Every MA Nurse Faculty Counts

Aim: This project’s purpose was to obtain a headcount of MA nurse faculty to determine their intentions to remain in an academic educator role. Background: There is a known national shortage of nursing faculty currently in the workforce. Identifying the number of nursing faculty in Massachusetts, their qualifications, and their intentions to continue to teach nursing will help workforce development initiatives. Method: This was an online descriptive, cross-sectional survey. Results: Findings show an aging MA nursing faculty with plans to stay in their role an average of ten more years. Conclusion: The looming faculty shortage needs to be addressed as our nursing faculty are aging out of their role

Spatial ecology of delphinids in Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand : Implications for conservation management : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Ecology Massey University, Albany, New Zealand

Frontispiece "The road not taken" by Robert Frost & Figure 1.5 (p. 21) have been removed for copyright reasons.Understanding species’ ecological interactions and area usage depends on clear insight into their temporal and spatial patterns. Such information combined with recognition of regional human-invested interests, is crucial for developing conservation management efforts. Queen Charlotte Sound (QCS), South Island, New Zealand is a unique environment inhabited by diverse marine life, including several cetacean species. The area is subject to rising levels of anthropogenic activity inclusive of marine farming, tourism and vessel traffic. With conservation management in mind, this thesis focused on three key delphinid species: Hector’s (Cephalorhynchus hectori), bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) and dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus). Specifically, this study sought to: 1) explore long-term historical temporal and spatial trends in delphinid occurrence 2) identify recent patterns in delphinid distribution, density and range 3) investigate delphinid species’ habitat use 4) initiate research of regional swim-with-dolphin tourism. Dolphin sighting data were: 1) collated from tour vessel logbooks spanning 1995–2011 and 2) collected during dedicated surveys aboard opportunistic platforms from 2011–2014. Dynamic and static environmental variables were sourced from local government agency databases to use in analyses with both datasets. Historical delphinid presence (from logbook data) was correlated with dynamic environmental variables during two separate time frames (1995–2002; 2003–2011), using Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs). Spatial patterns of these sightings were explored across temporal periods (i.e., seasons; blocks of year). Dedicated survey data were used to generate kernel density estimates and to determine species’ range and central range. These dolphin density estimates were correlated with static and dynamic habitat parameters using (GAMs). Spatial predictions were then generated from the resultant significant variables. Bottlenose dolphin engagement in swim-with-dolphin encounters was assessed according to several proxies using Linear Models (LMs) and GLMs. A total of 5,295 historical records consisting of 6,055 delphinid sightings were compiled, demonstrating a long-term presence of the focal species. Of these, Hector’s dolphins consistently had the highest trip encounter rate. Seasonal patterns indicated peaks in occurrence for Hector’s during summer/autumn, bottlenose during autumn/winter and dusky dolphins during winter/spring. Further investigation with GAMs suggested that each species’ presence was associated with a unique set or range of dynamic variables. Annual variation occurred amongst all species. During both historical time frames (1995–2002 and 2003–2011), Hector’s dolphin occurrence was associated with higher SST values. Bottlenose dolphins displayed an association with mid-low SST (during 1995–2002) and with high turbidity (during 2003–2011). Dusky dolphins were influenced by low SST (during both time frames) and from 2003–2011 were also influenced by low turbidity and mid-value tidal range. Spatial patterns illustrated that Hector’s and dusky dolphins have become more restricted in their use of QCS over time. Finally, logbook data indicated an increased prevalence of swim-with-dolphin encounters, suggesting an expansion of local tourism from 2004–2011. A total of 677 dedicated opportunistic surveys were completed. These equalled 1,613 hrs of search effort spanning 263 km2. Sighting rate calculations indicated that Hector’s and bottlenose dolphins occurred more frequently than dusky dolphins. Seasonality was particularly notable amongst Hector’s dolphins, whereas the sighting and encounter rates were higher during summer and autumn. The collective range of all species suggests that delphinids utilized most of QCS. However, both the range and central range of Hector’s dolphins were more limited. Notable spatial patterns included peaks in Hector’s dolphin density mid-Sound, during summer/autumn and peaks in bottlenose dolphin density toward the outer Sound during summer/autumn. Temporal overlap was relatively high for bottlenose and Hector’s dolphins (0.67) and low for Hector’s and dusky dolphins (0.22), while spatial overlap was quite low for all species combinations. The patterns explored here offer evidence of temporal and spatial multi-species habitat partitioning within QCS. This may be due to the broader ecological trends within New Zealand and is likely attributed to the availability and movement of prey. Habitat models (GAMs) indicated a unique set of significant drivers associated with dolphin density for each species. Hector’s dolphins displayed an association with dynamic and static variables (SST, fluorescence, depth, slope and distance to the closest marine farm). Dusky dolphins were influenced by the same variables, as well as year. Consistency with the earlier models in the association with SST for Hector’s (higher values) and dusky dolphins (lower values) was detected. Bottlenose dolphins were only influenced by static variables (depth, slope and distance to the closest marine farm) and year. The habitat differences suggested by these models offer further insight to the ecological meaning of dolphin spatial patterns in QCS. In particular, these findings offer additional evidence of delphinid resource partitioning, specifically on a trophic scale. This likely occurred because all three species exhibit both dietary and foraging plasticity. While similarities were observed between comparable studies in other areas, the presence of some variation is likely due to unique physical and hydrographic regional characteristics. Spatial predictions that were generated from significant model variables were valuable in estimating potential locations of dolphin density beyond sighting locations, including areas that they previously occupied. Data representing animal area usage, like those presented here, are integral to conservation management, especially amidst growing anthropogenic influences, like tourism. This first ever tourism-based study in QCS indicated bottlenose dolphins as the main target species for swim-with-dolphin activity. A total of 190 bottlenose dolphin swim encounters were assessed according to several proxies. Interactions were very short (̅=4.2 min), with most dolphin reactions neutral (82.9 %), suggesting animal disinterest. Swim encounters occurred regularly, irrespective of group composition or behavioural state. Furthermore, tour operators travelled great distances (̅=11.7 km) amongst dolphin groups to complete swim encounters, demonstrating pursuit of interaction. Collectively, these proxies suggest a lack of dolphin engagement in swim activity. This thesis encompassed the first multi-species comprehensive assessment of delphinid density, range, habitat use and swim-with-dolphin tourism in QCS. It established a baseline of data, contributing to regional ecological knowledge. Detailed evidence of when and where three sympatric dolphin species utilized QCS was provided. Moreover, this work established an understanding of delphinid inter-specific interactions and associations with habitat variables. Applications of the findings presented here include contributions to developing comprehensive conservation management and further research. Periods and regions of high density and predicted density may be considered in regional management decisions regarding anthropogenic use of the Sound and during the design of future surveys

