bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercritical Fluid Synthesis of LiCoPO4 Nanoparticles and Their Application to Lithium Ion Battery
Authors: Devaraju Murukanahally , Truong Quang , Hyodo Hiroshi , Tomai Takaaki , Honma Itaru
Published: May 2014

In this work, LiCoPO4 nanoparticles were synthesized by supercritical fluid method using cobalt nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO3)2 6H2O) and cobalt acetate tetrahydrate (C4H6CoO4 4H2O) as starting materials. The effect of starting materials on particle morphology, size, and the crystalline phase were investigated. The as-synthesized samples were systematically characterized by XRD, TEM, STEM, EDS, BET, and TG and charge-discharge measurements. In addition, Rietveld refinement analysis was performed. The electrochemical measurements of LiCoPO4 nanoparticles have shown differences in capacities depending on the starting materials used in the synthesis and the results have been discussed in this paper.
Hybrid Composites Based on Carbon Fiber/Carbon Nanofilament Reinforcement
Authors: Tehrani Mehran , Yari Boroujeni Ayoub , Luhrs Claudia , Phillips Jonathan , Al-Haik Marwan
Published: May 2014

Carbon nanofilament and nanotubes (CNTs) have shown promise for enhancing the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites (FRPs) and imparting multi-functionalities to them. While direct mixing of carbon nanofilaments with the polymer matrix in FRPs has several drawbacks, a high volume of uniform nanofilaments can be directly grown on fiber surfaces prior to composite fabrication. This study demonstrates the ability to create carbon nanofilaments on the surface of carbon fibers employing a synthesis method, graphitic structures by design (GSD), in which carbon structures are grown from fuel mixtures using nickel particles as the catalyst. The synthesis technique is proven feasible to grow nanofilament structures—from ethylene mixtures at 550 °C—on commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers. Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy were employed to characterize the surface-grown carbon species. For comparison purposes, a catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) technique was also utilized to grow multiwall CNTs (MWCNTs) on carbon fiber yarns. The mechanical characterization showed that composites using the GSD-grown carbon nanofilaments outperform those using the CCVD-grown CNTs in terms of stiffness and tensile strength. The results suggest that further optimization of the GSD growth time, patterning and thermal shield coating of the carbon fibers is required to fully materialize the potential benefits of the GSD technique.
Investigation of Indolglyoxamide and Indolacetamide Analogues of Polyamines as Antimalarial and Antitrypanosomal Agents
Authors: Wang Jiayi , Kaiser Marcel , Copp Brent
Published: May 2014

Pure compound screening has previously identified the indolglyoxy lamidospermidine ascidian metabolites didemnidine A and B (2 and 3) to be weak growth inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (IC50 59 and 44 μM, respectively) and Plasmodium falciparum (K1 dual drug resistant strain) (IC50 41 and 15 μM, respectively), but lacking in selectivity (L6 rat myoblast, IC50 24 μM and 25 μM, respectively). To expand the structure–activity relationship of this compound class towards both parasites, we have prepared and biologically tested a library of analogues that includes indoleglyoxyl and indoleacetic “capping acids”, and polyamines including spermine (PA3-4-3) and extended analogues PA3-8-3 and PA3-12-3. 7-Methoxy substituted indoleglyoxylamides were typically found to exhibit the most potent antimalarial activity (IC50 10–92 nM) but with varying degrees of selectivity versus the L6 rat myoblast cell line. A 6-methoxyindolglyoxylamide analogue was the most potent growth inhibitor of T. brucei (IC50 0.18 μM) identified in the study: it, however, also exhibited poor selectivity (L6 IC50 6.0 μM). There was no apparent correlation between antimalarial and anti-T. brucei activity in the series. In vivo evaluation of one analogue against Plasmodium berghei was undertaken, demonstrating a modest 20.9% reduction in parasitaemia.
Profiling of Polar Lipids in Marine Oleaginous Diatom Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580: Prediction of the Potential Mechanism for Eicosapentaenoic Acid-Incorporation into Triacylglycerol
Authors: Liang Yue , Maeda Yoshiaki , Yoshino Tomoko , Matsumoto Mitsufumi , Tanaka Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2014

The marine oleaginous diatom Fistulifera solaris JPCC DA0580 is a candidate for biodiesel production because of its high lipid productivity. However, the substantial eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content in this strain would affect the biodiesel quality. On the other hand, EPA is also known as the essential health supplement for humans. EPAs are mainly incorporated into glycerolipids in the microalgal cell instead of the presence as free fatty acids. Therefore, the understanding of the EPA biosynthesis including the incorporation of the EPA into glycerolipids especially triacylglycerol (TAG) is fundamental for regulating EPA content for different purposes. In this study, in order to identify the biosynthesis pathway for the EPA-containing TAG species, a lipidomic characterization of the EPA-enriched polar lipids was performed by using direct infusion electrospray ionization (ESI)-Q-TRAP-MS and MS/MS analyses. The determination of the fatty acid positional distribution showed that the sn-2 position of all the chloroplast lipids and part of phosphatidylcholine (PC) species was occupied by C16 fatty acids. This result suggested the critical role of the chloroplast on the lipid synthesis in F. solaris. Furthermore, the exclusive presence of C18 fatty acids in PC highly indicated the biosynthesis of EPA on PC. Finally, the PC-based acyl-editing and head group exchange processes were proposed to be essential for the incorporation of EPA into TAG and chloroplast lipids.
Ilimaquinone and Ethylsmenoquinone, Marine Sponge Metabolites, Suppress the Proliferation of Multiple Myeloma Cells by Down-Regulating the Level of β-Catenin
Authors: Park Seoyoung , Yun Eunju , Hwang In , Yoon Soojin , Kim Dong-Eun , Kim Ji , Na MinKyun , Song Gyu-Yong , Oh Sangtaek
Published: May 2014

Deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes the development of a broad range of human cancers, including multiple myeloma, and is thus a potential target for the development of therapeutics for this disease. Here, we used a cell-based reporter system to demonstrate that ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone (formerly smenorthoquinone), sesquiterpene-quinones from a marine sponge, inhibited β-catenin response transcription induced with Wnt3a-conditioned medium, by down-regulating the level of intracellular β-catenin. Pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β did not abolish the ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone-mediated β-catenin down-regulation. Degradation of β-catenin was consistently found in RPMI-8226 multiple myeloma cells after ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone treatment. Ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone repressed the expression of cyclin D1, c-myc, and axin-2, which are β-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent genes, and inhibited the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells. In addition, ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone significantly induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in RPMI-8266 cells. These findings suggest that ilimaquinone and ethylsmenoquinone exert their anti-cancer activity by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and have significant potential as therapies for multiple myeloma.
When the U.S. Stock Market Becomes Extreme?
Authors: Aboura Sofiane
Published: May 2014

Over the last three decades, the world economy has been facing stock market crashes, currency crisis, the dot-com and real estate bubble burst, credit crunch and banking panics. As a response, extreme value theory (EVT) provides a set of ready-made approaches to risk management analysis. However, EVT is usually applied to standardized returns to offer more reliable results, but remains difficult to interpret in the real world. This paper proposes a quantile regression to transform standardized returns into theoretical raw returns making them economically interpretable. An empirical test is carried out on the S&P500 stock index from 1950 to 2013. The main results indicate that the U.S stock market becomes extreme from a price variation of ±1.5% and the largest one-day decline of the 2007–2008 period is likely, on average, to be exceeded one every 27 years.
Rapid Damage Assessment by Means of Multi-Temporal SAR — A Comprehensive Review and Outlook to Sentinel-1
Authors: Plank Simon
Published: May 2014

Fast crisis response after natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tropical storms, is necessary to support, for instance, rescue, humanitarian, and reconstruction operations in the crisis area. Therefore, rapid damage mapping after a disaster is crucial, i.e., to detect the affected area, including grade and type of damage. Thereby, satellite remote sensing plays a key role due to its fast response, wide field of view, and low cost. With the increasing availability of remote sensing data, numerous methods have been developed for damage assessment. This article gives a comprehensive review of these techniques focusing on multi-temporal SAR procedures for rapid damage assessment: interferometric coherence and intensity correlation. The review is divided into six parts: First, methods based on coherence; second, the ones using intensity correlation; and third, techniques using both methodologies combined to increase the accuracy of the damage assessment are reviewed. Next, studies using additional data (e.g., GIS and optical imagery) to support the damage assessment and increase its accuracy are reported. Moreover, selected studies on post-event SAR damage assessment techniques and examples of other applications of the interferometric coherence are presented. Then, the preconditions for a successful worldwide application of multi-temporal SAR methods for damage assessment and the limitations of current SAR satellite missions are reported. Finally, an outlook to the Sentinel-1 SAR mission shows possible solutions of these limitations, enabling a worldwide applicability of the presented damage assessment methods.
Spatiotemporal Pattern and Driving Forces of Arable Land-Use Intensity in China: Toward Sustainable Land Management Using Emergy Analysis
Authors: Xie Hualin , Zou Jinlang , Jiang Hailing , Zhang Ning , Choi Yongrok
Published: May 2014

The level of arable land-use intensity has important impacts on food security and rural sustainable development. Using the emergy method, we investigate the spatial disparities and driving forces of arable land-use intensity in China from 1999 to 2008 at the national, regional and provincial levels. The empirical results show that chemical fertilizer was the largest component of agricultural inputs and that agricultural diesel oil recorded the highest growth rate. The degree of heterogeneities in arable land-use intensity in China showed a decreasing trend, which resulted mainly from the differences among the eastern, northeastern, central and western regions. The regional disparities in labor, pesticides and plastic sheeting decreased from 1999 to 2008. The per capita annual net incomes of household operations and the agricultural policies had a significant positive correlation with total inputs, fertilizer inputs, pesticide inputs and agricultural plastic sheeting. In addition, the nonagricultural population had a greater impact on agricultural plastic sheeting. Finally, we suggest that there is an urgent need to focus on the effects of chemical fertilizer and pesticide inputs on the ecological environment. Agricultural support policies should be introduced for the poor agricultural production provinces.
Water Banks: Using Managed Aquifer Recharge to Meet Water Policy Objectives
Authors: Megdal Sharon , Dillon Peter , Seasholes Kenneth
Published: May 2014

