bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of the Sitting Position Without Back Support
Authors: Okubo Nobuko 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Purpose
In the field of neuroscience nursing in Japan, the “sitting position without back support” (SB) has promoted earlier ambulation, improved level of consciousness, and prevented disuse syndrome in patients with disturbance of consciousness and impaired mobility. This research was conducted with the aim of examining if respiratory function improved using SB on acute patients on ventilation in ICU.

Method
The research design involved daily administration of SB to 10 participants in a controlled trial to compare respiratory function before, during, and after implementation. The measurement indexes were respiratory functions such as tidal volume and lung compliance value and the number of incidences that occurred during implementation, and tools such as APACHE II were used to measure deteriorations of physical condition. Analysis used non-parametric and parametric methods and an alpha level of 0.05 was used for all statistical tests.

Results
Tidal volume and lung compliance value during SB implementation significantly increased, compared to before and after implementation. There were no incidents such as decannulation during implementation, and APACHE II scores were seen to significantly drop after the commencement of SB until discharge from ICU. However, a decline in pulse rate and blood pressure were seen during implementation of SB (4.8%).

Conclusion
The sitting position without back support administered to acutely ill patients on a ventilator was effective in improving respiratory function. In the future, there is a need to create a nurse’s assessment guide for implementation of SB and test the SB on a larger population.
The lived experience of adults with myasthenia gravis: A phenomenological study
Authors: Keer-Keer Trudy 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) that causes fatigue and fluctuating muscle weakness (Hickey, 2009). The physiology of this disease is well understood and there are numerous medically focused articles that outline historical data, randomized controlled trials of treatment options and unusual case studies. The nursing literature about MG is limited and dated.
The aim of this study was to examine and understand the lived experiences of adults with MG. An interpretive phenomenological approach has been used that applies the research methodology of van Manen (1990). Seven people living with MG were interviewed and their experiences of the disease recorded. Questions were broadly worded about various topics related to MG and were guided by individual experiences. Thematic analysis revealed that MG affects every aspect of a person’s ‘lifeworld’: their sense of time, body, space and their relationships with others.
The findings of this study highlight three main themes embedded in the data that a person with MG experiences: living with uncertainty, living with weakness and living with change. These experiences have been interpreted and discussed to gain a deep understanding of the meaning of the disease. This study raises awareness of MG for neuroscience nurses and provides a unique view of this disease.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Adapting to Consequences
Authors: Petchprapai Nutthita 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects more than 28,000 individuals annually in Thailand; however, little information about outcome after mTBI is known. This investigation aimed to explore consequences of mTBI among Thai adults who experienced mTBI in the previous 3-12 months.
A sample of 135 adults was interviewed. Subjects were typically men, middle aged and approximately half were married. All completed the compulsory level of education in Thailand and were in the low income bracket. Subjects had Glasgow Coma Scores 14/15 at 30 minutes after injury and 15/15 (full score) after 3 days. Subjects reported low post-concussion symptoms scores and few depressive symptoms. All subjects worked or studied before the injury and almost of them returned to normal lives at the time of interview. However, 18% did experience moderately severe disability and 1.5% suffered severe disabilities.
Future studies with longitudinal, comparison, or predictive methodology with reduced but relevant variables are suggested. Measures used in this study demonstrated reliability, supporting their use in Thailand. Providing health education and printed information regarding outcomes and disability after mTBI is recommended. Further study of the small but clinically important percentage of subjects who experience ongoing disability after mTBI is needed.
