bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simulation study on the phase behavior of hard rhombic platelets
Authors: Tasios N. , Dijkstra M.
Published: April 2017

Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigate the phase behavior of hard rhombic platelets as a function of the thickness of the platelets, T. The phase diagram displays a columnar phase and a crystal phase in which the platelets are stacked in columns that are arranged in a two-dimensional lattice. We find that the shape of the platelets determines the symmetry of the two-dimensional lattice, i.e., rhombic platelets form an oblique columnar phase and a simple monoclinic crystal phase. For sufficiently thick platelets, i.e., for a thickness-to-length ratio T/L>0.17, we find only an isotropic fluid, an oblique columnar phase, and a monoclinic crystal phase. Surprisingly, for an intermediate plate thickness, 0.083<T/L<0.17, we also find a region in between the isotropic (or nematic) phase and the columnar phase, where the smectic phase is stable. For sufficiently thin platelets, T/L<0.13, the phase diagram displays a nematic phase. With the exception of the smectic phase, our results resemble the phase behavior of discotic particles. Our results may guide the synthesis and future experiments on rhombic nanoplatelets.
On the magnetic circular dichroism of benzene. A density-functional study
Authors: Kaminský Jakub , Kříž Jan , Bouř Petr
Published: April 2017

Spectroscopy of magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) provides enhanced information on molecular structure and a more reliable assignment of spectral bands than absorption alone. Theoretical modeling can significantly enhance the information obtained from experimental spectra. In the present study, the time dependent density functional theory is employed to model the lowest-energy benzene transitions, in particular to investigate the role of the Rydberg states and vibrational interference in spectral intensities. The effect of solvent is explored on model benzene-methane clusters. For the lowest-energy excitation, the vibrational sub-structure of absorption and MCD spectra is modeled within the harmonic approximation, providing a very good agreement with the experiment. The simulations demonstrate that the Rydberg states have a much stronger effect on the MCD intensities than on the absorption, and a very diffuse basis set must be used to obtain reliable results. The modeling also indicates that the Rydberg-like states and associated transitions may persist in solutions. Continuum-like solvent models are thus not suitable for their modeling; solvent-solute clusters appear to be more appropriate, providing they are large enough.
On convergence to equilibrium for one-dimensional chain of harmonic oscillators on the half-line
Authors: Dudnikova T. V.
Published: April 2017

The mixed initial-boundary value problem for the infinite one-dimensional chain of harmonic oscillators on the half-line is considered. The large time asymptotic behavior of solutions is studied. The initial data of the system are supposed to be a random function which has some mixing properties. We study the distribution μt of the random solution at time moments t∈ℝ. The main result is the convergence of μt to a Gaussian probability measure as t→∞.
Asymptotic modeling of thermal binary monatomic gas flows in plane microchannels—Comparison with DSMC simulations
Authors: Gatignol Renée , Croizet Cédric
Published: April 2017

Asymptotic models are constructed to investigate the basic physical phenomena of thermal flows of a mixture of two monatomic gases inside a two-dimensional microchannel. The steady flows are described by the Navier-Stokes-Fourier balance equations, with additional coupling terms in momentum and energy equations, and with first-order slip boundary conditions for the velocities and jump boundary conditions for the temperatures on the two walls. The small parameter equal to the ratio of the two longitudinal and transverse lengths is introduced, and then an asymptotic model is proposed. It corresponds to small Mach numbers and small or moderate Knudsen numbers. Attention is paid to the first-order asymptotic solutions. Results are given and discussed for different cases: the mass flow rates, the molecular weights of the gases, and the temperature gradients along the walls. Comparisons between the first-order asymptotic solutions and Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) simulations corresponding to the same physical data show rather good agreement. It should be noted that obtaining an asymptotic solution is very fast compared to obtaining a DSMC result.
Measurement of fluctuations of electrostatic force acting between a dielectric plate and an electrostatic drive
Authors: Koptsov D. V. , Prokhorov L. G. , Mitrofanov V. P.
Published: April 2017

A setup for the measurement of the noise associated with the interaction of an electrostatic field produced by an electrostatic drive with a fused silica plate is presented. The fused silica plate is a part of a 63 Hz high-Q torsional oscillator. Its oscillations are measured by an optical interferometric sensor. The measurements are PC-controlled and fully automated. A digital post-processing scheme is described, allowing the calculation of the plate rotation angle fluctuations and the evolution of the charge distribution on the surface of the fused silica plate. The characteristic surface charge relaxation time has been purposely kept small on the order 103–104 s. The upper limit of the investigated noise has been obtained. We used this result to estimate the electrostatic drive noise in the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) gravitational wave detector at frequencies of about 18 Hz. The obtained upper limit of the strain amplitude spectral density is (1±0.13)⋅10−22Hz−1/2.
A fast edge charge exchange recombination spectroscopy system at the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak
Authors: Cavedon M. , Pütterich T. , Viezzer E. , Dux R. , Geiger B. , McDermott R. M. , Meyer H. , Stroth U. ,   ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: April 2017

