Core Measures

Core Measures are hospital quality measures that are monitored and reported to the Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). They are evidence-based practices, scientifically researched standards of care which result in improved clinical outcomes for patients, and impact Value Based Purchasing reimbursement. They assist us to provide optimal care across all patient populations, help us identify areas where we can improve patient outcomes, and provide a focus for the development of clinical pathways and standard order sets.https://digitalcommons.centracare.com/nursing_posters/1011/thumbnail.jp

Modelling collisionally pumped x-ray lasers in optically field ionised noble gases

This thesis presents a proof of principle investigation into the main physical processes following optical field ionisation (OFI) of noble gases. A high intensity optical laser of circular polarisation can produce a hot plasma which is capable of lasing at soft X-ray wavelengths through electron collisional excitation. A numerical model of the driving laser which includes OFI with above threshold ionisation (ATI) and inverse bremsstrahlung (IB) heating mechanisms is used to determine the initial state of a plasma for a range of target densities and pulse polarisations. A time dependant atomic / hydrodynamics code is used to calculate gain coefficients and saturated irradiances. Large gains of the order of 100 - 1000 cm"-"1 are predicted for the valence shell lines in the range of 30-40 nm for eight times ionised argon, krypton and xenon. Gains of around 20 cm"-"1 are predicted for lines at 15.3 and 15.7nm on the inner sub shell lines of argon. The saturated irradiance is found to be low at around 10"7 - 10"8 W/cm"2. Propagation of the driving laser pulse into the gas / plasma is examined with a code which models the ionisation induced refraction. Refraction is found to be severe and will restrict the use of these schemes to target densities of less than 10"1"8 cm"3. A possible solution by using a pre-formed plasma as a wave-guiding structure is examined and it is found that plasma channels of several cm may be formed. Finally, an examination of the non-thermal nature of the electrons within the plasma is made. For the case of the argon target it is found that a degree of elliptical polarisation in the driving laser may result in optimal pumping of the laser. (author)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre- DSC:DXN054464 / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

COPD Management and Role of the Nurse Coach: Increasing Referrals and Participation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a significant cause for hospitalization and with complex management issues upon discharge a significant portion are being re-admitted within 30-days of first hospitalization. The beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in the management of COPD is well documented but continues to be underutilized as an important management strategy to reduce hospital readmissions. Transitional care programs which include nurse coaches, have immerged to empower patients to manage their disease and facilitate transitions through multiple care environments. Little is known about the efficacy of such programs on referral and participation in PR and subsequent reductions in readmissions. The aim of this study was to compare receipt of referral and participation in PR and 30-day readmission rates in patients with COPD who received a transitional care program (CTI) with those who received a routine hospital discharge plan. The CTI included medication reconciliation and nurse coach visits in-hospital and in the home. Data was collected retrospectively from electronic health records and included 215 subjects (Mean age 71, 45% female), with 54 enrolled in the intervention group. Results indicate subjects who received a CTI demonstrated higher rates of PR participation (22%; 4%; p=0.001) and received a greater number of referrals (57%; 14%, p=.007). There were no significant differences related to 30-day hospital readmissions (24%; 14%, p=.089) however subjects who participated in PR were less likely to experience an early readmission. Coordinated, interdisciplinary hospital initiated transitional care programs, which include a nurse coach, may facilitate PR referral and empower patients to attend PR

3D-printed individual labware in biosciences by rapid prototyping: In vitro biocompatibility and applications for eukaryotic cell cultures

Three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques are continuously evolving, thus their application fields are also growing very fast. The applications discussed here highlight the use of rapid prototyping in a dedicated biotechnology laboratory environment. The combination of improving prototypes using fused deposition modeling printers and producing useable parts with selective laser sintering printers enables a cost- and time-efficient use of such techniques. Biocompatible materials for 3D printing are already available and the printed parts can directly be used in the laboratory. To demonstrate this, we tested 3D printing materials for their in vitro biocompatibility. To exemplify the versatility of the 3D printing process applied to a biotechnology laboratory, a normal well plate design was modified in silico to include different baffle geometries. This plate was subsequently 3D printed and used for cultivation. In the near future, this design and print possibility will revolutionize the industry. Advanced printers will be available for laboratories and can be used for creating individual labware or standard disposables on demand. These applications have the potential to change the way research is done and change the management of stock-keeping, leading to more flexibility and promoting creativity of the scientists

Koinonia

Student Leadership Development: A Christian College Research Project and Discussion of Issues President\u27s Corner Editor\u27s Disk ACSD Executive Committee Ballot CoCCA: Leadership Development Made Less Intimidating & Hot Ideas New Professionals Retreat Book Review: Assessment in Student Affairshttps://pillars.taylor.edu/acsd_koinonia/1026/thumbnail.jp

A simple, low-cost conductive composite material for 3D printing of electronic sensors

3D printing technology can produce complex objects directly from computer aided digital designs. The technology has traditionally been used by large companies to produce fit and form concept prototypes (‘rapid prototyping’) before production. In recent years however there has been a move to adopt the technology as full-scale manufacturing solution. The advent of low-cost, desktop 3D printers such as the RepRap and Fab@Home has meant a wider user base are now able to have access to desktop manufacturing platforms enabling them to produce highly customised products for personal use and sale. This uptake in usage has been coupled with a demand for printing technology and materials able to print functional elements such as electronic sensors. Here we present formulation of a simple conductive thermoplastic composite we term ‘carbomorph’ and demonstrate how it can be used in an unmodified low-cost 3D printer to print electronic sensors able to sense mechanical flexing and capacitance changes. We show how this capability can be used to produce custom sensing devices and user interface devices along with printed objects with embedded sensing capability. This advance in low-cost 3D printing with offer a new paradigm in the 3D printing field with printed sensors and electronics embedded inside 3D printed objects in a single build process without requiring complex or expensive materials incorporating additives such as carbon nanotubes

Open Celled Porous Titanium

Among the porous metals, those made of titanium attract particular attention due to the interesting properties of this element. This review examines the state of research understanding and technological development of these materials, in terms of processing capability, resultant structure and properties, and the most advanced applications under development. The impact of the rise of additive manufacturing techniques on these materials is discussed, along with the likely future directions required for these materials to find practical applications on a large scale

On the living horse : the Fargo Equine Hospital and Education Center

Horses and humans have been connected throughout history, and each has impacted the other so much that neither species’ history would be the same if the other had not existed. There are countless stories of horse-human pairs – from Alexander the Great and his horse Bucephalus to Roy Rogers and Trigger – and each one illustrates the unique relationship that exists between humans and equines. Horses, while no longer an integral part of human life, continue to influence us, and this is evident in how we perceive and treat the animal. My thesis project is a 17,000 square foot equine veterinary hospital and learning center in Fargo, North Dakota which is intended to help make the connection between humans and horses clearer by using hands-on experience. The philosopher Hans-Georg Gadamer described health as a kind of equilibrium, and said that healthcare should be a balancing act between art and science. That act is played out in the building as students, professionals, and enthusiasts learn more about the art and science of horse care