Timely Anticoagulant Thromboprophylaxis is Safe and Effective in the Care of Patients Suffering Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Micallef Kandace 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Despite the high prevalence and associated morbidity of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) development, thromboprophylaxis in the neurosurgical setting remains a source of contention due to concerns of iatrogenic haemorrhage progression associated with anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis. Opinions of ideal time to initiate chemical prophylaxis for VTE within the neurosurgical community vary between clinicians. It is nevertheless rarely disputed that timely and appropriate prophylaxis of VTE reduces morbidity. This review aims to determine the safety and efficacy of chemical VTE prophylaxis within the neurosurgical setting. The consequences of VTE can be devastating and patients with neurotrauma are amongst those at greatest risk. With this in mind, the neuroscience nurse must be meticulously conscientious for the prevention of VTE in the neurosurgical setting. The neurosurgical nurse has a close affiliation to the patient, is often the first to observe the clinical signs and symptoms associated with VTE, is responsible for implementing prevention strategies and assisting with treatment for those who unfortunately develop a Deep Vein Thrombosis or Pulmonary Embolism (PE).
Top of the Charts: Detecting neurological deterioration more efficiently through improved documentation
Authors: Carey Rhiannon , Holland Christine 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The Glasgow Coma Scale is a practical tool, accepted and utilised worldwide, to assess a patient’s conscious level. Despite the introduction of other tools, the Glasgow Coma Scale still remains the most reliable and effective method of detecting neurological deterioration.
Detecting neurological change in an individual requires skilled observation and must rely on the ability of the clinician to carry out an accurate and reliable assessment. A large limitation of the Glasgow Coma Scale is that observer assessments may vary from clinician to clinician. What one individual may observe as neurological deterioration, another may not notice.
It was recognised by senior nursing staff that if a neurological chart could be designed, that enhanced the ability to see the trends in a patient’s conscious level and instructed clinicians on when to report a finding, deterioration may be identified earlier and managed more efficiently.
This study outlines a new neurological chart implemented at a busy private hospital in Melbourne and discusses the impact that clear and concise observation and documentation has on the ability to detect neurological deterioration.
The EPIC (Excellent Practice in Communication) Project. Neurosurgical Nursing Clinical Handover Improvement Practices among acute inpatients: a Best Practice Implementation Project
Authors: Wright Kylie M. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The nursing handover normally occurs at the beginning of a nurse’s shift and is considered essential for continuity of care. Nursing handover has the potential to communicate accurate information about a patient’s condition, treatment and anticipated needs but also has the potential to be ineffective or even harmful if information is incomplete or omitted. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has recognised clinical handover as a National Standard, thus reinforcing its importance.
This project aimed to conduct an audit of nursing clinical handover practices, to implement evidence-based best practice recommendations and to maximise the effectiveness of clinical handover in a neurosurgical unit of a large tertiary hospital.
The project used the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) audit tool for promoting change in healthcare practice. A baseline audit of 30 observations of nursing clinical handover was conducted and measured against seven best practice recommendations, followed by the implementation of targeted strategies and follow up audits.
The baseline audit revealed deficits between current practice and best practice in four of the seven criteria. Barriers for implementation of nursing clinical handover best practice criteria were identified by the project team and a neuroscience specific nursing handover framework and bundled education strategy was implemented. There were improved outcomes across the best practice criteria in the follow up audit.
The findings showed how audit may be used to promote best practice in healthcare and that focussed education and provision of relevant resources can have an immediate and positive impact on clinical practice. Some of the measured criteria improved to a moderate degree, leaving plenty of room for improvement, however by the end of the project attitudes towards nursing clinical handover had been ‘transformed’ from a passive, routine ‘must do’ task, to an active process with a focus on safety and patient/carer engagement. Future audits are planned to ensure sustainability.
A Neurological Integrated Care Pathway
Authors: McCoy Kathleen , Chan Harriet 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Objective
To assess the feasibility of service integration for neurological care.

