Qualitative exploration of home life experiences and care needs among elderly patients with temporary intestinal stomas

BACKGROUND This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs.Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer.However,the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications,as well as fluid,electrolyte,and nutritional imbalances,posing challenges to effective management.The successful selfmanagement of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy;nonetheless,there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront.AIM To investigate the lived experiences,perceptions,and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment,with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol.METHODS Over the period of June to August 2023,a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai,China.Employing a phenomenological research approach,a semi-structured interview guide was developed,and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques.The acquired data underwent coding,analysis,organization,and summarization following Colaizzi’s seven-step method.RESULTS The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes:Firstly,Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression;secondly,patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits,resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals;thirdly,patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment;and finally,patients express a significant need for emotional and social support.CONCLUSION Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens,inadequate self-care abilities,informational deficits,and emotional needs.Identifying factors influencing patients’self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

Experiences of Mothers on the Utilization of Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is one of the leading causes of mortality among women of reproductive age and Mother to Child Transmission of Human immunodeficiency virus is still a challenge affecting many countries. Globally, an estimation of 180,000 children under 15 years acquire the Human immunodeficiency virus every day, and more than 90% of those infections are due to Mother to Child Transmission. The study sought to explore the experiences of mothers on the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services at Mtendere Clinic, Lusaka. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interpretive phenomenology study design was employed using in-depth interviews to collect data from a sample that was selected using purposive sampling technique. Thirteen participants were recruited, and these were HIV-positive mothers at least between the ages of 15 and 49 years and enrolled in the Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV program. The in-depth interviews were audiotape recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic method. Findings: Three main themes that emerged are;living with HIV, support system and barriers to utilization of Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV services. Most of the participants expressed having acquired knowledge from the program, and received counselling and support from spouses, family as well as health personnel at Mtendere health facility which culminated into a positive experience and enhanced their uptake of the Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission-HIV services. However, barriers to service utilization were identified and these included fear of stigma, negative attitudes from health workers, long waiting times, lack of support and lack of transport to the health facility. Conclusion: Interventions such as community awareness campaigns on Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV, male involvement and implementing mother-to-mother peer support strategies in Elimination of Mother To Child Transmission-HIV service utilization should be prioritized so as to alleviate stigma and enhancing a positive experience for these mothers thus reducing on the Mother to Child HIV Transmission burden and mortality rates.

The Tenth Anniversary of Free Trade Pilot Zones in China:Fundamental Experiences and Enhancement Strategies

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,the country has established 21 Free Trade Pilot Zones(FTZs),achieving significant pioneering results in reform and opening up and creating a strong demonstrative effect nationwide.The basic experience from a decade of FTZs includes:adhering to the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee;combining top-level design with encouragement of grassroots innovation;leveraging the distinct characteristics and strengths of FTZs to form a differentiated development pattern;maintaining the integration of opening up with domestic reforms;using openness to drive reforms;and organically combining openness with national security assurance.Under the current and future new circumstances,China’s FTZs face new challenges and tasks.In accordance with the directives of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China,an enhancement strategy for the FTZs needs to be implemented.This involves the following:First,accurately understanding and responding to the changing situation to create strategic opportunities.Second,shifting paradigms to implement innovation-driven strategies,using the new development pattern concept to guide the reform experiments and construction of the FTZs.Third,granting more autonomy to FTZs for reforms,pursuing progress while maintaining stability,and solidly advancing the reform experiments in the FTZs.Fourth,orderly expanding the opening up of the service sector and cautiously advancing the internationalization of the renminbi.Fifth,promoting innovative development in trade to build a strong trade nation.Sixth,establishing synergy with bilateral FTZs,Belt and Road cooperation,and national diplomatic strategies to enhance the linkage effect.