Innovation born of necessity to secure water for the U.S. state of Arizona has yielded a model of water banking that serves as an international prototype for effective use of aquifers for drought and emergency supplies. If understood and adapted to local hydrogeological and water supply and demand conditions, this could provide a highly effective solution for water security elsewhere. Arizona is a semi-arid state in the southwestern United States that has growing water demands, significant groundwater overdraft, and surface water supplies with diminishing reliability. In response, Arizona has developed an institutional and regulatory framework that has allowed large-scale implementation of managed aquifer recharge in the state’s deep alluvial groundwater basins. The most ambitious recharge activities involve the storage of Colorado River water that is delivered through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). The CAP system delivers more than 1850 million cubic meters (MCM) per year to Arizona’s two largest metropolitan areas, Phoenix and Tucson, along with agricultural users and sovereign Native American Nations, but the CAP supply has junior priority and is subject to reduction during declared shortages on the Colorado River. In the mid-1980s the State of Arizona established a framework for water storage and recovery; and in 1996 the Arizona Water Banking Authority was created to mitigate the impacts of Colorado River shortages; to create water management benefits; and to allow interstate storage. The Banking Authority has stored more than 4718 MCM of CAP water; including more than 740 MCM for the neighboring state of Nevada. The Nevada storage was made possible through a series of interrelated agreements involving regional water agencies and the federal government. The stored water will be recovered within Arizona; allowing Nevada to divert an equal amount of Colorado River water from Lake Mead; which is upstream of CAP’s point of diversion. This paper describes water banking in Arizona from a policy perspective and identifies reasons for its implementation. It goes on to explore conditions under which water banking could successfully be applied to other parts of the world, specifically including Australia.
An analytical approach to evaluate the performance of graphene and carbon nanotubes for NH3 gas sensor applications
Authors: Akbari Elnaz , Arora Vijay Kumar , Enzevaee Aria , Ahmadi Mohamad T , Saeidmanesh Mehdi , Khaledian Mohsen , Karimi Hediyeh , Yusof Rubiyah
Published: May 2014

Carbon, in its variety of allotropes, especially graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), holds great potential for applications in variety of sensors because of dangling π-bonds that can react with chemical elements. In spite of their excellent features, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have not been fully exploited in the development of the nanoelectronic industry mainly because of poor understanding of the band structure of these allotropes. A mathematical model is proposed with a clear purpose to acquire an analytical understanding of the field-effect-transistor (FET) based gas detection mechanism. The conductance change in the CNT/graphene channel resulting from the chemical reaction between the gas and channel surface molecules is emphasized. NH3 has been used as the prototype gas to be detected by the nanosensor and the corresponding current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the FET-based sensor are studied. A graphene-based gas sensor model is also developed. The results from graphene and CNT models are compared with the experimental data. A satisfactory agreement, within the uncertainties of the experiments, is obtained. Graphene-based gas sensor exhibits higher conductivity compared to that of CNT-based counterpart for similar ambient conditions.
COMPARISON AND OPTIMIZATION OF CORDON AND AREA PRICINGS FOR MANAGING TRAVEL DEMAND
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Liu Huiyuan , Sun Daniel (Jian)
Published: May 2014

This paper analyses both the cordon and area pricings from the perspective of travel demand management. Sensitivity analysis of various performance measures with respect to the toll rate and demand elastic parameter is performed on a virtual grid network. The analysis shows that cordon pricing mainly affects those trips with origins outside of the Central Business District and destinations inside, while area pricing imposes additional cost on the trips with either origins or destinations in the Central Business District. Though both pricing strategies are able to alleviate traffic congestion in the charging area, area pricing seems more effective, however, area pricing owns the risk to detour too much traffic and thus cause severe congestion to the network outside of the Central Business District. Following the sensitivity analysis, a unified framework is proposed to optimize the designs of the both pricing strategies, which is flexible to account for various practical concerns. The optimization models are formulated as mixed-integer nonlinear programs with complementarity constraints, and the solution procedure is composed of solving a series of nonlinear programs and mixed-integer linear programs. Results from the numerical examples are in line with the findings in the sensitivity analysis. Under the specific network settings, cordon pricing achieves the best system performance when the toll rate reaches the maximum allowed, while area pricing finds the optimal design scheme when the toll rate equals half of the maximum allowed.
L'orchestre d'Olivier Roellinger
Authors: Roellinger Olivier
Published: May 2014

La singularité d’Olivier Roellinger est d’avoir voulu raconter, au-delà de la technique gastronomique, ce qu’il est vraiment : son goût des voyages lointains, de l’exploration de l’histoire des épices et du dialogue avec les gens de la mer.
A Challenge for the Future
Authors: Maas Meridean , Hardy Mary
Published: May 2014

EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF NURSING DIAGNOSES SHOULD INCLUDE INCREASED UNDERSTANDING OF CONCEPTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND OUTCOMES.
Impaired Physical Mobility
Authors: Milde Frances Kay
Published: May 2014

DESIGN A PROGRAM TO HELP THE OLDER ADULT VIEW EXERCISE AS AN INTEGRAL AND ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF AN ACTIVE LIFE.
Alterations in Thought Process
Authors: Hall Geri Richards
Published: May 2014

ALTERATIONS IN THOUGHT PROCESS ARE OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED BY NURSES.
Pain Management and Comfort
Authors: Eland Joann M
Published: May 2014

HOW PAIN IS MANAGED CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISCOMFORT AND THE COMFORT WHICH ALLOWS THE ELDERLY PERSON TO MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, MOBILITY, AND IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES.
NURSING'S IMPACT ON LIFE SATISFACTION
Authors: Huss M Jean , Buckwalter Kathleen Coen , Stolley Jackie
Published: May 2014

The variable that appears to have the highest impact on life satisfaction is the residents' perception of their health status. Health-promotion activities and therapeutic relationships are among the best strategies nurses have.
Community Mental Health Nursing
Authors: Portnoy Frances L , Acker Sharon , Keithline Carolyn , Lewis Judith A
Published: May 2014

The project involves linking residents with community agencies as a step toward increased independence, improved self-esteem, and possible discharge.
REMOTIVATION THERAPY
Authors: Janssen Judy A , Giberson Dawn L
Published: May 2014

REMOTIVATION THERAPY USED IN A COMMUNITY-BASED ADULT CAY HEALTH-CARE CENTER, MAY BE BENEFICIAL FOR INTELLECTUALLY AND COGNITIVELY IMPAIRED INDIVIDUALS, MANY OF WHOM HAVE A DIAGNOSIS OF PDD.
The Therapeutic Value of Humor in Aging Adults
Authors: Simon Jolene M
Published: May 2014

Humor is an appropriate strategy to promote with older adults in both community and long-term settings. Nurses need to consider humor as a communication tool to reduce tension and break barriers.
DISPELLING MENOPAUSE MYTHS
Authors: McKeon Valerie Ann
Published: May 2014

It is imperative that we encourage women to examine their attitudes about menopause and openly discuss the prevalent myths and old wives' tales.
Long-Term Care Facility: DRG IMPACT
Authors: McGovern Kevin J , Newbern Virginia B
Published: May 2014

Professionals in long-term care, if they are to survive, must take note of their changing patient population and plan strategically to meet these new demands and to prepare for the additional changes that will occur as the health-care system seeks to accommodate itself to further legislative mandates.
The Homeless Elderly in America
Authors: Damrosch Shirley , Strasser Judith A
Published: May 2014

As team members and leaders, as planners, advocates, caregivers and friends, nurses have the knowledge and skill to be part of an effort to help find solutions for what is one of the most serious health and social problems of the 20th century.
AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE
Authors: Blixen Carol E
Published: May 2014

If we are to address the multiple needs of this fragile population, shifts in reimbursement policies, along with increased coordination between aging and mental health systems must be mandated by local and federal governments.
SELF-ESTEEM AND LIFE SATISFACTION
Authors: Thomas Beryl L
Published: May 2014

This study anticipated that the acquisition of meditation/ relaxation skills would provide the elderly with an independent vehicle for coping with the stresses of age, loss of social and work-related roles, as well as negative responses of reactions from society.
Behavioral Psychological Intervention
Authors: Fatis Michael , Smasal Mark S , Betts Bonnie J
Published: May 2014

A behavioral assessment of environmental influence of the nursing home setting is crucial for two reasons. Nurses, physicians, and other health-care professionals should consider requesting consultation for behavioral assessment and treatment as an intervention when working with the institutionalized elderly.
MANAGING AGGRESSIVE ELDERLY in Long-Term Care
Authors: Winger Jean , Schirm Victoria
Published: May 2014

Nurses need to be alert to the opportunities to give dependent patients' choices in their activities of daily living. The value of an individual exercising control in restricted environments cannot be dismissed.
Gerontological Research Is It Useful for Nursing Practice?
Authors: O'Leary Patricia A , McGill Joan S , Jones Karen E , Paul Penelope B
Published: May 2014

Nearly 80% of the nursing research reviewed was judged to be potentially useful to the practice of gerontological nursing.
Family Caregiver versus Nursing Assessments of Elderly Self-Care Abilities
Authors: Biggs Anna J
Published: May 2014

The study of the BESCAT has demonstrated that a theory-based assessment guide designed for completion by families can be a useful addition to the development of nursing data bases regarding the care of the elderly.
When a Family Member has Alzheimer's Disease: A Phenomenological Description of Caregiving
Authors: Lynch-Sauer Judith
Published: May 2014

