bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Water Quality in a Subtropical Alpine Lake Using Multivariate Statistical Techniques and Geostatistical Mapping: A Case Study
Authors: Liu Wen-Cheng , Yu Hwa-Lung , Chung Chung-En
Published: April 2011

Concerns about the water quality in Yuan-Yang Lake (YYL), a shallow, subtropical alpine lake located in north-central Taiwan, has been rapidly increasing recently due to the natural and anthropogenic pollution. In order to understand the underlying physical and chemical processes as well as their associated spatial distribution in YYL, this study analyzes fourteen physico-chemical water quality parameters recorded at the eight sampling stations during 2008–2010 by using multivariate statistical techniques and a geostatistical method. Hierarchical clustering analysis (CA) is first applied to distinguish the three general water quality patterns among the stations, followed by the use of principle component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA) to extract and recognize the major underlying factors contributing to the variations among the water quality measures. The spatial distribution of the identified major contributing factors is obtained by using a kriging method. Results show that four principal components i.e., nitrogen nutrients, meteorological factor, turbidity and nitrate factors, account for 65.52% of the total variance among the water quality parameters. The spatial distribution of principal components further confirms that nitrogen sources constitute an important pollutant contribution in the YYL.
The Dynamics of Norovirus Outbreak Epidemics: Recent Insights
Authors: Marshall John A. , Bruggink Leesa D.
Published: April 2011

Noroviruses are a major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. Norovirus outbreaks frequently occur as epidemics which appear to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. This review considers recent progress in understanding these factors. The norovirus genome undergoes continuous change and this appears to be important in the persistence of the virus in the community. Studies on the common GII.4 genotype have shown that some norovirus outbreak epidemics involving this genotype are correlated with specific changes in the genome. In contrast to the growing understanding of the role of genetic factors in norovirus outbreak epidemics, the role of environmental factors is less well understood. Topics reviewed here include long term excretion of norovirus in some individuals, long term survivability of norovirus in the environment, the role of meteorological factors in the control of norovirus outbreaks and the possible zoonotic transmission of the virus.
Simultaneous Structural Identification of Natural Products in Fractions of Crude Extract of the Rare Endangered Plant Anoectochilus roxburghii Using 1H NMR/RRLC-MS Parallel Dynamic Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Xiao-Xue , He Jiu-Ming , Wang Chun-Lan , Zhang Rui-Ping , He Wen-Yi , Guo Shun-Xing , Sun Rui-Xiang , Abliz Zeper
Published: April 2011

Nuclear magnetic resonance/liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy parallel dynamic spectroscopy (NMR/LC-MS PDS) is a method aimed at the simultaneous structural identification of natural products in complex mixtures. In this study, the method is illustrated with respect to 1H NMR and rapid resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (RRLC-MS) data, acquired from the crude extract of Anoectochilus roxburghii, which was separated into a series of fractions with the concentration of constituent dynamic variation using reversed-phase preparative chromatography. Through fraction ranges and intensity changing profiles in 1H NMR/RRLC–MS PDS spectrum, 1H NMR and the extracted ion chromatogram (XIC) signals deriving from the same individual constituent, were correlated due to the signal amplitude co-variation resulting from the concentration variation of constituents in a series of incompletely separated fractions. 1H NMR/RRLC-MS PDS was then successfully used to identify three types of natural products, including eight flavonoids, four organic acids and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, five of which have not previously been reported in Anoectochilus roxburghii. In addition, two groups of co-eluted compounds were successfully identified. The results prove that this approach should be of benefit in the unequivocal structural determination of a variety of classes of compounds from extremely complex mixtures, such as herbs and biological samples, which will lead to improved efficiency in the identification of new potential lead compounds.
Structural Consideration in Designing Organotin Polyethers to Arrest the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro
Authors: Carraher Jr. Charles E. , Roner Michael R. , Shahi Kimberly , Barot Girish
Published: April 2011

