Carbon molecular sieves for air separation

PhD ThesisCarbon is one of the naturally occurring elements and has an atomic weight 12.01 atomic mass units (amu) and atomic number 6. It has six electrons and has an electronic configuration of: ls2 2S2 1p2 in the ground state. This element exists in different crystalline forms-diamond, graphite, buckminsterfullerene1 and carbyne2. Carbon also has the ability of catenation via formation of σ and π bonds.Air Products and Chemicals Inc.: SERC

Exploring the Perceptions of Alcohol Use among South Asian (SA) Punjabi Affected Family Members (AFMs) and their Experiences with Problem Drinking

This interpretive description qualitative study explores the perceptions of alcohol use among South Asian (SA) Punjabi affected family members (AFMs) and their experiences with problem drinking from a Canadian community context. It is important to recognize the SA Punjabi community’s perceptions of alcohol use in order to develop a foundational understanding of this phenomenon from a socio-cultural perspective, an area of research that remains poorly understood. This preliminary investigation provides relevant contextual information to deepen our understanding of the experiences of SA Punjabi AFMs. Fourteen SA Punjabi AFMs were interviewed in both English and Punjabi. Analysis of participant narratives reveals five major themes: normalization of the SA Punjabi drinking culture; socio-cultural gender norms of alcohol consumption; socio-cultural gender related tolerance towards problem drinking; my relative’s drinking is the elephant in the room and I feel helpless and stuck. One of the themes, my relative’s drinking is the elephant in the room, had three sub-themes: fear of social judgement; fear of causing additional problems and fear of the relative. Interpretation of the participant experiences was facilitated through the use of the Stress-Strain-Coping-Support model (SSCS) (Orford, Velleman, Natera., et al., 2013). Participant stories highlight the unique socio-cultural experiences of SA Punjabi AFMs impacted by problem drinking. Findings from this study suggest a need for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health and addictions supports for this community as they navigate the challenges of problem drinking within their families.ThesisMaster of Science (MSc

An investigation into the reasons why deputy head teachers either decide/not decide to take the journey to headship

There has been a significant increase in interest in the recruitment crisis in the United Kingdom. Many schools have had to re-advertise jobs for head teachers. This study therefore focuses on why headship roles are proving to be so difficult to fill. What are the possible drivers or barriers that deputy head teachers face on their journey to headship? It also considers the support and guidance that head teachers give their deputies. The study produced data that described the reasons why some deputies want to progress to headship (described as drivers) and why some do not (described as barriers). It also gave insight into head teacher’s perceptions of the support that they provided their deputies and whether these correlated with what deputies perceived. In this first study three groups appear to emerge: those who want to progress to headship; those who do not want to progress to headship and those who are unsure about their progression. Applying established models of journey to headship such as Gronn’s (1999) process of leader accession, a suggested extended model of ‘accession’ is offered for consideration and will be applied to deputy head teachers for the first time. Whilst being subject to further research and development, these findings can be used to further understand the trajectory of deputy heads and has potential implications for the management of talent within organisations. This has important implications when developing potential leaders

Development of deep pelvic endometriosis following acute haemoperitoneum: a prospective ultrasound study

STUDY QUESTION: Is acute haemoperitoneum which is managed conservatively a precursor of deep endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our study provides evidence to suggest that acute haemoperitoneum may lead to the development of deep endometriosis in a significant proportion of cases. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: A recent pilot study was the first to suggest that acute haemoperitoneum could be a precursor of deep endometriosis. However, the sample size was small, and the follow-up was not standardised owing to unknown rates of clot absorption and development of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at a single centre over a 31-month period. A required sample size of 30 was calculated using results from a previous study, with a minimum of 15 women each in the groups with and without significant haemoperitoneum (study and control groups, respectively). A total of 59 women were recruited to the study and eight were lost to follow-up. The final sample comprised 51 women, 15 in the study group and 36 in the control group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: All non-pregnant, premenopausal women aged 18-50 years who consecutively presented to our dedicated gynaecological diagnostic unit with severe acute lower abdominal pain were eligible for this study. We only included women who were clinically stable and were suitable for conservative management. Those with prior history or evidence of endometriosis on their initial ultrasound scan, previous hysterectomy, or bilateral oophorectomy were excluded. Participants had standardised follow-up visits for 6 months, with pelvic ultrasound scans and the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy pelvic pain questionnaires completed at each visit. The primary outcome was the sonographically confirmed presence of newly formed endometriosis. Secondary outcomes were the presence and change of pelvic pain symptoms and health related quality of life (HR-QOL). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: After completion of follow-up, 7/15 (47%; 95% CI 21.3–71.4%) women presenting with acute haemoperitoneum (study group) developed sonographic evidence of deep endometriosis, compared to 0/36 (0%; 97.5% CI 0.0–9.7%) women in the control group. A ruptured functional hemorrhagic cyst was the most common cause of haemoperitoneum, occurring in 13/15 cases (87%). The time from the initial event to sonographic evidence of endometriosis varied from 2 to 6 months. The EuroQol visual analogue scores were not significantly different at baseline between the groups that developed and did not develop endometriosis [28 (interquartile range (IQR) 15–40, n = 6) versus 56 (IQR 35–75, n = 44), P=0.09], while the EuroQol-5D values were lower in the endometriosis group [-0.01 (IQR -0.07–0.19, n = 6) versus 0.62 (IQR 0.24–0.73, n = 44), P=0.002)]. At 6 months, the EuroQol-5D scores were improved in both groups, but remained significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared to the no endometriosis group [0.69 (IQR 0.66–0.80, n = 6) versus 0.85 (IQR 0.76–1.00, n = 44), P=0.03]. There was no clinically relevant difference in the pelvic pain scores at either time point. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: It remains uncertain whether minimal, superficial endometriosis existed at commencement of the study and had a role in the development of deep endometriosis. Although the ultrasound findings were in keeping with deep endometriosis, this was not confirmed histologically. The pelvic pain and HR-QOL findings could have been influenced by the baseline scores being taken when the patient was admitted with acute pain. Also, the sample size was too small to draw reliable conclusions regarding the impact of newly developed endometriosis on QoL. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our study provides further evidence showing that significant haemoperitoneum may be a precursor of deep endometriosis. Haemodynamically stable women presenting with acute pelvic pain and significant haemoperitoneum should be counselled about the risk of developing deep endometriosis. Interventional studies should be carried out in the future to see whether laparoscopy and pelvic washout could prevent development of deep endometriosis. Preventative strategies, including treatment to suppress ovulation and formation of functional cysts, should be further investigated. This includes the combined and progesterone only contraceptive pills. Larger future studies are also required to assess women over a longer period of time, with adjustment for confounding factors, to evaluate a possible effect on HR-QOL and pain symptoms. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): Funding was obtained from The Gynaecology Ultrasound Centre, London, UK. TT received personal fees from GE, Samsung, Medtronic and Merck for lectures on ultrasound. TT also received a postdoctoral grant from the South-Eastern Norwegian Health Authority (grant number 2020083). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: researchregistry647