Nursing Theory Development
Meta-Analysis for the Refinement of Gerontological Nursing Research and Theory
Authors: Engle Veronica F , Graney Marshall J
Published: May 2014

Nursing Theory Development
The Pals Program Intergenerational Remotivation
Authors: Hutchinson Sally A , Bondy Elizabeth
Published: May 2014

Children and elders engaged in a related activity in an attempt to build a relationship.
A Clinical Possibility: PREVENTING HEALTH PROBLEMS After the Age of 65
Authors: Hawranik Pamela
Published: May 2014

Primary prevention is health promotion and education that precedes disease or dysfunction.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES to Relocation to a Nursing Home
Authors: Mikhail Martha Leona
Published: May 2014

Admission to a nursing home is a major event in a person's life. That event can have positive or negative psychological ramifications, depending on a number of factors. Is the move permanent, or is it a short stay for a period of convalescence? Has the move been anticipated and prepared for over time? How realistic is the resident's and the family's expectations of the facility and the staff? Is the environment vastly different from what the individual has always known? The pre-move life circumstances, physical and mental health at the time of admission, and whether the move was voluntary or involuntary play major role in the resident's ability to adapt.
PROVIDER/CLIENT VIEWS: Health-Care Needs oF the Rural Elderly
Authors: Roberto Karen A , Richter Judith , Bottenberg Donna J , MacCormack Rick A
Published: May 2014

According to the 1980 Census, approximately 6.5 million individuals 65 years of age and older live in rural areas. A large proportion of these elderly adults are white, male, married, and have incomes that are substantially lower than that of their urban counterparts (Krout, 1986). Although research is inconclusive as to whether rural older adults are more or less healthy than elderly individuals living in urban areas, service use among rural elderly persons is more limited (Lassey, 1985).
INTERDISCIPLINARY CARE: Effect in Acute Hospital Setting
Authors: Carty Anne E S , Day Susan S
Published: May 2014

The concept of the Senior Care Unit was originated to achieve the following goals: to decrease the duration of hospital stay, to minimize loss or achieve improvement in patient functional status, to conduct postdischarge follow-up in the home or nursing home to assess implementation or modify the care plan initiated during hospitalization, and to be cost effective (Fretwell, 1 990).

By early and comprehensive interdisciplinary assessment and intervention, the goal was to resolve or at least control the patients' primary health problems. Preventing or at least minimizing those sequelae to hospitalization of elderly not attributed to the elderly patients' primary health problem was also a focus of the study.
PILOT STUDY RESULTS Falls Among Institutionalized
Authors: Roberts Beverly L , Wykle May L
Published: May 2014

Although elderly persons haveahigh risk of falling - individuals aged 65 andolder account for more than 70% of the deaths due to falls (Hogue, 1 982) - these statistics do not provide any indication of the prolonged and permanent disabilities associated with falls in this age group. This pilot study found that increased cognitive impairment relates to poorer balance, to greater dependence in activities in daily living (ADL), and to perceptions of greater balance. Also, it was found that greater depression relates to better balance, to less dependence in ADL, and to perceptions of poorer balance.
RESEARCH CONSIDERATIONS Nursing Home Quality Perceptions
Authors: Bliesmer Mary , Earle Pat
Published: May 2014

One of our nation's most challenging health care problems is providing quality core for nursing home residents. Those of us who desire to evaluate and to improve the quality of core provided in a nursing home must attempt to define quality in specific terms, even though it is a product of many factors. What follows is a report of a study that measured residents' and nursing staffs' perceptions of the quality of care in two nursing homes.
WOMEN'S STRATEGIES for Living in a Nursing Home
Authors: Daley Olive E
Published: May 2014

While some residents of nursing homes feel dejected, others are able to feel happy and satisfied with their lives. What personal strengths do these optimistic residents have that enable them to act in such a manner? To learn more about this subject, a study was initiated of nursing home residents who were effectively managing their lives.
ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS: Psychosocial Support via Computer Networks
Authors: Gallienne Robert L , Moore Shirley M , Brennan Patricia Flatley
Published: May 2014

A significant role of the nurse is to provide support for the emotional, spiritual, and informational needs of caregivers of chronically ill clients. Previous methods of providing this support have included face to face group meetings of caregivers and telephone support groups. This article presents the creative use of a new technology: support of caregivers via a computer network.
FACULTY PREPARATION for Gerontological Nursing
Authors: Yurchuck E Ruth , Brower H Terri
Published: May 2014

Do qualified faculty teach gerontological nursing to undergraduate nursing students? Findings of a recent regional survey indicated only 12% of undergraduate faculty have specific gerontological preparation. Implications of the continuing problems for undergraduate nursing programs posed by the limited number of faculty with formal preparation in gerontological nursing are explored in this article.
RESEARCH TRENDS in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Shapira Jill
Published: May 2014