The ability to inhibit cancer is inherent in organotin materials yet the structural relationships that regulate/direct this activity remains unknown. We measured antitumor activity using a matched pair of cell lines MDA-MB-231 cells that are estrogen-independent, estrogen receptor negative and MCF-7 cells, a cell line that is estrogen receptor (ER) positive. Those polyethers that contained a O-phenyl unit were able to significantly inhibit the non-estrogen sensitive cell line but were much less effective against the estrogen sensitive cell line; that is, the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 showed better test results for polymers derived from diols containing the O-phenyl moiety than the breast cancer cell line MCF-7, a well-characterized estrogen receptor positive control cell line. Those polyethers that did not contain the O-phenyl unit inhibited both cell lines approximately the same. The differential activity of the O-phenyl-containing polyethers is likely due to the estrogen-sensitive cells combining with some of the organotin polyethers minimizing their ability to inhibit cell growth.
Mori-Tanaka Based Estimates of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Various Engineering Materials
Authors: Stránský Jan , Vorel Jan , Zeman Jan , Šejnoha Michal
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this paper is to present a simple micromechanics-based model to estimate the effective thermal conductivity of macroscopically isotropic materials of matrix-inclusion type. The methodology is based on the well-established Mori-Tanaka method for composite media reinforced with ellipsoidal inclusions, extended to account for imperfect thermal contact at the matrix-inclusion interface, random orientation of particles and particle size distribution. Using simple ensemble averaging arguments, we show that the Mori-Tanaka relations are still applicable for these complex systems, provided that the inclusion conductivity is appropriately modified. Such conclusion is supported by the verification of the model against a detailed finite-element study as well as its validation against experimental data for a wide range of engineering material systems.
A Secure Cluster-Based Multipath Routing Protocol for WMSNs
Authors: Almalkawi Islam T. , Guerrero Zapata Manel , Al-Karaki Jamal N.
Published: April 2011

The new characteristics of Wireless Multimedia Sensor Network (WMSN) and its design issues brought by handling different traffic classes of multimedia content (video streams, audio, and still images) as well as scalar data over the network, make the proposed routing protocols for typical WSNs not directly applicable for WMSNs. Handling real-time multimedia data requires both energy efficiency and QoS assurance in order to ensure efficient utility of different capabilities of sensor resources and correct delivery of collected information. In this paper, we propose a Secure Cluster-based Multipath Routing protocol for WMSNs, SCMR, to satisfy the requirements of delivering different data types and support high data rate multimedia traffic. SCMR exploits the hierarchical structure of powerful cluster heads and the optimized multiple paths to support timeliness and reliable high data rate multimedia communication with minimum energy dissipation. Also, we present a light-weight distributed security mechanism of key management in order to secure the communication between sensor nodes and protect the network against different types of attacks. Performance evaluation from simulation results demonstrates a significant performance improvement comparing with existing protocols (which do not even provide any kind of security feature) in terms of average end-to-end delay, network throughput, packet delivery ratio, and energy consumption.
Oxidation of Hydrocarbons on the Surface of Tin Dioxide Chemical Sensors
Authors: Teterycz Helena , Halek Patryk , Wiśniewski Kamil , Halek Grzegorz , Koźlecki Tomasz , Polowczyk Izabela
Published: April 2011

The paper presents the results of our investigation on the effect of the molecular structure of organic vapors on the characteristics of resistive chemical gas sensors. The sensors were based on tin dioxide and prepared by means of thick film technology. The electrical and catalytic examinations showed that the abstraction of two hydrogen atoms from the organic molecule and formation of a water in result of reaction with a chemisorbed oxygen ion, determine the rate of oxidation reactions, and thus the sensor performance. The rate of the process depends on the order of carbon atoms and Lewis acidity of the molecule. Therefore, any modification of the surface centers of a sensor material, modifies not only the sensor sensitivity, but also its selectivity.
An overview of the key routes to the best selling 5-membered ring heterocyclic pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Baxendale Ian R , Ley Steven V , Nikbin Nikzad
Published: April 2011

This review presents a comprehensive overview on selected synthetic routes towards commercial drug compounds as published in both journal and patent literature. Owing to the vast number of potential structures, we have concentrated only on those drugs containing five-membered heterocycles and focused principally on the assembly of the heterocyclic core. In order to target the most representative chemical entities the examples discussed have been selected from the top 200 best selling drugs of recent years.
Nursing Students’ Leadership and Emotional Intelligence in Turkey
Authors: Duygulu Sergul , Hicdurmaz Duygu , Akyar Imatullah
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine nursing students’ leadership and emotional intelligence. The study was conducted as a descriptive study in a nursing school in 2008. The sample comprised 69 junior and 85 senior nursing students and was based on voluntary participation. Data were collected through a data sheet, a leadership style questionnaire, and the Bar-On Emotional Intelligence Quotient Inventory. There were no statistically significant differences in leadership orientations and emotional intelligence between junior and senior students (
p
> 0.05). Although there was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and task-oriented leadership (
r
= 0.427,
p
= 0.001), there was no significant relationship between emotional intelligence and people-oriented leadership (
r
= 0.076,
p
= 0.367). Students’ emotional intelligence score was average, and their people-oriented leadership score was approximately half of the total score. It is recommended to develop strategies for improving nursing students’ people-oriented leadership skills during their nursing education.
Narrative Pedagogy and Art Interpretation
Authors: Ewing Bonnie , Hayden-Miles Marie
Published: April 2011

