bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anaerobic thermophilic treatment of cattle manure in UASB reactors
Authors: Castrillón L. , Vázquez I. , Marañón E. , Sastre H. 
Published: April 2009

Cattle manure was characterised after filtration through a 1-mm sieve and subsequently treated in a 9-l volume Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor made of transparent PVC at a thermophilic temperature (55°C). Different Hydraulic Retention Times (HRT)(22.5, 16, 10.6, 8.9 and 7.3 days) were employed and organic matter, total solids and metals were determined, as was the production of biogas. After screening, the COD of the manure subjected to anaerobic thermophilic treatment varied between values of 33,382 and 45,513 mgO2 l-1. The highest percentage of COD removal obtained was 79.7% for an HRT of 22.5 days and there was a fraction refractory to biodegradation of 11%, calculated using Chen & Hashimoto’s model. Finally, the results obtained at a thermophilic temperature were compared with those obtained at a mesophilic temperature (obtained in a previous work). The reduction in COD was slightly greater under mesophilic conditions, though the main advantage of thermophilic anaerobic treatment is the faster inactivation of viruses and bacteria.
What drives Herbeck? Schizophrenia, immediacy, and the poetic process
Authors: Hens Gregor 
Published: April 2009

A poem by the Austrian schizophrenic Ernst Herbeck (1920-91) is examined and evaluated in view of his considerable success as a poet. It is argued that the text’s circumstances of production and Herbeck’s cognitive deficiencies leave little room for creativity, let alone genius. The poem ‘Weihnachten 1967’ is characterized by a peculiar line-by-line approach that is explained in terms of the immediacy hypothesis, according to which schizophrenics’ actions are triggered by the immediate environment (Salzinger et al., 1970). Speech acts may be triggered by preceding words or phrases, leading to an appearance of incohesion. In the case discussed here, the poet takes cues for the extension of his text from the preceding lines only. Depending on their success, he either develops or evades the topic found there, or he attempts to repair a mistake by suggesting a re-analysis in the new line. The obscure and partly private connections within the poem are traced and explained in terms of conceptual frames (Fillmore, 1975). The discussion of the poem contributes to debates concerning the aesthetic appreciation of Herbeck’s poetry, the nature of schizophrenic speech in terms of cognitive and/or linguistic deficiencies, the evaluation of art brut in general, and the larger debate concerning the intersection of art and pathology.
From Geordie Ridley to Viz: popular literature in Tyneside English
Authors: Beal Joan C. 
Published: April 2009

The existence of a large body of literature in the Tyneside and Northumbrian dialects, dating from the late 18th century and continuing to the present day, testifies to a strong and enduring sense of regional identity closely associated with an acute sense of the differences between these dialects and Standard English/RP. Although much of this literature is conservative in nature and conservationist in intent, more recent examples in the local and popular press attempt to represent the salient features of the modern urban dialect (Geordie). This article examines extracts from a selection of texts, dating from George (Geordie) Ridley’s The Blaydon Races (1862) to cartoons in the Newcastle local newspaper, The Evening Chronicle(1996-7) and from Viz comic (1998). In the texts examined, semi-phonetic spelling is used to represent features of the Geordie accent. This article demonstrates that, whilst some features of the traditional dialect have been dropped by the more recent writers, others, such as the monophthongal/u:/in words such as ‘ town’, ‘brown’, spelt <toon, broon> are retained, notably in lexical items having referents which are closely bound up with local identity. Features found only in 20th-century texts often indicate very localized shibboleths, distinguishing Geordies from ‘Makkems’ (citizens of Sunderland, about 15 miles south-east of Newcastle). Recent sociolinguistic research points to a tendency for supra-local norms to replace the more traditional forms indicated by the spellings in dialect literature. This article argues that the prominence of local forms in dialect literature may represent an assertion of local identity in the face of the perceived threat of cultural and linguistic homogenization.
Complexity and safety in medical computing: a clinician’s musings
Authors: Doyle D. J. 
Published: April 2009

