The minimal perimeter for N confined deformable bubbles of equal area

Candidates to the least perimeter partition of various polygonal shapes into N planar connected equal-area regions are calculated for N � 42, compared to partitions of the disc, and discussed in the context of the energetic groundstate of a two-dimensional monodisperse foam. The total perimeter and the number of peripheral regions are presented, and the patterns classified according to the number and position of the topological defects, that is non-hexagonal regions (bubbles). The optimal partitions of an equilateral triangle are found to follow a pattern based on the position of no more than one defect pair, and this pattern is repeated for many of the candidate partitions of a hexagon. Partitions of a square and a pentagon show greater disorder. Candidates to the least perimeter partition of the surface of the sphere into N connected equal-area regions are also calculated. For small N these can be related to simple polyhedra and for N � 14 they consist of 12 pentagons and N −12 hexagons.

Patients’ Perceptions of Pharmacist Intervention Through Pre-Screened Medication Therapy Management Service

Background: The continued challenge of time commitment in a community pharmacy setting is reported by pharmacists as the single largest setback in providing quality patient care. Additionally, when efforts are made by pharmacists to intervene on a patient’s therapy through medication therapy management (MTM), patient “no shows” further challenge an already busy community pharmacy world. Many studies show the value of a pharmacist-patient relationship. However, continued barriers prevent the value of this relationship to take full effect. While numerous methods of comprehensive medication review take place, the issue of establishing a model that best suits the needs of community pharmacy patients still exists. Statement of the Problem: To assess patients’ perceptions of pharmacist intervention through a pre-screened medication therapy management service at prescription pick-up. Description of Methodology: This study utilized a nonprobability convenience sampling of MTM participants at a local community pharmacy pickup for research. A questionnaire was designed to assess patients’ perceptions prior to and after the pharmacist intervention. All adult patients willing to participate in MTM services were included. After the MTM intervention, participants were encouraged to complete the questionnaire at home and mail it back to the pharmacy. The questionnaires were then collected from the pharmacy for review and data was analyzed with SPSS software. Results: Reported increased patient satisfaction and knowledge by survey following the MTM intervention. Unfortunately, the results were insignificant and the study did not achieve ideal power. Conclusions: The descriptive statistical results enumerated in this study do not reveal any applicable trends relating to the use of MTM services at-large. Despite these findings, however, all patients who commented on the intervention provided positive feedback. Further research is encouraged to appropriately assess the value of pharmacist-delivered MTM at prescription pick-up

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Client\u27s Perceived Adequacy of Education Related to Adjustments Following Myocardial Infarction

Heart disease significantly impacts the lifestyles of clients. Psychosocial difficulties such as anxiety, depression, marital and family conflict are documented in the literature. Various methods and aspects of adjustment have been studied to assist the client with adaptation to changes in exercise, diet, weight reduction and smoking.; This descriptive study used a correlational design to investigate the relationship between the client\u27s perceived adequacy of cardiac rehabilitative education with postdischarge fears and adjustments. Thirty clients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program completed a self report questionnaire regarding level of preparedness in the areas of exercise, diet, work/activity, sexual functioning, and social changes. Two to three weeks post discharge, clients were mailed self-report questionnaire measuring levels of fears and adjustments.; It was hypothesized that clients with a perceived higher level of preparation would experience fewer fears and adjustments during the post-discharge period. Scores from both instruments were examined for a correlational relationship. Analysis of the data revealed the hypothesis was supported