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Article
Publication date: 8 July 2019

Alberto Mortaro, Diana Pascu, Serena Pancheri, Mariangela Mazzi, Stefano Tardivo, Claudio Bellamoli, Federica Ferrarese, Albino Poli, Gabriele Romano and Francesca Moretti

According to literature, interruptions during drug administration lead to a significant proportion of medication errors. Evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce…

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Abstract

Purpose

According to literature, interruptions during drug administration lead to a significant proportion of medication errors. Evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to reduce interruption is still limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore main reasons for interruptions during drug administration rounds in a geriatric ward of an Italian secondary hospital and test the effectiveness of a combined intervention.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a pre and post-intervention observational study based on direct observation. All nurse staff (24) participated to the study that lead to observe a total of 44 drug dispensing rounds with 945 drugs administered to 491 patients in T0 and 994 drugs to 506 patients in T1.

Findings

A significant reduction of raw number of interruptions (mean per round from 17.31 in T0 to 9.09 in T1, p<0.01), interruptions/patient rate (from 0.78 in T0 to 0.40 in T1, p<0.01) and interruptions/drugs rate (from 0.44 in T0 to 0.22 in T1, p<0.01) were observed. Needs for further improvements were elicited (e.g. a greater involvement of support staff).

Practical implications

Nurse staff should be adequately trained on the risks related to interruptions during drug administration since routine activity is at high risk of distractions due to its repetitive and skill-based nature.

Originality/value

A strong involvement of both MB and leadership, together with the frontline staff, helped to raise staff motivation and guide a bottom-up approach, able to identify tailored interventions and serve concurrently as training instrument tool.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2020

Mohammed Anouar Naoui, Brahim Lejdel, Mouloud Ayad, Abdelfattah Amamra and Okba kazar

The purpose of this paper is to propose a distributed deep learning architecture for smart cities in big data systems.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a distributed deep learning architecture for smart cities in big data systems.

Design/methodology/approach

We have proposed an architectural multilayer to describe the distributed deep learning for smart cities in big data systems. The components of our system are Smart city layer, big data layer, and deep learning layer. The Smart city layer responsible for the question of Smart city components, its Internet of things, sensors and effectors, and its integration in the system, big data layer concerns data characteristics 10, and its distribution over the system. The deep learning layer is the model of our system. It is responsible for data analysis.

Findings

We apply our proposed architecture in a Smart environment and Smart energy. 10; In a Smart environment, we study the Toluene forecasting in Madrid Smart city. For Smart energy, we study wind energy foresting in Australia. Our proposed architecture can reduce the time of execution and improve the deep learning model, such as Long Term Short Memory10;.

Research limitations/implications

This research needs the application of other deep learning models, such as convolution neuronal network and autoencoder.

Practical implications

Findings of the research will be helpful in Smart city architecture. It can provide a clear view into a Smart city, data storage, and data analysis. The 10; Toluene forecasting in a Smart environment can help the decision-maker to ensure environmental safety. The Smart energy of our proposed model can give a clear prediction of power generation.

Originality/value

The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable information to decision-makers for a better understanding of the key to Smart city architecture. Its relation with data storage, processing, and data analysis.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Ethics and Hidden Greed
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-868-3

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Arbind Kumar Choudhary and Yeong Lee

This paper aims to summarize the available literatures, specifically in the following areas: metabolic and other side effects of aspartame; microbiota changes/dysbiosis and its…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the available literatures, specifically in the following areas: metabolic and other side effects of aspartame; microbiota changes/dysbiosis and its effect on the gut-brain axis; changes on gut microbiota as a result of aspartame usage; metabolic effects (weight gain and glucose intolerance) of aspartame due to gut dysbiosis; and postulated effects of dysregulated microbiota-gut-brain axis on other aspartame side-effects (neurophysiological symptoms and immune dysfunction).

Design/methodology/approach

Aspartame is rapidly becoming a public health concern because of its purported side-effects especially neurophysiological symptom and immune dysregulation. It is also paradoxical that metabolic consequences including weight gain and impaired blood glucose levels have been observed in consumers. Exact mechanisms of above side-effects are unclear, and data are scarce but aspartame, and its metabolites may have caused disturbance in the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Findings

Additional studies investigating the impact of aspartame on gut microbiota and metabolic health are needed.

Originality/value

Exact mechanism by which aspartame-induced gut dysbiosis and metabolic dysfunction requires further investigation.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 47 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 October 2019

Annisa Ayuningtyas, Tri Winarni Agustini and Kis Djamiatun

Adiponectin, a bioactive molecule produced by adipose tissue, has potential effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin levels reduction is associated with type 2…

Abstract

Purpose

Adiponectin, a bioactive molecule produced by adipose tissue, has potential effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin levels reduction is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratio can be used as a predictor of CVD risk in T2DM patients. Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell contains astaxanthin, macro- and micro-nutrients that may exert synergistic beneficial effects. This study aims to determine the effect of L. vannamei shell powder (LVSP) in improving adiponectin, TG, HDL and TG:HDL of T2DM Wistar rat, and to investigate the presence of any correlations between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups: control negative [C(−)], control positive [C(+)], treatments 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). C(+), T1, T2 and T3 were maintained on a high-fat diet for 14 days before streptozotocin (STZ) injection. T1 and T2 groups were administered two different doses of LVSP, while T3 group was provided astaxanthin supplement (AST).