In this work, a new type of high through-put Czerny-Turner spectrometer has been developed which allows us to acquire multiple channels simultaneously with a repetition time on the order of 10 μs at different wavelengths. The spectrometer has been coupled to the edge charge exchange recombination system at ASDEX Upgrade which has been recently refurbished with new lines of sight. Construction features, calibration methods, and initial measurements obtained with the new setup will be presented.
Electro-optic correlator for large-format microwave interferometry: Up-conversion and correlation stages performance analysis
Authors: Ortiz D. , Casas Francisco J. , Ruiz-Lombera R. , Mirapeix J.
Published: April 2017

In this paper, a microwave interferometer prototype with a near-infra-red optical correlator is proposed as a solution to get a large-format interferometer with hundreds of receivers for radio astronomy applications. A 10 Gbits/s Lithium Niobate modulator has been tested as part of an electro-optic correlator up-conversion stage that will be integrated in the interferometer prototype. Its internal circuitry consists of a single-drive modulator biased by a SubMiniature version A (SMA) connector allowing to up-convert microwave signals with bandwidths up to 12.5 GHz to the near infrared band. In order to characterize it, a 12 GHz tone and a bias voltage were applied to the SMA input using a polarization tee. Two different experimental techniques to stabilize the modulator operation point in its minimum optical carrier output power are described. The best achieved results showed a rather stable spectrum in amplitude and wavelength at the output of the modulator with an optical carrier level 23 dB lower than the signal of interest. On the other hand, preliminary measurements were made to analyze the correlation stage, using 4f and 6f optical configurations to characterize both the antenna/fiber array configuration and the corresponding point spread function.
Carbon nanotube stabilized single layer graphene cantilevers
Authors: Martynov Oleg V. , Bockrath Marc
Published: April 2017

We demonstrate a method to fabricate single-layer graphene cantilevers by utilizing multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) stabilizing elements. Cantilevers are produced by focused ion beam milling of suspended graphene with MWNTs on the surface. Stable structures with an aspect ratio of at least 5 can be reliably produced and are found to be considerably stiffer than expected based on the theoretical bending stiffness of a graphene sheet. This process substantially extends the current limits of single-layer graphene cantilever fabrication, facilitating the study of atomically thin membranes and production of previously unrealized nanoelectromechanical systems.
Modulation calorimetry in diamond anvil cells. I. Heat flow models
Authors: Geballe Zachary M. , Collins Gilbert W. , Jeanloz Raymond
Published: April 2017

Numerical simulations of heat transport in diamond anvil cells reveal a possibility for absolute measurements of specific heat via high-frequency modulation calorimetry. Such experiments could reveal and help characterize temperature-driven phase transitions at high-pressure, such as melting, the glass transition, magnetic and electric orderings, or superconducting transitions. Specifically, we show that calorimetric information of a sample cannot be directly extracted from measurements at frequencies slower than the timescale of conduction to the diamond anvils (10 s–100 s of kHz) since the experiment is far from adiabatic. At higher frequencies, laser-heating experiments allow relative calorimetric measurements, where changes in specific heat of the sample are discriminated from changes in other material properties by scanning the heating frequency from ∼1 MHz to 1 GHz. But laser-heating generates large temperature gradients in metal samples, preventing absolute heat capacities to be inferred. High-frequency Joule heating, on the other hand, allows accurate, absolute specific heat measurements if it can be performed at high-enough frequency: assuming a thin layer of KBr insulation, the specific heat of a 5 μm-thick metal sample heated at 100 kHz, 1 MHz, or 10 MHz frequency would be measured with 30%, 8%, or 2% accuracy, respectively.
Electromagnetic cyclotron instabilities in bi-Kappa distributed plasmas: A quasilinear approach
Authors: Lazar M. , Yoon P. H. , Eliasson B.
Published: April 2017

Anisotropic bi-Kappa distributed plasmas, as encountered in the solar wind and planetary magnetospheres, are susceptible to a variety of kinetic instabilities including the cyclotron instabilities driven by an excess of perpendicular temperature T⊥>T∥ (where ∥,⊥ denote directions relative to the mean magnetic field). These instabilities have been extensively investigated in the past, mainly limiting to a linear stability analysis. About their quasilinear (weakly nonlinear) development, some insights have been revealed by numerical simulations using PIC and Vlasov solvers. This paper presents a self-consistent analytical approach, which provides for both the electron and proton cyclotron instabilities an extended picture of the quasilinear time evolution of the anisotropic temperatures as well as the wave energy densities.
Efficient modulation of orthogonally polarized infrared light using graphene metamaterials
Authors: Cui Yudong , Zeng Chao
Published: April 2017

