30 research outputs found

    Differential permittivity sensor using microstrip terminated cross-shaped resonator structure for material characterization

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    A differential planar microwave resonator permittivity sensor for material characterization is proposed in this paper. The sensor is based on asymmetric terminated cross-shaped resonator (TCSR) to provide multi-band notch frequency characteristics, allowing permittivity measurement of a small dielectric material under test (MUT) with a single resonator. Differential sensing is robust against varying ambient factors that cause frequency variations in the measurements. The dielectric properties of the MUT can be measured from the difference in notch frequencies with the reference material. To illustrate the technique, a tri-band sensor is prototyped using the proposed resonator configuration to measure the permittivity of both solid and liquid samples. The empirical equations for the determination of the MUT permittivity in relation to the notch frequencies have been derived. The sensor operates at 0.97, 1.69, and 2.91 GHz with an average sensitivity of 1.18, 4.45, and 1.22 MHz, respectively. The measured results are in a good agreement with the theoretical analysis

    Barriers to healthy eating among nurses working in hospitals: A meta‐synthesis

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    Aim: To explore the barriers to healthy eating among nurses working in hospitals. Design: Meta-synthesis. Data sources: Published and unpublished papers were identified through electronic searches on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, COCHRANE Library, Food Science and Technology Abstract, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and OpenGrey from inception until 6 September 2020. English-language primary qualitative or mixed-method studies on barriers to healthy eating among hospital nurses were included. Mixed-method studies were eligible if their qualitative data were distinguishable. Studies on nursing assistants, enrolled nurses, nursing students, and patient-care assistants were excluded, as well as studies without full-texts, correlational studies, quantitative surveys, exploratory studies, conference abstracts and reviews. Methods: The studies were appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Qualitative data were extracted using Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Data Extraction Tool. Data synthesis followed two stages, meta-summary and metasynthesis, proposed by Sandelowski & Barroso. Results: Twelve studies published from 2008 to 2020 involving 618 hospital nurses were included. The meta-summary generated 10 themes, which were metasynthesized into three interrelated themes: personal barriers (e.g. nonchalance towards unhealthy eating), interprofessional and patient-related barriers (e.g. sharing unhealthy food), and organizational barriers (e.g. overwhelming work demands). Conclusion: Insufficient self-control and self-confidence, nonchalance and negligence towards healthy eating and cultural beliefs that oppose the practice of healthy eating (personal barriers), exposure of unhealthy food practices in wards (interprofessional and patient-related barriers) and hospital cafeterias, overwhelming work exigencies and institutional constraints (organizational barriers) hindered nurses to achieve wholesome healthy eating. Impact: Many hospital nurses’ encountered challenges in healthy eating, thereby potentially jeopardizing their health and work performance. The findings emphasized the need of a joint effort by hospital nurses, families and colleagues, and hospital institutions to overcome the barriers to healthy eating faced by the hospital nurses
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