Florida Survey Research Articles

Race and 2008 Presidential Politics in Florida: A List Experiment

We use the list-experiment methodology to address three questions raised by the presidential candidacy and election of Barack Obama. First, to what degree did white voters hold feelings of racial antipathy toward blacks as a group in 2008? Second, were those feelings manifest in their response to Obama's candidacy and subsequent election as president? Third, to what degree did whites actually take pride in the nomination and election of an African American to the nation's highest office? Our analysis of four statewide surveys in Florida shows that few white voters were upset by Obama's electoral achievements, and many took some pride in his historic candidacy and election. Nevertheless, substantial racism still appears to linger in Florida.

Occurrence of Preservative-Treated Wood in a Wood Recovery Center in Western Oregon

The amounts of treated wood present at a wood recycling center in western Oregon were surveyed over a 10-year period. Treated wood was found at 106 of 112 inspections, but the levels never exceeded 2 percent of the volume present. The amount of treated wood averaged 0.15 percent of the total volume over the 10 years. These values were considerably lower than those found in surveys in Virginia and Florida, reflecting a lower overall use of treated wood and, with respect to Florida, a lower risk of decay in Oregon. The results indicate that treated wood is a minor component in the recycling stream studied and does not pose a risk to those using the material.

The role of information technology usage in physician practice satisfaction

Despite the growing use of information technology (IT) in medical practices, little is known about the relationship between IT and physician satisfaction. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between physician IT adoption (of various applications) and overall practice satisfaction, as well as satisfaction with the level of computerization at the practice. Data from a Florida survey examining physicians' use of IT and satisfaction were analyzed. Odds ratios (ORs), adjusted for physician demographics and practice characteristics, were computed utilizing logistic regressions to study the independent relationship of electronic health record (EHR) usage, PDA usage, use of e-mail with patients, and the use of disease management software with satisfaction. In addition, we examined the relationship between satisfaction with IT and overall satisfaction with the current medical practice. In multivariate analysis, EHR users were 5 times more likely to be satisfied with the level of computerization in their practice (OR = 4.93, 95% CI = 3.68-6.61) and 1.8 times more likely to be satisfied with their overall medical practice (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.35-2.32). PDA use was also associated with an increase in satisfaction with the level of computerization (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.02-1.47) and with the overall medical practice (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.07-1.57). E-mail use with patients was negatively related to satisfaction with the level of computerization in the practice (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.54-0.90). Last, physicians who were satisfied with IT were 4 times more likely to be satisfied with the current state of their medical practice (OR = 3.97, 95% CI = 3.29-4.81). Physician users of IT applications, especially EHRs, are generally satisfied with these technologies. Potential adopters and/or policy makers interested in influencing IT adoption should consider the positive impact that computer automation can have on medical practice.

Local Political Institutions and Smart Growth

Using Florida survey data from 2002 and 2007, this article seeks to determine the characteristics of local governments that make them more or less inclined to engage in smart growth-related land-use regulations. The study draws on a range of theoretical traditions to motivate an empirical model of policy adoption, emphasizing the interaction between interest group politics and local political institutions as the primary explanatory factors. In addition, the article differentiates between types of smart growth regulations designed to promote a key smart growth principle—compact development—in terms of their redistributive consequences. The study finds some support for the notion that the adoption of smart growth practices is affected by the activism of interest groups and their interaction with local political institutions.

Reassessing State Housing Trust Funds: Results of a Florida Survey

While their structure and targets vary, state housing trust funds offer an increasingly common form of assistance designed to flexibly meet local housing needs. Frequently they are generated through real estate transaction fees, making them particularly relevant in high growth states such as Florida. For 16 years, Florida's housing trust fund (SHIP) has consistently met its major funding targets, assisting housing initiatives from rural counties to the largest urban centers. A survey of local SHIP administrators provides insight on defining characteristics and key policy dilemmas. Although this critical housing program fails to consistently meet certain goals, those stakeholders involved in its passage, maintenance and implementation consider it a success. Given these conditions, strengthened state oversight to ensure consistency with housing plans and increased state support for other programs, particularly those targeting rental strategies and the lowest income, rather than major legislative changes, could result in more informed, effective and equitable local implementation.

Correlates of smoking quit attempts: Florida Tobacco Callback Survey, 2007.