We propose an efficient modulation of linearly polarized infrared light using graphene metamaterials (GMMs) by exploiting the phase-coupled plasmon-induced transparency (PIT) mechanism. Because of the phase-coupling effect in GMMs, pronounced PIT peaks can be simultaneously obtained for the orthogonally polarized light through tuning of the Fermi level in graphene. Taking advantage of such polarization-selective PIT spectral responses and precise phase management, a dual-polarization GMM modulator is successfully achieved with ultra-high modulation depths of ∼32 dB at 10 μm and ∼28 dB at 12.45 μm for the x- and y-polarized light beams, respectively. The underlying principle of the proposal is well explained and verified by using transfer matrix method. The proposed scheme provides new opportunities for developing graphene-integrated high-performance electro-optical modulation, switching, and other optoelectronics applications.
Fluctuation of long-range order in Co-Pt alloy nanoparticles revealed by time-resolved electron microscopy
Authors: Sato Kazuhisa , Yasuda Hidehiro
Published: April 2017

The development of long-range order in disordered Co-Pt alloy nanoparticles has been atomically resolved in situ with an ultra-high voltage electron microscope equipped with a direct electron detection camera. Electron-irradiation-enhanced ordering occurred at 573 K with 1 MeV electrons at a dose rate of 8.9 × 1024 e/m2s. High-speed (400 frames/s) imaging revealed fluctuations of the c-axis orientation of the L10–type ordered structure. Specifically, the c-axis orientation changes occurred at 2.5-ms intervals. Thus, the atomic ordering rate at 573 K is deduced to be 3 × 10−17 m2/s, which is 1013 times higher than that estimated for interdiffusion in a bulk Co-Pt alloy. The observed kinetic ordering temperature of 573 K is significantly lower than that reported previously (>800 K). The low-temperature ordering may be the result of enhanced atom migration via excess vacancies, 106 times higher than that at thermal equilibrium, introduced by the high-energy electron irradiation.
The effect of agriculture on cave-stream invertebrate communities
Authors: McNie Pierce M. , Death Russell G.
Published: April 2017

The impacts that land-use changes have on cave-stream fauna have not been considered widely in the investigations of land-use impacts on stream ecology. The present study examines how above-ground agriculture may influence cave-stream invertebrate communities. The invertebrate communities in four cave streams and their surface counterparts were sampled in 2014–2015, including two drained predominantly agricultural catchments and two drained forested catchments. These communities were examined alongside habitat and GIS land-use data to determine the relationship between above-ground land use and the stream communities. Invertebrate community composition and ecological health for surface streams was different between the agricultural and forest catchments. These differences were less pronounced within the cave-stream communities. Sedimentation was the principal agricultural stressor in the cave streams. The overall effects of agriculture were lower within the cave streams than on the surface; this is likely to be due to the reduced number of potentially deleterious stressors on cave streams.
Unpacking the variable context of quotatives
Authors: Kern Joseph
Published: April 2017

The present study analyzes the use of quotatives in Spanish among twenty-four Spanish-English bilinguals from Southern Arizona and assesses the possible influence of English contact in their use.Cameron (1998)defines the envelope of variation of quotatives in Spanish as verbs of direct report, bare-noun phrases, and null quotatives. This study identifies a fourth strategy of quotative discourse markers. A detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis of the linguistic conditioning of these four strategies of direct quotation according to content of the quote and grammatical person points to the fact that quotative discourse markers appear to be conditioned differently than the other three strategies, but contact with English does not play a decisive role in their use. These results contribute to our knowledge of Spanish in the United States and variation in quotative systems by expanding onCameron’s (1998)study to explore the quotative system of the Spanish of the U.S. Southwest and adding an analysis of quotative discourse markers.
Sound symbolism in translation
Authors: Pogacar Ruth , Peterlin Agnes Pisanski , Pokorn Nike K. , Pogačar Timothy
Published: April 2017

Readers may infer that literary characters are sympathetic or unsympathetic based on the perceived phonetics of character names. Drawing on brand name literature in marketing, we investigate whether Slovene and English speakers can identify sympathetic and unsympathetic characters in Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist based solely on their names, despite being unfamiliar with the novel. Both Slovene and English speakers can make this distinction, suggesting that sound symbolism may help communicate Dickens’s intended characterizations. Dickens’s documented focus on creating meaningful names suggests the sound symbolism in his characters’ names is likely intentional. These findings are relevant to the translating convention of preserving proper names, which leaves spelling intact (given similar alphabets). Preserving the original names in translation may be justified for readers fluent enough to perceive the original name sounds. However, not altering character names in translation may sometimes lead to different phonetic perceptions, which alter the sound symbolic meaning.
Self-Regulating Profession? Administrative Discipline of “Pill Mill” Physicians in Florida
Authors: Davis Corey S. , Carr Derek H.
Published: April 2017

Background

A relatively large number of “pill mills,” in which physicians prescribed and sometimes dispensed controlled substances without medical justification, operated in Florida beginning in the mid-2000s. Investigations into these operations have resulted in the arrest and conviction of dozens of physicians for activities related to illegal trafficking in controlled substances.