Streaming Film: How to Serve Our Users

Streaming video is an integral part of the curriculum for many academic courses. While faculty may have used DVDs in the classroom, the increase in online course instruction and the expectations of students comfortable with using streaming video in their personal lives has led to instructors making more requests of librarians to supply films—both instructional and feature—through streaming. Staff at the University Libraries of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) responded to this need as they worked across departments to create efficient workflows, worked with distributors and conducted a pilot project to learn more about the current streaming film environment, established policies, offered technical support, and shared information with faculty by a variety of means

2013 Proceedings: The Next Generation

Will it be Adventist?https://knowledge.e.southern.edu/reysymp/1001/thumbnail.jp

The International Collaboration of Orthopaedic Nursing (ICON): Best practice nursing care standards for older adults with fragility hip fracture

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This author accepted manuscript is made available following 12 month embargo from date of publication (November 2018) in accordance with the publisher’s archiving policyThe purpose of this document is to provide nurses who care for older adults with fragility hip fracture with a framework to promote safe and optimal care for this vulnerable population. The successful application of the standards of care contained in this document requires clinical expertise and evidence-supported decision-making in order to maximize patient outcomes. In 2012, 2013 a two part consensus document published in the International Journal of Orthopaedic and Trauma Nursing entitled “Acute nursing care of the older adult with fragility hip fracture: an international perspective” was developed by nursing leaders from seven countries across 3 continents who delineated the recommended care standards for this group of patients (Maher et al., 2012; Maher et al., 2013)

Effects of Pre-Natal Vitamin D Supplementation with Partial Correction of Vitamin D Deficiency on Early Life Healthcare Utilisation: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Funded by Asthma UK grant number 09/ 36

Novel gene function revealed by mouse mutagenesis screens for models of age-related disease

