scholarly journals Characteristics of wipe sampling methods for antineoplastic drugs in North America: comparison of six providers

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Chabut ◽  
Jean-François Bussières
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Monitoring ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Antineoplastic Drugs ◽  
Wipe Sampling ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Objectives Several societies have published guidelines to limit the occupational exposure of workers. Several of these guidelines recommend periodic (once or twice a year) environmental monitoring of specific sites where antineoplastic drugs are prepared and administered. However, most of the guidelines provide no guidance concerning which antineoplastic drugs should be monitored, the preferred sampling sites, appropriate test methods or limits of detection. The aim of this study was to characterize providers that quantify antineoplastic drug measured on surfaces. Methods This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. To identify service providers offering environmental monitoring tests, we searched the PubMed database and used the Google search engine. We contacted each service provider by email between June 3rd and June 15th, 2020. We specified the objective of our study and described the information needed and the variables of interest with standardized questions. Additional questions were sent by emails or via teleconferences. No statistical analyses were performed. Results We identified six providers offering services to Canadian hospitals, either based in Canada or in the United States. Five of these providers were private companies and one was a public organization. Each service provider was able to measure trace contamination of 3–17 antineoplastic drugs. Five of the providers quantified drugs using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MSMS), which allowed for lower LODs. The sixth provider offered quantification by immunoassay, which has higher LODs, but offers near real-time results; the surface area to be sampled with this method was also smaller than with UPLC-MSMS. The services offered varied among the service providers. The information about LODs supplied by each provider was often insufficient and the units were not standardized. A cost per drug quantified could not be obtained, because of variability in the scenarios involved (e.g. drug selection to be quantified, number of samples, nondisclosure of ancillary costs). Four of the six service providers were unable to report LOQ values. Conclusions Few data are available from Canadian service providers concerning the characteristics of wipe sampling methods for antineoplastics. This study identified six north-American providers. Their characteristics were very heterogeneous. Criteria to consider when choosing a provider include the validation of their analytical method, a low limit of detection, the choice of drugs to be quantified and the sites to be sampled, obtaining details about the method and understanding its limits, and price. This should be part of a structured multidisciplinary approach in each center.

scholarly journals Perlindungan Konsumen atas Metode Penawaran Negative Option di Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 111
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Anastasia ◽  
Dwi Sekar Ningrum ◽  
William Marthianus ◽  
Willis Patrick Onggo
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Legal Research ◽  
Telecommunications Services ◽  
Financial Losses

Negative Option Method is a bidding method that requires confirmation from consumers in accepting or rejecting an offer. If the customer doesn’t provide confirmation, the business actor assumes that the consumer agrees and will be charged a fee for the offer given. The Negative Option method originating from the United States has actually developed in Indonesia, especially in the provision of telecommunications services. It is not uncommon for Telecommunications Service Providers in Indonesia to offer a particular feature that requires confirmation of rejection or cancellation from consumers via message, such as "unreg". If the consumer does not provide confirmation, the business actor will unilaterally assume that the Customer has accepted the offer, thus often resulting in the consumer experiencing financial losses due to the imposition of costs for goods and / or services without the consent of the consumer. This encourages the author to conduct legal research on consumer legal protection of the Negative Option bidding method using the normative juridical method. This legal research concludes that the Negative Option bidding method is contrary to the Minister of Communications Regulation Article 2 paragraph (3) and Article 4 paragraph (1) letter a which specifies that each Telecommunications Service Provider must obtain written and/or message approval from the Customer to activate a paid feature. If the Telecommunications Service Provider has not received approval from the Customer, then the paid feature must be stopped.

Exploration of Product Centric Factors in Telecom Industry

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Ganeti ◽  
Rajat Agarwal ◽  
Murali Krishna Medudula ◽  
Mahim Sagar
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Network Connectivity ◽  
Factor Loading ◽  
The Other ◽  
Relative Importance ◽  
Network Connection ◽  
Telecom Service ◽  
Telecom Industry