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a tragic condition. The individual experiencing the loss of memory, difficulty with language, change in personality and disturbance in behavior associated with AD is not alone; the number of people with AD is estimated at 4 million; by the year 2050, as many as 14 million Americans may be afflicted (National Institute of Aging, 1992). AD is the fourth leading cause of death for adults, taking more than 100,000 lives annually. The families of these patients also are victims, as they watch their loved ones slowly forget them and all that was once meaningful in their lives.
REDUCING RESTRAINTS: Impact on Staff Attitudes
Authors: Werner Perla , Cohen-Mansfield Jiska , Koroknay Vivian , Braun Judith
Published: May 2014

When the new federal guidelines regulating the use of physical restraints in nursing homes were enacted as part of the 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), it was clear that no change in the practice of using physical restraints could be established without including nursing staff members as one of the main targets of the change. Although the use of physical restraints requires a physician's order, nurses have been the primary decision makers for the use of physical restraints. This decision, however, is accompanied by contradictory feelings.
STANDARDIZED CARE PLAN: Managing Alzheimer's Patients at Home
Authors: Hall Geri Richards , Buckwalter Kathleen C , Stolley Jacqueline M , Gerdner Linda A , Garand Linda , Ridgeway Sharon , Crump Saundra
Published: May 2014

Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) are chronic, common, costly, serious, and increasing health problems that affect about 3% of persons between the ages of 65-75; 18% of persons between the ages of 75-84; and 47% of those over age 85, or over 4 million Americans (Evans, 1989). Sixty percent of all dementias are reported to be of the Alzheimer's type (Rajik, 1984). The course of the disease, while one of inexorable deterioration, is unpredictable, ranging anywhere from 1 to 20 years from diagnosis to death (average 8 to 10 years).
SOCIAL SUPPORT: Among Elderly in Two Community Programs
Authors: Sutherland Debbora , Murphy Eileen
Published: May 2014

The importance of social support in helping individuals to maintain health, reduce susceptibility to disease, and avoid institutionalization has been well substantiated by empirical evidence from many disciplines for more than 25 years (Kaplan, 1 977; Mmkler, 1 983). Ryan and Austin (1989) argue that older adults are in particular need for social support because of the decremental changes in health that frequently accompany aging. At the same time, members of this age group often experience severe limitations on the amount of support available to them. Chronic illnesses, functional disabilities, loss of spouses and friends, relocation, and diminished fiscal resources all influence the need and availability of social support for older adults. The elderly are particularly vulnerable when loss and illness strike, but those without adequate social support have shown greater deficits and difficulties in such areas as illness recovery, duration of hospital i zation, and the development of cognitive and emotional changes (Ryan, 1989).
VALIDATION THERAPY: A Case Against
Authors: Kelly John S
Published: May 2014

Validation therapy is a method of communicating with older persons who are disoriented. In essence, it is the converse of reality orientation. Reality orientation strives to maintain disoriented older persons in the "here and now." Validation therapy is based on the assumption that the disoriented older person can be "helped" by "validating" (acknowledging and accepting) his or her feelings and personal views of the world, even if those reelings and views appear to conflict with accepted reality. It is accomplished by the validation worker's ability to demonstrate a degree of empathy tor the disoriented older person, to "tune into feelings, pick up rhythms, listen to verbal clues, observe nonverbal clues" (Feil, 1982).
THE CONFUSED PATIENT: Nurses' Knowledge and Interventions
Authors: Ludwick Ruth , O'Toole Anita W
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to identify nurses' knowledge and experience about confusion and its treatment. A random sample of hospital-based, medical-surgical registered nurses (????) was surveyed about their contad with confused patients and their knowledge about confusion. The findings suggest that nurses have regular and frequent contact with confused patients, caring for approximately three such patients in a week. They believe they are knowledgeable about confusion, rating their own knowledge on average as 2.96 on a scale ranging from O to 4. Restraint is the major lieulnmnl used for confusion, with 84% of the nurses reporting that the last confused patient they cared for was restrained. The high incidence data for use of restraints raise questions about what is a necessary restraint and whether restraints are overused in hospital settings. More attention needs to be directed toward finding alta i tuli ves to the use of restraints in the acute care hospital.
FEEDER POSITION AND FOOD AND FLUID: Consumed by Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Holzapfel Sally Kennedy , Ramirez Ruth Faigal , Layton Mary Smyth , Smith Irmhild Wrede , Sagl-Massey Karen , DuBose Juanita Z
Published: May 2014

In many cultures, eating has both nutritional and social functions. To the elderly it can be a symbolic experience embedded in lifelong patterns and cultural preferences (Kolodny & Malek, 1991). The environment during the mealtime goes beyond the physical into the social arena. A properly balanced diet promotes health, contributes to the prevention of disease and disability, and aids in recovery from illness and accident. Appropriate nutrition throughout the life span is one of the best means of diminishing degenerative changes, thereby increasing longevity (Melkus, 1 994; Steffi, 1 984). More than 50% of elderly patients admitted to hospitals and nursing facilities suffer from, or are threatened by, malnutrition, either preceding their admission or subsequent to it. Inadequate nutrition extols a high price and may result in impaired immune response, aggravated infection, organ system failure, delayed healing, reduced energy, and impaired mobility Mikulencak, 1 992). In view of the importance of adequate nutrition, the manner of feeding has special significance. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the position of the feeder (standing vs. sitting) has any bearing on the food intake of the elderly who need to be fed.
Guideline for PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT MICROORGANISMS in California Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Cahill Christine K , Rosenberg Jon
Published: May 2014