Findings

LVSP treatments significantly increase adiponectin (p =0.04) and HDL (p <0.001) but reduced TG (p <0.001) and TG:HDL (p <0.001). A higher LVSP dose was more effective in improving all markers than the lower dose; moreover, there was a comparable effect as that of AST in increasing the adiponectin levels. Strong correlations were observed between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Originality/value

This study shows that LVSP as a functional food, can ameliorate adiponectin levels and normalizes blood glucose levels. The LVSP reduces the risk of CVD because of the reduction of TG:HDL.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2019

Simran Kaur, Anil Panghal, M.K. Garg, Sandeep Mann, Sunil K. Khatkar, Poorva Sharma and Navnidhi Chhikara

The purpose of this paper is to review the nutritional and food value of pumpkin Cucurbita, along with different health benefits. Cucurbita (pumpkin) is an herbaceous vine, member…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the nutritional and food value of pumpkin Cucurbita, along with different health benefits. Cucurbita (pumpkin) is an herbaceous vine, member of Cucurbitaceae family. It is an edible, heat-sensitive plant, which has an abundant amount of active compounds such as carotenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, tocopherols, phytosterols and cucurbitacin, accounted for numerous health benefits, namely, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, hypotensive, hyper protective activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Major well-known bibliometric information sources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Mendeley and Google Scholar were searched with keywords such as nutrition value of Cucurbita, Cucurbita utilization, bioactive compounds of pumpkin, health benefits, processing, food formulations and current scenarios were chosen to obtain a large range of papers to be analyzed. A final inventory of 105 scientific sources was made after sorting and classifying them according to different criteria based on topic, academic field, country of origin and year of publication.

Findings

The comprehensive review of different literature, data sources and research papers seeks to find and discuss various nutritional benefits of pumpkin. It contains all necessary macro- and micro-nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and bioactive compounds with a relatively low amount of antinutrients. The recent upsurge in consumer interest for health-promoting products has opened up new vistas for plant products containing bioactive compounds in different food formulations.

Originality/value

This paper contains information regarding the chemical composition, nutritive value, phytochemical studies, pharmacological properties, bio-accessibility, food and industrial applications of pumpkin. Worldwide, pumpkin is used as food additive in various food products such as candy, weaning mix, corn grits, kheer, jam, crackers, bread, etc. Effect of different processing methods such as high temperature, pH, blanching, oven drying, freeze-drying to retain or minimize its losses in case of color, texture, flavor, and the carotenoids are of concern. The review paper highlights the nutritional, therapeutic, potential and processing attributes.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2016

Anita Schrader-McMillan and Elsa Herrera

The purpose of this paper is to identify elements of success in the family reintegration of children with street connections who have experienced chronic violence and loss in the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify elements of success in the family reintegration of children with street connections who have experienced chronic violence and loss in the context of poverty. This paper outlines the application of complex trauma theory into a practice model developed by the JUCONI Foundation in Puebla, Mexico to help children and families prepare and manage reintegration.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a 15-month qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with families and boys at three stages: preparing for return, in the first three months of reintegration and successfully reintegrated. The study comprises interviews with frontline workers and focus group discussions with the project team. In addition, six youths who did not return to their families were interviewed.

Findings

The study focuses on an attachment and trauma-based approach to family reintegration of street-connected children outside parental care. The findings highlight the need for careful preparation of both child and families (including siblings/extended family) prior to reunification. Preparation needs to focus on resolving the underlying problems that have led to the child being on the street and “phased” reintegration (beginning with visits to the family) is recommended. Follow-up visits/family work by staff are usually essential to ensure that child/youth and family adjust to each other. The theoretical framework and rationale behind the use of the tools and strategies described needs to be understood, so that they are used intentionally and consistently.

Research limitations/implications

The study cohort involved only boys and other factors are likely to affect the reintegration of girls. The study took place in Mexico only and methods used by JUCONI need to be tested in other contexts.

Practical implications

The integration of children without parental care into families is an issue of critical interest, but there is currently very limited research or guidance on reintegration of children who have lived on the street, especially in low and middle income countries. The study should be of interest to practitioners interested in assessing whether safe and sustainable reintegration is possible and facilitating this. The paper may be of interest to practitioners working with children growing up without parental care who do not have “street connections”, but who have experienced chronic violence and loss.

Originality/value

This is the first study to describe the application of an attachment and trauma perspective to work with children who have lived on the street.