Some technologies, like scissors and chopsticks, appear inherently simple. Others, like nuclear reactors or life-support electronics, are inherently complex. By nature, the safety issues associated with complex systems are more involved than those associated with simple systems. There are always added cost requirements in complexity, such as special requirements for ensuring safe operation of the system. The very subsystems added to increase safety, however, necessarily add to complexity and, ironically, enrich the number of possible failure modes in the overall system. Thus there is a concern that the failure of any additional safety system may itself lead to new system failure modes that would not have otherwise occurred [1]. These comments explain why simply adding complexity to a system may not always improve on the system’s performance. The following illustrates some of the concerns that I have developed about the potential misapplication of computers in medical technology. These concerns are based on my clinical experience over the last decade in dealing with high-tech aspects of medical care.
An international comparison of computer networks’ use and potential use
Authors: M. Anthony D. 
Published: April 2009

This paper explores nursing organizations’ experiences, views and policies on computer networks; their ability to access such networks; and to what uses nursing organizations can put the Internet and other networks. There were significant differences between poor and rich countries with respect to access to networking facilities, but not with respect to opinions of the use or potential use of networking. Roughly two-fifths of nursing organizations had access to either the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Richer countries were more likely to have access to both the Internet and LANs. About a half of organizations had email, but only about a quarter accessed email lists. About two-fifths used the World Wide Web (WWW) but only about a tenth had access to USENET newsgroups. There was a significant difference between rich and poor countries with respect to WWW and USENET, with richer countries having greater access. Training for nurses and policies for using computer networks were identified in few organizations, although the potential for computer networks was understood by most. Enthusiasm for using computer networks was particularly noted in poorer and geographically more remote countries. From a list of ten services available via the Internet, the network resource most valued by nursing organizations was online databases; the least valued was videoconferencing.
Patient satisfaction in telemedicine
Authors: Collins K. , Nicolson P. , Bowns I. 
Published: April 2009

Recent improvements in technology and telecommunications have resulted in renewed interest in telemedicine [1]. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) Executive has recently published an ‘Information for Health’ strategy which states that ‘telemedicine and telecare will undoubtedly come to the fore as a way of providing services in the future. They have a key role to play in the Government’s plans to modernize the NHS’ [2]. Within the current climate, the future success of telemedicine will depend on patient and provider acceptance of such technologies. It is, therefore, imperative that the views and experiences of the users and providers of healthcare services are sought to enable problems to be resolved and issues addressed before telemedicine is fully implemented: ‘Information about the patients’ experiences can be an important lever for change, both highlighting where, and what sort of quality improvements are needed’ [3]. This paper provides an overview of telemedicine and patient satisfaction and considers the satisfaction studies to date. It finally discusses some of the problems in assessing patient satisfaction within telemedicine and how future studies may be improved in light of the findings. It is based upon work that is presently being carried out at the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield as part of a Randomized Controlled Trial of telemedicine in dermatology, funded by the NHS Executive Research and Development Programme.
Evaluation of a system for providing information resources to nurses
Authors: Royle J. A. , Blythe J. , DiCenso A. , Boblin-Cummings S. , Deber R. , Hayward R. 
Published: April 2009

The authors describe a study to plan and implement an information system for nurses. The objectives were to (1) determine the clinical information needs of nurses; (2) adapt an existing clinical information system (CLINT) to address their expressed needs; and (3) evaluate nurses’ use of and satisfaction with the enhanced system. Thirty-nine nurses on a medical teaching unit in a tertiary hospital in Canada participated in the project. A needs assessment influenced the design of the nursing interface to CLINT and the development of educational and participatory strategies to promote its use. Data were collected before, after, and throughout the implementation period. Qualitative and quantitative methods, including focus groups, online questionnaires, and automated usage data collection, were used to describe nurses’ use of and satisfaction with the system. The results suggested that peer mentorship, organizational support, and collaboration were the most effective strategies for promoting system use. The hospital information system (IHIS), Netscape, drug information and basic texts were the most frequently used databases. Nurses were satisfied with the system and reported progress in changing clinical practice. CLINT helped them to keep up with educational and professional development. In conclusions, nurses are willing to use information systems that are relevant to their needs and user friendly. There is, however, a paucity of resources available for evidence-based clinical decision making.
Improving the quality of primary care through tailored interventions and customizable software linked to electronic medical records
Authors: Treweek S. , Flottorp S. , Oxman A. 
Published: April 2009

