bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the use of radiosonde humidity data to predict the occurrence of persistent contrails
Authors: Rädel G. , Shine K. P. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRegular visual observations of persistent contrails over Reading, UK, have been used to evaluate radiosonde measurements of temperature and humidity defining cold ice‐supersaturated atmospheric regions which are assumed to be a necessary condition for persistent condensation trails (contrails) to form. Results show a good correlation between observations and predictions using data from Larkhill, 63 km from Reading. A statistical analysis of this result and the forecasts using data from four additional UK radiosonde stations are presented. The horizontal extent of supersaturated layers could be inferred from this to be several hundred kilometres. The necessity of bias corrections to radiosonde humidity measurements is discussed and an analysis of measured ice‐supersaturated atmospheric layers in the troposphere is presented. It is found that ice supersaturation is more likely to occur in winter than in summer, with frequencies of 17.3% and 9.4%, respectively, which is mostly due to the layers being thicker in winter than in summer. The most probable height for them to occur is about 10 km. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Numerical simulation of pulsations in the bora wind
Authors: Belušić Danijel , Žagar Mark , Grisogono Branko 
Published: July 2010

AbstractNumerical simulation of a long bora episode is presented and compared with measurements. The goal is to resolve the quasi‐periodic oscillations of the bora gusts, i.e. the pulsations. The model reproduced well the approximately 7 min periodicity of pulsations and the upstream structure of the atmosphere, and can thus be used for the detailed dynamical considerations.The results of previous studies are confirmed, as well as the hypotheses on the mechanisms responsible for the disappearance of pulsations. Specifically, it is shown that the upper‐tropospheric jet induces strong positive shear throughout the troposphere and consequently the local nonlinearity of the incoming flow weakens. Henceforth, the low‐level wave breaking is diminished and so the pulsations cease. From the three previously proposed generating mechanisms of pulsations, the results obtained point to the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability as the primary mechanism in this case.Additionally, it seems that the situations with absence of pulsations may be related to the formation of the mountain‐wave‐induced rotor. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Improving short‐range high‐resolution model precipitation forecast skill using time‐lagged ensembles
Authors: Mittermaier Marion P. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractHigh‐resolution forecasts can vary considerably from run to run. Excessive inconsistency is undesirable, especially for the forecaster, who seeks similarities between successive runs to gain confidence in model guidance.The Met Office 4 km Unified Model runs every 6 h to t + 36 h. Five‐member time‐lag ensembles are created for the most recent 6 h period in order to study the perceived inconsistencies between runs. Mean, maximum, and probability‐of‐precipitation forecast fields are generated, for four different months of operational forecasts chosen to capture different seasonal weather regimes, and compared with the verifying radar accumulation. Each of the individual forecasts (ensemble members) is evaluated and its contribution to the ensemble assessed.Results show that the time‐lag ensemble performs better at or near the grid scale, and that there is a strong case for recalibration. Indeed, the ensemble approach ensures that the proportion of missed forecast events (which have potentially more serious implication for high‐impact weather) is reduced. In short, the effect of the lagged‐ensemble spread is similar to that of the spread created from perturbed initial conditions in conventional ensembles, improving forecast skill at a higher spatial resolution, thus emulating the requirement for spatial averaging for a single deterministic forecast. Overall, improved forecast skill at longer ranges ensures that time‐lagged ensembles are now a more viable option than in the past. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assimilation of EOS MLS ozone observations in the Met Office data‐assimilation system
Authors: Jackson D. R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn this paper the impact of Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) observations on ozone analyses is investigated using the Met Office data‐assimilation system. EOS MLS was launched in 2004, and produces high‐quality ozone observations in the upper troposphere and stratosphere at high vertical and horizontal resolution. The experiments shown here are run using 3D‐Var and a forecast model that has 50 levels—from the surface to approximately 63 km—and a horizontal resolution of 2.5° latitude by 3.75° longitude. Most of the experiments are run for the period January–February 2005.The chief impact of assimilating EOS MLS data is a reduction of the mean analysis error, and of the standard deviation, in the lower stratosphere. Compared with control simulations, mean errors drop by 5%–25% in the Southern‐Hemisphere extratropics, by around 10% in the Northern‐Hemisphere extratropics, and by around 50% (with respect to ozonesondes) in the region of the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.Further investigation shows that the improved ozone analyses in the Southern Hemisphere largely result from a much better representation of summertime low‐ozone events. These events have been documented in the northern summer stratosphere, but never before in the southern summer stratosphere. In the Northern Hemisphere the addition of EOS MLS to the assimilation system is shown to lead to a better representation of winter polar ozone depletion. At low latitudes, it appears that errors in the background model transport fields often lead to errors in the ozone analysis, but that the addition of high‐density, good‐quality EOS MLS data alleviates much of this error. It is noted that the EOS MLS data have a more beneficial impact on ozone analyses in this region than do data from the Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding, which has a similar resolution and observational error to EOS MLS. © Crown Copyright 2007. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redefining the Future of Perioperative Nursing Education: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Dumchin Mark 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPerioperative nursing is practiced in a technologically advanced, fast‐paced environment, and there is a continuing shortage of qualified and competent perioperative nurses. The expansion of nursing education programs into web‐based environments has the potential to address this shortage. Online learning is both effective and efficient and particularly appropriate for adult learners compared with traditional, lecture‐style programs. This article proposes a conceptual framework that combines social constructivism, Benner's Novice to Expert theory, and the principles of adult learning to provide a basis for the design and implementation of future perioperative curricula. Although the proposed framework needs to be questioned and empirically tested through research, the application of this framework could potentially shift the quality of perioperative education to a higher level and result in safer, more highly reliable patient care.
Lean Methodology in Health Care
Authors: Kimsey Diane B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLean production is a process management philosophy that examines organizational processes from a customer perspective with the goal of limiting the use of resources to those processes that create value for the end customer. Lean manufacturing emphasizes increasing efficiency, decreasing waste, and using methods to decide what matters rather than accepting preexisting practices. A rapid improvement team at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania, implemented a plan, do, check, act cycle to determine problems in the central sterile processing department, test solutions, and document improved processes. By using A3 thinking, a consensus building process that graphically depicts the current state, the target state, and the gaps between the two, the team worked to improve efficiency and safety, and to decrease costs. Use of this methodology has increased teamwork, created user‐friendly work areas and processes, changed management styles and expectations, increased staff empowerment and involvement, and streamlined the supply chain within the perioperative area.
Variant anatomy of the uterine artery in a Kenyan population
Authors: Obimbo Moses M. , Ogeng'o Julius A. , Saidi Hassan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the uterine artery's origin, branching patterns, and relation to the ureter in a Kenyan population.MethodThe uterine arteries of the bodies of 53 girls and women were dissected at the University of Nairobi Department of Human Anatomy to study these patterns. Data were analyzed for frequency and the patterns are presented via digital macrographs.ResultsThe uterine artery consistently originated as a branch of the internal iliac artery. It formed the second or third branch of the anterior trunk in 70.8% of cases; it ascended as a single branch, or from a bifurcation, or from a trifurcation in 76.4%, 17.1%, and 6.7% of cases; and lay posterior to the ureter in 3.8% of cases. In all, 46.2% of the uterine arteries studied varied from the classic description.ConclusionAbout half of the uterine arteries had a nonclassic origin, branching pattern, or relation to the ureter—as a posterior relation to the ureter had not been previously described. Surgeons operating in the pelvis should be aware of this variant anatomy to avoid injury to the ureter and other organs.
Qualitative case studies in operations management: Trends, research outcomes, and future research implications
Authors: Barratt Mark , Choi Thomas Y. , Li Mei 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOur study examines the state of qualitative case studies in operations management. Five main operations management journals are included for their impact on the field. They are in alphabetical order: Decision Sciences, International Journal of Operations and Production Management, Journal of Operations Management, Management Science, and Production and Operations Management. The qualitative case studies chosen were published between 1992 and 2007. With an increasing trend toward using more qualitative case studies, there have been meaningful and significant contributions to the field of operations management, especially in the area of theory building. However, in many of the qualitative case studies we reviewed, sufficient details in research design, data collection, and data analysis were missing. For instance, there are studies that do not offer sampling logic or a description of the analysis through which research out‐comes are drawn. Further, research protocols for doing inductive case studies are much better developed compared to the research protocols for doing deductive case studies. Consequently, there is a lack of consistency in the way the case method has been applied. As qualitative researchers, we offer suggestions on how we can improve on what we have done and elevate the level of rigor and consistency.
Mobilizing toward Regional Accreditation
Authors: O'Neill Mary Lou 
Published: July 2010

In January 1999, the Eastern Regional Health Board began planning for a Regional Accreditation scheduled in November 1999. This would be the first time that our two programs (Addiction Services and Public Health), and two of the nine acute care facilities in our Region would be accredited. This article describes a regional accreditation planning process. It suggests the resources required for such a project, suggests a workable time line, and indicates a communication strategy. Mobilizing over 1000 staff, physicians, and the communities toward Regional accreditation was a challenge for the Steering Team. Defining a plan of action with defined time lines proved helpful; defining team chairs who were flexible and positive was vital, and engaging the communities in our review was rewarding. Informing the public was completed using strategies borrowed from our Newfoundland counterparts (an accreditation mural and a regular newsletter), and our own creative strategies such as “Sharing Day” and engaging community health board involvement on accreditation teams. The project development was initiated by a steering committee, and spanned 21 teams. Both a communication and education plan were important in keeping the board, staff, physicians and residents of the Region informed.
Efficacité de l'utilisation des lits de soins aigus à Terre-Neuve et au Labrador
Authors: Doyle Michael , Barrett Brendan J. , McDonald Jackie , McGrath Jerry , Parfrey Patrick S. 
Published: July 2010