Transforming Digital Experiences: The Evolution of Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs) from Monoliths to Microservices: A Practical Guide

The research aims to explore the transition from monolithic Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs) to Microservices-based DXPs, addressing scalability challenges. The study systematically decomposes monolithic structures into Microservices, emphasizing business capability and subdomain decomposition. Concrete insights, challenges, and solutions encountered during this transformation process are presented. The research contributes valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of adopting Microservices in DXPs. Results highlight the importance of architectural patterns and strategic scaling dimensions for improved performance and scalability. The case study on Backbase’s Engagement Banking Platform showcases successful implementation, providing flexibility, integration, and efficient development in the evolving DXP landscape.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Affective Exercise Experiences Questionnaire (AFFEXX-C)

Despite the well-established benefits of regular physical activity(PA)on health,a large proportion of the world population does not achieve the recommended level of regular PA.Although affective experiences toward PA may play a key role to foster a sustained engagement in PA,they have been largely overlooked and crudely measured in the existing studies.To address this shortcoming,the Affective Exercise Experiences(AFFEXX)questionnaire has been developed to measure such experiences.Specifically,this questionnaire was developped to assess the following three domains:antecedent appraisals(e.g.,liking vs.disliking exercise in groups),core affective exercise experiences(i.e.,pleasure vs.displeasure,energy vs.tiredness,and calmness vs.tension),and exercise motivation(i.e.,attraction vs.antipathy toward exercise).The current study aimed to validate a Chinese version of the AFFEXX questionnaire(AFFEXX-C).In study 1,722 Chinese college students provided data for analyses of factorial,convergent,discriminant,criterion validity,and test-retest reliability of the AFFEXX-C.In addition,1,300 college students were recruited in study 2 to further validate its structural model.Results showed that the AFFEXX-C demonstrates a goodfit and reliability.Additionally,results further supported the hypothesized model based on previous research:antecedent appraisals predicted core affective exercise experiences,which in turn predicted attraction-antipathy toward physical exercise.The AFFEXX-C was found to be a reliable and valid measure of affective exercise experiences in a population of Chinese college students.

Malaria Illness and Accessing Healthcare in an African Indigenous Population: A Qualitative Study of the Lived Experiences of Uganda’s Batwa in Kanungu District

Purpose: Malaria continues to be a public health threat, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. While Batwa Indigenous People (IPs) face a higher burden of malaria, there is limited understanding of their malaria-lived experiences. We assessed and characterized malaria illness and accessing healthcare lived experiences of the Batwa in Kanungu district to inform contextually and culturally appropriate public health interventions. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in 5 Batwa settlements where 5 Focus Group Discussions (n = 36) and 13 Key Informant Interviews (n = 13) were held. Data were collected using printed guides and voice recorders in April 2018. Transcripts from the data that captured the lived experiences of the symptoms, prevention, treatment and barriers to accessing formal healthcare services were applied to Atlas.ti a qualitative data analysis software and condensed into codes, categories, and themes. Results: Many Batwa have experienced malaria in their households, and they know its causes and risk factors, like not sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), living near water bodies, prevention measures like the use of ITNs, and vector management. The lived experiences demonstrate malaria management by an Indigenous population in a rural setting and comprised detecting malaria symptoms, use of herbs as first line of treatment, buying medicines from drug shops, and village health teams (VHTs) treatment. For many Batwa accessing formal healthcare is normally a second option. Barriers for malaria treatment included: long distances to health facilities, geographically difficult terrain, economic constraints, irregular health outreaches, and stockouts of malaria medicines at health facilities. Conclusion: This study characterized Batwa’s malaria illness lived experiences and access to healthcare in rural remote settings. These experiences are essential in appreciating the ways in which Indigenous populations understand and manage common illnesses and how appropriate policies and interventions can be developed.

