bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paramedics' experiences with death notification: a qualitative study
Authors: Douglas LeeAnne , Cheskes Sheldon , Feldman Michael , Ratnapalan Savithiri 
Published: May 2014

Objective To explore paramedics’ experiences and coping strategies with death notification in the field. Methods Urban and urban/rural paramedics participated in four focus groups across Ontario, Canada.They were asked about their experiences communicating death notifications and the support they received. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method. Themes were generated inductively. Results Twenty-eight paramedics participated. Four themes emerged: the practical aspects of deathnotification, how paramedics acknowledge the emotional toll, how they manage the emotional toll, and the support mechanisms they used. Communicating a death notification is stressful and paramedics’ personal attitudes to death influence how they communicate a notification. Switching roles from clinician to supporter is challenging. Deaths that are unexpected, traumatic, obvious, involve children, with which the paramedic identifies, or are the paramedic’s first experience are especiallystressful. Paramedics receive support by talking to peers and using informal support networks. They prefer support from people who have had similar experiences. Conclusion Paramedics’ experiences with death notification are stressful, challenging, andrewarding. More formal support for paramedics is necessary, especially when the nature of the death is distressing. Our study suggests that further training is required to increase paramedics’ comfort with this challenging communication.
The introduction of the intubating laryngeal mask into paramedic practice
Authors: McCall Michael , Bull Rosalind , Dalton Lisa 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To ascertain key paramedic-reported factors affecting the implementation of the Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA) into paramedic practice with specific focus on educational practices. Methods: A sequenced exploratory descriptive research design incorporating a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews was employed. Quantitative data collected through the questionnaire was analysed using frequency distribution and Chi Square analysis. Qualitative data from both the questionnaire and the interviews was thematically analysed using a coding and cross comparative analysis technique within a conceptual framework based on Roger’s Diffusion of Innovation model. Results: The results show an educational programme, which departed from the traditional in-theatre model of training, can successfully prepare paramedics for using the new ILMA device for advanced airway management (AAM). Paramedics reported the educational program increased their confidence in using the ILMA for tracheal intubation for AAM, and that they achieved tracheal intubation success rates using the ILMA that were similar to those achieved using the laryngoscope. A blended educational approach of manikin and in-service training is required to be effective for improving their confidence and competence in ILMA tracheal intubation. Conclusions: The successful introduction of an innovation such as the ILMA into paramedic practice requires an education program that is blended and supports an effortless and sustainable change to practice. The results show simulation based ILMA tracheal intubation education can increase paramedics’ confidence and competence as a suitable alternative to the laryngoscope for paramedic tracheal intubation.
Examining current trends and research in pre-hospital hypotensive resuscitation
Authors: Bruce Che 
Published: May 2014

The main purpose of trauma care is to reverse shock or reduce its deleterious effects, and in so doing, saving life. The use of aggressive fluid resuscitation may be harmful, as the resulting increased blood pressure and circulating volume could lead to clot disruption, dilution of clotting factors as well as an alteration in the body’s natural response to haemorrhage. The concept of hypotensive resuscitation and how it has evolved is discussed in this article. This article looks at the current trends in hypotensive resuscitation, examining research into the use of such strategies and whether evidence exists to support the implementaion of these strategies into UK paramedic practice. A number of sources were used to assess and access the literature. Primary and secondary sources were located that incorporated seminal and classical studies, permitting a broad overview of the subject. The paramedic has a duty and a responsibiility to provide care that is safe and effective, and this includes the use of fluids to aid resuscitation.
Maintenance of INR consistency during the initiation of warfarin
Authors: Ala Les , Bird Diane , Barry Rose , Rathbone Nia 
Published: May 2014

Background Safe anticoagulation management requires competent prescribers. Pharmacist-led anticoagulation clinics are effective, but data on specialist nurse-led services in the acute setting are scarce. Methods Twenty-eight ambulatory care patients who were referred to our medical day unit for warfarin commencement and stabilisation therapy were enrolled over two separate 1-month periods. One group of patients was treated by a trained nurse practitioner; the other group was treated by different caches of junior doctors. The patients were observed until their INR was stable enough for transfer to the pharmacist-led anticoagulation clinic. INR control in the two groups was compared. Findings There were a total of 195 INR measurements, and the mean number of INR measurements per patient was similar in both groups. The patients treated by the junior doctors were kept in the medical day unit for a longer period, but the mean INR over time in this group was more variable. Conversely, the patients treated by the nurse practitioner group had more consistency and less variation in INR measurements. Interpretation The better INR consistency and minimal variation reported for the nurse-practitioner group implies better control. If we assume that a poorly controlled INR poses a higher clinical risk, then the nurse practitioner dosing regime is a safer option. The current working patterns of junior doctors are not conducive to providing such continuity of care; therefore, in the ambulatory care setting, clinical risks may be reduced if anticoagulation is initiated and stabilised by a designated health-care practitioners with the required competencies and experience.
Making education in diabetes culturally appropriate for patients
Authors: Stone Margaret A , Patel Naina , Drake Linda , Gayle Carol 
Published: May 2014