Design
Observation study

Participants
A total of 104 admissions for 92 neurological patients treated in a major region hospital and suitable for discharge home were eligible for participation.

Intervention
A neurological integrated care pathway (NICP) was trialled at a major regional hospital between July 2012 and June 2013. Objective data included patients, gender, age, diagnosis, length of hospital stay, referral dates, discharge dates, dates when patients were seen by the community neurological liaison nurse, and readmissions were collated for analyses.

Outcome measures
Targeted outcomes included the estimated service impact on the hospital in terms of reduced length of hospital stay and decreased readmissions and increased referral rate to community neurological support service, and quality of patient care.

Results
The trial saw an increase in efficiency and standard of care despite growth in patient numbers. The CNLN attended to 104 recorded referrals (more than 17 times the number of referrals in 2011), all within 7 days of their referral date (a 77.4% decrease compared to 2011 where patients were attended to up to 31 days). In addition, the average length of hospital stay had decreased significantly from 26 days in 2011 to 9 days (a 65.4% decrease) with a low rate of re-admission (approximately 11.5%).

Conclusion
The NICP improved service efficiency for both the hospital system and the community neurological support service, with high levels of patient satisfaction. In this case the NICP achieved best value from existing resources and provided a viable model of service delivery for chronic neurological conditions.
Does duration and sampling of external ventricular drainage systems influence infection rate?
Authors: Moyo Nomathemba 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
External ventricular drainage systems are often necessary in neurological and neurosurgical patients. The purpose of this literature review is to review the problem of external ventricular drain related infections resulting from repeated cerebrospinal fluid sampling and manipulation of the drain systems. The aim is to provide an appropriate improved protocol for care of patients undergoing external ventricular drainage treatment. Routine analysis of cerebrospinal fluid is often performed to diagnose external drainage related bacterial meningitis at an early stage. Nurses are routinely instructed to collect cerebrospinal fluid from ventricular catheters for analysis. Does the way in which sampling occurs relate to increased infection?
This literature review will discuss that prophylactic frequent cerebrospinal fluid sampling is of no benefit and increases infection risk and should be limited. It will also provide evidence that duration of the external ventricular drain (EVD) systems does not correlate with infection and therefore the EVD should stay insitu for as long as clinically needed or be removed if infected.
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis: Cerebral spinal fluid tumours
Authors: Stone Megan 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis (LC) is the dissemination of cancer, commonly breast, lung, melanoma, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurring through either direct extension from surrounding tumours or metastasis of a preexisting, parenchymal central nervous system tumour. A rise in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal disease has been seen with increased survival rates of cancer due to improved medical treatment, with 5-8% of patients with cancer going on to develop LC.
Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis spreads to the meninges, the outer covering of the brain and spinal cord, directly migrating into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), arachnoid and pia mater. This migration of tumour cells occurs throughout the arachnoid vessels or choroid plexus into the surrounding outer layers extending into the CSF. On entry into the CSF, tumour cells are infiltrated in a diffuse or multifocal manner where the leptomeninges cover the surface of the brain and spinal cord. This covering causes the meninges to become irritated causing patients to exhibit signs of photophobia, neck stiffness, neurological decline and cranial nerve defects. LC has a significant morbidity and mortality rate with a median survival of 4-6 weeks if untreated and 2-3 months if treated. Diagnosis is based on analysis of the cerebral spinal fluid, through detection of positive cytology of LC tumour cells, elevated protein and CSF pressures. Magnetic resonance imaging findings identify areas of meningeal enhancement indicative of meningeal irritation.
The neuroscience nurse role in the patient care includes providing a supportive environment and thorough assessment of vital and neurological signs. Treatment aims to improve or maintain a patient’s neurological status while prolonging survival and palliation. The literature review will highlight the diagnosis, progression and treatment for LC to further increase awareness and inform neuroscience nurses of increasing trends in management.
Temperature Control of a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor by Means of two Different Intelligent Strategies
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Fua’ad , Yazdani Amir Mehdi , Movahed Mohammad Ahmadi , Mahmoudzadeh Somaiyeh 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Continues Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) is an important subject in chemical process and offering a diverse range of researches in the area of the chemical and control engineering. Various control approaches have been applied on CSTR to control its parameters. This paper presents two different control strategies based on the combination of a novel socio-political optimization algorithm, called Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA), and concept of the gain scheduling performed by means of the least square and fuzzy logic approaches. The goal is to control the temperature of the
CSTR in presence of the set point changes. The works followed with designing those controllers and simulating in MATLAB software. The performance of the proposed controllers have been consider based on the Sum of the Square Error (SSE) and Integral Absolute Error(IAE) Criteria. The results clearly indicate that both suggested control strategies offer an acceptable performance with respect to the functional changes of the process. In other word, robustness of the proposed methods in dealing uncertainties throughout the tracking of the reference signal take the highlighted point into account. Furthermore, fuzzy based structure strategy gives the more flexibility and precise behavior in control action in comparison to the least square based approach.