Contemporary practices in nursing education call for changes that will assist students in understanding a complex, rapidly changing world. Narrative pedagogy is an approach that offers teachers a way to actively engage students in the process of teaching and learning. The narrative approach provides ways to think critically, make connections, and ask questions to gain understanding through dialogue. The hermeneutic circle of understanding offers a way to interpret stories and discover meaning. Narratives exist in art forms that can be interpreted to evoke discussions and thinking that relate to nursing practice. Art interpretation is a way to gain access to others and acquire a deeper appreciation for multiple perspectives in the teaching-learning process.
Hmong American Women Crossing Borders in Nursing Education: Two Case Studies
Authors: Yang Avonne A. , Morris Tama L.
Published: April 2011

The Hmong population in the United States is rapidly growing. Cultural differences between this population and the American health care system lead to health disparities. These differences are exacerbated by the shortage of Hmong American nurses. The shortage may be related to difficulty in navigating the U.S. education system. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived impact of Hmong culture on Hmong American women’s nursing education. Data analysis identified four themes that were confirmed by participants: support factors, entrepreneurism, positive outcomes, and cultural expectations. On the basis of these themes, schools of nursing can positively influence Hmong American women’s education by providing information sessions for their families regarding school expectations, allowing flexibility in meeting course requirements, increasing the number of Hmong and minority faculty members, and providing language assessment and support programs for English language learners.
Changes in Stress and Nurse Self-Concept Among Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Hensel Desiree , Stoelting-Gettelfinger Wendy
Published: April 2011

This pilot study’s purpose was to investigate the relationship between stress and nurse self-concept. Specifically, it examined whether enrollment in a wellness course affected stress levels and self-concept acquisition among sophomore baccalaureate nursing students (
N
= 52). The findings showed that early in the curriculum these students had a fairly well developed sense of professional self-concept but made gains in facets of leadership and communication over the course of the semester. Students demonstrated high levels of stress that remained unchanged over the semester, regardless of self-concept acquisition. This study concluded that enrollment in a wellness course was insufficient to prepare nursing students to manage stress as they transition to professional roles, and it was possible that undergraduate education perpetuated the internalization of stress as part of a nurse’s professional identity. Future studies are needed to determine effective ways to teach stress management and best design nursing curricula to reduce stressors.
Thinking Beyond “The Wheelchair to the Car”: RN-to-BSN Student Understanding of Community and Public Health Nursing
Authors: Northrup-Snyder Kathlynn , Van Son Catherine R. , McDaniel Cynthia
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore the online discussions of postlicensure nursing students taking a community health course in an RN-to-BSN program. Final discussion forums asked students to share their perceptions and understandings of the public and community health nurses’ role and practice after participating in a community health clinical course. Inductive content analysis was used to assess the narratives. Analysis of the discussions yielded two categories: (1) awareness by the RNs of their individual community and the context of the public and community health nursing role, and (2) increased understanding of the patients’ experience with transitions between health care settings (home–hospital–home). This research suggests a need to assess practicing RNs’ professional understanding and teaching of the public and community health nurses’ role if they are to facilitate effective patient transitions home and into community-based settings.
Improving Nursing Students’ Breast Cancer Knowledge Through a Novel Academic and Non-Profit Foundation Partnership
Authors: Trocky Nina M. , McLeskey Sandra W. , McGuire Deborah , Griffith Kathleen , Plusen Abby
Published: April 2011

The unique partnership between an affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
©
foundation and a school of nursing offered faculty the ability to creatively inject breast cancer content into the baccalaureate curriculum. In-house breast cancer experts and external consultants developed seven breast cancer-specific educational Web-based modules to supplement a packed curriculum taught by generalists in a cost-efficient manner. Easily integrated into the baccalaureate program, these modules provided evidence-based breast cancer content to nursing students. Following completion of the modules, baccalaureate students’ knowledge of breast cancer improved.
Cognitive Tools as a Scaffold for Faculty During Curriculum Redesign
Authors: Hagler Debra , White Barbara , Morris Brenda
Published: April 2011

During an intensive curriculum redesign process, a variety of cognitive tools were developed to support faculty. Cognitive tools served as a form of support for thinking on the individual task level and metacognitive level, as well as on the group sociocommunicative level. Using cognitive tools in collaboration with a group allowed faculty with varying levels of expertise and experience to contribute in valuable ways to social knowledge construction. Recommendations for developing and using cognitive tools in faculty workplace learning situations are included.
Optic Disc Contractility in Morning Glory Disc Anomaly
Authors: Choudhry Netan , Lane Katherine A. , de Alba Campomanes Alejandra G.
Published: April 2011

Morning glory disc anomaly is a sporadic congenital abnormality of the optic disc that is often unilateral. These eyes possess heterotropic smooth muscle and can undergo spontaneous contraction with transient vision loss. The authors report an unusual case of contractility of a morning glory disc anomaly induced by ocular massage.
Effect of Ophthalmic Examination Procedures on the Quality of Spectral Domain OCT Images
Authors: Aref Ahmad A. , Bennett Timothy , Strong James , Kunselman Allen R. , Scott Ingrid U.
Published: April 2011