Front Line Health Workers’ COVID-19 Lived Experiences: A Case of Levy Mwanawasa Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Introduction: Frontline health workers who work in COVID-19 isolation treatment centers are susceptible to developing mental health issues due to the overwhelming workload and stress associated with their job. Thus understanding their lived experiences provides insights that helps alleviate health worker burnout and improving their quality of life thereby leading to an efficient delivery of health care services during a pandemic. Aim: To understand the lived experiences of front line health workers during the COVID-19 pandemics at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching University Hospital. Design and Methods: A qualitative interpretative phenomenological study design was used. Purposive sampling method was adopted to select the 14 participants who took part in the study. The data were collected through face-to-face, audio-taped interviews using an in-depth interview guide, after which the responses were transcribed verbatim before using NVIVO to generate codes. The data were analyzed using thematic method. Results: The lived experiences of the participants were found to be mainly negative with few positive experiences. Their lived experiences were mainly negative emotional and psychological experiences including fear, anger, depression, frustration, anxiety and sadness. The thoughts that were identified included thoughts of surviving through the pandemic, thoughts of getting infected, and dying. The frontline health workers also experienced some personal and professional changes as they offered health services in the COVID-19 wards. The personal changes reported included;social limitations and collapse of extra income business while the professional changes included a change in the way health services were delivered, a gain in knowledge and skills and shaping of a career path. The main challenges experienced were limited resources (man power, resuscitation equipment, drugs, personal protective equipment), limited literature on the disease and limited social interactions. Conclusion and Recommendations: Relevant stakeholders should come on board in order to offer support during a pandemic or a similar situation so as to better the experience of frontline health workers with particular attention directed towards the provision of adequate resources to enable them deliver their services effectively. Frontline health workers perspectives and opinions should be taken into account by the institution’s administrators and policymakers when planning for and managing a pandemic.

Remote Learning in Higher Education During the Pandemic: A Study of the Experiences of Chinese International Students at United Kingdom and United States Universities in 2020/21

During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis,many universities around the world made a drastic change by transferring most of their offline classes to emergency remote learning(ERL).The aim of this study was to explore how Chinese students,who studied in United Kingdom(UK)and United States(US)universities during the 2020/21 academic year,perceive their experiences of remote learning.As the UK and the US have two relatively advanced education systems,the arrangements of their universities for ERL and their support for international students are worth exploring.Moreover,during the ERL,a portion of Chinese students had online classes in their home countries instead of the country in which their universities are located.Therefore,semi-structured interviews were carried out to explore the academic experiences and social interaction of students who studied in UK and US universities,while remaining in China.The data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method.The findings showed that ERL was perceived negatively by students despite its flexibility in areas of academic learning experiences and social interaction.

Consumers’experiences and preferences for plant-based meat food:Evidence from a choice experiment in four cities of China

This paper examined consumers’experiences in and preferences for plant-based meat(PBM)food and their respective correlates,based on data from an online survey of 579 consumers in four major cities in China in early 2021.We first described consumers’experiences in consuming and purchasing PBM food and their correlates,and then analyzed consumer preferences using hypothetical choice experiment.The experiment offered consumers various options to purchase burgers made from PBM or animal-based meat(ABM),combined with different countries of origin(COO),taste labels,and prices.Our data showed that respondents hold overall positive attitudes toward PBM food;85 and 82%of respondents reported experience in eating and purchasing PBM food,respectively.More than half of them ate PBM food because they wanted to try new food(58%),or were interested in healthy food(56%).Income,religion,and dietary restrictions were significantly correlated with consumers’experiences in PBM food consumption.Results from the Random Parameter Logit Model based on the hypothetical choice experiment data showed that 79%of respondents chose PBM burgers and were willing to pay an average of 88 CNY for a PBM burger.We also found that 99.8 and 83%of respondents are willing to buy burgers made in China and those with a taste label,with a willingness to pay(WTP)of 208 and 120 CNY,respectively.The heterogeneity test revealed that females and those with at least a bachelor’s degree,higher income,religious beliefs,and dietary restrictions are more likely to buy PBM burgers than their counterparts.

Experiences of Counselors Who Provided Psychological Support during COVID-19 Disaster: A Qualitative Study

Background:In crisis intervention sites such as infectious disease disasters,counselors are repeatedly exposed,directly or indirectly,to the traumatic experiences of victims.Disaster counseling has a negative effect on coun-selors,which can eventually interfere with the counseling process for disaster victims.Therefore,exploring and understanding the experiences of counselors is necessary to ensure that qualitative counseling for disaster victims can be continuously and efficiently conducted.Objectives:This study investigated the experiences of counselors who participated in mental health counseling as psychological support for victims of the COVID-19 disaster in Korea.Design:This is a qualitative study.Participants:The study participants comprised 18 counselors who had mental health professional qualifications of level 2 or higher and who had provided mental health counseling for COVID-19 confirmed cases and quarantined persons.Methods:Data were collected using focus group interviews from February 21 to May 29,2021.The duration of each interview was 60–90 min,and the data were analyzed using content analysis.Results:Thefinal theme was“Continuing to walk this road anytime,anywhere.”The par-ticipants’experiences were identified in four sub-themes:“being deployed to unprepared counseling,”“encoun-tering various difficulties,”“feeling full of meaning and value,”and“hoping to become a better counselor.”Conclusions:In order to continuously provide qualitative counseling in case of an infectious disease disaster such as COVID-19,it is important to develop a qualification and competency strengthening program through educa-tion and training to secure the crisis intervention expertise of counselors according to the characteristics of the disaster.In addition,a psychological support manual for each disaster should be prepared at the national level according to the type of disaster.

