A multi-sensor network for the protection of cultural heritage

The paper presents a novel automatic early warning system to remotely monitor areas of archaeological and cultural interest from the risk of fire. Since these areas have been treasured and tended for very long periods of time, they are usually surrounded by old and valuable vegetation or situated close to forest regions, which exposes them to an increased risk of fire. The proposed system takes advantage of recent advances in multi-sensor surveillance technologies, using optical and infrared cameras, wireless sensor networks capable of monitoring different modalities (e.g. temperature and humidity) as well as local weather stations on the deployment site. The signals collected from these sensors are transmitted to a monitoring centre, which employs intelligent computer vision and pattern recognition algorithms as well as data fusion techniques to automatically analyze sensor information. The system is capable of generating automatic warning signals for local authorities whenever a dangerous situation arises, as well as estimating the propagation of the fire based on the fuel model of the area and other important parameters such as wind speed, slope, and aspect of the ground surface. © 2011 EURASIP

Examining the hand hygiene beliefs and practices of nursing students and the effectiveness of their handwashing behaviour

Aims and objectives To examine the hand hygiene beliefs and practices of Turkish nursing students and the effectiveness of their handwashing. Background Handwashing is the most important part of preventing cross-infection, but there is a considerable amount of evidence that shows that the handwashing technique of nurses and nursing students is not always very effective. Design/Methods This research was carried out in two stages and is type of descriptive, analytical and observational. the study comprised 563 students from a Faculty of Nursing. Besides evaluating the nursing students' sociodemographic data, we assessed their beliefs and hand hygiene practices using a Hand Hygiene Beliefs Scale (HHBS) and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory (HHPI) and also used with "Derma LiteCheck" device to assess how effectively they washed their hands. the STROBE checklist was used. Results the handwashing frequency of the female students was significantly higher. the scores on both the HHBS and the HHPI were significantly higher among the female students compared to the males. the dirtiest areas of the hand were determined as nails (nail beds, beneath the nails), skin between the fingers and fingertips. Conclusions the results of our study indicate that although student nurses have positive perceptions about hand hygiene and appear to have developed good habits, the effectiveness of their handwashing is poor. Relevance to clinical practice It is of great importance that UV light and florescent gel are made readily available both at nursing schools and in hospitals and other health institutions since these elements are useful in providing immediate visual feedback for a full assessment of handwashing behaviour.Ege University Scientific Research Projects FundEge University [2018-HEF003]This research was supported by Ege University Scientific Research Projects Fund (Project acceptance number: 2018-HEF003)

The Evaluation of Nursing Care Satisfaction and Patient Learning Needs in day Case Surgery

Patients in surgical service units have higher expectations for treatment and care. The aims of this study were to determine nursing care satisfaction and information requirements at the time of discharge of patients from a day surgery unit and to assess the effects of demographics. The study was conducted on 291 patients undergoing day case surgery. Patient perception scale for nursing care (PPSN) and the patient learning needs scale (PLNS) were used and total and sub-dimension points averages were calculated and then compared with demographic data using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results were evaluated at the p < 0.05 significance level with 95 % confidence intervals. Of the patients, 58.8 % (n = 171) were females and the average age was 49.5 ± 15.3 years. PPSN and PLNS total point averages were 68.16 ± 10.17 and 178.53 ± 27.59, respectively. A significant difference was determined in PPSN total point average with regard to previous hospitalisations; the PPSN total point average was higher for patients with prior hospitalisations (p < 0.001). Significant differences were determined between PLNS total point average and age group, marital status, receiving discharge training, and education level (p = 0.008, 0.006, <0.001, and 0.015, respectively). Differences were found in the PLNS sub-dimension point averages between groups, especially with regard to age group and educational level. We showed that patient satisfaction and patient information requirements could change according to demographic features of the patients at a day case surgery unit. In this respect, healthcare providers should offer healthcare services by evaluating the personal characteristics of patients because this is important for their satisfaction