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Exploring registered nurses' experiences of preparation as practice supervisors and assessors of nursing students: a phenomenographic study
Get PDFIn the United Kingdom, all nursing students are required to be supervised and assessed in clinical practice by registrants (registered health professionals may act as supervisors, but registered nurses must act as assessors). Prior to 2018, the role in practice was that of mentor, with the function of supervisor and assessor combined in this single role, but in 2018 the roles were separated. Mentorship had stipulated a prescribed framework for role preparation, but the new standards did not, instead setting out outcomes for each role with the requirement that those acting as supervisors and assessors undertake appropriate preparation for their roles. This has the potential for variation in the approach to role preparation in the future, without evidence to support understanding of what this should consist of. This study, through original research exploring the experiences of practice supervisors and assessors, has created new knowledge and understanding of how individuals prepare for their roles in practice. To my knowledge, this is the first study since the introduction of the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for student supervision and assessment (NMC, 2018) to explore how practice supervisors and assessors of nursing students experience preparation for their roles. This study utilised a phenomenographic approach, which aims to describe the different ways in which a group of people experience, understand and make sense of a phenomenon, with findings grouped into categories of description. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data analysed using a phenomenographic approach.Thirteen interviews in total were conducted. Three categories of description were identified: preparation as learning about the role; preparation as developing confidence; and preparation as missing pieces. The study findings identified that practice supervisors and educators experienced preparation for their roles in a variety of ways encompassing initial role preparation and learning through application and experience. Initial preparation, while significant and valued, is not sufficient to enable practice supervisors and assessors to then apply their roles in practice with confidence. Ongoing reflection and experience are key aspects to the emergence of confidence, and the development of knowledge and skills
Heat Transfer Coefficient of a Building: A Constant with Limited Variability or Dynamically Variable?
Get PDFThe heat transfer coefficient, or the HTC, is an industry-standard indicator of building energy performance. It is predicated on an assumption that it is of a constant value, and several different methods have been developed to measure and calculate the HTC as a constant. Whilst there are limited variations in the results obtained from these different methods, none of these methods consider a possibility that the HTC could be dynamically variable. Our experimental work shows that the HTC is not a constant. The experimental evidence based on our environmental chambers, which contain detached houses and in which the ambient air temperature can be controlled between −24 °C and +51 °C, with additional relative humidity control and with weather rigs that can introduce solar radiation, rain, and snow, shows that the HTC is dynamically variable. The analysis of data from the fully instrumented and monitored houses in combination with calibrated simulation models and data processing scripts based on genetic algorithm optimization provide experimental evidence of the dynamic variability of the HTC. This research increases the understanding of buildings physics properties and has the potential to change the way the heat transfer coefficient is used in building performance analysis
Performance evaluation of hot mix asphalt utilising waste and byproduct materials as reactive powders
No full textThe use of sustainable materials in construction is becoming increasingly vital as the need for environmentally friendly practices rises. One area where sustainable materials can be applied is the construction of asphalt concrete pavement. In this paper, comprehensive investigations were made to assess the performance characteristics of sustainable asphalt concrete mixtures having waste and byproduct materials as reactive powders that alter traditional mineral filler (Portland cement) used widely in Iraq. The investigations encompassed the study of Portland cement (PC) as well as five types of fillers: silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA) powders, which are byproduct materials, and waste glass (WG), waste brick (WB), and waste ceramic (WC) powders, which are the powder form of waste materials obtained from production, construction, and demolishing processes. The experimental programme was performed to evaluate their influence on key mechanical and performance properties, including penetration, softening point, Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, moisture susceptibility, and rutting resistance. Outcomes suggested that WC and WG significantly enhance stiffness, performance at various temperatures and conditions, and durability. Specifically, the mix with WC showed the most significant reduction in penetration of about 42% compared to neat asphalt and had the highest softening point of 65 °C, representing a 35% improvement compared to neat asphalt. WC mix also exhibited the highest Marshall stability (11.5 kN) with a 21% increase compared to the control PC mix. Regarding indirect tensile strength (ITS) and tensile strength ratio (TSR) measurements, WC had the highest moisture resistance, achieving a TSR of 90%. In addition, WC demonstrated the most significant reduction in permanent deformation of about 14.26% at 5.23 mm as compared with the control mix (PC) at 6.1 mm. SEM and EDX analyses confirmed the pozzolanic action of the waste-based mineral fillers, with high silica and alumina content in WC, WG, and SF, contributing to enhanced adhesion and mechanical performance. In addition to the benefit of enhancing the performance of flexible pavement by incorporating waste and byproduct materials as filler in the mix, this could be a step in the sustainability journey for a green environment with reduced landfill waste and carbon emissions
AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT OF APPLICATION OF A DERMATONICS EMOLLIENT ON FOOT SKIN CHARACTERISTICS
No full textDry foot skin, or xerosis, is a common concern among patients presenting to podiatry clinics. It is more than a cosmetic issue: when left untreated, xerosis often leads to the formation of hyperkeratosis which are localized areas of thick, hardened skin caused by abnormal retention of corneocytes at the skin surface. This occurs when the skin lacks sufficient hydration to support normal desquamation (skin cell shedding), resulting in dead skin cells accumulating and forming visible plaques. These hardened areas not only feel rough and dry but can also contribute to pain and discomfort, particularly under high-pressure zones of the foot such as the heel and forefoot.Dermatonics is a UK-based foot care brand offering a range of over-the-counter and NHS-listed products developed specifically to manage dry, rough, and hyperkeratotic skin. Dermatonics Once Heel Balm is designed to rehydrate, soften, and support the repair of dry, rough, and hyperkeratotic skin, particularly on the heel. It achieves this through a combination of humectant, emollient, and occlusive actions. This multi-pronged approach supports restoration of the skin’s water balance and promotes natural exfoliation processes, helping reduce hyperkeratosis over time.While long-term emollient use is standard in managing xerosis and hyperkeratosis, early visible results are a strong motivator for product use and patient adherence. Quick improvements in hydration, smoothness, and perceived skin quality can positively influence consumer experience and increase compliance with recommended treatment plans. However, most current research has focused on longer-term outcomes. There remains limited evidence regarding the short-term effects of emollient application, particularly using objective biophysical measures that can inform product marketing claims. This study investigates the immediate (1-hour) effects of a Dermatonics-brand emollient on foot skin characteristics in healthy adult participants. Using non-invasive instruments, the study measures changes in:•Skin hydration (DermaStat®, Corneometer® CM825)•Skin hardness (SATRA Durometer)•Skin roughness, smoothness, and scaliness (Visioscan®)•Self-reported skin condition (Foot Skin Health Questionnaire)Data were collected from the heel and dorsal foot, representing both high-pressure and lower-pressure sites. The protocol controlled for environmental conditions and included participant demographics (age and sex), both of which are known to influence skin behaviour.Several key studies support the rationale for this investigation. Hashmi et al. (2015) characterised differences between normal and hyperkeratotic foot skin, highlighting hydration and surface roughness as critical variables in assessing skin health. Their follow-up work (Hashmi et al., 2016) confirmed the reliability and repeatability of the same non-invasive instruments used in this study, ensuring confidence in these methods. Meanwhile, Jones and Lunn (2020) demonstrated that regular application of Dermatonics Once Heel Balm led to improvements in patients with diabetic neuropathy and reduced podiatry workload. Though long-term, their findings support the product’s broader clinical utility.A systematic review by Parker et al. (2017) found that while many moisturisers improve xerosis, trials often lack standardisation and objective outcome measures. They called for research using robust biophysical tools, which is the approach taken here. Taken together, these studies provide a foundation for evaluating emollients like Dermatonics Once Heel Balm. This project builds on that foundation by showing how quickly skin hydration and texture can improve objectively and subjectively after just one application. These insights may support more targeted patient advice, better product selection, and improved clinical outcomes through enhanced treatment adherence
Effect of Acute Bout of 10 Sessions of Dance Aerobic Exercise Intervention on Blood Pressure Indices Among Ethnic Population with Elevated Cardiovascular Risk
Get PDFThe rate pressure product (RPP) is a non-invasive index of myocardial oxygen consumption, derived from heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). While aerobic exercise is known to improve cardiovascular efficiency, evidence is limited for racialized populations, particularly African Canadians and South Asians who face elevated cardiovascular risk. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine whether a 10-session dance aerobics program provides a cardiovascular stimulus sufficient to affect RPP and blood pressure responses in these groups. Methods: A total of 160 participants with hypertension or related conditions (80 African Canadians, 80 South Asians) completed 10 sessions of community-based aerobic dance. Pre- and post-intervention measurements of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and RPP were obtained and analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Both groups showed reductions in blood pressure after the intervention. South Asians demonstrated moderate decreases in SBP and RPP, while African Canadians exhibited stable or slightly increased RPP values despite improvements in SBP and DBP. Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in SBP and HR (p 0.05). Despite the modest reductions in systolic BP (≥5 mmHg), this may carry clinical significance. Conclusion: This study highlights that blood pressure and RPP responses to exercise may differ across ethnic groups. Short-term dance aerobics effectively reduced blood pressure in both African Canadian and South Asian participants, supporting its role as a culturally adaptable intervention. These findings underline the importance of tailoring exercise recommendations to ethnic and cultural contexts and provide a case for larger studies in a multi-ethnic population
Detecting inter-adjustment coupling changes for transtibial adjustable prosthetic sockets: A novel motion capture model feasibility study.