Methods

Using information from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Health, and court records, we constructed a database of Florida-licensed medical doctors who had been indicted or convicted of crimes related to illegal prescribing of controlled substances in Florida during 2010–2015. We then determined whether and when physicians in this data set were temporarily or permanently barred from practicing medicine in the state.

Results

We identified 43 physicians who faced criminal action for prescribing-related crimes during the study period. Twenty-eight of these physicians had been convicted or pled guilty as of September 30, 2016, of which 25 (89%) had been permanently barred from practicing medicine in the state. Only 1 of the 25 physicians permanently lost their license before they had been convicted or pled guilty. On average, physicians did not lose their license to practice for more than 9 months (291 days) after being convicted and 587 days after being indicted of a crime directly related to illegal prescribing of controlled substances. Seventeen physicians (68%) maintained their licenses for at least 1 year after being indicted.

Conclusions

This review suggests that the adoption of a more proactive and streamlined process may reduce the time from when physicians are indicted or convicted of illegally prescribing or dispensing controlled substances to board investigation and potential sanction, potentially reducing opioid-related adverse events in the state.
Side‐to‐side differences in lower extremity biomechanics during multi‐directional jump landing in volleyball athletes
Authors: Sinsurin Komsak , Srisangboriboon Sarun , Vachalathiti Roongtiwa
Published: April 2017

Side‐to‐side differences of lower extremities may influence the likelihood of injury. Moreover, adding the complexity of jump‐landing direction would help to explain lower extremity control during sport activities. The aim was to determine the effects of limb dominance and jump‐landing direction on lower extremity biomechanics. Nineteen female volleyball athletes participated. Both dominant limbs (DLs) and non‐dominant limbs (NLs) were examined in single‐leg jump‐landing tests in four directions, including forward (0°), diagonal (30° and 60°), and lateral (90°) directions. Kinematic marker trajectories and ground reaction forces were collected using a 10 camera Vicon system and an AMTI force plate. Repeated measures ANOVA (2 × 4, limb × direction) was used to analyse. The finding showed that, at peak vertical GRF, a significant interaction of limb dominance and direction effects was found in the hip flexion angle and lower extremity joint kinetics (p < .05). NLs and DLs exhibited significantly different strategies while landing in various directions. Significantly higher increase of ankle dorsiflexion angle was observed in lateral direction compared to other directions for both DLs and NLs (p < .05). Increasingly using ankle dorsiflexion was observed from the forward to the lateral direction for both DLs and NLs. However, NLs and DLs preferentially used different strategies of joint moment organization to respond to similar VGRFs in various directions. The response pattern of DLs might not be effective and may expose DLs to a higher injury risk, especially with regard to landing with awkward posture compared with NLs.
Resistance training prescription with different load‐management methods improves phase angle in older women
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Souza Mariana F. , Tomeleri Crisieli M. , Silva Analiza M. , Teixeira Denílson C. , Sardinha Luís B. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of two different resistance training (RT) prescription methods on phase angle (PA) in older women. Seventy‐six older women (68.5 ± 5.7 years) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: two training groups that performed an eight‐week RT programme either in a constant load (CT, n = 25) or an ascending pyramidal load (PR, n = 26) routine three times per week, or a control group (CG, n = 25) that performed no exercise. The CT programme consisted of three sets of 8–12 repetition maximum (RM) with a constant load for the three sets, whereas the PR training consisted of three sets of 12/10/8 RM with incremental loads for each set. PA was assessed by whole‐body spectral bioelectrical impedance. After the RT period, both CT and PR achieved higher (P < .05) values of PA (CT = 5.76 ± 0.59°, PR = 5.63 ± 0.61°, CG = 5.48 ± 0.46°) compared to the CG; however, there was no difference (P > .05) between trained groups. The results suggest that eight weeks of RT based on a PR and CT load routines promote an improvement in PA, and both prescription methods performed similarly.
Exercise but not metformin improves health‐related quality of life and mood states in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Baptista Liliana C. , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Martins Raul A.
Published: April 2017