The authors compare the image quality of spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in eyes before and after routine ophthalmic screening procedures. The study population in this prospective case series included 24 patients (45 eyes). No significant difference in OCT scan quality factor was found in the study population pre-screening and post-screening (
P
> .05 for the horizontal, vertical, and raster pattern scans performed in each OCT scan series). Routine ophthalmic screening procedures do not affect the quality of spectral domain OCT images.
Objetivo: García Lorca. Nuevas inquisiciones cinematográficas y televisivas sobre la vida, obra y muerte del poeta
Authors: Marí Jorge
Published: April 2011

Este ensayo explora algunas representaciones de la figura de Federico García Lorca en la televisión y el cine españoles de las últimas décadas. El énfasis en la representación de la figura de García Lorca más que en las adaptaciones de sus obras dramáticas favorece el análisis de dos cuestiones íntimamente conectadas entre sí: en primer lugar, la representación mediático-audiovisual del proceso de creación literaria y de la interacción de autor y texto –es decir, cómo se construye la figura del escritor como ente creador, cómo se entiende dicho proceso de creación, y muy especialmente cómo se presenta la relación e influencia mutuas entre la vida y la obra del artista– y en segundo lugar, la construcción, realizada desde la distancia temporal y desde un contexto muy diverso al de su propia vida, de la figura del artista como personaje histórico y mito cultural. Este enfoque parece especialmente apropiado al tratarse de un autor que, por su vida y su muerte tanto o más que por su obra, ha pasado de ser un proscrito bajo el primer franquismo a convertirse en una figura emblemática de la Andalucía autonómica y de la España democrática. El ensayo traza este proceso de recuperación, reinvención, reivindicación y debate sobre García Lorca a través de documentales como Lorca, el mar deja de moverse de Emilio Ruiz Barrachina, F.G.L. (1898-1936): Federico cumple 100 años de Magali Negroni y del “documental de ficción” El jardín de los poetas de Basilio Martín Patino.
“La caza del hombre”, recreación de un motivo legendario, novelesco e histórico en La caza, de Carlos Saura
Authors: Aparicio Nevado Felipe
Published: April 2011

El tema del hombre convertido en presa recorre los discursos y artes de la civilización humana desde la Prehistoria. Las fábulas y representaciones en torno a “la caza humana” poseen una significación que refleja su valor contextual y, a la vez, su capacidad para cristalizar obsesiones universales. El sincretismo primitivo y el poder alucinatorio que algunos teóricos han atribuido a la imagen fílmica no podían permanecer ajenos a un motivo intemporal que está en la base de mitos con múltiples ramificaciones literarias. La película La caza, de Carlos Saura, da pie a una tentativa de interpretación de los recursos que utiliza el lenguaje cinematográfico, con su fuerza analógica y simbólica, para absorber y vivificar lenguajes artísticos “tradicionales”, verbales en su mayor parte, pero también plásticos, mediante el “montaje polifónico” que evocaba Eisenstein y la lectura oblicua de una historia que fecunda una parcela del imaginario humano de todas las épocas.
El lobo de fresa y el bosque de chocolate. Senel Paz y sus variaciones cinematográficas
Authors: Seguin Jean Claude
Published: April 2011

Desde su breve cuento “No le digas que la quieres” hasta su última obra En el cielo con diamantes (2007), Senel Paz no ha dejado de recorrer un mundo poblado de personajes que de un cuento a una película y de un film a una novela siempre están en devenir. David, Miguel, Diego, Vivian, Nancy, Ismael, etc. no dejan de resurgir tanto en Una novia para David, como en el cuento El Lobo, el bosque y el hombre nuevo que dio origen a Fresa y chocolate. Esas figuras constantemente en evolución se van amoldando a los relatos tanto escritos como filmados. Las fronteras entre cuento y película tienden así a borrarse dejando un lugar para formas mixtas de personajes, a veces sin cuerpo –las figuras de papel y tinta– a veces fantasmas –las siluetas de la pantalla cinematográfica. Estos deslices progresivos e incesantes de los deseos se abren continuamente hacia territorios inconclusos, porosos y continuamente abiertos.
Espectadores en 3D: ¿El futuro del cine?
Authors: Díaz Gandasegui Vicente
Published: April 2011

