Sigma Theta Tau International

Abstract There has been significant advancement in the development and application of corrosion modeling tools for the aerospace defense industry over the past five years. Easy to use and fast modeling solutions are now available for galvanic design compatibility. These tools use mixed-potential theory and polarization curve crossing principles to determine corrosion rates for bimetallic couples. These same tools support the analytical transformation of polarization curves obtained in bulk electrolytes; creating new data that can be used to model aerospace related thin film environments, more typical of atmospheric exposure. This transformation is achieved using an optimized deconvolution process applied to existing polarization scan data which reduces the experimental testing burden. The industry has also seen significant advancements in the simulation of aircraft component corrosion using physics-based modeling. 3D FEA multiphysics modeling can be used to assess corrosion rates in multi-material assemblies, simulate coating degradation, and model steady-state crevice environments. The advent of this physics-based modeling capability is important when dealing with actual component geometry because the IR drop in the electrolyte film can have significant effects on the spatial distribution and magnitude of corrosion rates. Recent strides have also been made to incorporate corrosion related degradation into model-based simulation engineering tools, making it easier to track damage across the life cycle, and provide critical information to engineers charged with structural integrity decision making. Innovative approaches have been developed to model pitting interaction and perform corrosion fatigue crack propagation simulations using environment representative crack growth kinetics and advanced modeling that supports multi-site damage and short crack growth relationships to better capture near ΔKth behavior. New modeling solutions that simulate different cracking scenarios, found at the boundary of corrosion cavities, are also in the initial stage of development. These new modeling approaches attempt to improve corrosion related damage assessment and advance upon previous ideas in Murakami’s defect √area method and Kondo’s pit-to-crack competition model.

Abstract This study evaluates the combined analysis of a two-tier test and Rasch analysis on learning assessment. A quantitative exploratory design was conducted on the validated 10-item Particulate Nature of Gas Concept Test (PNGCT) to assess learning among Grade 11 learners ( n = 235) and Rasch model analysis. Rasch’s analysis revealed that all items fit well within the model, and learners’ performance, expressed as a mean percentage, followed approximately a normal distribution based on cognitive levels: understand (26 %), apply (52 %), and analyze (22 %). Conception analysis showed a complete understanding of some easy items at the understand and apply levels. However, items at the analyze level were difficult and alternative conceptions were detected. Conceptual Understanding Test (CUT) Evaluation model emerged from synthesizing the analysis of the PNGCT. The combined Rasch analysis and two-tier test provided a deeper insight into student conception and performance. This assessment strategy has a potential utility in other programs and fields of study beyond chemistry.

Clinical ladder programs (CLPs) have been part of the nursing profession for nearly 4 decades. However, the structure and implementation of CLPs vary widely throughout healthcare systems. CLPs are a valuable factor in nurse retention and employee satisfaction initiatives, but globally replicating and measuring their impact is difficult due to lack of standardization. To identify opportunities for global standardization of CLPs through a systematic review of published evidence and facility-sourced CLPs applications and program documents. This study used a systematic literature search and scan of existing programs from facilities within the United States (US), Lebanon, and Ghana obtained through professional ties and organizational membership. Seventy-nine articles were screened with 30 studies identified for inclusion, plus 20 CLPs from the US and international facilities. Identified commonalities were the lack of consistency in the number of clinical levels across the CLPs, eligibility requirements and application process, reward and recognition, lack of emphasis on technology and informatics, and missed opportunities to use CLPs to drive a culture of safety. The administrative burden of the programs and the time required by the nurse to complete the CLP application were rarely referenced. The lack of consistency between facilities and across the healthcare sectors limits the measurable impact CLPs have on the nursing profession. Recommendations for practice include developing a standardized professional development framework. A standardized framework will encourage adoption of a retention tool that will provide the profession with a measurable method to demonstrate the value it brings to patient care. Providing guidance to health care facilities in low- and middle-income countries on the implementation of a professional development framework will assist in closing the global gap of professional development opportunities for nurses.

Barron, Keri A. PhD, RN, CNE; Ford, Cassandra D. PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, FAHA Author Information

Pain is a common but understudied symptom among patients with heart failure (HF) transported by emergency medical services (EMS). The aims were to determine explanatory factors of a primary complaint of pain and pain severity, and characterize pain among patients with HF transported by EMS. Data from electronic health records of patients with HF transported by EMS within a midwestern United States county from 2009 to 2017 were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, χ 2 , analysis of variance, and logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used. The sample (N = 4663) was predominantly women (58.1%) with self-reported race as Black (57.7%). The mean age was 64.2 ± 14.3 years. Pain was the primary complaint in 22.2% of the sample, with an average pain score of 6.8 ± 3.1 out of 10. The most common pain complaint was chest pain (68.1%). Factors associated with a primary pain complaint were younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-0.97), history of myocardial infarction (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.55-2.49), and absence of shortness of breath (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.58-0.77). Factors associated with higher pain severity were younger age ( b = -0.05, SE = 0.013), being a woman ( b = 1.17, SE = 0.357), and White race ( b = -1.11, SE = 0.349). Clinical and demographic factors need consideration in understanding pain in HF during EMS transport. Additional research is needed to examine these factors to improve pain management and reduce transports due to pain.

Advanced practice nursing is critical to achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving Primary Health Care. To facilitate the access of advanced practice nurses (APNs) to human and technology resources, professional development and support are essential. APNs can count on Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) to provide innovative leadership development opportunities as well as to recognize their excellence in practice, research, and teaching. The organization continues to chart new territory by convening global stakeholders from nursing and midwifery to identify priorities for the APN role. As well, Sigma supports networking across the globe with its leadership academies and robust, distance-mediated mentoring programs and communities of interest. Nurses from various advanced practice specialties can seek out and offer support and guidance to colleagues in meeting the demands for highly skilled APNs in limited-resource environments as well as apply for research grants to support their scholarship.

The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of 14 novice nurse faculty of a 20-month experiential leadership academy on the leadership development. Managing the complexities of nursing faculty roles requires significant leadership skills that often are hard won. Evidence suggests that leadership preparation to prepare nursing faculty through guided mentoring can enhance faculty recruitment, satisfaction, and retention. Participants completed open-ended questions about their experiences in Sigma Theta Tau International's Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy. Data analysis revealed a meta-theme of "Finding Authentic Leadership Voice." Four subthemes emerged to shape the meta-theme: Identifying Inner Strengths and Areas for Improvement, Increasing Self-Confidence and Self-Awareness, Increasing Focus on Others, and Clarifying Aspirations for a Leadership Future. Reflecting on their experiences, participants recognized changes in their leadership roles as they found an authentic voice that helped them persist and thrive amid the complexities of their faculty roles.

Nurses need to take a lead in reducing medical errors. Formal education of systems thinking (ST) can be a catalyst for error prevention. Integration of ST in RN-BSN education has not been studied. A descriptive, cross-sectional design using survey methods was used. Deans of accredited RN-BSN programs across the Midwest reported on ST integration across their RN-BSN programs. Gaps in ST integration were identified as (1) a lack of evaluation tools to determine mastery of systems theory, thinking and awareness, and the application of quality and safety competencies for systems-level synthesis and (2) program outcomes emphasizing autonomy of systems-level decisions. Systems thinking was integrated across curricula among most accredited RN-BSN programs in the Midwest. Recommendations are to integrate systems theory into program outcomes and to develop evaluation tools that validate ST mastery.