The principal information system used in Norwegian primary healthcare - the electronic medical record (EMR) - is a rich but underused source of data for quality improvement purposes. This paper describes two systems that aim to make better use of the EMR. First, ‘Best Possible Practice’ provides general practitioners with online support for the treatment of urinary tract infections and sore throats, tailored to the patient via the EMR. The second system, ‘QTools’, will allow health professionals, researchers and others to create a wide range of quality improvement tools. Studies with both systems are under way. Early results from ‘Best Possible Practice’ provide information on antibiotic use, use of laboratory tests and use of telephone consultations. These data will be used to assess the ability of the system to change the behaviour of health professionals. ‘QTools’ is under development but several elements of the system are in place, primarily a flexible data extraction tool. EMR systems offer many possibilities for quality improvement systems tailored to individual patients. Although working in this area is a challenge, such systems have the potential to chart and change practice at the local, regional and national levels.
An evaluation of a basic life support CD-ROM
Authors: Moule P. , Gilchrist M. 
Published: April 2009

The faculty has developed a basic life support (BLS) CD-ROM as part of a staff development project across the UK’s south west region’s universities. The introduction of the BLS CD-ROM to the faculty represents a paradigm shift, from the former method of delivering an acetate-based BLS lecture to groups of students across the professional disciplines. It is the intention that all students and staff requiring BLS instruction, should access the CD-ROM to gain and test essential theoretical knowledge, and have an opportunity to observe best practice through video demonstrations. The production of the BLS CD-ROM meets many of the current National Health Service and Higher Education agendas, with the potential for learning to take place in clinical environments and for developing key transferable skills. The tool can also be used to achieve the requirements for multi-professional education. This presentation introduces the evaluative testing by questionnaire of the beta version of the CD-ROM, using a convenient sample of 26 Diploma nursing students, adult branch. The results identify changes needed before implementation of the CD-ROM as a learning tool across all pre- and post-qualified professional groups. The students particularly valued the opportunity to learn at their own pace, and the use of critical thinking scenarios, which enhanced their learning. A small number of technical and presentational errors were identified for correction. Students also made suggestions for other improvements and further developments of multimedia learning materials. While this enthusiastic appraisal is acknowledged, the current paucity of research demands that the faculty continues to evaluate the use of the CD-ROM when fully implemented. This research will be used to inform further developments of multi-media learning materials.
Telecare in practice: a telecare initiative focusing on carers of older people based on Action
Authors: Emery D. 
Published: April 2009

There is a continual need to support and assist carers who play a central role in providing informal care for a relative. This approach to care provision must have a strong foundation based on liaison between the family carers, professional carers and the older or disabled person who is the focus of care. Services that enable effective communication using videoconferencing, interactive communication, tailored Web based programs and other specific resources configured for the needs of the individual can help carers carry out their role effectively. The initiative described in this paper uses a combination of telematic focused interventions to meet the needs of carers and provides an in-depth overview of the ACTION telecare project. The ACTION (Assisting Carers using Telematic Interventions to meet Older persons’ Needs) project was set up and funded because of the need to develop supportive methods for carers and older people. The initiative was designed to improve autonomy and maintain independence and quality of life for people in their own homes and therefore reduce the need for institutional care. This has an economic as well as a social dimension. The project has demonstrated that with the involvement of users at all levels it can fulfil this need. The role of the ACTION project was to develop a cost-effective telecare system for the provision of education, information and support and has been demonstrated with successful results.
Using electronic medical records to evaluate healthcare interventions
Authors: Treweek S. , Flottorp S. 
Published: April 2009

Successive Norwegian governments have introduced a number of health reforms that aim to make better use of resources while improving patient care. One of the most recent reforms, the Regular General Practitioner (GP) Scheme, will introduce a general practitioner patient list system across Norway. The government plans an evaluation of this reform. One project within the evaluation will develop a system for the collection of ‘activity data’ within primary healthcare. The intention is that these data will give an overview of what is happening within the primary healthcare sector and facilitate planning of services. Routine data stored in GPs’ electronic medical record systems (EMRSs) will be the major source of this activity data. Indeed, collection of these activity data may become a permanent feature of primary healthcare monitoring in Norway. This paper presents one method for obtaining these data and gives examples of the sort of data that are available in the EMRS. Finally, the paper discusses some of the problems that may be encountered when using EMRS data for evaluations of healthcare interventions. The greatest challenges in this field are unlikely to be technical or organisational, but human. In other words, what is the best way to encourage GPs to collect high quality data
Contexts for collaboration in healthcare education
Authors: Alpay L. L. , Littleton K. S. 
Published: April 2009

