Making sense of incidents of violence and aggression: A constructivist grounded theory analysis of inpatient mental health nursing staff’s experiences

Introduction: While previous research explored nursing staff’s perceptions of violence and aggression thematically, there was a gap identified for in-depth analysis of the social processes and narratives which inform such perceptions. Aims: To explore the social processes underpinning narratives used to conceptualise violence and aggression. To identify which narratives support or threaten staff in constructing a positive professional identity. Method: Eight semi-structured interviews were completed with nursing and support staff who had worked, or currently worked in adult mental health inpatient contexts in the national health service of the United Kingdom. Analysis was conducted applying principles of constructivist grounded theory. Results: A model, ‘the impact of narratives of violence and aggression on professional identity construction’ was generated. This integrated four key theoretical codes: 1) constructing a positive nursing identity; 2) constructing the (un)deserving patient; 3) professional identity threats related to violence and aggression; and 4) mediating factors and support following violence and aggression. The theory explored the social processes which mediated the use of different narratives; and which narratives operated as protective or threating to the construction of a positive nursing identity. The theory further identified processes of support which could mitigate detrimental emotional and behavioural responses staff may experience following incidents. Narratives that contextualised violence and aggression in relation to restrictive ward environments, threat-responses, and patients’ previous experiences of trauma seemed to support empathy and understanding. Conclusion: Contextualising violence and aggression in terms of environment and distress in nursing teaching; staff training; and reflective practice may prove beneficial. Debriefs, supervisor support, and informal support from peers and senior team members seemed important following incidents. Mental health support may benefit staff whose emotional and behavioural responses to violence and aggression are acute, or long-lasting. Further research could support transferability and amplify underrepresented voices such as racialised staff

Hollow cathodes in high pressure arc discharges

An orified hallow cathode was tested at high pressure to improve lifetime and efficiency in arcjet thrusters. It is indicated that the arc would not operate with emission from the insert above 200 torr in nitrogen regardless of insert material, orifice diameter, or gas flow direction. Emission occurred from the insert in argon and xenon although it could not be ascertained whether diffuse or spot emission existed within the cathode. Over the extended range of configurations and operating parameters explored the desired diffuse emission mode could not be obtained at high enough pressures for orified hollow cathodes to operate in the range which is considered for arcjet applications

Zones of information in the AVIRIS spectra

To make the best use of Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) data an investigator needs to know the ratio of signal to random variability or noise (S/N ratio). The signal is land-cover dependent and decreases with both wavelength and atmospheric absorption and random noise comprises sensor noise and intra-pixel variability. The three existing methods for estimating the S/N ratio are inadequate as typical laboratory methods inflate, while dark current and image methods deflate the S/N ratio. We propose a new procedure called the geostatistical method. It is based on the removal of periodic noise by notch filtering in the frequency domain and the isolation of sensor noise and intra-pixel variability using the semi-variogram. This procedure was applied easily and successfully to five sets of AVIRIS data from the 1987 flying season

Estimating the signal-to-noise ratio of AVIRIS data

To make the best use of narrowband airborne visible/infrared imaging spectrometer (AVIRIS) data, an investigator needs to know the ratio of signal to random variability or noise (signal-to-noise ratio or SNR). The signal is land cover dependent and varies with both wavelength and atmospheric absorption; random noise comprises sensor noise and intrapixel variability (i.e., variability within a pixel). The three existing methods for estimating the SNR are inadequate, since typical laboratory methods inflate while dark current and image methods deflate the SNR. A new procedure is proposed called the geostatistical method. It is based on the removal of periodic noise by notch filtering in the frequency domain and the isolation of sensor noise and intrapixel variability using the semi-variogram. This procedure was applied easily and successfully to five sets of AVIRIS data from the 1987 flying season and could be applied to remotely sensed data from broadband sensors

Seasonal LAI in slash pine estimated with LANDSAT TM

The leaf area index (LAI, total area of leaves per unit area of ground) of most forest canopies varies throughout the year, yet for logistical reasons it is difficult to estimate anything more detailed than a seasonal maximum LAI. To determine if remotely sensed data can be used to estimate LAI seasonally, field measurements of LAI were compared to normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values derived using LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) data, for 16 fertilized and control slash pine plots on 3 dates. Linear relationships existed between NDVI and LAI with R(sup 2) values of 0.35, 0.75, and 0.86 for February 1988, September 1988, and March, 1989, respectively. This is the first reported study in which NDVI is related to forest LAI recorded during the month of sensor overpass. Predictive relationships based on data from eight of the plots were used to estimate the LAI of the other eight plots with a root-mean-square error of 0.74 LAI, which is 15.6 percent of the mean LAI. This demonstrates the potential use of LANDSAT TM data for studying seasonal dynamics in forest canopies

Albedo climatology analysis and the determination of fractional cloud cover

Monthly and zonally averaged surface cover climatology data are presented which are used to construct monthly and zonally averaged surface albedos. The albedo transformations are then applied to the surface albedos, using solar zenith angles characteristic of the Nimbus 6 satellite local sampling times, to obtain albedos at the top of clear and totally cloud covered atmospheres. These albedos are then combined with measured albedo data to solve for the monthly and zonally averaged fractional cloud cover. The measured albedo data were obtained from the wide field of view channels of the Nimbus 6 Earth Radiation Budget experiment, and consequently the fractional cloud cover results are representative of the local sampling times. These fractional cloud cover results are compared with recent studies. The cloud cover results not only show peaks near the intertropical convergence zone, but the monthly migration of the position of these peaks follows general predictions of atmospheric circulation studies

Contesting a Place in the Sun: On Ideologies in Foreign Markets and Liabilities of Origin

This paper explores the role of ideology in attempts to influence public policy and in business representation in the EU-China solar panel anti-dumping dispute. It exposes the dynamics of international activity by emerging-economy multinationals, in this case from China, and their interactions in a developed-country context (the EU). Theoretically, the study also sheds light on the recent notion of ‘liability of origin’, in addition to the traditional concept of ‘liability of foreignness’ explored in international business research, in relation to firms’ market and political strategies and their institutional embeddedness in home and host countries. Through a qualitative analysis of primary and secondary material and interview data with key protagonists, we provide a detailed evolution of the case, the key actors involved and their positions, arguments and strategies. This illustrates the complexities involved in the interaction between markets and ideologies in the midst of debates regarding different forms of subsidy regimes for renewable energy, free trade versus protectionist tendencies by governments, and the economic and sustainability objectives of firms and societies. The case shows how relative newcomers to the EU market responded to overcome a direct threat to their business and became, with support from their home government, active participants in the public debate through interactions with local commercial partners and non-governmental organisations. Firms adopted relatively sophisticated strategies to reduce their liabilities vis-à-vis host-country institutions and local stakeholders, including collective action, to increase their legitimacy and reputation, and counter ideologically-based attacks. We also discuss implications and limitations