The aim of this cohort study is to analyse the effect of three types of treatment: (i) exercise training with multicomponent exercise (E); (ii) pharmacologic treatment with oral hypoglycaemic drug – metformin (M); and (iii) a combined therapy – exercise and metformin (E + M) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and mood states in older adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with comorbidity in an early stage of the disease. Participants (n = 284) underwent 1 of the following 3 conditions: (i) E (n = 59) trained three times/week; (ii) M (n = 30) used 850 mg of metformin twice daily; and (iii) E + M (n = 195) combined exercise and metformin. Furthermore, participants completed baseline and 2‐year follow‐up evaluations including a Shortform Health Survey 36, Profile of Mood States – Short‐form, the health history questionnaires, anthropometric, and blood biochemistry. E and E + M revealed improved mood states, with large effect size on the vigour domain, and moderate effect size in the anger and total mood disturbance (TMD) domains (P < 0.05), in comparison with the M group. After 24 months’ intervention, the E and E + M groups perceived better physical and mental HRQoL than the M group. The M group unchanged HRQoL domains (P > 0.05). Metformin had no significant effect on the self‐referred HRQoL in T2D participants aged above 60 years, in an early stage of the disease. The E and E + M were the most effective long‐term therapies to improve mood states and HRQoL in older adults with T2D.
Sharing economies: moving beyond binaries in a digital age
Authors: Davies Anna R. , Donald Betsy , Gray Mia , Knox-Hayes Janelle
Published: April 2017

In periods of turbulence, the tendency to simplify messages and polarise debates is nothing new. In our hyper-mediated world of online technologies, where it seems that even national policy can be forged in the 140 characters of Twitter, it is more important than ever to retain spaces for in-depth debate of emergent phenomena that have disruptive and transformative potential. In this article, we follow this logic and argue that to fully understand the diverse range of practices and potential consequences of activities uncomfortably corralled under the ambiguous term ‘the sharing economy’ requires not a simplification of arguments, but an opening out of horizons to explore the many ways in which these phenomena have emerged and are evolving. It is argued that this will require attention to multiple terrains, from diverse intellectual traditions across many disciplines to the thus far largely reactive responses of government and regulation, and from the world of techno-innovation start-ups to the optics of media (including social media) reporting on what it means to ‘share’ in the 21st century. Building on this, we make the case for viewing ‘the sharing economy’ as a matrix of diverse economies with clear links to past practices. We propose that to build a grammar for understanding these diverse sharing economies requires further attention to: (1) The etymology of sharing and sharing economies; (2) The differentiated geographies to which sharing economies contribute; (3) What it means to labour, work and be employed in sharing economies; (4) The role of the state and others in governing, regulating and shaping the organisation and practice of sharing economies; and (5) the impacts of sharing economies. In conclusion, we suggest that while media interest may fade as their presence in everyday lives becomes less novel, understanding sharing economies remains an urgent activity if we are to ensure that the new ways of living and labouring, to which sharing economies are contributing, work to promote sustainable and inclusive development in this world that ultimately we all share.
Pain, Agitation, and Delirium Guidelines
Authors: Jablonski Juliane , Gray Jaime , Miano Todd , Redline Gretchen , Teufel Heather , Collins Tara , Pascual-Lopez Jose , Sylvia Martha , Martin Niels D.
Published: April 2017

Background:

Societal guidelines exist for the management of pain, agitation, and delirium (PAD) in critically ill patients. This contemporary practice aims for a more awake and interactive patient. Institutions are challenged to translate the interrelated multivariable concepts of PAD into daily clinical practice and to demonstrate improvement in quality outcomes. An interdisciplinary goal-directed approach shows outcomes in high-acuity surgical critical care during the early stages of implementation.

Methods:

This study was a prospective preintervention and postintervention design. A formal PAD clinical practice guideline targeting standardized assessment and “light” levels of sedation was instituted. All mechanically ventilated patients admitted to a 24-bed surgical intensive care unit (ICU) at an academic medical center during a 6-month period were included (3 months before and 3 months after implementation). Sedation and agitation were measured using the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS), pain measured using a Behavioral or Numeric Pain Scale (NPS/BPS), and delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit. Total ventilator days with exposure to continuous opioid or sedative infusions and total ICU days where the patient received a physical activity session exercising out of bed were recorded.

Results:

There were 106 patients (54 at preintervention and 52 at postintervention). Mean percentage of RASS scores between 0 to −1 increased from 38% to 50% postintervention (P < .02). Mean percentage of NPS/BPS scores within the goal range (<5 for BPS and <3 for NPS) remained stable, 86% to 83% (P = .16). There was a decrease in use of continuous narcotic infusions for mechanically ventilated patients. This was reported as mean percentage of total ventilator days with a continuous opioid infusing: 65% before implementation versus 47% after implementation (P < .01). Mean percentage of ICU days with physical activity sessions increased from 24% to 41% (P < .001). Overall mean ventilator-free days and ICU length of stay were 5.4 to 4.5 days (P = .29) and 11.75 to 9.5 days (P = .20), respectively.