Associations between Mental Health Outcomes and Adverse Childhood Experiences and Character Strengths among University Students in Southern China

Adverse childhood experiences(ACEs)can negatively affect mental health,whereas character strengths seem to be positively correlated with mental health.Detailed information on the history of ACEs among university students in China and the extent which mental health is associated with ACEs and character strengths can contribute to the needed empirical evidence for relevant stakeholders.Objectives of this study are 1)to estimate the prevalence of ACEs among undergraduate students in Southern China;and 2)to assess the extent which mental health outcomes(positive growth,well-being,and depression)are associated with ACEs and character strengths among undergraduate students in Southern China.We conducted a self-administered survey amongfirst and second-year students at a university in Southern China and analyzed data using descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses.Among the 779 students who completed the questionnaire,283 were males,439 were females,and 57 did not indicate their gender.The prevalence of ACEs among the participants was 32.1%.History of ACEs was associated with lower positive growth score(Adjusted Beta=-0.20;95%CI=-0.37,-0.02;p=0.030)and lower well-being score(Adjusted Beta=-1.13;95%CI=-2.04,-0.23;p=0.014).Vitality domain of character strength was associated with all three mental health outcomes after adjusting for covariables(all p-values<0.001).Our studyfindings provide empirical evidence for stakeholders in university mental health.However,caveats regarding lack of temporality,selection bias,social desirability bias,and lack of generalizability should be considered in the interpretation of the studyfindings.

Experiences of Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure for Postgraduate Neonatal Nursing Students at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences: Lessons and Implications for the Future

Background and Objectives: Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure immediately places postgraduate students in a clinical setting and incorporates continual hands-on instruction throughout their studies. It aims to motivate students by strengthening their academics, improving clinical and communication skills, and increasing their confidence. The underlying principles are to provide a clinical context and to ensure that the patient remains the centre of learning. The School of Nursing Sciences implemented this model in 2021 to produce hands-on Masters-level neonatal practitioners who can work in multidisciplinary clinical contexts. Therefore, this study explored the experiences of postgraduate nursing students on the Early and Enhanced Clinical Exposure model and draw implications for the future. Methods: A phenomenological study design was utilized at the University of Zambia, School of Nursing Sciences and comprised of eight Master of Science Neonatal Nursing students in their second year. Convenience sampling was used to select the study site and participants. Data was collected between 15th January 2023 and 31st January 2023 using an in-depth interview guide. Audio recording and notes were transcribed immediately after data collection. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis and codes and themes were constructed from the coded data. Ethical clearance and permission were sought before conducting the study. Results: Four major themes emerged from the study: identity and role confusion, challenging and hectic experiences, positive educational experiences, and personal and professional growth. These themes contributed to the promotion of evidence-based practice by helping students to assess, diagnose, and treat various conditions, as well as gain interest, experience, knowledge, and exposure. Conclusion: The model has a significant impact on motivation to learn, as evidenced by reported increased skill level with potential for use in clinical practice. It is recommended that it be implemented in all postgraduate programs for full-time students.