Telecom industry is one of those industries which has changed dramatically during the past decade. With more and more players entering in this industry, competition is ever increasing. The war between these players is slowly shifting from the price to the augmentation. This paper aims at exploring such factors which influence a customers preference of one telecom service provider (TSP) over the other. It is a descriptive research where study has been conducted among the consumers of different telecom service providers (TSPs). By reviewing the existing literature in this domain, we explored different factors which affect the consumers decision to prefer one telecom service provider over the other. A consumer targeted questionnaire was designed where consumers were asked about the factors they consider (with their relative importance quantified using Likert scale), before buying a new network connection to know the relative importance of the various factors. Factor Analysis was performed to club various variables into distinct factors. Statistical techniques then helped in identifying the relative importance. From the Factor Loading matrix the following five factors were generated:- Overall service quality, Point of Purchase Differentiator, Promotion Measures, Tariff Plans and Size of the Network. Further study in the behavioural perceptions of consumer shows that the most important factor in influencing the customer buying behavior is Service Quality. The second most important factor is cost and various plans offered by the telecom service provider. Network connectivity was considered by almost all the respondents and consumers prefer the largest network player. The study also found that promotional measures dont influence the customers as expected.

scholarly journals Learning health systems in primary care: a systematic scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle M. Nash ◽  
Zohra Bhimani ◽  
Jennifer Rayner ◽  
Merrick Zwarenstein
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Integrated Health ◽  
Google Search

Abstract Background Learning health systems have been gaining traction over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to understand the spread of learning health systems in primary care, including where they have been implemented, how they are operating, and potential challenges and solutions. Methods We completed a scoping review by systematically searching OVID Medline®, Embase®, IEEE Xplore®, and reviewing specific journals from 2007 to 2020. We also completed a Google search to identify gray literature. Results We reviewed 1924 articles through our database search and 51 articles from other sources, from which we identified 21 unique learning health systems based on 62 data sources. Only one of these learning health systems was implemented exclusively in a primary care setting, where all others were integrated health systems or networks that also included other care settings. Eighteen of the 21 were in the United States. Examples of how these learning health systems were being used included real-time clinical surveillance, quality improvement initiatives, pragmatic trials at the point of care, and decision support. Many challenges and potential solutions were identified regarding data, sustainability, promoting a learning culture, prioritization processes, involvement of community, and balancing quality improvement versus research. Conclusions We identified 21 learning health systems, which all appear at an early stage of development, and only one was primary care only. We summarized and provided examples of integrated health systems and data networks that can be considered early models in the growing global movement to advance learning health systems in primary care.

scholarly journals Associations between Google Search Trends for Symptoms and COVID-19 Confirmed and Death Cases in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4560
Author(s):  
Mostafa Abbas ◽  
Thomas B. Morland ◽  
Eric S. Hall ◽  
Yasser EL-Manzalawy
Keyword(s):  
Functional Data ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
State Level ◽  
The United States ◽  
Functional Principal Component Analysis ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Dynamic Correlation ◽  
The Us ◽  
Google Search

We utilize functional data analysis techniques to investigate patterns of COVID-19 positivity and mortality in the US and their associations with Google search trends for COVID-19-related symptoms. Specifically, we represent state-level time series data for COVID-19 and Google search trends for symptoms as smoothed functional curves. Given these functional data, we explore the modes of variation in the data using functional principal component analysis (FPCA). We also apply functional clustering analysis to identify patterns of COVID-19 confirmed case and death trajectories across the US. Moreover, we quantify the associations between Google COVID-19 search trends for symptoms and COVID-19 confirmed case and death trajectories using dynamic correlation. Finally, we examine the dynamics of correlations for the top nine Google search trends of symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19 confirmed case and death trajectories. Our results reveal and characterize distinct patterns for COVID-19 spread and mortality across the US. The dynamics of these correlations suggest the feasibility of using Google queries to forecast COVID-19 cases and mortality for up to three weeks in advance. Our results and analysis framework set the stage for the development of predictive models for forecasting COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths using historical data and Google search trends for nine symptoms associated with both outcomes.

scholarly journals Exertional Heat Stroke Knowledge and Management among Emergency Medical Service Providers

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 5016
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hirschhorn ◽  
Oluwagbemiga DadeMatthews ◽  
JoEllen Sefton
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Heat Stroke ◽  
The United States ◽  
Knowledge Assessment ◽  
Years Of Experience ◽  
Exertional Heat Stroke ◽  
Emergency Medical ◽  
Previously Treated ◽  
Stroke Knowledge ◽  
Cooling Methods

