Physical activity research in nursing.

PURPOSE: To present exemplars of physical activity research in nursing, illustrate the importance of physical activity research across the lifespan, and recommend directions for theory development and research. METHODS: Studies of physical activity and exercise currently being conducted by nurse investigators were reported and critiqued by attendees of the Midwest Nursing Research Society 2000 Preconference session entitled "Promoting Physical Activity Among Diverse Groups Across the Health Continuum." Physical activity and exercise literature during the past decade was reviewed. Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Wilson, and ERIC. FINDINGS: Investigators have emphasized the need to evaluate the effects of theory-based physical activity interventions designed to alter key correlates of physical activity identified through descriptive research. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical activity is necessary for health promotion and disease prevention for all populations. Continued research in this important area of health behavior is critical to identify the most effective interventions to increase physical activity among diverse populations.

Learning outcomes of integrative preceptorships.

The purpose of this study was to identify and compare nursing faculty, preceptor, and student perceptions of ideal and actual learning outcomes of integrative preceptorships for senior generic baccalaureate nursing students. The sample included senior generic baccalaureate nursing students involved in preceptorships, their registered nurse preceptors, and the faculty responsible for the experiences. Findings revealed areas of significant differences between the preceptors' and the other two groups' perceptions of ideal and actual learning outcomes. When faculty, preceptor, and student perceptions of ideal learning outcomes were compared with their perceptions of what was actually achieved through the experience, significant differences emerged for all three groups.

A discussion of regulatory requirements and air dispersion modeling approaches applicable to U.S. chemical demilitarization facilities.

Owners of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, and certain major air pollution sources, must conduct several separate ambient air dispersion modeling analyses before beginning construction of new facilities or modifying existing facilities. These analyses are critical components of the environmental permitting and facility certification processes and must be completed to the satisfaction of federal, state, and local regulatory authorities. The U.S. Army has conducted air dispersion modeling for its proposed chemical agent disposal facilities to fulfill the following environmental regulatory and risk management requirements: (1) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act human health and ecological risk assessment analysis for the hazardous waste treatment and storage permit applications, (2) Quantitative Risk Assessment to support the site-specific risk management programs, and (3) Prevention of Significant Deterioration ambient air impact analysis for the air permit applications. The purpose of these air dispersion modeling studies is to show that the potential impacts on human health and the environment, due to operation of the chemical agent disposal facilities, are acceptable. This paper describes and compares the types of air dispersion models, modeling input data requirements, modeling algorithms, and approaches used to satisfy the three environmental regulatory and risk management requirements listed above. Although this paper discusses only one industry (i.e., chemical demilitarization), the information it contains could help those in other industries who need to communicate to the public the purpose and objectives of each modeling analysis. It may also be useful in integrating the results of each analysis into an overarching summary of compliance and potential risks.

Anterior SMAS plication for the treatment of prominent nasomandibular folds and restoration of normal cheek contour.

Prominent nasomandibular folds and cheek concavities are common sequelae of the aging process. The difficulty in achieving initial and long-lasting correction has been well documented. Anterior SMAS plication as an adjunct to subcutaneous rhytidectomy has proven to be an effective, straightforward method of flattening and rejuvinating the nasomandibular folds. Ptotic cheek fat is returned to the cheek hollow, and the end result is a more youthful, symmetrical flattening of the nasomandibular folds and jowls. The anterior SMAS is plicated vertically with a row of permanent sutures placed just lateral to the nasomandibular fold. Less tension is required on the skin flaps at closure, and this permits precise control of anterior SMAS vectors without the time, expense, and potential morbidity of more extensive dissections. The additional cost is that of two sutures and an extra 10 to 15 minutes of operative time. This technique has been performed on 226 patients of both sexes, and there have been no complications, including nerve injuries, infections, or dehiscences. The longest follow-up has been 2.2 years, and there have been no asymmetries, contour irregularities, or early recurrences.

The superior dermoglandular pedicle approach to breast reduction.

The superior dermoglandular pedicle technique of breast reduction and its results in 193 reductions are presented. This technique offers aesthetically pleasing results, sensate nipple/areola complex, and safety. The natural shape obtained results from preservation of the superior portion of the breast tissue (where tissue is most needed) while eliminating extensive dissection within the breast. In addition, this technique offers a backup to salvage a vascularly compromised nipple/areola complex.

Business ethics: the materiel/manufacturing perspective.

The discussion of purchasing practices and product integrity, which have ethical implications for materiel/manufacturing management, serves to illustrate how routine decisions can have larger implications for the firm as a whole. Management needs to take a proactive role in confronting ethical issues by (1) demonstrating a corporate commitment to sound ethics in business practices, (2) providing written policies where appropriate to provide a basis for sound ethical conducts, (3) educating various functional areas to understand their responsibility in seeming unrelated ethical problems, (4) delegating authority in ethical issues where such issues are considered in decision making, and (5) fostering interfunctional communication as a means in establishing corporatewide responsibility. The basic philosophical principles of JIT serve as a blueprint for recognizing and managing ethical responsibility. The unexpected by-products of a JIT implementation may be vendor/customer good will and an excellent reputation for the firm.

En bloc cervical lipectomy for treatment of the problem neck in facial rejuvenation surgery.

The treatment of cervical fat in facial aesthetic surgery has received much attention in recent years. Suction lipectomy has become a very popular technique for removing cervical fat because it is easy to perform and results in few complications. This paper describes the en bloc excision of cervical fat in conjunction with rhytidectomy. The senior author has treated 1,000 patients over 17 years using this technique with a high degree of patient satisfaction and minimal morbidity. Although suction lipectomy alone may be indicated for the younger patient, our experience suggests that the en bloc excisional technique is the treatment of choice in the older patient in whom a rhytidectomy is also indicated. In contrast with suction lipectomy, we have found that the en bloc excision of cervical fat allows for more anatomic dissection and facilitates removal of greater amounts of fat and better redraping of the cervical skin.