In recent years, the drive towards cost-effectiveness and efficiency, coupled with radical changes in healthcare education, have resulted in an increased need for collaboration, both at the interpersonal and institutional levels. Such collaborations were once regarded primarily as pragmatic ventures. Increasingly, however, there are reports of these collaborations yielding tangible benefits, both in terms of curriculum innovation and reconceptualization of the educational process. This paper draws upon some recent examples from the literature to examine the nature of collaborative partnerships in healthcare education. In particular, it discusses the development of collaborative practices and identifies diverse contexts (such as the sharing of resources and the integration of computer technologies in the curriculum) in which these practices evolve. This paper brings to the front changes that are triggered by collaborative initiatives, and highlights lessons learned for successful collaborations.
System issues for telemedicine systems
Authors: Fitch C. J. , Briggs J. S. , Beresford R. A. 
Published: April 2009

This paper extends the discussion introduced at SHIMR 2000 regarding principal issues that influence the technical aspects of systems. It sets out how some of these issues, or ‘ilities’, apply to telemedicine systems used to support home monitoring. Although most of us know broadly what is meant by the various terms used to described provision of care at a distance, this paper also introduces a taxonomy of the various telemedicine systems which is used to assess the degree to which these ilities apply to the different telemedicine implementations. The reason for this is that not all ilities apply in equal measure to all telemedicine solutions. The paper looks at the degree to which the ilities apply to systems used to support home monitoring. In the same manner as the previous paper [1], it aims to aid understanding by proposing the questions that need to be asked and answered and so aid the design and development of successful telemedicine solutions.
The standard generalized markup language for electronic patient records
Authors: Roberts A. 
Published: April 2009

A pilot study at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, UK, examined the use of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) for electronic patient records. Seven hundred patients had their text records encoded in SGML and 14 of these patients had legacy, laboratory and other data included. Records were incorporated in a commercial SGML database to demonstrate in-context searching. A commercial SGML browser allowed rapid access to clinical events in large records. A study of comparative file sizes between formats was performed. The acceptability of electronic records was assessed with clinicians. Specifications for the system are discussed and the relationship with traditional technologies explained. SGML represents a suitable format for the manipulation and publication of electronic patient records.
Nursing information for electronic clinical exchange (NIECE)
Authors: Ballard E. 
Published: April 2009

The value of clinical nursing information is not just within professional care delivery, but as a source for educational and professional development for practitioners. At the core of this argument is the informative connection nurses make through discussion, questioning and reflecting together. Nurses contribute to the production of much healthcare information; there is a danger, however, of their own expert information and knowledge being subsumed. There are ways to move forward: through facilitating the capture of nursing’s ‘professional’ information, organizing a nurses’ system, and establishing a nursing information electronic clinical exchange. This ‘living’ encyclopaedia would revalue knowledge and experience and support professional information development for the benefit of healthcare delivery. The issue for nurses becoming involved in electronic information exchange is the need for support from their healthcare organizations to facilitate professional networking. A nurses’ information system needs to be ‘open’, though managed within a ‘closed’ organizational environment. Informal networking does not serve the purpose of exchanging ‘professional’ information at the workface. This demands new approaches. Worldwide healthcare professions are examining ways in which communication can be more effective and the electronic networking of a nurses’ information system is right for this age in healthcare.
Developing and implementing a clinical patient information system: a mental health perspective
Authors: Sheridan A. J. , Corcoran M. 
Published: April 2009

The Hospitaller Order of St John of God is involved in providing health, educational and social services to people with mental health problems and learning difficulties in the Republic of Ireland. As part of its development plan the Order is engaging in the development of a comprehensive Mental Health Information System encompassing both community and hospital-based services. This system is being developed by local practitioners with the assistance of an external facilitator. The Order is also extensively involved in developing legal and ethical protocols to ensure the system meets all requirements of data protection legislation both nationally and at European levels. Within the overall system, the nursing component is the first part to have been operationalized and some initial evaluation of its efficacy has been conducted. The purpose of this paper is to present the work of the nursing department at St John of God Hospital, Dublin, in the development, implementation and initial evaluation of a computerized patient information system.