This study evaluated emergency medical services (EMS) providers’ knowledge of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and assessed current EMS capabilities for recognizing and managing EHS. EMS providers currently practicing in the United States were recruited to complete a 25-item questionnaire. There were 216 questionnaire responses (183 complete) representing 28 states. On average, respondents were 42.0 ± 13.0 years old, male (n = 163, 75.5%), and white (n = 176, 81.5%). Most respondents were Paramedics (n = 110, 50.9%) and had ≥16 years of experience (n = 109/214, 50.9%) working in EMS. Fifty-five percent (n = 99/180) of respondents had previously treated a patient with EHS. The average number of correct answers on the knowledge assessment was 2.6 ± 1.2 out of 7 (~37% correct). Temporal (n = 79), tympanic (n = 76), and oral (n = 68) thermometers were the most prevalent methods of temperature assessment available. Chemical cold packs (n = 164) and air conditioning (n = 134) were the most prevalent cooling methods available. Respondents demonstrated poor knowledge regarding EHS despite years of experience, and over half stating they had previously treated EHS in the field. Few EMS providers reported having access to an appropriate method of assessing or cooling a patient with EHS. Updated, evidence-based training needs to be provided and stakeholders should ensure their EMS providers have access to appropriate equipment.

scholarly journals Pulmonary Health Effects of Indoor Volatile Organic Compounds—A Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle L. Alford ◽  
Naresh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Volatile Organic Compounds ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
High Income ◽  
Pulmonary Diseases ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Volatile Organic

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are commonly found in consumer products, including furniture, sealants and paints. Thus, indoor VOCs have become a public health concern, especially in high-income countries (HICs), where people spend most of their time indoors, and indoor and outdoor air exchange is minimal due to a lack of ventilation. VOCs produce high levels of reaction with the airway epithelium and mucosa membrane and is linked with pulmonary diseases. This paper takes a stock of the literature to assess the strength of association (measured by effect size) between VOCs and pulmonary diseases with the focus on asthma and its related symptoms by conducting a meta-analysis. The literature was searched using the PubMed database. A total of 49 studies that measured VOCs or VOC types and pulmonary health outcomes were included in the analysis. The results of these studies were tabulated, and standard effect size of each study was computed. Most studies were conducted in high-income countries, including France (n = 7), Japan (n = 7) and the United States (n = 6). Our analysis suggests that VOCs have a medium-sized effect on pulmonary diseases, including the onset of asthma (effect size (or Cohen’s d) ~0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25–0.49; n = 23) and wheezing (effective size ~0.26; 95% CI = 0.10–0.42; n = 10). The effect size also varied by country, age and disease type. Multiple stakeholders must be engaged in strategies to mitigate and manage VOC exposure and its associated pulmonary disease burden.

scholarly journals A Narrative Review of the Risk Factors for Cancer and the Preventive Opportunities: Current Status, Future Perspectives, and Implications for India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod K. Ramani ◽  
Ganesha D. V. ◽  
Radheshyam Naik
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Risk Of Cancer ◽  
Google Search ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Clinical cancer can arise from heterogenous pathways through various genetic mutations. Although we cannot predict the timeline by which an individual will develop cancer, certain risk assessment tools can be used among high-risk groups for focusing the preventive activities. As primary level of cancer prevention, healthy lifestyle approach is being promoted. The etiological factors for lung cancer include by-products of industrialization and air pollution. We need to factor the increase in household air pollution as well. Methods “PubMed” database and Google search engines were used for searching the relevant articles. Search terms with Boolean operators used include “Cancer prevention,” “Missed opportunities in cancer causation,” and “incidence of risk factors.” This review includes 20 studies and other relevant literature that address the opportunities for cancer prevention. Body The narrative describes the association between many of the risk factors and development of cancer. This includes tobacco, alcohol, infections, air pollution, physical inactivity, diet, obesity, screening and preventive strategies, chemoprevention, biomarkers of carcinogenesis, and factors that prolong the diagnosis of cancer. Discussion Reports from basic science research provide evidence on the potential of biologically active food components and pharmacological agents for mitigating the risk of cancer and its progression. However, some reports from observational studies and randomized trials have been inconsistent. We need to recognize the impact of sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, culture, and comorbid illness on preventive interventions. Spiral computed tomographic scan is a robust tool for early detection of lung cancer. Conclusion Infectious etiology for specific cancers provides opportunities for prevention and treatment. The complex interplay between man and microbial flora needs to be dissected, for understanding the pathogenesis of relevant malignancies. For reducing the morbidity of cancer, we need to focus on prevention as a priority strategy and intervene early during the carcinogenic process.