Aims The purpose of this study was to identify key cultural issues relevant to providing appropriate education for people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in a UK African and Caribbean community. An additional aim was to test the usefulness of the collaborative action research approach used to gather this information. Methods An education and research event was organized in partnership with local diabetes educators and community groups in Southwark, London. This included a modelled education session and focus group feedback about cultural relevance based on a semi-structured topic guide. Qualitative methods were used to analyse the data collected. Key findings The action research approach and the topic guide used for the focus groups effectively identified relevant foods and other cultural issues such as traditional large portion sizes and social pressures related to food consumption in the African and Caribbean community. Language was regarded as the main barrier to joint education sessions for people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Role, clinical competence and the professional development of practice nurses in Ireland
Authors: McCarthy Geraldine , Cornally Nicola , Courtney Marie 
Published: May 2014

Aim: To investigate the role dimensions, clinical competence, educational preparation and professional development needs of practice nurses. Methods: All practice nurses registered with professional development coordinators in Ireland (n=1519) were invited to participate by completing a postal questionnaire. This yielded a response rate of 30% (n=451). Descriptive statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS. Results: Regular activities included immunization, phlebotomy, management of laboratory results, wound care and electrocardiography. Cervical screening, dietary advice and health screening were also indicated by over 85% of practice nurses as a regular role dimension, and the majority of practice nurses perceived their level of competency in these areas as proficient or expert. Aspects of chronic disease management, namely in the area of diabetes and hypertension, were cited by over 78% of practice nurses as a regular role. Less than 60% of practice nurses deemed themselves expert or proficient in this area. Education and training deficits were noted in chronic disease management, nurse prescribing, mental health advice and women's health. A lack of resources to implement nurse-led clinics was evident; however, the majority of practice nurses had support from their employing GP to achieve professional development goals. Conclusions: It is evident that practice nurses are involved at varying levels across a variety of clinical activities. Results indicated varying levels of competence and were positively affected by further education and the frequency at which the role was performed. Policies need to be developed concerning the role and future of practice nursing in primary care.
Gastrointestinal stasis and obstructive Ileus in the rabbit
Authors: Prebble Jennifer 
Published: May 2014

Rabbits have a highly specialized digestive tract and consequently they develop different digestive problems to those seen in cats and dogs. Diet, stress and pain can all play a role in the development of gastrointestinal stasis, a disease characterized by reduced motility of the digestive tract. Early signs are often missed by clients and at the time of presentation many rabbits are depressed, anorexic and are developing hepatic lipidosis. Obstructive Ileus can occur following ingestion of foreign objects and can be difficult to distinguish from gastrointestinal stasis. History, clinical examination and radiography can all be used to distinguish these conditions. An accurate diagnosis ensures the rabbit receives the correct treatment. Prokinetics and assisted feeding while essential in the management of gut stasis are contraindicated in cases of obstructive ileus until an exploratory laparotomy has been performed. Nursing rabbits with these conditions can be time consuming but plays a very important role in their recovery. Good supportive care consisting of fluid therapy, syringe feeding and reducing stress during hospitalization is essential alongside treatment.
The Cine-poetics of Fulldome Cinema
Authors: Chamier-Waite Clea von 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The fulldome immersive film format is chiefly about space. Immersive film production is currently undergoing stages of development towards a modern, cinematic language comparable to the development of rhythmic montage developed by Eisenstein and Soviet cinema and followed by the avant-garde cinema of the 1920s.
This paper explores the reciprocal interaction of cinematic montage with the fulldome format. In fulldome films, the metric aspect of rhythmic montage can be evoked through the translational time of the eye across the hemispherical screen. Immersion affords the extension of the internal logic of the film into the architectural space of the theatre. This external architecture becomes an organizing element in the compositional flow of the film, giving the viewer room to build their own field of associations to create meaning. This article questions what new cinematic language can emerge specific to a nascent avant-garde/experimental fulldome cinema, examining the potential of structural montage and collage techniques to create rhythm by combining spatial with chronological sequencing.
Enhancement of carrageenan gel quality in the commercially important tropical seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta), with postharvest treatment in low-nutrient conditions
Authors: Villanueva Ronald D. , Montaño Marco Nemesio E. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The potential of postharvest culture in low-nutrient conditions was evaluated in terms of enhancement of carrageenan gel quality in the tropical seaweed Eucheuma denticulatum (“spinosum” of commerce) and as an alternative to industrial alkali treatment. Postharvest batch culture of seaweeds with either initially low or high nutrient concentrations (both ending with low nutrient concentrations) produced native carrageenans that had significantly higher gel strengths (48 g cm-2 in both treatments) than those treated with continuous culture in high nutrient concentrations (18 g cm-2). The gel strength of native carrageenans from batch-cultured seaweeds was also significantly higher than that of both native and alkali-treated carrageenans from seaweeds that had not undergone postharvest culture (11 and 29 g cm-2, respectively). The mechanism indicated for the enhancement of carrageenan gel quality involves stopping the production of precursor (galactose-6-sulfate) and converting the preexisting precursor to 3,6-anhydrogalactose units through in vivo enzymatic action. Postharvest batch culture with low nutrient concentrations is considered to be an eco-friendly alternative to industrial alkali treatment in the enhancement of carrageenan gel quality.
An Investigation of Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Al 2014-SiC Composites
Authors: Çalin Recep , Cilasun Niyazi Selçuk 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, the effects of SiC reinforcement volume fractions on hardness, porosity and abrasive wear behaviour were examined in Al 2014-SiC (<92.3 μm) reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) of 3%, 6% and 12% reinforcement–volume (R-V) ratios produced by melt-stirring. Abrasive wear tests were carried out by 320 mesh Al
Forced displacement in Colombia: Magnitude and causes
Authors: Ibanez Ana Maria 
Published: May 2014