Conclusion:

Measureable patient outcomes are achievable in the early stages of PAD guideline initiatives and can inform future systems-level organizational change. Pain, agitation, and delirium assessment tools form the foundation for clinical implementation and evaluation. High-acuity surgical critical care patients can achieve more time at goal RASS, decreased ventilator days, and less exposure to continuous opioid infusions, all while maintaining stable analgesia.
Implementing Family Meetings Into a Respiratory Care Unit
Authors: Loeslie Vicki , Abcejo Ma Sunnimpha , Anderson Claudia , Leibenguth Emily , Mielke Cathy , Rabatin Jeffrey
Published: April 2017

Background:

Substantial evidence in critical care literature identifies a lack of quality and quantity of communication between patients, families, and clinicians while in the intensive care unit. Barriers include time, multiple caregivers, communication skills, culture, language, stress, and optimal meeting space. For patients who are chronically critically ill, the need for a structured method of communication is paramount for discussion of goals of care.

Objective:

The objective of this quality improvement project was to identify barriers to communication, then develop, implement, and evaluate a process for semistructured family meetings in a 9-bed respiratory care unit.

Methods:

Using set dates and times, family meetings were offered to patients and families admitted to the respiratory care unit. Multiple avenues of communication were utilized to facilitate attendance. Utilizing evidence-based family meeting literature, a guide for family meetings was developed. Templates were developed for documentation of the family meeting in the electronic medical record.

Results:

Multiple communication barriers were identified. Frequency of family meeting occurrence rose from 31% to 88%. Staff satisfaction with meeting frequency, meeting length, and discussion of congruent goals of care between patient/family and health care providers improved. Patient/family satisfaction with consistency of message between team members; understanding of medications, tests, and dismissal plan; and efficacy to address their concerns with the medical team improved.

Discussion:

This quality improvement project was implemented to address the communication gap in the care of complex patients who require prolonged hospitalizations. By identifying this need, engaging stakeholders, and developing a family meeting plan to meet to address these needs, communication between all members of the patient’s care team has improved.
2017 Guide to Nursing Certification Boards
Authors: Bonsall Lisa Morris , Schnur Myrna Buiser , Deming Cara , Fryling-Resare Kim , Maroldo Robert
Published: April 2017

Nursing specialty certification is one way to enhance your professional development and to exhibit dedication to high-quality, safe patient care and a commitment of excellence to your organization. Use this resource to explore your options and contact the certifying body that meets your needs.
Patients’ and Families’ Satisfaction With Visiting Policies in Cardiac Intensive Care Units
Authors: Khaleghparast Shiva , Joolaee Soodabeh , Maleki Majid , Peyrovi Hamid , Ghanbari Behrooz , Bahrani Naser
Published: April 2017

Background:

Families play a vital role in the recovery of patients admitted to intensive care units. They can help patients to adapt themselves to the crisis and feel more satisfied.

Objective:

In this study, we examined the patients’ and families’ satisfaction with the current visiting policies in cardiac intensive care units in the largest Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center of Iran.

Method:

This research used a cross-sectional descriptive design. To do so, 303 patients admitted to those cardiac intensive care units and their families responded to a 2-part questionnaire between September 2014 and March 2015.

Results:

The results showed that 55.1% of the participants were dissatisfied with the limited visiting policies of the cardiac intensive care units, whereas the satisfaction rate was 14.2%. The remaining participants (30.7%) were slightly satisfied with the visiting policies in cardiac intensive care units.

Conclusions:

Patient-centered care is an expectation among patients and their families in the cardiac intensive care units. It seems that a change in visiting policies is necessary.
Ergothioneine Antioxidant Function: From Chemistry to Cardiovascular Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Servillo Luigi , D'Onofrio Nunzia , Balestrieri Maria Luisa
Published: April 2017