Particles Mass Flow Rate and Concentration Measurement using Electrostatic Sensor
Authors: Rahmat Mohd Fua’ad , Tajdari Teimour 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
In many industries where flow parameters measurement is essential to control manufacturing process, the use of a reliable, cost effective and high accuracy instrument is an important issue. Appropriate measurement method and design leads to improvement of pneumatic conveyors operation and process efficiency. This paper present an instrumentation design based on passive charge detection using a single electrostatic sensor. Two different sensor electrodes are applied to show the flexibility of electrostatic sensor application. A time domain signal processing algorithm is developed to measurement of mass flow rate and concentration profile from acquired electrical charge signal. The findings is led to a low cost and high accuracy design, the experimental test results of the design shows less than ±5% error between measured parameters and reference reading acquired from the manual weighing.
Lactate Detection using Microwave Spectroscopy for In-Situ Medical Applications
Authors: Goh J. H. , Mason A. , Al-Shamma’a A. I. , Field M. , Browning P. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Lactate is an indicator of neurological impairment during aortic aneurysm surgery, and thus its detection could provide the basis for improved treatment regimes, better quality of care, and enhanced resource efficiency within the UK National Health Service (NHS). This article considers the use of low power microwave sensors to detect varying lactate concentrations in distilled water; sample sizes of 10ml and 0.5ml are considered via two sensor designs. Microwave sensors provide a rapid non-invasive method of material analysis, which is robust and cost-effective, in addition to harbouring huge potential for a wide range of biomedical applications.
Biologically-Inspired Visual Attention Features for a Vehicle Classification Task
Authors: Cretu A.-M. , Payeur P. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The continuous rise in the number of vehicles in circulation brings an increasing need for automatically and efficiently recognizing vehicle categories for multiple applications such as optimizing available parking spaces, balancing ferry loads, planning infrastructure and managing traffic, or servicing vehicles. This paper explores the use of human visual attention mechanisms to identify a set of features that allows for fast automated classification of vehicles based on images taken from 6 viewpoints. Salient visual features classified with a series of binary support vector machines and complemented by a dissimilarity score achieve average classification rates between 94% and 97.3% for five-category vehicle classification depending on the combination of viewpoints used. The viewpoints that make the most important contribution to the classification are identified in order to decrease the implementation cost. The evaluation of performance against other feature descriptors and various approaches for vehicle classification shows that the proposed solution obtains results comparable to the best ones reported in the literature.
Effects of Placement Errors on Performance of VLF Metal Detector Heads
Authors: Carter Lawrence J. , Tang Zhuoran 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Metal-detector performance depends heavily on the sensor head. Errors in coil placement within the head can lead to degradation in detector performance. Electromagnetic modelling of typical very-low-frequency detector heads shows the effect of coil placement errors on detector sensitivity. Provided the bucking coil ‘tracks’ the receive coil, required error corrections can remain small. A correctly-aligned head could detect a gold ring target at a range of about 12 cm.
Outlier Detection Based On Similar Flocking Model In Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chunling Cheng , Hao Wu , Zhihu Yu , Dengyin Zhang , Xiaolong Xu 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Outlier detection plays a crucial role in secure monitoring in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN). Moreover, outlier detection techniques in WSN face the problem of limited resources of transmission bandwidth, energy consumption and storage capacity. In this paper, similar flocking model is proposed and a cluster algorithm based on similar flocking model (CASFM) is put forward to detect outliers in real-time stream data collected by sensor nodes. The similar flocking model improves the Vicsek model by introducing the similarity between individuals and velocity updating rule, which causes similar objects to cluster quickly. In order to save energy, CASFM algorithm preprocesses similar data on the sending sensors first, which greatly reduces the transmission of similar data. So the communication overhead is decreased. With the characteristics of self-organization and fast convergence of flocking model, stream data can be clustered quickly. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can detect outliers effectively with less energy consumption.
Bridge Deflection Measurement Using Wireless Mems Inclination Sensor Systems
Authors: Yu Yan , Liu Hang , Li Dongsheng , Mao Xingquan , Ou Jinping 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Bridge is an important part of modern transportation systems and deflection is an important index for bridge’s safety evaluation. In this paper, a method of deflection measurement using Wireless MEMS Inclination Sensor Systems (WMISS) is presented and validated. Firstly, based on various bridge deflection measuring methods, the method of deflection measurement using inclination parameter is introduced. Secondly, a low-power wireless inclination sensor based on 3D-MEMS SCA60 inclinometer is designed using modularization way, and this kind of wireless sensor loaded with ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 MAC protocol stack can self-organize wireless sensor network, measure the angle value and send the data to the coordinator. Then the deflection curve is displayed on PC. Finally, deflection measurement experiments are conducted on a bridge model and Beida Bridge. The experimental results show that, the presented deflection measurement method is feasible, practical and reliable; the wireless inclination sensor is easy to operate with no lines, and has extensive and broad application prospects.