality on the impact of cognitive deficits on aggression. People with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder (N = 78) were recruited from a state hospital. Participants were classified based on their history of violent offending. Participants completed measures of cognition, symptoms, and aggression. Deficits in working memory, reasoning/problem-solving, and verbal learning were the most prioritized for the prediction of violent offender status. Violent offenders demonstrated greater impairments in most cognitive domains especially working memory and verbal learning. Offenders also demonstrated greater negative emotionality, excitement/agitation, and incidents of verbal and physical aggression. Negative emotionality and excitement/agitation fully transmitted the effect of cognitive deficits on impulsive aggression in meditational models. Cognitive deficits increase the risk of impulsive aggression in schizophrenia via inefficient regulation of negative affective states.

Institutional Interventions That Remove Barriers to Recruit and Retain Diverse Biomedical PhD Students.

Abstract: This article outlines efforts of the MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School to increase the diversity of the student body independent of student metrics. It also provides recommendations based on the...

The role of the pharmacist in hypertension management.

Abstract: Purpose of review Hypertension remains a vital, modifiable risk factor in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, many patients do not achieve their therapeutic goals for numerous reasons which can include poor disease insight and nonadherence. Pharmacists can be key players in controlling hypertension, given their medication knowledge and patient counseling skills, yet they remain an underutilized resource in the management of chronic disease states. Various models exist that allow pharmacists to provide direct patient-centered care but practices differ from state to state since pharmacists are not recognized nationally as healthcare providers. This article aims to provide an update on the proven methods in which pharmacists contribute to the management of hypertensive patients. Recent findings Several recently published studies demonstrate the positive impact of pharmacist intervention and care on patient outcomes in ambulatory and community settings. These practice models include medication therapy management, collaborative drug therapy management, telehealth and team-based care. Summary The role of the pharmacist in hypertension encompasses medication management, disease state education and patient counseling and is most successful when integrated into the patient's care team. Further validation through larger, prospective trials and evaluation of long-term outcomes, such as mortality, remain viable research opportunities.

DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Ibogaine

Abstract: The West African iboga plant has been used for centuries by the Bwiti and Mbiri tribes to induce hallucinations during religious ceremonies. Ibogaine, the principal alkaloid responsible for iboga's psychedelic properties, was isolated and sold as an antidepressant in France for decades before its adverse effects precipitated its removal from the market. An ibogaine resurgence in the 1960s was driven by U.S. heroin addicts who claimed that ibogaine cured their opiate addictions. Behavioral pharmacologic studies in animal models provided evidence that ibogaine could blunt self-administration of not only opiates but cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine. Ibogaine displays moderate-to-weak affinities for a wide spectrum of receptor and transporter proteins; recent work suggests that its actions at nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes may underlie its reputed antiopiate effects. At micromolar levels, ibogaine is neurotoxic and cardiotoxic and has been linked to several deaths by cardiac arrest. Structure-activity studies led to the isolation of the ibogaine analog 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), an α3β4 nicotinic receptor modulator that retains ibogaine's anticraving properties with few or no adverse effects. Clinical trials of 18-MC treatment of nicotine addiction are pending. Ibogaine analogs may also hold promise for treating anxiety and depression via the "psychedelic-assisted therapy" approach that employs hallucinogens including psilocybin and methylenedioxymethamphetamine ("ecstasy").

Change Management Models: A Comparative Analysis and Concerns

Abstract: To better understand change management, we compare some popular change management models in relation to project management and organizations in this study. After a brief introduction of five major models, various advantages and disadvantages are identified for each. Lessons and implications for organizations and management are also introduced.

A quality-by-design study to develop Nifedipine nanosuspension: examining the relative impact of formulation variables, wet media milling process parameters and excipient variability on drug product quality attributes.

