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Book part
Publication date: 5 October 2017

Katherine Runswick-Cole and Rebecca Wood

In this chapter, we consider how the character of Rob Titchener has been developed in The Archers, moving him from hero of the hour to villain of the piece. We draw on a critical…

Abstract

In this chapter, we consider how the character of Rob Titchener has been developed in The Archers, moving him from hero of the hour to villain of the piece. We draw on a critical disability studies’ perspective to argue that ability and disability have been crucial in turning the character of Rob from the desirable and attractive man who first arrived in the village into a national hate figure, despised by all. We begin this analysis by introducing critical disability studies and studies of ableism as fields of academic inquiry. We then draw on these resources to offer an analysis of the ways in which ability and disability were used as a narrative device to develop Rob’s character. We question the ways in which ability and disability are used to denote ‘good’ and ‘evil’ in the development of characters in cultural texts like The Archers, and end with a plea to scriptwriters to engage differently with dis/ability and to consider the impact of the stories we tell on the everyday lives of disabled people.

Details

Custard, Culverts and Cake
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-285-7

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 January 2020

Khwanhathai Changyai, Puangpaka Kongvattananon and Chomchuen Somprasert

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the experiences and needs of colorectal cancer patients during postoperative recovery.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the experiences and needs of colorectal cancer patients during postoperative recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an integrative review, conducted by CINAHL, PubMed, ScienceDirect and ThaiJO from 2009 to 2019. Ten research articles published have been selected by PRISMA process.

Findings

Results show the experiences of colon cancer patients during postoperative recovery consisted of four themes, namely suffering, decreased activity, ambivalent feeling and need of caring.

Research limitations/implications

The health care personnel should be aware of these experiences and give holistic care in order to let the patients free from unpleasant experiences and receive the responses which really meet their needs.

Originality/value

Knowledge about the experience and needs of colorectal cancer patients after surgery is of great benefit to healthcare providers who are planning the care, so as to achieve complete holistic care in the future research.

Details

Journal of Health Research, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-940X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1990

Maggi Lewis

Approaches for the systematic evaluation of nursing practice are outlined. Practical methods and steps in auditing care at ward and individual patient level are discussed…

Abstract

Approaches for the systematic evaluation of nursing practice are outlined. Practical methods and steps in auditing care at ward and individual patient level are discussed. Standard‐setting at ward level is systematically described and examples given. Monitoring and measuring outcomes and individual patient unit (IPA) are also described.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 3 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2021

Sahin Namli, Hilal Samut and Yesim Soyer

This study aimed to investigate how enteric pathogens and their biofilm populations on fresh produce survive according to time that contamination has occurred on leaves and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate how enteric pathogens and their biofilm populations on fresh produce survive according to time that contamination has occurred on leaves and contamination route: seed irrigation water.

Design/methodology/approach

Cress was contaminated in two different ways: contamination of seeds and irrigation water with 8-log MPN/mL bacterial load, Salmonella Newport, Escherichia coli O157:H7, O104:H4 or O78:H2. While contaminated seeds were cultivated for seed contamination, contaminated irrigation was applied at the end of each week to separate groups of samples obtained from cultivated surface-sterile seeds to understand how long these pathogens could survive until harvest.

Findings

The results indicated these pathogens survived until harvest, and formed biofilms on cress leaves grown using both contaminated seeds and irrigation water. No significant difference was observed among populations of Salmonella and E. coli groups in terms of survival (∼4.5–6.0 log MPN/g) and biofilm formation (∼4.4–5.7 log MPN/g) for contamination by seed. Also, SEM images revealed biofilm-like structures, the proofs of the attachment of these pathogens on leaf surfaces.

Originality/value

From our knowledge this is the first study focusing on the survival and biofilm formation of one Salmonella serotype (Newport) and three E. coli serotypes (O157:H7, O104:H4, and O78:H2), representing enterohemorrhagic and enteroaggregative E. coli pathogenic subgroups, under the same irrigation and growth schemes. Furthermore, this study mimics the contamination of seeds and irrigation water with sewage or wastewater and may shed light on contamination of fresh produce grown using poor wastewater treatment.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Boshra Ahmed Halo, Rashid Al-Yahyai, Abdullah Al-Sadi and Asma Al-Sibani

Crops are increasingly affected by drought; hence, the current study explored the potential role of three desert endophytic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus and…

Abstract

Purpose

Crops are increasingly affected by drought; hence, the current study explored the potential role of three desert endophytic fungi, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus and Talaromyces variabilis, in conferring drought tolerance in tomato plants.

Design/methodology/approach

Preserved endophytic fungi from a Rhazya stricta desert plant were adopted to obtain the required fungal treatment; tomatoes received fungal treatments directly in plastic trays and subsequently in pots. Drought was applied using 15% of PEG-6000 at two stages: flowering and fruiting. The following parameters were measured: pollen sterility, growth characteristics, morphological analysis and biochemical analysis, including proline, gibberellic acid (GA3) and chlorophyll measurements; thus, the data were analyzed statistically using SPSS software.

Findings

All applied endophytes significantly promoted pollen viability and tomato yield under stressed and nonstressed conditions. Interestingly, these endophytes significantly enhanced the number of trichomes under drought stress and promoted tomato fruit quality. The colonized tomato plants accumulated a high proline level under drought stress but lower than un-inoculated stressed plants. Also, a significant rise in growth characteristics was observed by A. fumigatus and A. terreus under normal conditions. Moreover, both raised GA3 levels under drought-stressed and nonstressed conditions. Also these two endophytes enhanced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents under drought stress. Fruit characteristics were enhanced by nonstressed T. variabilis and stressed A. fumigatus.