El presente artículo analiza la (re)introducción del 3D en nuestras pantallas de cine. Esta vez, gracias a la tecnología digital y a la polarización de la imagen, la profundidad de campo se hace mas creíble y la interfaz, a pesar de seguir presente, ha ganado en comodidad y efectividad. La espectacularidad de las imágenes es el mayor reclamo que hoy presenta el 3D para atraer al espectador a las salas de cine y fascinarle con el desarrollo tecnológico. Al mismo tiempo, el 3D es una herramienta útil para solucionar los problemas surgidos en la industria cinematográfica a raíz de la evolución de la pirateria y la cada vez más compleja competición con otros medios. La gran duda que plantea el 3D es si se sumará a la larga lista de fracasos de los años 70 y 80 por intentar transformar la forma de ver la imagen o supondrá un paso adelante en la pretensión por acercarnos a la realidad virtual y un cine de inmersión e interacción total.
Utilización conjunta de la encuesta presencial y telefónica en las encuestas electorales
Authors: Díaz de Rada Vidal
Published: April 2011

Numerosos investigadores sostienen que la encuesta telefónica realiza estimaciones de voto más precisas que la encuesta personal. A estas alturas nadie duda de las ventajas de la encuesta telefónica en cuanto a la representatividad, calidad de la información recogida, mayor rapidez y menor coste; si bien la encuesta telefónica presenta también importantes inconvenientes. Debemos considerar también la presencia de nuevas barreras que dificultan la accesibilidad (por ejemplo contestador automático); y saturación del medio telefónico por la gran utilización en actividades de publicidad y telemarketing que genera un gran número de llamadas “infructuosas” y entrevistas interrumpidas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es valorar la adecuación de las encuestas telefónicas en la predicción electoral, tratando de detectar si presentan mejoras sustantivas respecto a las encuestas presenciales.
Electrical Removal Behavior of Carbon Nanotube and Carbon Nanofiber Film in CuCl2Solution: Kinetics and Thermodynamics Study
Authors: Zhan Yankun , Nie Chunyang , Pan Likun , Li Haibo , Sun Zhuo
Published: April 2011

The kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherms during electrical removal of Cu2+by carbon nanotube and carbon nanofiber (CNT-CNF) electrodes in CuCl2solution were studied under different solution temperatures, initial Cu2+concentrations, and applied voltages. The result shows that Langmuir isotherm can describe experimental data well, indicating monolayer adsorption, and higher Cu2+removal and rate constant are achieved at higher voltage, lower initial Cu2+concentration, and higher solution temperature. Meanwhile, the thermodynamics analyses indicate that the electrical removal of Cu2+onto CNT-CNF electrodes is mainly driven by a physisorption process.
Monoclonal Light Chains and the Kidney
Authors: Neuwirt Hannes , Rudnicki Michael , Schramek Herbert , Mayer Gert
Published: April 2011

Monoclonal proteins are most commonly associated with the malignant proliferation of plasma cells, called multiple myeloma (MM), which can cause a variety of renal disorders. Direct structural damage, however, is almost exclusively seen in the presence of light and / or heavy chains.

This review provides an overview of kidney diseases in monoclonal disorders. Issues like epidemiology, impact on survival, pathology and pathophysiology will be summarized. Additionally, diagnostic measures and differential diagnosis are discussed. Furthermore, this article focuses on special disease entities that primarily involve glomerula (e.g. amyloidosis, monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease) or the tubulointerstitium (e.g. light chain cast nephropathy). Especially the issue of treating light chain cast nephropathy in patients with MM has become a focus of recent in vitro and in vivo research. New treatment options using special hemodialysers have instigated a fundamental discussion about utilizing this technology not only in MM patients with acute renal failure but also in those with reduced glomerular filtration rate due to cast nephropathy. We summarize the current status of treatment options of light chain cast nephropathy. Advantages of traditional compared to recently developed treatments will be discussed as well as modern chemotherapy protocols and the impact on overall survival and kidney function.
Gardening and Belonging: Reflections on How Social and Therapeutic Horticulture May Facilitate Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion
Authors: Diamant Emna , Waterhouse Andrew
Published: April 2011

A sense of belonging is a key element in enabling social inclusion through meaningful occupations. This is evident in occupational science and social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) literature. How these theories interact in practice was explored at Thrive's STH project in Battersea in London. A workshop conducted with Thrive Battersea's therapists examined how gardening may facilitate health and wellbeing through belonging. The authors reflect on themes of belonging from the workshop. The implications for occupational therapy from this apparently rich synergy of occupational science, STH and social inclusion are considered.
Occupational Therapy in Chronic Liver Disease: A Preliminary Study to Explore the Views of Occupational Therapists and Physicians Working in Acute Medical Settings
Authors: Elliott Chris , Frith James , Newton Julia
Published: April 2011

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is on the increase worldwide. Occupational therapists are well placed to address many of the symptoms associated with CLD; however, there is a dearth of literature to support this or to define the current working practice of occupational therapists in this clinical area.