Get PDFProsthetic sockets provide a connection between the residual limb and prosthesis. However, this connection is non-rigid, leading to unintended prosthesis movement during functional activities. These movements can diminish socket function, cause discomfort, and damage soft tissue. Adjustable sockets allow volumetric adjustments to be made; however, their impact on this connection is unknown. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a novel motion capture model in measuring inter-adjustment level prosthetic movement changes for an adjustable socket. A single male participant with unilateral transtibial amputation was recruited, and a bespoke socket with a large adjustable posterior panel was manufactured. Relative movement and comfort of the prosthesis were measured for five socket tightness settings. The novel model detected significant changes in inter-adjustment level prosthetic movements during swing phase, in both surge and pistoning displacements. However, there was no significant difference in the range of movement over the whole gait cycle. The tightest and loosest socket adjustments produced a detectable difference in comfort. Although specific to this individual and socket design, the novel motion capture model proved effective in detecting differences in adjustable prosthetic socket performance. Quantifying the influence of changes in socket shape facilitates a greater understanding of prosthetic fit and comfort. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Assessing the impact of high-performance computing on digital transformation: benefits, challenges, and size-dependent differences
Get PDFHigh-performance computing (HPC) plays a crucial role in accelerating digital transformation, yet there is a lack of studies that systematically characterize its impact across different company sizes. This study addresses this gap by analyzing a cross-sectoral panel of 294 Portuguese companies, comprising 103 large enterprises and 191 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It was applied descriptive analysis and statistical hypothesis testing methods. Two key research questions guide this investigation. The first explores the primary benefits and challenges associated with HPC adoption, while the second examines whether these factors vary between large companies and SMEs. The findings indicate that the benefits and challenges of the HPC are heterogeneously perceived by large companies and SMEs. It identified significant differences in the perceived benefits and challenges of HPC, particularly concerning cost savings, decision-making, cost and skills management, lack of awareness, and workforce skills gap. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how HPC supports digitalization processes, highlighting sector-specific and size-dependent differences in its perceived value and implementation barriers. This study provides valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers seeking to optimize HPC strategies for digital transformation
Comment on "A study on calibration methods of noise annoyance data from listening tests" [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 156, 1877-1886 (2024)] (L).
Get PDFThe primary purpose of this letter is to offer historical clarification on the development of a model for "psychoacoustic annoyance" as cited by Di, Chen, Li, and Li [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 156(3), 1877-1886 (2024)], to raise awareness of its origin and propose a more appropriate attribution. A secondary aspect concerns the notions of noise annoyance advanced by Di, Chen, Li, and Li [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 156(3), 1877-1886 (2024)], addressing associated semantic and conceptual matters, with the aim of stimulating debate and in the hope of advancing towards future consensus. [Abstract copyright: © 2025 Acoustical Society of America.
A quantitative study on sustainable stratagems and its impact on the financial performance
Get PDFSustainability emerges as a critical focus of the business organization in the global market. It is driven by the awareness of ESG factors among the stakeholders. Due to the greater accountability demands of sustainable practices, the firm started to integrate sustainable practices into their operational strategies. The beneficiaries of adopting sustainable strategies are cost-saving, high sales, consumer loyalty, and profitability. The present study investigated the prevalence of sustainable stratagems in the firms as well as the correlation of sustainable practices and financial performance. In addition, the factors impacting the association of sustainable practices and financial performance are illustrated. A quantitative methodology research approach was applied, and data were collected from 200 top management employees of Bangladeshi firms using a purposive sampling technique with the aid of a structured questionnaire. The quantitative data were analyzed using the SPSS tool version 23 package through performing ANOVA, frequency, and correlation analysis. The outcomes of the study revealed that the firms are establishing sustainable practices, likely reduction of carbon footprints, water conservation practices, and the employee training program for sustainability. The research study implies that there are challenging factors, likely resource deprivation, financial pressure, regulatory compliance, and inadequate knowledge of employees impact sustainable practices. Overall, the study recommends effective implementation of sustainable stratagems in order to acquire long-term financial growth through amalgamation of ESG factors and the operation process
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