Showing papers by "British Columbia Institute of Technology published in 2005"

Student-teacher connection: a place of possibility.

Abstract: Aim. This paper expands the understanding of student–teacher connection and offers direction for educators in supporting connection as a place of possibility. Background. The evolution of a humanistic paradigm in nursing education is evident in research exploring student–teacher relationships. Connection is described within humanistic student–teacher relationships, reported as part of experiences of students, educators and clinicians within emancipatory curricula, and emerged as a central metaphor in a metasynthesis of caring in nursing education. Additionally, student–teacher connection in clinical nursing education has been reported as creating positive outcomes for students’ learning experiences and professional socialization. Discussion. In this paper, student–teacher connection is envisioned as having a value beyond these tangible outcomes – a value that arises from the essence of connection itself. The qualities inherent in the essence of connection – knowing, trust, respect and mutuality – create a transformative space in which students are affirmed, gain insight into their potential, and grow toward fulfilling personal and professional capacities: student–teacher connection emerges as a place of possibility. The possibilities that exist for students and teachers in a connected relationship are exemplified as connection is proposed as a cornerstone in supporting students at risk of failing a clinical nursing course. Conclusion. Acknowledging student–teacher connection as a place of possibility highlights the importance of student–teacher relationship to students’ learning and raises implications for preparation and evaluation of educators, and educational practice within the international nursing arena. Of note is the need for the preparation of educators to include a focus of developing relational competence as well as evaluation processes that consider the teacher-in-relationship. Regardless of the educational setting, educators are challenged to consider their beliefs and actions and the influence these exert on relationships with students. Further research exploring specific possibilities within connection is required.

Unpacking the concept of patient satisfaction: a feminist analysis.

Abstract: Aim. The aim of this paper is to present a feminist critique of the concept of patient satisfaction. Background. Fiscal restraint, health care restructuring, shifting demographics, biomedical technological advances, and a significant shortage of health care professionals are stretching health care systems across North America to the breaking point. A simultaneous focus on consumerism and health service accountability is placing additional pressure on the system. The concept of patient satisfaction, with roots in the consumer movement of the 1960s, has both practical and political relevance in the current health care system and is commonly used to guide research related to consumer experiences of health care. Because the quality of health care encounters may lead to treatment-seeking delays, patient satisfaction research may be an effective vehicle for addressing this public health issue. However, there is wide agreement that patient satisfaction is an under-theorized concept. Using current conceptualizations of patient satisfaction, we end up all too often producing a checklist approach to ‘achieving’ patient satisfaction, rather than developing an understanding of the larger issues underlying individual experiences of health care. We focus on the symptoms rather than the problems. Discussion. Without further theoretical refinement, the results of research into patient satisfaction are of limited use. To push forward theoretical development we might apply a variety of theoretical lenses to the analysis of both the concept and the results of patient satisfaction research. Feminism, in particular, offers a perspective that may provoke further refinement of patient satisfaction as a concept. Conclusions. Without a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs (or the worldview) that informs our approaches to researching patient satisfaction, researchers will be reacting to the most obvious indicators and failing to address the underlying issues related to individual experiences of health care.

Portable articulating tool support

Abstract: A portable multiple-component articulating support apparatus for engaging, moving, orientating and manipulating a hand-operated power tool within and throughout a three-dimensional workspace. The apparatus includes a clamping device for demountable engagement with a structural element, an elongate double-link hinge member, a spacer arm having opposite ends adapted for detachable engagement and rotational communication with the clamping device and the double-link hinge member, a vertically disposed pivotably connected counterbalance arm assembly adapted for detachable engagement and rotational communication with the double-link hinge member. The counterbalance arm assembly is equipped with a gas-charged cylinder for balancing the weight of hand-operated power tools. The clamping device, spacer arm, double-link hinge and counterbalance arm assembly are interconnected with removable hinge pins. A tool-mounting bracket is provided for gripping engaging a power tool. The tool-mounting bracket pivotably engages a power tool-bearing member which slidingly and rotatably communicates with the counterbalance arm assembly.

Fixed vacuum-insulated saturated steam autoclave

Abstract: A portable table-top steam sterilizer having a sterilization chamber contained within a double-walled vacuum-sealed vessel. Pre-heated water is delivered from a self-contained water supply infrastructure under a positive air pressure to the chamber. The pre-heated water is converted to steam within the sterilization chamber for a sterilization cycle after which, the steam is rapidly removed by vacuum and the sterilization chamber and items placed therein are rapidly cooled and dried by a turbulent flow of air. The air supply is provided by concurrent application of positive and negative air pressures from a self-contained airflow piping infrastructure releasably engaged with an external supply of compressed air. The mixtures of steam, water and air exhausted from the sterilization chamber are directed into a condenser wherein they are cooled into an air/water mixture which is transferred to an air/water separator device wherein water is separated from the air/water mixture, said water recyclable within the self-contained water supply infrastructure.