This study used questionnaires and mixed methodological analysis to describe both the current working practice of occupational therapists in CLD and the perceptions of the occupational therapist's role by physicians referring patients with CLD to occupational therapy.

Thematic analysis of the structured data demonstrated an appropriate understanding of, and referral to, occupational therapy in the context of safe discharge from hospital and the provision of equipment. Cross-sectional analysis revealed a homogeneous approach to current occupational therapy working practice in CLD which, although expedient, lacks emphasis on the treatment of the symptoms experienced by this client group.
An Occupational Perspective of the Recovery Journey in Mental Health
Authors: Kelly Mary , Lamont Scott , Brunero Scott
Published: April 2011

Background:

The philosophy of occupational therapy and that of recovery are markedly similar; however, there is limited research linking occupation to recovery in mental health. Aim: This study aimed to explore the relationship between recovery and occupation in consumers with mental health problems.

Method:

A qualitative method in the form of narratives was chosen in exploring the uniquely subjective experiences of mental health, occupation and recovery. Five members of a mental health support group (GROW) were engaged in semi-structured interviews, whereby individual narratives were analysed through comparative methods to identify categories and themes.

Findings:

Five categories emerged: (1) The recovery map, (2) GROW has just given me the platform, (3) You have to become active, (4) The great barriers and (5) Where am I now … I couldn't bear it if I was any better. The participants' experiences of recovery highlighted the necessity for occupational engagement in a supported environment. The benefits of occupation included feelings of social cohesion, meaning, purpose, normalisation, routine, competence, productivity, skill acquisition, routine and pleasure. These factors enabled the participants to re-establish self-concepts and subsequently promoted mental health.

Implications:

The findings may have implications for occupational therapy practice, whereby occupational therapy could facilitate a leadership role in recovery-orientated mental health services.
Mothers' Perceptions of Their Children's Occupational Therapy Processes: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Kolehmainen Niina , Duncan Edward , McKee Lorna , Francis Jill
Published: April 2011

This study aimed to explore parents' views of the management of their children's occupational therapy in the United Kingdom (UK). Forty-one parents of children recently seen by occupational therapists were approached. Seven mothers from four different health boards who agreed to participate were interviewed about their experiences and views of their child's occupational therapy. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

The interview data suggest that achieving a good quality therapy process requires therapists to appreciate mothers' desire actively to ‘do things’ to help their child and to protect their child from harm. Therapists can support mothers in this by facilitating their access to treatment and support for their child, where the treatment and support are in line with the goals of the child, the parents and the school. The mothers emphasised the importance of interactions between them, the therapist and educational staff. Specifically, shared understandings of the child's condition between the parent and the therapist, and therapists' active engagement of parents, appeared to be linked to parents' positive views of therapy.

The findings map onto the literature from North America about parents' expectations of children's rehabilitation services. Recommendations for practice and future research are discussed.
Research Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Barriers among Paediatric Occupational Therapists in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lyons Carissa , Casey Jackie , Brown Ted , Tseng Mei , McDonald Rachael
Published: April 2011

Evidence-based practice and research utilisation are promoted to enable clients to receive the most current care; however, there is limited research evaluating the use of these approaches within the occupational therapy profession. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, practices and barriers to evidence-based practice and research utilisation of a group of paediatric occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Questionnaires were received from 145 participants (response rate 30%), who completed the Research Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Research Survey (KAP Survey), the Edmonton Research Orientation Survey (EROS) and the Barriers to Research Utilisation Scale (BARRIERS).

The results indicated that the respondents held positive attitudes towards research and were willing to access new information and implement research findings to guide clinical practice. However, they were less confident in their research knowledge and practices, and perceived multiple barriers associated with the organisation, accessibility and quality of research. The respondents reported limited engagement in conducting research studies; however, the majority of the sample reported implementing the findings of research in their clinical practice to some extent.

Additional research education and support within organisations would be beneficial to ensure that children and families are receiving occupational therapy services that are based on sound research evidence.
An Independence at Home Service: The Potential and the Pitfalls for Occupational Therapy Services
Authors: Littlechild Rosemary , Bowl Ric , Matka Elizabeth
Published: April 2011

The United Kingdom Government has signalled its desire to change the emphasis of the support provided by social care services to older people from simply assisting people to remain living in the community to increasing their ability to function independently. Local authorities charged with implementing this agenda have responded with a range of changes.

This study evaluates the Independence at Home service of a large United Kingdom metropolitan social services department, which was staffed by occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants and based with local area adult social work teams. The study draws upon comparisons with other services; interviews with service users and staff; and data gathered using an amended version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure on changes to service users' functioning.