Ergothioneine (ESH), the betaine of 2-mercapto-l-histidine, is a water-soluble naturally occurring amino acid with antioxidant properties. ESH accumulates in several human and animal tissues up to millimolar concentration through its high affinity transporter, namely the organic cation transporter 1 (OCTN1). ESH, first isolated from the ergot fungus (Claviceps purpurea), is synthesized only by Actinomycetales and non-yeast–like fungi. Plants absorb ESH via symbiotic associations between their roots and soil fungi, whereas mammals acquire it solely from dietary sources. Numerous evidence demonstrated the antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of ESH, including protection against cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, ultraviolet radiation damages, and neuronal injuries. Although more than a century after its discovery has gone by, our understanding on the in vivo ESH mechanism is limited and this compound still intrigues researchers. However, recent evidence about differences in chemical redox behavior between ESH and alkylthiols, such as cysteine and glutathione, has opened new perspectives on the role of ESH during oxidative damage. In this short review, we discuss the role of ESH in the complex machinery of the cellular antioxidant defense focusing on the current knowledge on its chemical mechanism of action in the protection against cardiovascular disease.
Interprofessional Barriers: A Study of Quality Improvement Work Among Nurses and Physicians
Authors: Eriksson Nomie , Müllern Tomas
Published: April 2017

This article studies interprofessional barriers between nurses and physicians in the context of quality improvement work. A total of 17 nurses and 10 physicians were interviewed at 2 hospitals in Sweden. The study uncovered a number of barriers relating to both the relative status of each group and their defined areas of responsibility.
Photoreduction and validation of haem–ligand intermediate states in protein crystals byin situsingle-crystal spectroscopy and diffraction
Authors: Kekilli Demet , Moreno-Chicano Tadeo , Chaplin Amanda K. , Horrell Sam , Dworkowski Florian S. N. , Worrall Jonathan A. R. , Strange Richard W. , Hough Michael A.
Published: April 2017

Powerful synergies are available from the combination of multiple methods to study proteins in the crystalline form. Spectroscopies which probe the same region of the crystal from which X-ray crystal structures are determined can give insights into redox, ligand and spin states to complement the information gained from the electron-density maps. The correct assignment of crystal structures to the correct protein redox and ligand states is essential to avoid the misinterpretation of structural data. This is a particular concern for haem proteins, which can occupy a wide range of redox states and are exquisitely sensitive to becoming reduced by solvated electrons generated from interactions of X-rays with water molecules in the crystal. Here, single-crystal spectroscopic fingerprinting has been applied to investigate the laser photoreduction of ferric haem in cytochromec′. Furthermore,in situX-ray-driven generation of haem intermediates in crystals of the dye-decolourizing-type peroxidase A (DtpA) fromStreptomyces lividansis described.
Decision tree analysis of wine consumers’ preferences: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Jovanović Miomir M. , Kašćelan Ljiljana , Joksimović Miljan , Kašćelan Vladimir
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the interactive and individual influences of socio-demographic and behavioural-cognitive factors on the frequency and quality of wine consumption, as well as importance of the brand and advertising on selection.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was prepared on the basis of the selected factors. The research was carried out on a sample of 207 randomly selected respondents. The analysis was done using the classification decision tree.

Findings

The results show the dominant influence of socio-demographic factors, such as region, place of living (urban-rural areas), family size, age, income and education of consumers as well as behavioural-cognitive factors, such as the price importance, place of purchase and product characteristics, in all analysed target variables. Apart from the similarities with traditional wine markets, the specificities related to an emerging market have also been determined.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this research concern sample size as well as the research conducted over the period of one year.

Practical implications

The practical objective of this paper is to help wine marketers to develop more effective positioning strategies for a specific emerging market.

Originality/value

This research combines critical factors based on related studies, including the antecedents and outcome variables, to develop more comprehensive models for better understanding of the wine consumers’ behaviour. In major and traditional wine-making countries, the consumption of wine is fairly predictable. In emerging markets, the commercial strategies are, for the most part, based on certain specificities and are quite interesting for the surveys.
Reaching beyond the wire: challenges facing wireless for the last mile
Authors: Yankelevich Aleksandr , Shapiro Mitchell , Dutton William H.
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a critical perspective on the major opportunities and challenges facing the future of wireless access to broadband internet services in the USA. In particular, it seeks to develop realistic expectations for new entrants and existing wireline broadband providers, hoping to diversify into wireless to extend the reach of broadband to previously underserved markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper synthesizes a series of empirical case studies of efforts to develop wireless projects across the USA. Cases were chosen to reflect variations in recent initiatives related to spectrum used, housing density, topography, types of services provided and the type of entity providing them. Findings are supplemented by a thorough review of applicable sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, Federal Communications Commission Orders and state and local regulations.

Findings

Although developments in wireless technology and regulation have permitted novel approaches for using wireless to extend the reach of broadband, myriad challenges must be addressed for successful expansion. These include limitations on throughput, infrastructure and equipment hurdles, regulatory uncertainty and relatively low revenue potential in underserved markets.

Practical implications

This study can serve as a guide to the nuances that wireless broadband providers must take into account when extending service in different settings. Because social and regulatory contexts are critical, the authors anchor their findings in a study of US cases and regulations. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges that are explored can be of relevance for practitioners considering wireless access in other countries where comparable situations may arise.