(Z,Z)-6,9-Heneicosadien-11-one: major sex pheromone component of painted apple moth, Teia anartoides.

Abstract: (Z, Z)-6,9-Heneicosadien-11-one (Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy) was identified as the major sex pheromone component of the painted apple moth (PAM), Teia anartoides (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), on the basis of (1) comparative gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses, GC-mass spectrometry (MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-MS, and HPLC-UV/visible spectroscopy of pheromone gland extracts and authentic standards; (2) GC-EAD analyses of effluvia of calling females; and (3) wind tunnel and field trapping experiments with a synthetic standard. In field experiments in Australia, synthetic Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy as a single component attracted male moths. Wind tunnel experiments suggested that a 4-component blend consisting of Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy, (6Z,9R,10S)-cis-9,10-epoxy-heneicosene (Z6-9R10S-epo-21Hy), (E, E)-7,9-heneicosadien-6,11-dione (E7E9-6,11-dione-21Hy), and 6-hydroxy-(E, E)-7,9-heneicosadien-11-one (E7E9-6-ol-11-one-21Hy) (all present in pheromone gland extracts) might induce more males to orient toward, approach, and contact the source than did Z6Z9-11-one-21Hy as a single component. Additional experiments are needed to determine conclusively whether or not Z6-9R10S-epo-21Hy, E7E9-6,11-dione-21Hy, and E7E9-6-ol-11-one-21Hy might be minor sex pheromone components of PAM. Moreover, attractiveness of synthetic pheromone and virgin PAM females needs to be compared to determine whether synthetic pheromone could replace PAM females as trap baits in the program to monitor eradication of exotic PAM in New Zealand.

The special needs of SCADA/PCN firewalls: architectures and test results

Abstract: The use of firewalls between business and process control networks is often suggested as an ideal solution for plant floor cyber security. But research shows that few firewalls are properly configured and that many control system security incidents bypass the firewall. If firewalls are to be effective, guidance on how to deploy them in industrial settings is badly needed. The authors conducted a survey exploring the state of the art in industrial firewall deployment. Based on the survey results, four firewalls were configured, using one open-source and three commercial firewall products, and subjected to extensive analysis and testing. While the results indicate that commercial and open-source firewalls can be successfully used, the study also shows important differences between the configuration of firewalls in industrial and IT settings

What Can You Do to Virtually Teach Hands-On Skills?

Abstract: Introduction Many of the challenging computer-based training/simulation projects undertaken by the Group for Advanced Information Technology (GAIT) at the Technology Centre of the British Columbia Institute of Technology have taught practical skills. These projects have been initiated because clients or instructors have identified those areas as being problematic. In other words, there are some significant limitations when the skills are attempted to be taught via traditional methods: 1. Learners may not be able to attend teaching/training locations. This is an inherent problem in distance education. Many learners can learn the theory online or through other distance education solutions. However, they may not be able to learn the needed practical skills at a distance. Virtual labs can solve this problem. A demonstration version of an award-winning product that teaches both the theoretical and lab components of the reaction kinetics portion of high school chemistry can be downloaded from www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/gait/proj ects/reactionkinetics.shtml Given the need for distance students to learn practical skills, a current GAIT project underway is the creation of a virtual biology lab that teaches all of the lab skills taught in first-year biology. It is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2006. 2. There may be an inability to teach some content well. This can be apparent in topics where effective learning requires simulations. For example, one project was teaching piping students how to test and troubleshoot backflow prevention assemblies. A demonstration version of this project can be downloaded from www.construction.bcit.ca/trades/piping/computertraining.shtml 3. Logistical challenges can be problematic. Logistical challenges can arise when experts do not have enough time to travel around the country to teach (i.e., their fulltime job does not leave them with enough time to provide training). One project entailed capturing the expertise of personnel in a spinal cord injury centre of a major hospital on how to move and turn patients with a spinal injury. The resulting program was then freely distributed on CD-ROM and web download to those who needed the training around the world. This award-winning project can be freely downloaded from www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/gait/projects/spinal.shtml 4. Costs for live training can be prohibitive. Live training can be very expensive. For example, costs are high when numerous participants are required to travel to a workshop. One project involved training aircraft mechanics. Costs typically included salary for one day to travel to the workshop location, two days at the workshop, and one day to return home as well as travel, accommodation, and per diem expenses. The resulting CD-ROM allowed mechanics to learn when and where they wanted in approximately one-quarter of the time needed in the workshop. 5. Equipment can be a limitation. The equipment itself can be a limited resource. For example, one way to teach troubleshooting involves taking components out of functioning systems, breaking them, putting them back in, and letting students determine the problem. However, this is impractical because of the time it takes to remove, break, and install components, the cost of later repairing the components, the problem that this needs to be done to many components, and the time required to have all of the students individually determine the problem for each broken component. One simulation was created to address this type of equipment limitation. It entailed teaching piping students how to troubleshoot hot water heating systems. A demonstration version of this project can be downloaded from www.construction.bcit.ca/trades/piping/computertraining.shtml 6. There may be a requirement for just-in-time learning. For example, can be needed when instructors are hired in post-secondary settings. …

