Nurses’ Perceptions of Horizontal Violence

In this article, I describe a study exploring horizontal violence and nurses’ perceptions of the phenomenon within the context of two 28-bed inpatient hospital units. The purpose of the study was to develop a clearer understanding of horizontal violence, incorporating observation and inquiry to identify the language nurses use to describe their experiences and factors in the nursing work environment that may perpetuate the phenomenon. Observation, review and analysis of policies, and interviews with staff were completed between June and November 2012. Thematic analysis resulted in five themes: (a) behaviors are minimized and not recognized, (b) fear inhibits all reporting, (c) avoidance and isolation are coping strategies, (d) lack of respect and support, and (e) organizational chaos. The findings suggest future interventions must address a range of factors that perpetuate horizontal violence within the nursing work environment with consideration for the embeddedness and complexity of the phenomenon

Hugh Miller: stonemason, geologist, writer

Hugh Miller was born in 1802 in Cromarty, Ross-shire. He started his working life as a stonemason’s apprentice; he later became a social commentator and crusader. His was a household name in his lifetime, not only in Scotland but across the English-speaking world. A recent revival in Scottish history and culture, and a reassessment of the 19th century debates in science, geology and religion, have all led to a fuller appreciation of the rich and complex stories in which Hugh Miller played a part, and of the man himself. With the benefit of recent research for the 2002 conferences, this biography does full justice to the self-educated man, a figure of renown in the 19th century whose literary genius and scientific acumen still resonate in the 21s

Eco-Joyce: The Environmental Imagination of James Joyce edited by Robert Brazeau and Derek Gladwin

Rebekah A. Taylor reviews Eco-Joyce: The Environmental Imagination of James Joyce edited by Robert Brazeau and Derek Gladwin

Fuel cell life improved by metallic sinter activation after electrode assembly welding

Technique improves the service life of fuel cell electrodes. The welding is done before the metallic sinter is activated by depositing finely divided metal within the sinter structure from a solution with corrosion inhibiting ions. The activator solution flows through the porous sinter while attached to the backup plate