ObjectiveThe public health burden of tobacco-associated diseases in the USA remains high, in part because many people's attempts to quit are unsuccessful. This study examined factors associated with having lifetime or recent attempts to quit smoking among current smokers, based on a telephone survey of Florida adults.MethodsData from the 2007 telephone-based Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and its follow-up survey, the Tobacco Callback Survey, were used to assess determinants of having ever attempted to quit smoking and attempted to quit smoking in the past 12 months. All analyses were conducted using SAS.ResultsAmong 3,560 current smokers, 41.5% reported having tried to quit smoking in the past 12 months while 83.4% reported having ever tried to quit. Having a history of a tobacco-related medical condition was significantly associated with both recent (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.41 [Confidence Interval 1.19–1.65]) and lifetime quit attempts (AOR 1.43 [1.15–1.79]). Greater nicotine dependence and being advised by a physician to quit smoking were also positively associated with lifetime quit attempts.Receipt of healthcare provider advice to quit smoking in the past 12 months and a strong belief that quitting following a long history of regular smoking would not result in health benefits and belief that there are health benefits to quitting smoking were associated with lifetime quit attempts.ConclusionTargeted smoking cessation interventions are needed for smokers with selected medical conditions and with high nicotine dependence. The importance of physician advice in encouraging individuals to quit is further highlighted.

Maximizing detection probability of wetland-dependent birds during point-count surveys in northwestern Florida

We conducted 262 call-broadcast point-count surveys (1–6 replicate surveys on each of 62 points) using standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Protocols between 31 May and 7 July 2006 on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, an island off the northwest coast of Florida. We conducted double-blind multiple-observer surveys, paired morning and evening surveys, and paired morning and night surveys to examine the influence of call-broadcast and time of day on detection probability. Observer detection probability for all species pooled was 75% and was similar between passive (69%) and call-broadcast (65%) periods. Detection probability was higher on morning than evening (t = 3.0, P = 0.030) or night (t = 3.4, P = 0.042) surveys when we pooled all species. Detection probability was higher (but not significant for all species) on morning compared to evening or night surveys for all five focal species detected on surveys: Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis), Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris), Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica), Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and American Coot (Fulica americana). We detected more Least Bitterns (t = 2.4, P = 0.064) and Common Moorhens (t = 2.8, P = 0.026) on morning than evening surveys, and more Clapper Rails (t = 5.1, P = 0.014) on morning than night surveys.

The Relationship Between Local Hospital IT Capabilities and Physician EMR Adoption

In light of new federal policies allowing hospitals to subsidize the cost of information systems for physicians, we examine the relationship between local hospital investments in information technology (IT) and physician EMR adoption. Data from two Florida surveys were combined with secondary data from the State of Florida and the Area Resource File (ARF). Hierarchal logistic regression was used to examine the effect of hospital adoption of clinical information systems on physician adoption of EMR systems after controlling for confounders. In multivariate analysis, each additional clinical IT application adopted by a local hospital was associated with an 8% increase in the odds of EMR adoption by physicians practicing in that county. Given this existing relationship between hospital IT capabilities and physician adoption patterns, federal policies designed to encourage this more directly will positively promote the proliferation of EMR systems.

Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and skeletal health: a survey of Florida OB/GYN physicians

In November of 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a black box warning regarding skeletal health concerns with depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) contraception. This FDA labeling change has the potential to impact how this contraceptive is used. Our goal was to assess the impact of the FDA decision on how Florida obstetrician-gynecologists prescribe injectable contraception.

Estimates of fish consumption rates for consumers of bought and self-caught fish in Connecticut, Florida, Minnesota, and North Dakota

Fish consumption rates derived from national surveys may not accurately reflect consumption rates in a particular population such as recreational anglers. Many state and local health agencies in the U.S. have conducted area-specific surveys to study fish consumption patterns in local populations, assess exposure to environmental contaminants, or evaluate compliance with fish advisories. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has analyzed the raw data from fish consumption surveys in Florida, Connecticut, Minnesota, and North Dakota for the purpose of deriving distributions of fish consumption rates and studying the variables that may be more predictive of high-end consumers. Distributions of fish consumption for different age cohorts, ethnic groups, socioeconomic statuses, types of fish (i.e., freshwater, marine, estuarine), and source of fish (i.e., store-bought versus self-caught) were derived. Consumption of fish and shellfish for those who consume both caught and bought fish is higher than those who reported eating only bought or only self-caught. Mean fish consumption per kilogram of body weight ranged from 0.11 g/kg-day to 2.3 g/kg-day. The highest values were observed in Florida for children 1 < 6 years of age. The Florida data show a statistically significant increase in the percentage of the population reporting fish and shellfish consumption with an increase in household income and education. This trend was not observed in the other states.