The Relationship of Occupational Health Nurses’ Experiences with Associated Departments in Relation to Project Development of Mental Health Care for Primary Preventive Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship and experiences of occupational health nurses (OHNs) and related departments in project development of mental health care for primary treatment in the Japanese occupational health setting. Method: A total of 235 OHNs who are members of the Japan Academy of Occupational Health Nursing were sent an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included items on the following: the OHN’s background, whether the OHN had experience in project development, the communication between the associated departments, the Japanese version of the Work Engagement Scale (UWES-J), occupational assessments, workplace assessments, and the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) for health promotion in companies and the OHN’s working environment. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between experience and these harmonious relationships with other associated departments. Result: Responses from 61 OHNs (valid response rate: 25.9%) were analyzed. The mean number of years of service as an OHN was 18.9, and 82% of respondents had experience in project development. The logistic analysis further revealed that OHNs who had experience in project development of mental health care usually had a harmonious relationship with other associated departments. Conclusion: To promote mental health care for workers, OHNs have the capability to create individual and workplace assessments, enhance their work engagement, and make further improvements to their working environment. .

Registered Nurses’ Experiences with Clinical Teaching Environment in Malawi

Clinical practice remains an integral part of nursing curriculum because clinical practice provides students with an opportunity to achieve professional competence. Creating a conducive learning environment for students is responsibility of academic staff, clinical nurses and students alike. However, studies in Malawi have reported poor clinical learning environment for students. This study therefore aimed at exploring nurses’ experiences of clinical teaching environment in Malawi. The study used a qualitative research design utilizing a descriptive phenomenological approach. Participants were randomly identified from teaching hospitals across Malawi by nursing managers to attend a six week clinical preceptorship training at one University nursing college. Immediately before commencement of the training, participants were invited to voluntarily participate in a focus group discussion pertaining to their experiences with clinical environment. We conducted focus group discussions with 9 trainees in 2013 and 12 trainees in 2014 training cohorts. Findings reveal that nurses meet a number of challenges in teaching students in the clinical area. Four themes emerged from the study, namely, inadequate faculty support, poor clinical teaching environment, poor competence among nurses and unsupportive working conditions. Nurses require support from academic staff and their managers to ensure a conducive clinical teaching environment.

Experiences with the Use of Vaginal Dilator by Cervical Cancer Women Who Received Pelvic Radiotherapy at Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka Zambia

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the commonest cancer in women seen at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Zambia and Pelvic Radiotherapy is the main treatment modality used on cervical cancer patients. Radiotherapy to the pelvis has a potential to causes vaginal stenosis but the stenosis can be prevented by regular sexual intercourse or use of vaginal dilators as recommended by cancer organizations. Despite the well-established benefits of vaginal dilators, there was reluctance by women to adopt this practice as seen by the number of survivors with vaginal stenosis at Cancer Diseases Hospital. The objective of this study was to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women who received Pelvic Radiotherapy. Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological design was used to explore experiences with the use of vaginal dilators by cervical cancer women. The study was conducted at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka District of Zambia. Participants were identified and purposefully sampled during the follow up clinics, they were then followed for interviews into their homes in Lusaka and data saturation was attained after interviewing 22 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Five themes from the study emerged on how women with cervical cancer experienced the use of vaginal dilator;such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, embarrassment and fear. Conclusion: It was acknowledged that the use of vaginal dilator was associated with negative experiences such as uncomfortable dilators, pity for the husband, changed lifestyle, fear and embarrassment. Therefore, this study recommends that Health care providers from CDH and other health institutions should give appropriate information to patients concerning the use of vaginal dilators and the Ministry of Health to provide vaginal dilators instead of 50 milliliter syringes currently in use.

Laparoscopic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: eastern and western experiences

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is the most common primary liver cancer （1）. The incidence is rising in the last decades due to many factors, especially hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Moreover, the introduction of screening programs in patients with chronic liver disease has led to an increase in HCC diagnosis （1,2）. In the western world, 80% to 90% of HCC eases occur in patients with liver cirrhosis （3） while this proportion is lower in some regions in Asia and sub-Saharian Africa, where hepatitis B remains as an important etiologic factor for chronic liver disease （2,4）. In 1990, the annual world frequency of HCC was 437,000 cases/year （1）, and in 2012 the number reached 782,200 cases/year being responsible for 746,000 deaths （5）. Nowadays, HCC represents the 6th most frequent neoplastic disease in the world and the 3rd in mortality （5）.