L'efficacité des services d'un hôpital est étroitement liée aux niveaux d'utilisation et à la durée de l'hospitalisation. Dans cette étude, nous avons cherché à déterminer si, à Terre-Neuve, la mauvaise utilisation des lits était liée à de l'inefficacité ou à un mauvais accès à d'autres services. Pour assurer le suivi de l'efficacité, nous avons aussi comparé les données de l'Institut canadien d'information sur la santé (ICIS) à celles de notre sondage pour voir si elles fournissent de l'information semblable. Nous avons présenté la durée incongrue des soins aigus en modifiant un peu le Protocole d'évaluation de la congruité (PEC). À partir de la banque de données de l'ICIS, nous avons aussi étudié la durée moyenne d'hospitalisation (DMH) pour chaque service des établissements de soins aigus de chaque province pour la période allant de 1993–1994 à 1995–1996. L'admission à l'hôpital était incongrue dans 14,2 pour cent des 2 007 cas. Sur 14 194 jours de soins, 22,8 pour cent des jours étaient incongrus; on aurait pu éviter cela en grande partie (16,4 pour cent) en utilisant mieux les ressources disponibles. De ces jours, 49,2 pour cent étaient liés aux fonctions médicales. Dans toute la province, la DMH est passée de 5,7 jours en 1993–1994 à 5,39 jours en 1995–1996; elle demeure toutefois de 10,5 pour cent plus élevée que la moyenne nationale. À l'échelle nationale, les données de l'ICIS sur la DMH dans chaque service correspondent au pourcentage de jours incongrus par service (r=0,57). On utilise trop de lits parce qu'on ne se sert pas adéquatement des services disponibles. En fait, les médecins pourraient faire baisser presque de moitié le total des jours d'hospitalisation incongrus. Les données de l'ICIS sur la durée d'hospitalisation pourraient servir à cerner les services ou les médecins sur lesquels concentrer une intervention.
Efficiency of Institutional Long Term Care and Annual Demands for Placement
Authors: O'Reilly Darla , Parfrey Patrick S. , Barrett Brendan , McDonald Jackie 
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of and annual demands for institutional long term care placement in the St. John's region. The study population comprised all applicants assessed for institutional long term care through the Community Health St. John's Region Single Entry System in 1995–96. The outcome measures used for the study included estimates of client resource utilization employing the RUGs III and Alberta Resident Classification System; hospital beds occupied; time to placement; and annual demands on long term care. The study concludes that objective criteria for admission to supervised care and nursing home care may help reduce the number of inappropriate placements (thus maximizing the use of existing nursing home beds) and decrease annual demands. Investment in alternatives to nursing home care for those with modest disability is suggested.
Determinants of Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Supervisory and Non-Supervisory Employees in a Large Canadian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Brown J.A. , Woodward C.A. , Shannon H.S. , Cunningham C.E. , Lendrum B. , McIntosh J. , Rosenbloom D. 
Published: July 2010

This article explores the extent to which hospital workers at a large teaching hospital at different managerial/supervisory levels (designated and non-designated supervisors, and non-supervisory staff), experienced job stress and job satisfaction prior to the re-engineering of hospital services. For all groups, increased levels of job demands were associated with higher levels of stress. Lower levels of decision latitude were associated with increased job stress for designated supervisors. Increasing levels of decision latitude were associated with both job stress and satisfaction for the other two groups. Co-worker support and teamwork contributed to increased job satisfaction for all groups.
Regionalization and Hospital Utilization: Alberta 1991/2-1996/7
Authors: Saunders L. Duncan , Bay Kyung S. , Alibhai Arif A. 
Published: July 2010