The use of exploratory tunnels as a tool for scheduling and cost estimation

Abstract: Exploratory tunnels are commonly used for examining the geotechnical and structural aspects of proposed tunnel alignments. This paper explores the utilisation of exploratory tunnels as a project management tool for estimating the cost and duration of construction for the entire project. Data were collected from the Kaponig 2,75 kilometers exploratory tunnel, a part of a double‐track high‐speed railway development in Austria. This knowledge and experience was used to evaluate the risks associated with design details for the final tunnel enlargement (alignment and grade, support requirements and excavation methods). A deterministic model based on Monte Carlo simulation was developed capable of predicting potential outcomes of the total project in terms of cost, duration and their associated probabilities.

Digital image compression.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the essential elements of digital image compression and its use in digital radiology. Additionally, this article is intended to increase the shared knowledge between radiologic technologists and radiologists, equipment vendors and information technology personnel.

Development of a Standard of Practice for Medical Device Preventive Maintenance in BC Hospitals

Abstract: This paper describes the process to establish a recommended minimum standard of practice for medical device preventive maintenance (PM) and performance assurance (PA) inspections in B.C. hospitals. This is a project embarked by the Clinical Engineering Committee of B.C. (CECBC) in 2003/04 to assist biomedical engineering departments to assess their medical device PM/PA requirements. A simple ranking system based on risk and utilization of each type of medical device was developed as a first level criterion to determine PM/PA requirements. Based on this ranking system, each hospital region then reviewed their list of medical devices and assigned their own ranking scores and PM/PA intervals. The scores and intervals were reviewed by the CECBC to arrive at a consensus of the minimum mandatory and recommended PM/PA interval for each of the common device types. The result for this exercise is included in this paper. In addition, a list of essential PM/PA procedures for each device type is being developed as part of this project.

Implementation of a kernel mode IPv6 AODV routing daemon to improve data throughput

Abstract: The AODV (ad hoc on-demand distance vector) routing protocol performs on-demand route discovery that minimizes the signaling overhead on the wireless channel at the expense of larger session setup delays. While large delays may be acceptable at session set up, they are certainly undesirable during handoffs when the session is already in progress. Our previous work addressed the problem of session handover delay within an ad hoc network connected to the Internet at large via IPv6 MANET gateways. This paper presents an extension of that earlier work by addressing another shortcoming of the AODV routing protocol - the often high overhead involved in maintaining (refreshing) active routes incurred by the active monitoring of a user-mode AODV routing daemon. A Linux kernel-based port of the AODV6 routing daemon and gateway component was developed to minimize the demands placed upon the individual mobile node's processing capabilities. A real test-bed is implemented and performance benchmarks are presented to demonstrate the viability of the proposed architecture.

Discussion of ¿Load-Sharing and Redistribution in a One-Story Woodframe Building¿ by Phillip J. Paevere, Greg Foliente, and Bo Kasal

Abstract: The authors have provided observations and test data from both low-level monotonic and destructive cyclic loading of a fullscale, one-story, L-shaped, woodframe building. A unique aspect in this experimental investigation is the use of an array of load cells to measure the distribution of reaction forces underneath the shear and partition walls of the test structure. These data are to be used in a subsequent validation study of a three-dimensional 3D finite-element model. Given the paucity of experimental data from full-scale testing of woodframe buildings, this study provides valuable information that can assist the engineering community in better understanding the full building response of woodframe structures. From the presentation of this research work a number of points of discussion arise: 1. First, the authors do not specify the standards/codes to which the test structure was designed. In addition, as noted by the authors, the applied loading protocol is not representative of any design loading in application or magnitude. As a consequence, the reader has no sense of the expected response or damage to the structure under the cyclic loading protocol. To say “this type of single-story building should easily resist any lateral design load without danger of collapse” is contrary to current design philosophy that balances economic considerations in design/construction with tolerable levels of failure probability implicitly accepted by society. When considering the inelastic response of a structure, even a test structure, its strength and displacement capacity should be properly designed against given codified performance criteria. In turn, model validation should be conducted under the expected response conditions displacement modes, internal force distribution, energy absorption, failure modes, etc. for which the structure is designed. 2. The authors indicate that the initial tangent stiffness of the test structure is 36 kN/ mm, and the secant stiffness at 1 mm displacement is 22.5 kN/ mm. The tangent stiffness of a structure can be quantified analytically but not experimentally. Trying to measure the global secant stiffness of a woodframe structure at a displacement level less than 1 mm may be questionable. 3. In this study, low-level monotonic loading of the test structure with an imposed point lateral displacement of only 1 mm produced a complete distribution of reaction forces at the base of all of the wall panels covering approximately a