This guideline is intended to be advisory only and has been developed to assist Long-Term Care Facility Infection Control Committees in the development of a rational approach to reducing the potential for ARM transmission. The implementation of all or part of the elements of this guideline will depend on what has worked (or the facility in the past. If a facility has existing policies and procedures to control the transmission of a specific ARM and the endemic rate of ARM is low, there may be no need to modify the existing procedures. If, for instance, a LTCF has never had any experience with ARM and they have been requested to accepta new or returning resident colonized or infected with a specific ARM, the guideline may be a helpful resource to the LTCR
CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS
Authors: Marchi-Jones Sandra , Murphy Juanita F , Rosseau Paul
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

The relationship between disabled elderly veteran care receivers' functional status and their in-home family caregivers' strain was examined in this study. The convenience sample was composed of 93 dyads. Data were obtained from care receivers' health care records and included the Folstein Mini-Mental State Examination (MMS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Robinson's Caregiver Strain Index (CSI). Major findings were: 52% of caregivers experienced significant strain; 59% of care receivers were cognitively impaired to some extent and were severely impaired in IADL and ADL; and the relationships between care receivers' functional status (cognitive, ADL and IADL) and caregiver strain were statistically significant.
Nurse Staffing and QUALITY OF CARE IN NURSING FACILITIES
Authors: Johnson-Pawlson Jean , Infeld Donna Lind
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

A study of 198 nursing facilities in Maryland tested the hypotheses that: 1) the presence of more RNs improves the quality of nursing care; and 2) increased numbers of all types of nursing staff improve the qualify of nursing care, based on a multidimensional measure of quality of nursing care. Findings indicate that the ratio of RNs to residents is directly related to a measure of resident rights deficiencies. In addition, the ratio of total nursing staff to residents is directly related to a lower overall deficiency index and a higher quality of care score.
RESTRAINT-FREE CARE: HOW DOES A NURSE DECIDE?
Authors: Sullivan-Marx Eileen M
Published: May 2014

Decisions by nurses to avoid physical restraint use in older adults is a complex process that requires individualized, comprehensive assessment and creative problem-solving. Institutional and social policy increasingly support a standard of restraint elimination influencing care decisions with frail older adults. It has become clear that the decision to avoid or use physical restraint is influenced as well by nurses' attitude or beliefs about the efficacy of restraint. To further understand how decisions are made to avoid physical restraint, it is important to also explore the degree to which nurses possess knowledge, autonomy, and accountability in this decisionmaking process. Understanding how decisions are influenced will advance the development of restraint-free care interventions for older adults.
GENDER DIFFERENCES in the Support Networks of Caregivers
Authors: Hibbard Joy , Neufeld Anne , Harrison Margaret J
Published: May 2014

Nurses in home care and long-term care settings play an important role in assisting family caregivers of elders who are cognitively impaired to sustain personal support while caregiving. Research has shown that such support is associated with positive health status. The characteristics of the caregiver's social network provide information about the potential for support. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the social networks of men and women caregivers in terms of the composition of the social network and the size of the available, utilized and conflicted social networks. The possible relationship between the demographic characteristics of caregivers and the size and composition of their social networks was also examined. In comparison to men, the conflicted social networks of women were larger and comprised of more family members. For women, age, years of caregiving and socioeconomic status were not significantly related to the size of their social network. However, younger men and men of higher socioeconomic status reported significantly larger available social networks than other men. Knowledge of the gender differences in network size and composition that were identified in this study contributes to nurses' ability to identify caregivers who may be at risk for inadequate social support. In conjunction with the findings from related studies these results have implications far nursing assessment and intervention in home care and long-term care settings.
TOILETING: A Biobehavioral Challenge in Alzheimer's Dementia Care
Authors: Hutchinson Sally , Leger-Krall Sue , Wilson Holly Skodol
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

As the trajectory of Alzheimer's disease (AD) progresses, problems with toileting become evident. This research addresses the range and variation of toileting problems, management strategies used by family and employed caregivers, and interactive and contextual conditions associated with toileting. Qualitative ethology was used to analyze data from over 1 20 hours of participant observation at an Alzheimer's Day Care Center, in clients' homes, and support groups; and interviews with families (n=16) and staff members (n=1 3). Toileting emerged as a complex event with many stages, as unaesthetic and unpleasant for caregivers and clients, and as occasionally resulting in catastrophic reactions. Caregivers read cues and interpret toileting behaviors. They provide physical and cognitive assistance while attempting to avoid accidents and catastrophic events. Client, staff member, and contextual variables affect toileting events. Recommendations for practice and research are proposed.
Older Adults' Descriptions of Their ROLE EXPECTATIONS OF NURSING
Authors: Santo-Novak Debra A
Published: May 2014