Background: In February 1994 Alberta Health announced a three-year business plan for the radical restructuring of the health care system in Alberta. The business plan outlined large reductions in funding for acute hospital care spending and the establishment of 17 Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). Objectives: The objectives of this study are to describe for the period 1991/2 to 1996/7: Trends in overall acute hospital utilization by Alberta residents and residents of each of the 17 RHAs. Trends in the provision of acute hospital services by each of the 17 RHAs and the Alberta Cancer Board. Trends in the transfer of patients between RHAs. Results: Between 1991/2 and 1996/7, the age-sex standardized separation rate, the age-sex standardized average length of stay, and age-sex standardized hospital days rate for Alberta residents fell by 25.6%, 18.7%, and 39.5% respectively. The age-standardized hospital days rate fell in all 17 RHAs. The total number of separations (Alberta residents and non-residents) from Alberta acute care facilities fell by 19.6% while the average care intensity for all separations from Alberta acute care facilities rose by 8.7%. The ratio of the highest to lowest average RHA care intensity remained between 1.7 and 1.9 during the study period. RHA self-su flciency indices increased dramatically in one RHA and remained largely unchanged in the remaining RHAs. RHA import indices decreased for most RHAs. Conclusions: Large reductions in the use of acute hospital services have occurred in Alberta during the period of major health care restructuring. Further research is needed to examine shifts in services to other sectors and to assess the impact of these reductions on patient outcomes.
Creating an Elder-Friendly Hospital
Authors: Parke Belinda , Stevenson Lynn 
Published: July 2010

Older adults comprise the majority of people receiving hospital services in many regions of our country today. Current literature is fraught with stories of how risky hospitalization can be for an older adult. Even with the best intentions, being in hospital can set up a cascade of events for older adults and their families that result in longer lengths of stay and functional disability. In a climate of fiscal restraint, competing priorities and public pressure, meeting the challenges of hospitalization for this population is not an easy task. As the number of older adults in acute care rises and the average length of stay continues to decrease, it is necessary for acute care hospitals to rethink their views of caring for older adults; fundamental shifts are required. The purpose of this paper is to describe the “Elder Friendly Hospital” (EFH) concept and explain the strategies taken by the Capital Health Region in Victoria British Columbia.
La gestion des systèmes de prestation intégrée de soins de santé: Satisfaire aux exigences relatives aux responsabilités
Authors: Leatt Peggy , Leggatt Sandra G. 
Published: July 2010

Plusieurs gouvernements provinciaux canadiens examinent des moyens d'intégrer davantage les services de santé en vue d'améliorer les soins fournis, tout en maintenant les coûts à leur niveau actuel ou en les réduisant. Des systèmes de prestation intégrée de soins de santé voient le jour présentement aux États-Unis, en Grande-Bretagne et dans d'autres pays d'Europe. Ces systèmes visent à fournir, à une population cible déterminée et selon un mode de financement par capitation, un éventail complet de soins de santé. Dans l'article qui suit, les auteures explorent les questions liées aux responsabilités de gestion dans un système de prestation intégrée (SPI). Elles examinent des modèles possibles de gestion et présentent les facteurs qui influent sur le choix d'un modèle pour un SPI. En 1987, Ewell affirmait que les conseils d'administration étaient le maillon le plus faible des systèmes de prestation intégrée de soins de santé aux États-Unis. Il laissait entendre qu'en portant attention à la gestion, dès le début de l'établissement des modèles de SPI au Canada, il pourrait être possible de les rendre plus efficaces.
Resource Intensity Weights™ and Canadian Hospital Costs: Some Preliminary Data
Authors: Poole Barbara , Robinson Shawn , MacKinnon Murray 
Published: July 2010

Different types of inpatients “consume” differing amounts of hospital resources, and it is important to be able to measure these differences in resource consumption, An equitable methodology for funding hospitals must take into account differences in case mix between facilities. An ability to examine these differences in case mix and resource utilization allows hospitals to focus efforts to improve efficiency. A standardized methodology for measuring resource consumption is critical to funding and resource allocation both at a global and organizational level. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not the Canadian system for measuring resource consumption, Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) RIWs™, was reflective of the relative cost differences between inpatient cases at the Greater Victoria Hospital Society (GVHS) and to identify RIWs with a significant difference in comparison to GVHS cost weights. A regression analysis was performed on the more than 30,000 inpatient cost profile records from the GVHS 1995–96 cost and patient activity data. The scope of the analysis was restricted to the 424 Case Mix Groups (CMGs) that had a minimum composition of five patient profiles. Comparisons of GVHS cost weights to CIHI RIWs yielded mostly positive results. With the noted exception of about 20 CMGs, there was a high correlation between the CIHI RIW and the GVHS actual cost weights. Hence, the GVHS cost weights can be viewed with confidence as representative of the relative cost differences between typical RIW value CMGs and actual costs.
The Experience of Clients and Informal Caregivers with Community Health Care Services
Authors: Greaves Gaye , Lewis Phyllis 
Published: July 2010

Persistent changes in long term care policy reform in Ontario prompted one home care program to undertake a multifaceted study to evaluate the effects of those changes. This article describes the qualitative component of the study examining perceptions of clients (persons with disabilities; adults over 80 and under 80 years of age) and of informal caregivers concerning their satisfaction with services and the impact of service delivery on their quality of life. Responses and descriptions of relevant perceptions and experiences varied with category of participant. Study findings revealed that satisfaction with services and concomitant quality of life depended upon the quality of communication with service providers.