The findings suggest that such an approach can potentially boost service users' independence and functioning, but also reveal the difficulties of running such a service in the context of other constraints. These impediments need to be overcome if the Government's ambitious prevention agenda is to become a reality.
Challenging the Dominant Voice: The Multiple Evidence Sources of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Reagon Carly , Bellin Wyn , Boniface Gail
Published: April 2011

Evidence-based practice is the buzzword of policy makers, managers and practitioners alike and yet there is confusion as to what it actually means and how it should be implemented in practice. One difficulty arises from the inherent tension between theories derived from research (particularly large-scale clinical trials) and practice based upon the needs of individuals. In this opinion piece, data from the authors' own research are used to advocate an alternative model of evidence-based practice, which recognises the value of multiple sources of evidence and which is congruent with occupational therapy philosophy.
Self-Awareness Enhancement through Learning and Function (SELF): A Theoretically Based Guideline for Practice
Authors: Dirette Diane
Published: April 2011

Introduction:

Impaired self-awareness is a significant barrier to successful rehabilitation. This paper presents a new guideline for practice, entitled Self-awareness Enhancement through Learning and Function (SELF).

Description:

The SELF is a newly developed guideline for practice, which incorporates the latest theoretical information from neuroscience, psychology and computer science regarding self-awareness, learning, cognition and care giving, with evidence of the importance of participation in occupation. The SELF provides clear evaluation and treatment postulates using therapeutic alliance, occupation, belief perspectives, brain education and compensatory strategies to improve self-awareness.

Discussion:

The current approach to the treatment of impaired self-awareness focuses on testing and performance feedback. This approach does not have evidence to support its effectiveness and there is some evidence that the approach actually contributes to emotional distress and increased denial of deficits.

Conclusion:

The SELF integrates the art and the science of occupational therapy to foster self-awareness in an empathetic and dignified manner. Occupational therapists are uniquely qualified, and should be leaders, in the integration of personal factors, environmental elements and occupations to improve self-awareness. The SELF provides occupational therapists with guidelines for using these interrelationships to restore self-awareness in a manner that builds confidence and skills.
Meeting the Needs of Women in Mental Health Rehabilitation Services
Authors: Taylor Tatiana L , Dorer Gemma , Bradfield Sarah , Killaspy Helen
Published: April 2011

A service evaluation investigated the gender sensitivity of a London mental health rehabilitation service, including interventions to increase participation in women-only groups and activities.

Method:

A total of 40 female service users and 13 staff teams from 13 inpatient and community-based rehabilitation projects completed questionnaires regarding the service's gender sensitivity.

Results:

Most projects provided women-only space and the majority of female service users had a female keyworker, but there was limited provision and uptake of women-only groups and activities.

Conclusion:

A focus on collaboration with female service users to identify and establish, where lacking, groups and activities that appeal to women service users is needed to increase meaningful occupation.
A Phenomenological Study of Volition in Everyday Occupations of Older People with Dementia
Authors: Raber Christine , Teitelman Jodi , Watts Janet , Kielhofner Gary
Published: April 2011

Aim:

The aim of this study was to understand volition in people with moderate dementia. The study provided an in-depth description and analysis of volition in eight older people in a memory-support assisted living unit.

Method:

Guiding questions focused on understanding past life interests, demonstration of volition, volitional continuity, and the relationship among the social environment, volition and daily occupations. Data collection included participant observation, family and staff interviews, and the Volitional Questionnaire. The Mini-Mental State Examination provided a measure of cognitive impairment.

Findings:

Three interacting themes emerged: variation in volitional expression, redefining meaningful occupation and potency of the social environment. The participants differed in volitional expression, showed changes in continuity between past and present interests, and tended to modify their occupations to match their abilities.

Conclusion:

The participants' lived experiences consistently reflected dynamism between the social environment and the person in volitional expression.
Sustaining Employment in a Social Firm: Use of the Work Environment Impact Scale V2.0 to Explore Views of Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities
Authors: Williams Anne , Fossey Ellie , Harvey Carol
Published: April 2011

Evidence suggests that people with psychiatric disabilities find it difficult to get and keep jobs, with workplace characteristics contributing to difficulties staying in employment. This qualitative study aimed to understand the views of employees with a psychiatric disability about working in an Australian social firm designed to provide an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Method:

Seven participants who had sustained jobs for 6 months or longer in the social firm, a contract cleaning business, were interviewed using the Work Environment Impact Scale (Version 2.0). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed inductively using thematic and narrative analysis.

Findings:

Participants' views of the work environment included that the regular structure and achievable tasks, the supportive and cooperative team and the benefits of the job made working in the social firm enjoyable and the right job for now. The findings suggest that participants' decisions to stay in their jobs were influenced by the social firm environment, which supported their wellbeing, and by their individual illness and occupational narratives.

