scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of Chemical Loads from Agriculture Holdings on the Puck Bay Environment with the High-Resolution Ecosystem Model of the Puck Bay, Southern Baltic Sea

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2068
Author(s):  
Dawid Dybowski ◽  
Maciej Janecki ◽  
Artur Nowicki ◽  
Lidia Anita Dzierzbicka-Glowacka
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Ecosystem Model ◽  
Agricultural Activity ◽  
Operational Mode ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Statistical Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Puck Bay

This paper describes the ecohydrodynamic predictive model EcoPuckBay—the ecosystem part—for assessing the state of the Puck Bay coastal environment and its ecosystem. We coupled the EcoPuckBay model with the land water flow models (Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for surface water and Modflow for groundwater). To evaluate the quality of the results obtained from the EcoPuckBay model, a set of basic statistical measures for dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, nitrates, and phosphates were calculated, such as mean, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), root-mean-square-error (RMSE), and standard deviation (STD). The analysis presented in this paper shows that the EcoPuckBay model produces reliable results. In addition, we developed a nutrient spread module to show the impact of agricultural activity on the waters of the Puck Bay. The EcoPuckBay model is also available in operational mode where users can access 60-h forecasts via the website of the WaterPUCK Project through the “Products” tab.

scholarly journals Impact of Partially Treated Wastewater on Downstream Water Quality of Notwane River in Botswana

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Gilbert K. Gaboutloeloe ◽  
Gugu Molokwe ◽  
Benedict Kayombo
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Nitrate N ◽  
River Stretch ◽  
Ph Range ◽  
The Impact

The impact of partially treated wastewater on the water quality of Notwane river stretch in the Gaborone region of Botswana was investigated. Water samples collected at effluent discharge point and three other sampling sites downstream were analyzed for pH, temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Ammonia-nitrogen (Ammonia-N) and Nitrate-nitrogen (Nitrate-N). Sampling was conducted bi-weekly between February 2013 and April 2013. The ranges of measured parameters were:  pH (7.6-8.5), temperature (22-23ºC), BOD5 (11.2-27.0 mg/l), Ammonia-N (2.4-60.5 mg/l), Nitrate-N (20.6-28.6 mg/l). Analysis of variance, Games-Howel multiple comparisons and Pearson correlation were used to separate variable means. The results signal river non-point pollution due to runoff inflow of organics mainly from land use and domestic waste dumping by nearby dwellings. Temperature, BOD5, and pH range values were all within the Botswana Bureau of Standards (BOBS) limit while the maximum Ammonia-N and Nitrate-N were above BOBS limit by 50.5 mg/l and 6.6 mg/l, respectively. Regulations on indiscriminate waste dumping and discharge standards adherence should be enforced.

Perceptions of nurses on the impact of accreditation on quality of care

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmet Yildiz ◽  
Sidika Kaya
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – This article aims to investigate perceptions of Turkish nurses on the impact of accreditation on quality of care and the effect of accreditation on quality results. Design/methodology/approach – This study was performed as a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey on 258 nurses who started working in the hospital before it was accredited and continued to work during and after accrediation and who therefore knew both the hospital's pre-accrediation and post-accreditation periods. In this study, descriptive statistical analyses (means and standard deviations) were carried out to explore the views of the participants on “quality results,” “benefits of accreditation” and “participation of employees.” “Quality results” was considered to be the dependent variable, while “benefits of accreditation” and “participation of employees” were accepted as the independent variables. The relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables was tested using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. External patient satisfaction data collected by the quality department of the hospital before and after accreditation were also investigated. Findings – It was found that nurses had generally high scores for the items concerning the benefits of accreditation. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the dependent variable (quality results) and the independent variables (benefits of accreditation and participation of employees). Regression analysis indicated that R2=0.461 and the extent to which the independent variables explained the dependent variable was 46.1 per cent, which is a high rate. Patient satisfaction scores increased after accreditation. Practical implications – Our study suggest that providing support for nurses, especially nurses with administrative responsibilities and incorporating employees into the process are important for exercising quality standards. Originality/value – Hospital accreditation has a positive impact on quality results especially on quality of care provided to patients and patient satisfaction. Study findings could guide policy makers and hospital managers in Turkey and in other countries who are preparing or implementing accreditation.

scholarly journals Development and validation of the Vietnamese Primary Care Assessment Tool – provider version

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nguyen Thi Hoa ◽  
Anselme Derese ◽  
Jeffrey F. Markuns ◽  
Nguyen Minha Tam ◽  
Wim Peersman
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Quality Of Primary Care ◽  
Care Assessment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Primary Care Assessment Tool

Abstract Aim: To adapt the provider version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) for Vietnam and determine its internal consistency and validity. Background: There is a growing need to measure and explore the impact of various characteristics of health care systems on the quality of primary care. It would provide the best evidence for policy makers if these evaluations come from both the demand and supply sides of the health care sector. Comparatively more researchers have studied primary care quality from the consumer perspective than from the provider’s perspective. This study aims at the latter. Method: Our study translated and adapted the PCAT provider version (PCAT PE) into a Vietnamese version, after which a cross-sectional survey was conducted to examine the feasibility, internal consistency and validity of the Vietnamese PCAT provider version (VN PCAT PE). All general doctors working at 152 commune health centres in Thua Thien Hue province had been selected to participate in the survey. Findings: The VN PCAT PE is an instrument for evaluation of primary care in Vietnam with 116 items comprising six scales representing four core primary care domains, and three additional scales representing three derivative domains. From the translation and cultural adaptation stage, two items were combined, two items were removed and one item was added. Six other items were excluded due to problems in item-total correlations. All items have a low non-response or ‘don’t know/don’t remember’ response rate, and there were no floor or ceiling effects. All scales had a Cronbach’s alpha above 0.80, except for the Coordination scale, which still was above the minimum level of 0.70. Conclusion: The VN PCAT PE demonstrates adequate internal consistency and validity to be used as an effective tool for measuring the quality of primary care in Vietnam from the provider perspective.