A qualitative descriptive approach was used to identify 28 older adults' role expectations of nursing. This study describes elders' opinions, expectations and health care preferences which influence their judgments about nursing. Three categories emerged from analyzing transcripts of the audiotaped interviews. The older adults expected the nurse to be knowledgeable, caring and attentive by: demonstrating professional competence when recognizing patients' needs, as well as being concerned for the individual in the responsive delivery of services. The results of this study are congruent with descriptions of valued nursing behaviors that have been identified in previous studies. Additional findings, also corroborated by prior research, indicated that nursing roles and actions may not be accurately perceived or understood by the older consumer. Nurses therefore not only need to be vigilant in eliciting and evaluating consumer expectations but also need to be diligent in explaining their role and informing the public of their qualifications.
TEACHING RESOURCEFULNESS SKILLS TO OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A
Published: May 2014

With rapidly increasing numbers of elders in the United States, there is a growing need for interventions to promote independence and productive, healthy lifestyles among the elderly. Highly resourceful persons have been found to function better in their daily activities than those who lack resourcefulness skills. These skills, including self-controlling techniques and problem-solving, are believed to be learned and therefore can be taught. This pilot study examined the effects of teaching resourcefulness skills to healthy elders on measures of learned resourcefulness, anxiety, depression, adaptive functioning, and life satisfaction using a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design. The intervention group consisted of 20 elders and the placebo group had 17 elders. Those elders who received the 6-week small group intervention that taught the skills constituting resourcefulness scored significantly higher on post-test measures of learned resourcefulness, adaptive functioning, and life satisfaction. Although significant negative correlations were found between resourcefulness scores and scores on measures of anxiety and depression, there were no significant differences in anxiety and depression between the intervention and placebo groups on the post-test measures. The findings suggest that learned resourcefulness training (LRT) is an important nursing intervention for promoting healthy, independent, and productive lifestyles among older adults.
INTRAINSTITUTIONAL RELOCATION: Effects on Residents' Behavior and Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Lander Susan M , Brazill Aimee L , Ladrigan Phyllis M
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Relocation effects in the elderly have been a topic of gerontologic research for many years. Prior research, however, has focused on individuals who could make a cognitive appraisal of the relocation process. With a greater prevalence of cognitive impairments and/or psychiatric illnesses in long-term care residents, research is needed to clarify the impact of relocation on these individuals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine how intrainstitutional relocation affects behavior and psychosocial functioning in residents with and without cognitive, mood, and/or psychotic disorders. Method: This prospective study followed 78 residents being relocated intrainstitutionally in a health-related facility that was undergoing major renovations. Medical and nursing information was collected at 1 month pre-move and at 1 and 3 months post-move. Five areas of behavioral and psychosocial functioning (self-care, disoriented behavior, depressed/anxious mood, irritable behavior, and withdrawn behavior) were assessed using the Multidimensional Observation Scale for Elderly Subjects (MOSES). Results: A significant increase was seen in the number of medical visits (p=.04) from time of relocation to 1 month post-move. The groups diagnosed with mood disorder and psychotic disorder had a statistically significant weight loss (p=.04) between 7 month pre-move and 1 month postmove. The study revealed an increase in the number of residents who fell immediately after relocation, but the increase did not reach statistical significance (p=.12). Residents who tell after relocation had resided at the facility for a longer time than the remainder of the sample (p=.08). Residents with a diagnosis of cognitive impairment showed a statistically significant difference in self-care (p=0.01) and withdrawn behavior (p=0.01) at 3 months post-move. Extensive relocation preparation and support may have been the main contribution to diminishing the stress of relocation over time and across diagnostic categories.
PHYSICALLY AGGRESSIVE RESIDENT BEHAVIOR DURING HYGIENIC CARE
Authors: Miller Maura Farrell
Published: May 2014

Management of aggressive behavior has been identified as a concern for nursing staff who provide institutional care for cognitively impaired elderly. The Omnibus Reconciliation Ad (OBRA '87) mandates a trial reduction in the use of chemical and physical restraints, and the development of nursing interventions for the management of behavioral disorders of institutionalized cognitively impaired elderly. Most skilled nursing facilities, however, are limited in their ability to provide environmental and behavioral programs to manage aggressive patient behavior. For the purposes of this study, physically aggressive behavior was defined as threatened or actual aggressive patient contact which has taken place between a patient and a member of the nursing staff. This study explored the nursing staff's responses to patient physical aggression and the effects that physical aggression had on them and on nursing practice from the perspective of the nursing staff. Nursing staff employed on one Dementia Special Care Unit (DSCU) were invited to participate. Interviews with nursing staff were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods described by Miles and Huberman (1994). Nursing staff reported that they were subjected to aggressive patient behaviors ranging from verbal threats to actual physical violence. Nursing staff reported that showering a resident was the activity of daily living most likely to provoke patient to staff physical aggression. The findings revealed geropsychiatric nursing practices for the management of physically aggressive residents, and offered recommendations for improving the safety of nursing staff and residents on a secured DSCU.