Originality/value

The present endophytic fungi provide impressive benefits to their host in normal and drought-stressed conditions. Consequently, they represent valuable sources as sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to mitigate drought stress.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

Jose Manuel Sierra, Jose Ignacio Rodríguez, Marta María Villazon, Jose Luis Cortizo and Maria del Rocio Fernandez

This paper aims to describe the development of an internal waste-collection device for patients who have undergone a colostomy or ileostomy. Its design is based on devices that…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of an internal waste-collection device for patients who have undergone a colostomy or ileostomy. Its design is based on devices that have been produced by 3D printing with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The aim is to find an alternative to the external bags that these patients currently use and to evaluate the properties of the device produced by additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Software for solid modelling has been used, and virtual models allow its visualization and animation, for evaluation, in a simple and fast way. Subsequently, functional prototypes have been developed by a multidisciplinary team, which includes surgeons and engineers, and have been tested to verify their mechanical properties and suitability for function.

Findings

The project has developed a functional design that has been patented and is in the clinical trials phase. This study demonstrates how 3D printing technologies are the perfect complement to accelerate the design process and build functional prototypes at low costs. The experimental tests regarding cytotoxicity, printing orientation, dynamic and static loads and temperature resistance have demonstrated the validity of the proposed device.

Originality/value

A device for internal pouch in colostomized patients has been designed, manufactured by fused deposition modelling and validated.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1999

Judith McCool and Jenny Morris

A series of consultations between patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer and their hospital consultants were examined to establish the main focus of the consultation at…

765

Abstract

A series of consultations between patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer and their hospital consultants were examined to establish the main focus of the consultation at various stages in the post‐surgical period. The results showed that follow‐up consultations were predominantly doctor driven. Patients interviewed less than 12 months since the time of surgery (short‐term group) were more likely to receive a longer consultation with a significantly higher number of verbal interactions (questions, responses) than patients more than 12 months since surgery at the time of interview (long‐term group). Furthermore, patients in the short‐term group played a greater participatory role within consultations than patients in the long‐term group. The predominant focus throughout all consultations was biomedical, with little attention afforded to patients’ expressions of post‐operative anxiety. At present, it appears that out‐patient consultations play a minimal role in either detecting or addressing psychosocial morbidity amongst colorectal cancer patients in the post‐surgical period.

Details

Journal of Management in Medicine, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-9235

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2008

Revital Gross, Yael Ashkenazi, Hava Tabenkin, Avi Porath and Alec Aviram

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the success or failure of quality assurance programs implemented by Israeli managed care health plans.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that contribute to the success or failure of quality assurance programs implemented by Israeli managed care health plans.

Design/methodology/approach

An in‐depth study of seven quality assurance programs was conducted, comparing successful with unsuccessful ones using the comparative “case study” method. Employing a semi‐structured questionnaire, 42 program directors and professionals in the field were interviewed.

Findings

A number of factors associated with the programs' success emerged. Those external to the program included: ongoing management support, resource allocation, information system support and perceived financial benefit for the organization. Internal factors included: leadership, perceived problem's importance, laying the groundwork in the field, involving field staff in planning and implementation and staff motivation.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into ways to encourage the implementation of successful quality assurance programs in the special organizational context of managed care health plans. As the implementation relies heavily on data, one important precondition is the development of computerized information systems to facilitate ongoing data collection. It is also necessary from the planning stage to take into account organizational factors that affect success.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1986

Vicki Baker

Ostomy Awareness Month is an attempt to combat the lack of public knowledge about ostomies and provide forums for the discussion of ostomy‐related issues among families, patients…

Abstract

Ostomy Awareness Month is an attempt to combat the lack of public knowledge about ostomies and provide forums for the discussion of ostomy‐related issues among families, patients, health care professionals, and others.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Nicola Jane Spalding, Fiona Mary Poland, Sheila Gregory, Jane McCulloch, Kevin Sargen and Penny Vicary

– The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop ways to enhance patients’ experiences of preoperative education received prior to surgery for colorectal cancer.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and develop ways to enhance patients’ experiences of preoperative education received prior to surgery for colorectal cancer.

Design/methodology/approach

Based in the UK, three-action research cycles were undertaken to evaluate preoperative education, identify changes seen by patients and staff as likely to improve the service and to re-evaluate such changes following implementation. Data in each cycle were collected from: observations of clinic interactions; patient questionnaires; individual semi-structured interviews with multidisciplinary colorectal unit staff; longitudinal semi-structured interviews with patients and carers pre-surgery, two weeks post-surgery and 12 weeks post-surgery; patient and carer focus groups post-surgery; and existing educational material.

Findings

In total, 138 participants shared their experiences of either giving or receiving preoperative education. Findings were themed into why patients want preoperative education, and patients’ views of the educational processes.

Practical implications

Patients emphasised the need for educational provision to be fully understandable, comprehensive and client-centred using a range of communication processes. Patients emphasised the need for educational provision to be more fully understandable, comprehensive and client-centred and that important messages should be reinforced using a range of media. At a time of many uncertainties for patients’ lives, such education needed to encompass the experiences patients could expect, delivered by confident healthcare professionals.

Originality/value

Contextualising understanding and facilitating their own actions, enabled patients to regain control in circumstances particularly disruptive of bodily and other life routines. Establishing a sense of control is confirmed as important for patient's wellbeing in preparing for surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.

Details

Health Education, vol. 113 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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