Longevity and Size of Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) Colonies in Florida as Guides for an Effective Monitoring Strategy in the Southeastern United States

Abstract Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) breed in colonies widely dispersed across approximately 3,350 km2 within the United States, and effective monitoring of this population presents immediate tradeoffs between coverage, accuracy, and cost. Here, we summarize surveys in Florida 1991-2005 as a first step towards improving existing survey strategies. In order to determine whether counts from aircraft are a suitable technique for quantifying nests, we compared aerial and ground counts at the same eleven colonies in 2004. Across all colonies, aerial counts averaged 8.1% more nests, probably as result of either better visibility or mistakenly including Great Egret (Ardea alba) nests in the count. During the period 1991-2005, statewide totals in Florida ranged from 2,211-6,449 nests, with an apparently increasing trend through time. Annual modal colony size fluctuated from 65-144 nests, with significantly smaller modal size in 2001-2004, suggesting that colony size has decreased over time. Current survey pr...

E‐GOVERNMENT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON MANAGERIAL EFFECTIVENESS: A SURVEY OF FLORIDA AND TEXAS CITY MANAGERS

Financial Accountability & ManagementVolume 23, Issue 1 p. 1-26 E-GOVERNMENT AND ITS INFLUENCE ON MANAGERIAL EFFECTIVENESS: A SURVEY OF FLORIDA AND TEXAS CITY MANAGERS Christopher G. Reddick, Christopher G. Reddick The University of Texas at San AntonioSearch for more papers by this authorHoward A. Frank, Howard A. Frank Florida International University They would like to thank the city managers in Florida and Texas who responded to this survey. They would also like to thank the anonymous referees for their helpful comments for the revision of this paper.Search for more papers by this author Christopher G. Reddick, Christopher G. Reddick The University of Texas at San AntonioSearch for more papers by this authorHoward A. Frank, Howard A. Frank Florida International University They would like to thank the city managers in Florida and Texas who responded to this survey. They would also like to thank the anonymous referees for their helpful comments for the revision of this paper.Search for more papers by this author First published: 22 January 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0408.2007.00417.xCitations: 16 Address for correspondence: Christopher G. Reddick, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Department of Public Administration, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 501 W. Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78207, USA.e-mail: chris.reddick@utsa.edu Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume23, Issue1February 2007Pages 1-26 RelatedInformation

Transfusion (Tx) Practices in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) among Florida Physicians.

Limited data exist on Tx prescribing preferences in the management of SCD. To assess current Tx practices, we conducted a survey of Florida hematologists/oncologists from fall of 2005 through spring 2006. The 31-item survey addressed practice and SCD patient population characteristics, practice guidelines, Tx settings, indications/techniques, RBC phenotype specifications/modifications, iron overload, and educational resource utilization. A total of 150 physicians (75% adult-oriented, 25% pediatrics) completed the survey. Practices were primarily private (76%), with 24% in academic settings. Pediatric practices had more SCD patients (97% with 21 or more) than adult practices (83% had 10 or fewer). The majority of pediatric practices had specific Tx guidelines (61%), in contrast to adult practices (8%),(P< 0.0001). A minority of all respondents requested routine prophylactic limited or extended phenotypic matching of RBCs (37%) compared to those not matching until antibodies were identified (63%). RBC product modifications included non-leukocyte reduced, leukocyte-reduced (LR), irradiated, washed, and sickle cell negative. Overall, respondents “always” requested LR blood products (83%). There was a statistically significant difference among pediatricians (81%) and adult practitioners (11%) with respect to “always” requesting sickle cell negative RBCs (P< 0.0001). Emergent automated exchange Tx was available in the majority of pediatric (94%) and adult practices (70%). Tx was “always” indicated for acute stroke with 78% of all respondents, acute chest syndrome (56%), and acute priapism (53%). Tx was “always” or “sometimes” indicated pre-operatively for general anesthesia (86%), vitreoretinal surgery (71%), and acute painful episodes (50%). We queried 10 chronic Tx therapy indications. Pediatric practice respondents indicated that primary prevention of stroke was “always” (37%), “sometimes” (23%), rarely (14 %) and “never” (23%) an indication. Prevention of recurrence of stroke was “always” an indication for Tx in 94% of the pediatric respondents, compared to 26% of the adult practitioners (P< 0.0001). Uncomplicated pregnancy was “sometimes” (33%) and “always” (5%) an indication for chronic Tx with the adult practitioners. The majority of respondents used ferritin levels (94%) to assess iron status when starting deferoxamine. Pediatricians used liver biopsy more frequently (36%) than adult providers (12%),(P< 0.002). Most physicians felt that patient refusal (63%) and lack of compliance (61%) were “very important” reasons for not using deferoxamine, while fear of side effects (51%), poor patient understanding (47%), and costs (40%) were “somewhat important”. Analysis of clinical vignettes revealed statistically significant differences among physicians in the Tx management of elective cholecystectomy, acute chest syndrome and secondary stroke prevention after prolonged Tx therapy. While most respondents from pediatric practices used the NIH Management of SCD monograph (53%), only 27% of adult practice respondents used it (P< 0.005). In response to an open-ended question about materials that would be helpful, 18 of the 54 physicians wanted Tx guidelines. These data indicate variability in the incorporation of evidence-based approaches in Tx management of SCD. The results provide insights into the development of clinical tools and guidelines tailored to pediatric and adult practices.