The article describes the magnitude, geographical extent, and causes of forced population displacements in Colombia. Forced migration in Colombia is a war strategy adopted by armed groups to strengthen territorial strongholds, weaken civilian support to the enemy, seize valuable lands, and produce and transport illegal drugs with ease. Forced displacement in Colombia today affects 3.5 million people. Equivalent to 7.8 percent of Colombia's population, and second worldwide only to Sudan, this shows the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis the country is facing. The phenomenon involves all of Colombia's territory and nearly 90 percent of the country's municipalities expel or receive population. In contrast to other countries, forced migration in Colombia is largely internal. Illegal armed groups are the main responsible parties, migration does not result in massive refugee streams but occurs on an individual basis, and the displaced population is dispersed throughout the territory and not focused in refugee camps. These characteristics pose unique challenges for crafting state policy that can effectively mitigate the impact of displacement.
Reduction of Contact Resistance between NaxCoO2 Thermoelectric Chip and Ag Electrode by Using Spark Plasma Sintering Method.
Authors: Hachiya Haruna , Arai Koya , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Minowa Masahiro , Yamaguchi Yuki , Fujimoto Kenjiro , Nishio Keishi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTNaxCoO2 has a particularly high contact resistance because it forms an insulated layer of NaHCO3 and Na2CO3, which are produced in a chemical reaction with carbon dioxide and water in air on the surface. In this study, we tried to improve the interface resistance between NaxCoO2 and Ag sheet electrodes by connecting these materials with the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The interface resistance between NaxCoO2 and Ag sheet electrodes connected by SPS is compared with that connected with Ag paste. In an experiment, the interface resistance of a sample treated by decrease to less than 1/600 of the former value. It is thought that the NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 insulated layer is decomposed through the application of a large value of applied DC current by using the SPS technique.
Fabrication of Freestanding Graphene Nanoribbon Network by Utilizing Laser Technology
Authors: Van Hai H. , Badura Kaelyn , Zhang Mei 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTLaser is used to produce graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) by unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is found that laser can not only unzip CNTs, but also join GNRs through covalent reconnections. Because the CNTs are aligned in a freestanding CNT sheet, the laser irradiation process results in a freestanding GNR network. Experimental results show that the expected results can be achieved by controlling the delivery of laser beam energy to the sheet. Moreover, this process is a solid-state process and a scalable manufacturing process.
Electronic Properties of Hydrogenated Graphene-Like Materials Under Strains
Authors: Mihara K. , Shintani K. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe electronic band structures of the hydrogenated graphene-like materials, graphane, silicane, and germanane, under tensile strains are calculated using first-principles calculation. The imposed tensile strain is in either the armchair or zigzag direction in the honeycomb lattice. It is found that the band gap of graphane gradually increases with the increase of the strain, whereas the band gaps of silicane and germanane decrease with the increase of the strain. There is little effect of the direction of the imposed strain on such strain dependences.
Synthesis of graphene nanoribbons from amyloid fibrils by solid-phase graphitization using liquid gallium catalyst
Authors: Murakami Katsuhisa , Dong Tianchen , Kajiwara Yuya , Hiyama Takaki , Ueki Ryuichi , Ohashi Gai , Shiraki Kentaro , Yamada Yoichi , Fujita Jun-ichi 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAmyloid fibrils, which are linear proteins with widths of less than 10 nm and lengths of more than 1 μm, were used as an amorphous carbon template for graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) synthesized by solid-phase graphitization using liquid Ga as the catalyst. The crystal quality of the GNRs improved with increasing synthesis temperature. However, the shape of the GNRs synthesized at temperatures higher than 900 °C became broader, losing the original amyloid shape, whereas the GNRs synthesized at 900 °C seemed to maintain the original amyloid shape in the SEM observation. The conducting paths of GNRs synthesized at 900 °C were found to be slightly diffused outside the topography of the GNRs in the conductive atomic force microscopy map. In addition, some of the sapphire terrace edges of the substrate showed conductivity, which indicates that the growth mechanism of graphene on a sapphire substrate might be a step-flow growth mode.
The Effects of Auditors' Accessibility to “Tone at the Top” Knowledge on Audit Judgments