Experiences of Low Gestational Weight Gain: A Phenomenological Study with Pregnant Women

Low maternal, gestational weight gain is associated with preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, low birthweight, small-for-gestational-age infants, neural tube defects, infant death, failure to initiate breastfeeding, and childhood asthma. The advantage of qualitative research is it can provide valuable insights for health care professionals into the experience and perceptions of low gestational weight gain from the vantage point of women with first-hand lived experience. In this Heideggarian interpretive phenomenological study, the meaning and experiences of weight gain for pregnant women with low gestational weight gain were explored. Data were collected through interviews with 10 pregnant women from Atlantic Canada. Conroy’s pathway for interpretive phenomenology was utilized. A hermeneutical spiral of interpretation identified six patterns or major themes: confronting one’s mortality;defending oneself against a permanent metamorphosis into a stranger;playing with fire and brimstone;slipping under the radar;trying to find peace;and riding an emotional roller coaster. The findings point to a war that is being waged over pregnant bodies with respect to weight that leaves pregnant women fending for themselves, apparently with little help from their health care providers. Implications of the findings for health practice, education, and research are discussed.

Functional and Neural Mechanisms of Out-of-Body Experiences: Importance of Retinogeniculo-Cortical Oscillations

Current research on the various forms of autoscopic phenomena addresses the clinical and neurological correlates of out-of-body experiences, autoscopic hallucinations, and heautoscopy. Yet most of this research is based on functional magnetic resonance imaging results and focuses predominantly on abnormal cortical activity. Previously we proposed that visual consciousness resulted from the dynamic retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations, such that the photoreceptors dynamically integrated with visual and other vision-associated cortices, and was theorized to be mapped out by photoreceptor discs and rich retinal networks which synchronized with the retinotopic mapping and the associated cortex. The feedback from neural input that is received from the thalamus and cortex via retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations and sent to the retina is multifold higher than feed-forward input to the cortex. This can effectively translate into out-of-body experiences projected onto the screen formed by the retina as it is perceived via feedback and feed-forward oscillations from the reticular thalamic nucleus, or “internal searchlight”. This article explores the role of the reticular thalamic nucleus and the retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations as pivotal internal components in vision and various autoscopic phenomena.

Single Neuron PID Control Based on Expert Experiences for Temperature Difference Control System of a Digester

Considering the temperature difference of displacement cooking characterized by severe non-linearity, large time delay, and real-time control, a cascade PID adaptive control strategy composed of a single neuron is proposed to ensure cooking temperature uniformity. The control strategy introduces expert experiences to adjust the single neuron gain K, while a single neuron PID self-learning and adaptive ability, as well as cascade advantage can be combined to realize the real-time and fast temperature difference control. In the Simulink, the s-function of this control strategy is used to carry out a dynamic simulation experiment with temperature difference characteristics and verify the robustness and response to model mismatch. Compared to conventional temperature difference-flow PID cascade control and single neuron PID cascade control, this control strategy has better robustness and stronger adaptability. The results of real-time control on the THJSK-1 experiment platform indicate this control strategy is feasible.

Permitted Visits to the ICU or Not—Children and Parents’ Experiences

Introduction: Children need intensive care in the first days after open-heart surgery. In some hospitals visits to Intensive Care Units (ICU), are not allowed, even by parents. Aim: The study aimed to illuminate the experiences of children and parents regarding permission or not to visit the ICU. Subjects and Methods: Twenty children aged between 8 and 15 years with planned open-heart surgery, together with their parents, were chosen consecutively to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups. Group 1, followed the routine with no visits by parents allowed to the ICU. Group 2 were allowed such visits. Data were collected through open interviews with parents and children, following an interview guide. Results “Missing” was the overall theme illustrated in the findings, with two major categories;“being seen” and “taking care” being developed. The parents trusted the expert knowledge of the medical staff but Missing was strongly expressed and influenced the feelings within the categories in Group 1. Parents felt they were not seen and the lack of information made them anxious, frightened and feel they were losing control over their parenthood. They asked to see their children only briefly to allay their fears. They knew their children’s needs and thought they could help by taking care of practical issues to improve their well-being. All children in this group felt sad and abandoned. The families in Group 2 felt happy and confident despite not being allowed to stay with children all the time. The parents felt included in their care, which had a positive effect on the children.