The perceived impacts of e-government on U.S. cities: A survey of Florida and Texas City managers

Abstract This study examines the perceived impacts of electronic government or e-government adoption on U.S. cities. This research conducted a survey of Texas and Florida city managers in the fall of 2005 to find out their opinions on the impact of e-government on their city government. The results indicated that e-government is having a positive impact on management, stakeholder involvement, needs and collaboration, and procurement in American cities. There are, however, concerns over spam or unsolicited e-mail and the ability of e-government to reduce the level of staffing. The results of this study imply that, according to city managers' perceptions, e-government adoption in American city governments is positively viewed as having an impact on their organizations and communities.

A FORENSIC AND PHYLOGENETIC SURVEY OF CAULERPA SPECIES (CAULERPALES, CHLOROPHYTA) FROM THE FLORIDA COAST, LOCAL AQUARIUM SHOPS, AND E‐COMMERCE: ESTABLISHING A PROACTIVE BASELINE FOR EARLY DETECTION1

Baseline genotypes were established for 256 individuals of Caulerpa collected from 27 field locations in Florida (including the Keys), the Bahamas, US Virgin Islands, and Honduras, nearly doubling the number of available GenBank sequences. On the basis of sequences from the nuclear rDNA‐ITS 1+2 and the chloroplast tufA regions, the phylogeny of Caulerpa was reassessed and the presence of invasive strains was determined. Surveys in central Florida and southern California of &gt;100 saltwater aquarium shops and 90 internet sites revealed that &gt;50% sold Caulerpa. Of the 14 Caulerpa species encountered, Caulerpa racemosa was the most common, followed by Caulerpa sertularioides, Caulerpa prolifera, Caulerpa mexicana, and Caulerpa serrulata. None of the &gt;180 field‐collected individuals (representing 13 species) was the invasive strain of Caulerpa taxifolia or C. racemosa. With one exception (a sample of C. racemosa from a shop in southern California belonged to the invasive Clade III strain), no invasive strains were found in saltwater aquarium stores in Florida or on any of the internet sites. Although these results are encouraging, we recommend a ban on the sale of all Caulerpa species (including “live rock”) because: morphological identification of Caulerpa species is unreliable (&gt;12% misidentification rate) and invasive strains can only be identified by their aligned DNA sequences, and because the potential capacity for invasive behavior in other Caulerpa species is far from clear. The addition of the Florida region to the genetic data base for Caulerpa provides a valuable proactive resource for invasion biologists as well as researchers interested in the evolution and speciation of Caulerpa.

A real options perspective of platform investments in service firms

PurposeReal options theory has been used to examine how manufacturing firms make incremental investments under conditions of uncertainty. However, it has not been extensively applied to service firms. Using real options theory, the purpose of this article is to explore how service firms make platform investments.Design/methodology/approachData come from a survey of Florida nursing homes. Several hypotheses examine the extent to which organizational characteristics, environmental scanning, internal and external slack, and entrepreneurial orientation impact the degree of investment in a portfolio of services to community based clients. Data were analyzed via ordinary least squares regression.FindingsResults indicate a positive relationship between platform investments and customer preferences and nursing home innovativeness. Risk‐taking behavior and internal slack received mixed support.Research limitations/implicationsThe study did not include measures of economic performance; therefore, it is unclear if differences in market strategies yield better financial outcomes for the nursing homes. The study was set in the nursing home industry that is a highly regulated service industry. It is possible that specific attributes of this industry impacted our results.Practical implicationsIn deciding whether an options approach to managing customer value is appropriate for any individual service firms, managers should consider that a firm's strategic posture and the availability of slack resources.Originality/valueThere has been relatively little research in the management literature that examines how firms in a service context employ strategies and tactics consistent with options theory to reduce uncertainty. This lack of research is problematic given that service firms compromise an increasing percentage of the GDP of many developed countries.