Authors: Schmidt Regan N. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT:
This study examines how external auditors' accessibility to “tone at the top” knowledge impacts subsequent audit judgments. To examine this relationship, a decision aid is investigated that differentially facilitates the auditors' retrieval of “tone at the top” evidence from memory. Results of an experiment indicate that, holding the client's “tone at the top” constant, the structure of a control environment decision aid influences the auditors' mental representation of the “tone at the top.” Further, favorable “tone at the top” mental representations transfer to induce relatively favorable control environment and fraud risk assessments, and greater reliance on management's explanation for variances detected in analytical procedures. Mediation analyses identify the control environment assessment as a mediator between the influenced mental representation and the subsequent fraud risk and analytical procedure judgments. The results of the paper underscore the importance of how auditors develop their “tone at the top” mental representations, the influence of these mental representations on subsequent audit judgments, and the stage in the audit process where interventions can improve audit quality.
Data Availability: Contact the author.
Enumerating the Hidden Homeless: Strategies to Estimate the Homeless Gone Missing From a Point-in-Time Count
Authors: Agans Robert P. , Jefferson Malcolm T. , Bowling James M. , Zeng Donglin , Yang Jenny , Silverbush Mark 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
To receive federal homeless funds, communities are required to produce statistically reliable, unduplicated counts or estimates of homeless persons in sheltered and unsheltered locations during a one-night period (within the last ten days of January) called a point-in-time (PIT) count. In Los Angeles, a general population telephone survey was implemented to estimate the number of unsheltered homeless adults who are hidden from view during the PIT count. Two estimation approaches were investigated: i) the number of homeless persons identified as living on private property, which employed a conventional household weight for the estimated total (Horvitz-Thompson approach); and ii) the number of homeless persons identified as living on a neighbor’s property, which employed an additional adjustment derived from the size of the neighborhood network to estimate the total (multiplicity-based approach). This article compares the results of these two methods and discusses the implications therein.
Recruiting an Internet Panel Using Respondent-Driven Sampling
Authors: Schonlau Matthias , Weidmer Beverly , Kapteyn Arie 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is a network sampling technique typically employed for hard-to-reach populations when traditional sampling approaches are not feasible (e.g., homeless) or do not work well (e.g., people with HIV). In RDS, seed respondents recruit additional respondents from their network of friends. The recruiting process repeats iteratively, thereby forming long referral chains.
RDS is typically implemented face to face in individual cities. In contrast, we conducted Internet-based RDS in the American Life Panel (ALP), a web survey panel, targeting the general US population. We found that when friends are selected at random, as RDS methodology requires, recruiting chains die out. When self-selecting friends, self-selected friends tend to be older than randomly selected friends but share the same demographic characteristics otherwise.
Using randomized experiments, we also found that respondents list more friends when the respondent’s number of friends is preloaded from an earlier question. The results suggest that with careful selection of parameters, RDS can be used to select population-wide Internet panels and we discuss a number of elements that are critical for success.
Explosives Vapors–Concentrating and Optoelectronic Detection
Authors: Wojtas J. , Rutecka B. , Popiel S. , Nawała J. , Wesołowski M. , Mikołajczyk J. , Cudziło S. , Bielecki Z. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Detection of explosives vapors is an extremely difficult task. The sensitivity of currently constructed detectors is often insufficient. The paper presents a description of an explosive vapors concentrator that improves the detection limit of some explosives detectors. These detectors have been developed at the Institute of Optoelectronics. The concentrator is especially dedicated to operate with nitrogen oxide detectors. Preliminary measurements show that using the concentrator, the recorded amount of nitrogen dioxide released from a 0.5 ng sample of TNT increases by a factor of approx. 20. In the concentrator an induction heater is applied. Thanks to this and because of the miniaturization of the container with an adsorbing material (approx. 1 cm3), an extremely high rate of temperature growth is achieved (up to 500 °C within approx. 25 s). The concentration process is controlled by a microcontroller. Compact construction and battery power supply provide a possibility of using the concentrator as a portable device.