Details

Journal of Children's Services, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-6660

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2019

Reuel Johnmark Dakung, John Munene, Waswa Balunywa, Joseph Ntayi and Mohammed Ngoma

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of universities in preparing disabled students to become entrepreneurially inclined after graduation with the aim of…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of universities in preparing disabled students to become entrepreneurially inclined after graduation with the aim of developing an entrepreneurial inclination (EI) model.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey was employed using 220 disabled universities’ students in the north-central Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and structural equation model. All analyses were performed using SPSS version 22 and AMOS version 22.

Findings

The findings buttress the significant position of universities in promotion entrepreneurial spirit. It revealed that the university’s role (UR), entrepreneurship education (EE) and role models (RMs) have a positive influence on disabled students’ EI. Universities that make provisions for entrepreneurship infrastructure, knowledge and RMs to disabled students will boost their EI. Second, the more lecturers and RMs inspire students, method of teaching and demonstrating enthusiasm are applied in the teaching of entrepreneurship, the better it prepares students for entrepreneurial career after graduation.

Research limitations/implications

The study is only restricted to Federal Universities in the North-Central Nigeria. Further research could be conducted to cover other tertiary institutions in North-Central Nigeria. Furthermore, the study employed the cross-sectional approach. A longitudinal approach should be employed to study the trend over a period of at least two years. Finally, the factors identified in triggering EI may not be sufficient enough in explaining the phenomenon. There are other factors that may contribute in influencing EI of the disabled students that were not part of this study.

Practical implications

This study indicates a number of implications for the universities and policy makers. Specifically, EE, UR and RMs make significant contributions to inclination for disabled students. These factors are key for universities in Nigeria to consider in preparing these students to become entrepreneurial graduates. Policy makers and other stakeholders need to develop keen interest in designing entrepreneurship curriculum to accommodate the specific needs of students with disabilities.

Originality/value

This study is the first in Nigeria to empirically test the relationship between UR, EE and EI as well as the moderating effect of RMs among universities’ disabled students.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 August 2019

Reny Marlina, Binar Panunggal and Gemala Anjani

Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus increases inflammation through pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Goat milk (kefir) and vitamin D3 have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory…

Abstract

Purpose

Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus increases inflammation through pancreatic beta-cell destruction. Goat milk (kefir) and vitamin D3 have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pancreatic beta cells. Increase in total leukocyte count is one of the inflammatory and complication markers of diabetes. This study aims to analyze the effect of fermented goat milk (kefir) fortified with vitamin D3 on total leukocyte counts in diabetic brown rat (Rattus norvegicus).

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental design with pre- and post-test methodology of control and experimental groups was used. A total of 24 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control (K−), positive control (K+), kefir treatment (P1) and kefir fortified with vitamin D3 treatment (P2). The control group consisted of healthy rats; the other groups consisted of rats which were given streptozotocin–nicotinamide injections. Before and after intervention, fasting blood glucose levels and total leukocytes counts were measured. Blood glucose levels were analyzed using the GOD–PAP method and leukocyte counts were analyzed using an automatic hematological analyzer.

Findings

There was a significant decrease in total leukocyte counts in the P2 group (from 26.5 ± 7.7 to 20.4 ± 10.4 [p < 0.05]). However, the decrease in leukocyte count in theP1 group was not significant (from 22.1 ± 9.3 to 16.5 ± 6.2). The decrease in blood glucose levels in theP2 group was −81.4 ± 203.0 but not significant.

Originality/value

Kefir with vitamin D3 fortification can significantly reduce total leukocyte counts in diabetes.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 August 2019

Jhonatan Jair Arismendi Florez and Jean Vicente Ferrari

Among the many influencing effects that the medium has on the CO2 corrosion of carbon steel, flow is one of the most important because it can determine the formation of corrosion…

Abstract

Purpose

Among the many influencing effects that the medium has on the CO2 corrosion of carbon steel, flow is one of the most important because it can determine the formation of corrosion product scales and its stabilisation, thus influencing the attack morphology and corrosion rate. This paper aims to summarise some factors affecting aqueous CO2 corrosion and the laboratory methodologies to evaluate one of the most important, the flow, with an emphasis on less costly rotating cage (RC) laboratory methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

Regarding the key factors affecting CO2 corrosion, both well-established factors and some not well addressed in current corrosion prediction models are presented. The wall shear stress (WSS) values that can be obtained by laboratory flow simulation methodologies in pipelines and its effects over iron carbonate (FeCO3) scales or inhibition films are discussed. In addition, promising applications of electrochemical techniques coupled to RC methodology under mild or harsh conditions are presented.

Findings

More studies could be addressed that also consider both the salting-out effects and the presence of oxygen in CO2 corrosion. The RC methodology may be appropriate to simulate a WSS close to that obtained by laboratory flow loops, especially when using only water as the corrosive medium.

Originality/value

The WSS generated by the RC methodology might not be able to cause destruction of protective FeCO3 scales or inhibition films. However, this may be an issue even when using methodologies that allow high-magnitude hydrodynamic stresses.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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