Right Turn Veteran-Specific Recovery Service: 5 site evaluation pilot: Interim report

The Right Turn project works with the ex-service personnel community in recovery from substance misuse. This report presents the interim findings from a two-year evaluation on the impact on health and wellbeing outcomes on military veterans engaging in this innovative peer-focussed recovery service. The evaluation is designed around a structured quantitative data collection process using an established repeat measure design and utilises qualitative methodologies to explore both the life experiences of this veteran cohort and to take account of their own perceptions of the model of services they feel they require. This report suggests that the military veteran community experience distinct barriers to accessing main stream health and wellbeing services. Alongside comorbidity issues, management of chronic physical conditions and social isolation, this report demonstrates that this cohort's own previous military conditioning forms a further barrier to accessing support services. This report contains recommendations to inform generic support staff when encountering veterans within health and wellbeing settings

General practice pharmacists in England : integration, mediation and professional dynamics

Background: A number of key publications in recent years have advocated a more integrated vision of UK primary care involving increased multi-professional communication and understanding. This has resulted in a marked change in the roles being undertaken by pharmacists. Community pharmacists have traditionally provided a medicine supply function and treated minor ailments in addition to delivering a suite of locally commissioned services; however these functions have not necessarily been part of a programme of care involving the other clinicians associated with the patient. An integrated model of care would see much closer working between pharmacy and general practice but also with pharmacists not only working with, but in the practice, in an enhanced patient-facing role, trained as independent prescribers. This has implications for the dynamics amongst professionals in this environment. Objectives: This exploratory multiple case study attempts to explore these changing dynamics across ten GP surgeries throughout the South-East of England. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with one nurse, one pharmacist and one physician from each clinic, and survey data was collected from 38 patients who had appointments with a pharmacist. Results: The data suggested that the pharmacists who had enhanced roles perceived some uncertainty about their professional role and identity, which resulted in instability and insecurity and that this uncertainty led to both professional and interprofessional tension with their primary care colleagues. The survey data revealed that n = 35 (92%) patients stated they were 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with their appointment. And n = 37 (97%) were 'very comfortable' or 'comfortable' discussing their medications with the pharmacist. In addition, 36 patients (95%) reported that they strongly agreed or agreed with the clinical recommendations made by the pharmacist. Conclusions: These findings are discussed in relation to role expansion and professional/interprofessional relations before key practical suggestions are offered. Keywords: Enhanced pharmacists' role; Integration; Primary healthcare; Professional dynamics

Stigma, nurses and acquired immune deficiency syndrome

SIGLEAvailable from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:DXN017207 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreGBUnited Kingdo

Stigma, nurses and Acquired immune deficiency syndrome

This was a study of stigma in the context of HIV/AIDS. The author developed a theory of stigma drawing on social psychology, psychoanalytic concepts and notions of anxiety and coping. A triangulation of methods was used to assess nurses' attitudes and behaviour towards AIDS patients. Four methods were used: a systematic analysis of the previous literature on attitudes based on a set of hypotheses derived from the theory; development of a psychometrically satisfactory questionnaire and its administration to a variety of groups, the main group being student nurses; an observational study in four centres specially designated for AIDS patients; and, a projective technique designed to elicit unconscious motives and feelings in nurses and patients.The first study while it showed the pattern of results in previous works, did not yield many appropriate findings, not least because the poor quality of the questionnaires used typically led to many discrepant findings. In contrast, the author's own questionnaire did in many respects support the theoretical predictions. The observational study showed that AIDS centres have the same institutional characteristics as those described by Goffman and others, even though the staff believe the centres are special and different from other institutional settings. Finally, the analysis of the projective material revealed a considerable amount of negative affect (more in nurses than in patients). It is concluded that multi-method, multi-level approaches are appropriate to testing theories of stigma and to provide a complete picture.</p