Abstract: Wet milling is a multifunctional and the most common method to prepare a drug nanosuspension for improving the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. A suitable way of preparing a high drug-loaded nifedipine nanosuspension using wet stirred media milling was investigated in the present study. Nifedipine, a poorly water soluble drug, was selected as a model drug to enhance its dissolution rate and oral bioavailability by preparing an appropriate crystalline nanosuspension. Process parameters, such as milling media volume, milling speed and milling time, were optimized using the one variable at a time (OVAT) approach. A similar method was used to select an appropriate polymeric stabilizer and a surfactant from different categories of polymeric stabilizers (HPC SL, HPC SSL Soluplus®, Kollidon® VA 64 and HPMC E 15) and surfactants (Poloxamer 407, Kolliphor TPGS and Docusate sodium). A systematic optimization of critical formulation parameters (such as drug concentration, polymer concentration and surfactant concentration) was performed with the aid of the Box-Behnken design. Mean particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential as critical quality attributes (CQAs) were selected in the design for the evaluation and optimization of the formulation and validation of the improved product. The nifedipine nanosuspension that was prepared using HPC and poloxamer 407 was found to be most stable with the lowest mean particle size as compared with the formulations prepared using other polymeric stabilizers and surfactants. The optimized formulation was further spray-dried and characterized using the Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM) and in-vitro dissolution study. Results have shown no interaction between the drug particles and stabilizers, nor a reduction in the crystallinity of drug, nor an increase in the saturation solubility and rapid in vitro dissolution as compared with pure nifedipine crystals. Thus, the current study supports the suitability of the wet stirred media milling method and a combination of HPC SSL and poloxamer 407 as stabilizers for the preparation of nifedipine nanosuspension.

Investigate the effect of solvents on wet granulation of microcrystalline cellulose using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as a binder and evaluation of rheological and thermal characteristics of granules.

Abstract: Wet granulation is the most commonly used technique in the pharmaceutical industry for delivering oral solid dosage forms. In wet granulation, the binder solvent is one of the critical factors affecting granule properties. In the current study, an attempt was made to investigate the effect of solvents (aqueous and hydro-alcoholic) on thermal and flow properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) granules prepared using two different grades of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), which served as an effective binder. The granulation endpoint was evaluated using thermal effusivity sensor. Rheometer and Modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (mDSC) was used to study the flow and thermal properties of wet and dried granules. Furthermore, physical characterization was carried out by granule strength, particle size distribution and tablet hardness for all granules under the study. Thermal effusivity sensor results indicate 55% w/w concentration of binder solution as the endpoint by measuring thermal effusivity for both binders. Additionally, powder rheometer results show that the wet granules of hydro-alcoholic batches show greater resistance to flow whereas the dried granules display excellent flow characteristics as evident from Basic flowability energy values and specific energy values. Permeability results suggest that the granules formed with hydro-alcoholic binder solvent exhibit better porosity and permeability. Tablet hardness data showed that tablets formulated using hydro-alcoholic solvent granules have greater hardness than tablets formulated using water based solvent granules. The granule strength for water based granules is relatively higher than that of hydro-alcoholic based granules. mDSC thermograms show a sharp rise in enthalpy value at 55% w/w binder solution which is indicative of a more significant amount of solvent being present on the surface of granules and formation of optimal granules. To summarize, we have determined a technique to measure endpoint determination and simultaneously investigate the role of solvent systems on the rheology of MCC granules, which could assist in selecting an appropriate solvent system for granulation.

The Transformational Learning Journey of a Novice ESL Teacher of Low-Literate Adults:

Abstract: This article reports on one teacher’s journey, Nan’s, as she struggled to provide appropriate instruction to low-literate day laborers in an English as a second language (ESL) class for adult learners. In her efforts to do so, Nan became inspired to implement alternative pedagogy based on a culturally responsive approach that resonated strongly with her professed educational and social justice beliefs. As researcher-practitioners, we were interested in exploring Nan’s transformational journey during her graduate studies. The culturally responsive approach she was studying and attempting to implement is itself transformative in nature, providing an excellent opportunity to examine transformational learning both in the context of a novice ESL teacher and in the implementation of this approach. This case study provides important insights into how transformational learning theory sheds light on the struggles of one woman to achieve her twin goals of reaching a marginalized group of learners she cared deeply a...