Determining the genetic bases of age-related disease remains a major challenge requiring a spectrum of approaches from human and clinical genetics to the utilization of model organism studies. Here we report a large-scale genetic screen in mice employing a phenotype-driven discovery platform to identify mutations resulting in age-related disease, both late-onset and progressive. We have utilized N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis to generate pedigrees of mutagenized mice that were subject to recurrent screens for mutant phenotypes as the mice aged. In total, we identify 105 distinct mutant lines from 157 pedigrees analysed, out of which 27 are late-onset phenotypes across a range of physiological systems. Using whole-genome sequencing we uncover the underlying genes for 44 of these mutant phenotypes, including 12 late-onset phenotypes. These genes reveal a number of novel pathways involved with age-related disease. We illustrate our findings by the recovery and characterization of a novel mouse model of age-related hearing loss

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone for metastatic patients starting hormone therapy: 5-year follow-up results from the STAMPEDE randomised trial (NCT00268476)

Abiraterone acetate plus prednisolone (AAP) previously demonstrated improved survival in STAMPEDE, a multiarm, multistage platform trial in men starting long-term hormone therapy for prostate cancer. This long-term analysis in metastatic patients was planned for 3 years after the first results. Standard-of-care (SOC) was androgen deprivation therapy. The comparison randomised patients 1:1 to SOC-alone with or without daily abiraterone acetate 1000 mg + prednisolone 5 mg (SOC + AAP), continued until disease progression. The primary outcome measure was overall survival. Metastatic disease risk group was classified retrospectively using baseline CT and bone scans by central radiological review and pathology reports. Analyses used Cox proportional hazards and flexible parametric models, accounting for baseline stratification factors. One thousand and three patients were contemporaneously randomised (November 2011 to January 2014): median age 67 years; 94% newly-diagnosed; metastatic disease risk group: 48% high, 44% low, 8% unassessable; median PSA 97 ng/mL. At 6.1 years median follow-up, 329 SOC-alone deaths (118 low-risk, 178 high-risk) and 244 SOC + AAP deaths (75 low-risk, 145 high-risk) were reported. Adjusted HR = 0.60 (95% CI: 0.50-0.71; P = 0.31 × 10−9) favoured SOC + AAP, with 5-years survival improved from 41% SOC-alone to 60% SOC + AAP. This was similar in low-risk (HR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.41-0.76) and high-risk (HR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.43-0.69) patients. Median and current maximum time on SOC + AAP was 2.4 and 8.1 years. Toxicity at 4 years postrandomisation was similar, with 16% patients in each group reporting grade 3 or higher toxicity. A sustained and substantial improvement in overall survival of all metastatic prostate cancer patients was achieved with SOC + abiraterone acetate + prednisolone, irrespective of metastatic disease risk group

Metabolic Consequences and Vulnerability to Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice under Chronic Social Stress

Social and psychological factors interact with genetic predisposition and dietary habit in determining obesity. However, relatively few pre-clinical studies address the role of psychosocial factors in metabolic disorders. Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated in male mice: 1) opposite status-dependent effect on body weight gain under chronic psychosocial stress; 2) a reduction in body weight in individually housed (Ind) male mice. In the present study these observations were extended to provide a comprehensive characterization of the metabolic consequences of chronic psychosocial stress and individual housing in adult CD-1 male mice. Results confirmed that in mice fed standard diet, dominant (Dom) and Ind had a negative energy balance while subordinate (Sub) had a positive energy balance. Locomotor activity was depressed in Sub and enhanced in Dom. Hyperphagia emerged for Dom and Sub and hypophagia for Ind. Dom also showed a consistent decrease of visceral fat pads weight as well as increased norepinephrine concentration and smaller adipocytes diameter in the perigonadal fat pad. On the contrary, under high fat diet Sub and, surprisingly, Ind showed higher while Dom showed lower vulnerability to obesity associated with hyperphagia. In conclusion, we demonstrated that social status under chronic stress and individual housing deeply affect mice metabolic functions in different, sometime opposite, directions. Food intake, the hedonic response to palatable food as well as the locomotor activity and the sympathetic activation within the adipose fat pads all represent causal factors explaining the different metabolic alterations observed. Overall this study demonstrates that pre-clinical animal models offer a suitable tool for the investigation of the metabolic consequences of chronic stress exposure and associated psychopathologies