Conclusion:

The WEISv2.0 was effective in gaining participants' views on wide-ranging features of their workplaces. Further research is recommended to expand the evidence base concerning workplace features that support employees with psychiatric disabilities to sustain their jobs.
The Development of an Effective Occupational Therapy Assessment and Treatment Pathway for Women with a Diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder in an Inpatient Setting: Implementing the Model of Human Occupation
Authors: Lee Sarah , Harris Maria
Published: April 2011

This article describes the implementation of a comprehensive occupational therapy graded assessment and treatment pathway within an inpatient specialist unit for women with borderline personality disorder. It was developed after a review concluded that treatment sessions lacked an occupational evidence base. The Model of Human Occupation was therefore used to ensure the delivery of an optimum, consistent programme that could meet the occupational needs of this specific group of patients.
Measurements of cloud condensation nuclei activity and droplet activation kinetics of fresh unprocessed regional dust samples and minerals
Authors: Kumar P. , Sokolik I. N. , Nenes A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. This study reports laboratory measurements of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity and droplet activation kinetics of aerosols dry generated from clays, calcite, quartz, and desert soil samples from Northern Africa, East Asia/China, and Northern America. Based on the observed dependence of critical supersaturation, sc, with particle dry diameter, Ddry, we found that FHH (Frenkel, Halsey and Hill) adsorption activation theory is a far more suitable framework for describing fresh dust CCN activity than Köhler theory. One set of FHH parameters (AFHH ∼ 2.25 ± 0.75, BFHH ∼ 1.20 ± 0.10) can adequately reproduce the measured CCN activity for all species considered, and also explains the large range of hygroscopicities reported in the literature. Based on a threshold droplet growth analysis, mineral dust aerosols were found to display retarded activation kinetics compared to ammonium sulfate. Comprehensive simulations of mineral dust activation and growth in the CCN instrument suggest that this retardation is equivalent to a reduction of the water vapor uptake coefficient (relative to that for calibration ammonium sulfate aerosol) by 30–80%. These results suggest that dust particles do not require deliquescent material to act as CCN in the atmosphere.
The impact of anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric sulfate production pathways, oxidants, and ice core Δ17O(SO42–)
Authors: Sofen E. D. , Alexander B. , Kunasek S. A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We use a global three-dimensional chemical transport model to quantify the influence of anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric sulfate production mechanisms and oxidant concentrations constrained by observations of the oxygen isotopic composition (Δ17O = &delta17O–0.52 × &delta18O) of sulfate in Greenland and Antarctic ice cores and aerosols. The oxygen isotopic composition of non-sea salt sulfate (Δ17O(SO42–)) is a function of the relative importance of each oxidant (e.g. O3, OH, H2O2, and O2) during sulfate formation, and can be used to quantify sulfate production pathways. Due to its dependence on oxidant concentrations, Δ17O(SO42–) has been suggested as a proxy for paleo-oxidant levels. However, the oxygen isotopic composition of sulfate from both Greenland and Antarctic ice cores shows a trend opposite to that expected from the known increase in the concentration of tropospheric O3 since the preindustrial period. The model simulates a significant increase in the fraction of sulfate formed via oxidation by O2 catalyzed by transition metals in the present-day Northern Hemisphere troposphere (from 11% to 22%), offset by decreases in the fractions of sulfate formed by O3 and H2O2. There is little change, globally, in the fraction of tropospheric sulfate produced by gas-phase oxidation (from 23% to 27%). The model-calculated change in Δ17O(SO42–) since preindustrial times (1850 CE) is consistent with Arctic and Antarctic observations. The model simulates a 42% increase in the concentration of global mean tropospheric O3, a 10% decrease in OH, and a 58% increase in H2O2 between the preindustrial period and present. Model results indicate that the observed decrease in the Arctic Δ17O(SO42–) – in spite of increasing tropospheric O3 concentrations – can be explained by the combined effects of increased sulfate formation by O2 catalyzed by anthropogenic transition metals and increased cloud water acidity, rendering Δ17O(SO42–) insensitive to changing oxidant concentrations in the Arctic on this timescale. In Antarctica, the Δ17O(SO42–) is sensitive to relative changes of oxidant concentrations because cloud pH and metal emissions have not varied significantly in the Southern Hemisphere on this timescale, although the response of Δ17O(SO42–) to the modeled changes in oxidants is small. There is little net change in the Δ17O(SO42–) in Antarctica, in spite of increased O3, which can be explained by a compensatory effect from an even larger increase in H2O2. In the model, decreased oxidation by OH (due to lower OH concentrations) and O3 (due to higher H2O2 concentrations) results in little net change in Δ17O(SO42–) due to offsetting effects of Δ17O(OH) and Δ17O(O3). Additional model simulations are conducted to explore the sensitivity of the oxygen isotopic composition of sulfate to uncertainties in the preindustrial emissions of oxidant precursors.