641 North American Practices for Facial Massage and Stretching Post Facial Burns

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S176-S177
Author(s):  
Alexa Barwick ◽  
Dana Y Nakamura ◽  
James H Holmes ◽  
Joseph Molnar
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Multiple Choice ◽  
Scar Tissue ◽  
The United States ◽  
Burn Care ◽  
Speech Language Pathologist ◽  
Specific Protocol ◽  
Facial Burns ◽  
Therapy Interventions

Abstract Introduction Facial burns can be complicated by the development of scar tissue and contractures, resulting in decreased flexibility of the tissue involved in swallowing, facial expression, and verbal communication. Maximizing functional range of motion is an important preventative measure for improving functional outcomes for swallowing, communication, and for the prevention of microstomia. A range of therapy interventions including stretching, massage, compression, and use of appliances has been reported in the literature; however, there is limited to no information on current practice patterns amongst North American providers (MD, DO, PA, NP, etc.) or therapists (PT, OT, and SLP). Methods A RedCap survey was developed by a Speech-Language Pathologist and Occupational Therapist involved in burn care. The survey consisted of 18 total questions, with participants responding to between 12–13 questions due to branching logic. Questions were related to demographic and service provision related to facial massage and stretching. Survey questions were multiple choice, multiple answer multiple choice, or contained text boxes. The survey was distributed to Providers and Therapists from the United Stated of America and Canada who were members of the American Burn Association (ABA). Results A total of 69 surveys were collected, with 57 surveys meeting criteria for inclusion. Respondents consisted of therapists 68%, providers 23%, and other health professionals 9%. Forty-six ABA burn centers from across the United States and Canada were represented. The majority of respondents had over 10 years of experience working with burn patients. 91% of respondents reported that facial massage and stretching was used as a tool at their facility. Respondents, who report facial massage is utilized at their facility, report OT as being the primary discipline responsible for assessing (67%) and completing (65%) facial massage, with 85% reporting additional discipline(s) also participating in facial massage. 9% of respondents report that facial massage and stretching is not utilized at their facility following facial burns. Of those who responded that facial massage and stretching is not utilized following facial burns, 40% felt this would be beneficial to patients, while 60% were unsure. Conclusions Facial scar management is an important part of burn care, with the majority of respondents reporting completion of facial massage and stretching as part of the services provided to patients who have suffered facial burns. OTs are the primary service providers for facial massage and stretching post facial burn. Practices for facial massage varies greatly, with the majority of respondents reporting no specific protocol for facial massage and stretching is followed.

scholarly journals Simultaneous Recruitment of Drug Users and Men Who Have Sex with Men in the United States and Russia Using Respondent-Driven Sampling: Sampling Methods and Implications

2009 ◽  
Vol 86 (S1) ◽  
pp. 5-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Y. Iguchi ◽  
Allison J. Ober ◽  
Sandra H. Berry ◽  
Terry Fain ◽  
Douglas D. Heckathorn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Sampling Methods ◽  
The United States ◽  
Respondent Driven Sampling ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Dynamic Plan Control: An Effective Tool to Manage Demand Considering Mobile Internet Network Congestion

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Xiaoyu Ma ◽  
Jihong Zhang ◽  
Yuan Cao ◽  
Zhou He ◽  
Jonas Nebel
Keyword(s):  
Programming Problem ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Network Capacity ◽  
Mobile Internet ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Mobile Service ◽  
Data Traffic ◽  
Potential Customers

Rapidly increasing mobile data traffic have placed a significant burden on mobile Internet networks. Due to limited network capacity, a mobile network is congested when it handles too much data traffic simultaneously. In turn, some customers leave the network, which induces a revenue loss for the mobile service provider. To manage demand and maximize revenue, we propose a dynamic plan control method for the mobile service providers under connection-speed-restriction pricing. This method allows the mobile service provider to dynamically set the data plans’ availability for potential customers’ new subscriptions. With dynamic plan control, the service provider can adjust data network utilization and achieve high customer satisfaction and a low churn rate, which reflect high service supply chain performance. To find the optimal control policy, we transform the high-dimensional dynamic programming problem into an equivalent mixed integer linear programming problem. We find that dynamic plan control is an effective tool for managing demand and increasing revenue in the long term. Numerical evaluation with a large European mobile service provider further supports our conclusion. Furthermore, when network capacity or potential customers’ willingness to join the network changes, the dynamic plan control method generates robust revenue for the service provider.

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