Originality/value

Existing scholarship generally focuses on the opportunities of wireless technologies for extending the reach and quality of broadband without methodically exploring potential hurdles. In this paper, the authors carefully consider both, paying attention to the social, financial, policy and technical challenges that must be addressed to successfully design and implement different wireless initiatives.
World-class broadband
Authors: Sutherland Ewan
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the aspiration to world-class broadband in a number of countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes a review of the various approaches taken by countries, consultants and intergovernmental organisations.

Findings

The term “world class” is used relatively vaguely, without any significant link to long-term improvements in national performance, rather to an aspiration to being close to the leaders.

Research limitations/implications

The use of benchmarking in lobbying needs further study, as does the quality of lobbying.

Practical implications

Governments need to make explicit their policy aims in addition to any world-class headline and need to aim for design improvement in their governance systems.

Originality/value

This is the first review of benchmarking of broadband at the national level.
Lens or prism? How organisations sustain multiple and competing reputations
Authors: Harvey William S. , Tourky Marwa , Knight Eric , Kitchen Philip
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to challenge singular definitions, measurements and applications of corporate reputation which tend to be reductionist. The authors rebuff such narrow representations of reputation by showing the multiplicity of reputation in the case of a global management consulting firm and demonstrate how it has sustained such reputations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large cross-country qualitative case study based on interviews, focus groups, non-participant observations, workshops and a fieldwork diary, dimensions of reputation are highlighted by drawing on perceptions from multiple stakeholder groups in different geographies.

Findings

The authors find significant differences in perceptions of reputation between and within stakeholder groups, with perceptions changing across dimensions and geographies.

Originality/value

The theoretical implications of the research indicate a plurality of extant reputations, suggesting that a prism is more suited to representing corporate reputation than a singular, lens-like focus which is too narrow to constitute reputation. This paper offers theoretical and practical suggestions for how global firms can build and sustain multiple and competing corporate reputations.
Pleasure and guilt: how do they interplay in luxury consumption?
Authors: Ki Chungwha , Lee Kangbok , Kim Youn-Kyung
Published: April 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, building upon affect balance theory, whether the two modes of luxury consumption, conspicuous consumption (CC) and style consumption (SC), trigger consumers’ mixed emotions of pleasure and guilt and whether the mixed emotions interactively as well as independently influence consumer loyalty to repurchase luxury.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey and seemingly unrelated regressions (SUR) analysis, the authors test the hypotheses and assess the parallel (double) mediation effects of pleasure and guilt on the relationships between luxury consumption and repurchase intention.

Findings

The authors confirm the relationships between CC and pleasure (+), between SC and pleasure (+), between CC and guilt (+) and between SC and guilt (−); the independent effects of pleasure (+) and guilt (−) on repurchase intention (RI); and the interaction effect of pleasure and guilt on RI (+). The authors further demonstrate that both pleasure and guilt mediate the relationship between CC and RI, whereas only pleasure mediates the relationship between SC and RI.

Research limitations/implications

Future researchers may consider possible mixed emotions other than pleasure and guilt and further explore the dynamics between mixed consumer emotions and consumer loyalty in diverse consumption contexts.

Practical implications

The authors suggest luxury marketers to reduce consumer guilt by promoting SC and by maximizing consumer pleasure, which will lead to greater repurchase intention.

Originality/value

Prior research focused on either the positive or negative side of consumer emotion. The authors fill in the research void by examining whether mixed emotions coexist in luxury consumption and how they interplay and influence consumer loyalty.
Relationships between social Web, IMC and overall brand equity
Authors: Šerić Maja
Published: April 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically validate the relationships between social Web, integrated marketing communications (IMC) and overall brand equity and to test the moderating role of national culture on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected among 475 customers and analysed using the LISREL and partial least squares (PLS) techniques and non-parametric methods.

Findings

Strong positive and significant relationships are found between social Web and IMC on the one hand, and IMC and brand equity on the other, the second relationship being even stronger than the first one. Moreover, national culture is found to exert a statistically significant moderating effect on both relationships.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study contribute to the wider knowledge and theoretical understanding of both technology and marketing communications potential in the development of brand equity. The results therefore suggest that brand equity requires a representative brand name and consistent meaning of the brand sustained by social Web and the integration of marketing communications.

Practical implications

Consistency in marketing communications can be considered as a primary basis for brand equity building in companies. Moreover, efficient management of the user-generated content available in social media platforms represents a great challenge for marketers.

Originality/value

Although the connection between social Web, IMC and brand equity was founded in theory, there is a lack of empirical contributions on the causal relationships among these constructs. This gap is filled by the current empirical contribution. Another significant insight of this work lies in considering the role of national culture in the IMC research.