911 Center staffing during hurricanes: A survey to determine best practices

Staffing an emergency 911 center is a difficult task. During a hurricane threat, maintaining the appropriate amount of staff and having the preparations in place to support them are more important than ever. Ensuring proper breaks, food, and sleeping accommodations are overlooked by many 911 centers. Taking care of families, having backup facilities, and having support policies in place are essential to success. A recent survey of Florida 911 centers provided the basis for the suggestions and best practices discussed in this study.

Accuracy of Aerial Surveys of Waterbird Colonies

Ground-truthing surveys were conducted in conjunction with a statewide aerial survey of Florida wading bird colonies to evaluate the efficacy of the aerial technique. Five species, Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus), Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), and Wood Stork (Mycteria americana), were most often detected during the aerial survey. Most of these species are large birds that tend to nest higher in the canopy or are white-plumaged, and therefore would be expected to be more visible from the air. Five other species, Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor), Reddish Egret (E. rufescens), Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violaceus), and Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), were not detected during the aerial survey, presumably because these dark-plumaged species typically nest beneath the tree canopy. Disagreement between aerial and ground survey results also was caused by the inability of the aerial survey to detect some species when they were present in larger colonies or distinguish resting birds from breeding birds. The aerial detection rate of 45 previously unknown colonies was about 71%. Recommendations for improving future aerial surveys of colonial waterbirds include more use of ground surveys for smaller species of day herons and night herons to augment aerial information and smaller width of flight corridors.

Hydroxyurea therapy for sickle cell disease in community‐based practices: A survey of Florida and North Carolina hematologists/oncologists

Little is known about patterns of hydroxyurea (HU) use by community-based hematologist/oncologists (H/Os) for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD). Determination of these practice patterns pertaining to adult SCD patients was the focus of this study. A self-administered survey was mailed to H/Os in two southeastern states. Replies were received from 70% of eligible physicians. This study focuses on responses from 184 community H/Os and a comparison group of 30 university-based/affiliated H/Os providing ongoing care for at least 3 SCD patients/month. The majority of community H/O respondents saw less than 3 SCD patients/month. HU was prescribed by more than half (55%) of community H/Os in at least 10% of their patients. The most common reasons cited for prescribing HU include frequent painful crises (76%), chronic pain with frequent narcotic use (58%), and acute chest syndrome (43%). Although the majority of community H/Os care for few patients with SCD, the reported indications for HU were consistent with currently accepted recommendations. However, community H/Os reported acute chest syndrome, stroke, and pulmonary hypertension as indications for HU less often than the academic H/O group. Barriers to wider use of HU include physician concerns about carcinogenic potential, doubts about HU effectiveness, perceived patient apprehension about adverse effects, concern about lack of contraceptive use, and patient compliance. Further resources should focus on updating physicians on recently published material supporting the effectiveness of HU in symptomatic SCD as well as providing management guidelines to optimize the use of HU.

Regional and Fishery-specific Patterns of Age and Growth of Yellowtail Snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus

We sampled yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, from commercial and recreational fisheries and fishery-independent surveys in the Atlantic Ocean off south Florida from 1980 through 2002. Specimens were collected primarily from two areas: Palm Beach and Monroe counties; collections were divided at 26° latitude into northern and southern populations. We collected sagittal otoliths and corresponding morphometric data from each population. Fork lengths (FL) ranged from 115 to 605 mm with a mean length of 312 mm. Yellowtail snapper were aged using sagittal otoliths with a high degree of precision [average percent error (APE) <1%]. Ages ranged from 1 to 17 years, with mean ages of 3.96 years for the commercial fishery, 3.33 years for the recreational fishery, and 3.00 years for fishery-independent surveys. Yellowtail snapper entered the commercial and recreational fisheries by age 2; both fisheries were dominated by 2 and 3 year olds. The commercial fishery indicated the influence of a strong 1994 year class; this was not apparent in the recreational and fishery-independent surveys possibly due to small sample size. The von Bertalanffy growth curve parameters for all years and fishing modes combined [Lt = 410(1 - e-0.27(t+2.03))] were similar to previously published estimates for yellowtail snapper. The instantaneous total mortality rate of yellowtail snapper for all years and fishing modes combined (Z = 0.49) was also similar to previously published estimates. The total mortality rate for the northern population, Z = 0.67, was greater than for the southern population, Z = 0.45. Weight-length relationships were significantly different between northern and southern populations (P < 0.001), and yellowtail snapper from the southern population were significantly larger and older than those from the northern population (P < 0.001). Size-at-age was significantly larger for the most common ages (1--4 years) in the northern population compared to the southern population (age 1, P = 0.002; age 2--4, P < 0.001 ). This may be due in part to differential fishing pressure; additional site-specific sampling is needed to elucidate the demographic differences between populations.