Validation evidence of the paediatric Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD) tool

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Runnacles ◽  
Libby Thomas ◽  
James Korndorffer ◽  
Sonal Arora ◽  
Nick Sevdalis
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Validity Evidence ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
Simulation Based ◽  
Expert Input

IntroductionDebriefing is essential to maximise the simulation-based learning experience, but until recently, there was little guidance on an effective paediatric debriefing. A debriefing assessment tool, Objective Structured Assessment of Debriefing (OSAD), has been developed to measure the quality of feedback in paediatric simulation debriefings. This study gathers and evaluates the validity evidence of OSAD with reference to the contemporary hypothesis-driven approach to validity.MethodsExpert input on the paediatric OSAD tool from 10 paediatric simulation facilitators provided validity evidence based on content and feasibility (phase 1). Evidence for internal structure validity was sought by examining reliability of scores from video ratings of 35 postsimulation debriefings; and evidence for validity based on relationship to other variables was sought by comparing results with trainee ratings of the same debriefings (phase 2).ResultsSimulation experts’ scores were significantly positive regarding the content of OSAD and its instructions. OSAD's feasibility was demonstrated with positive comments regarding clarity and application. Inter-rater reliability was demonstrated with intraclass correlations above 0.45 for 6 of the 7 dimensions of OSAD. The internal consistency of OSAD (Cronbach α) was 0.78. Pearson correlation of trainee total score with OSAD total score was 0.82 (p<0.001) demonstrating validity evidence based on relationships to other variables.ConclusionThe paediatric OSAD tool provides a structured approach to debriefing, which is evidence-based, has multiple sources of validity evidence and is relevant to end-users. OSAD may be used to improve the quality of debriefing after paediatric simulations.

scholarly journals Valuing the impact of health and social care programs using social return on investment analysis: how have academics advanced the methodology? A systematic review

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e029789 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Louise Hutchinson ◽  
Angela Berndt ◽  
Deborah Forsythe ◽  
Susan Gilbert-Hunt ◽  
Stacey George ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Return On Investment ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesTo identify how social return on investment (SROI) analysis—traditionally used by business consultants—has been interpreted, used and innovated by academics in the health and social care sector and to assess the quality of peer-reviewed SROI studies in this sector.DesignSystematic review.SettingsCommunity and residential settings.ParticipantsA wide range of demographic groups and age groups.ResultsThe following databases were searched: Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, Econlit, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Emerald, Social Care Online and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Limited uptake of SROI methodology by academics was found in the health and social care sector. From 868 papers screened, 8 studies met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. Study quality was found to be highly variable, ranging from 38% to 90% based on scores from a purpose-designed quality assessment tool. In general, relatively high consistency and clarity was observed in the reporting of the research question, reasons for using this methodology and justifying the need for the study. However, weaknesses were observed in other areas including justifying stakeholders, reporting sample sizes, undertaking sensitivity analysis and reporting unexpected or negative outcomes. Most papers cited links to additional materials to aid in reporting. There was little evidence that academics had innovated or advanced the methodology beyond that outlined in a much-cited SROI guide.ConclusionAcademics have thus far been slow to adopt SROI methodology in the evaluation of health and social care interventions, and there is little evidence of innovation and development of the methodology. The word count requirements of peer-reviewed journals may make it difficult for authors to be fully transparent about the details of their studies, potentially impacting the quality of reporting in those studies published in these journals.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42018080195.

scholarly journals Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) and its association with dental treatment needs of adolescents in a rural Nigerian community

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Pino Vitti ◽  
Adriano Relvas Barreira de Oliveira ◽  
Mário Alexandre Coelho Sinhoreti ◽  
Lawal Folake Barakat ◽  
Ifesanya Joy Ucheonye
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Rural Community ◽  
Orthodontic Treatment ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Dental Treatment ◽  
Life Assessment ◽  
Treatment Needs ◽  
Treatment Need ◽  
The Impact

Aim: To validate and determine the applicability of OHIP-14 in assessing the impact of unmet dental treatment needs on the quality of life of adolescents in a rural community. Methods: The OHIP-14 questionnaire and the Aesthetic component (AC) of Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) were data collection instruments in a cross sectional survey among students in a rural community. The reliability and validity of the OHIP-14 as well as the association between it and dental treatment needs including malocclusion was assessed. Data obtained was analyzed using Mann Whitney U Test. Results: The mean age of participants was 14.9 (±1.6) years. The OHIP-14 had acceptable Cronbach alpha value of 0.8. It could discriminate between respondents with or without dental treatment needs due to caries and dental trauma (p <0.001). The OHIP-14 did not differentiate between respondents with or without orthodontic treatment need (p= 0.808). However, significant association existed between being irritable with people and unmet orthodontic treatment needs (p= 0.032). Conclusion: The OHIP-14 is a valid and reliable quality of life assessment tool in young adolescents in this rural community. However, only the social disability domain componente discriminated significantly between those with or without orthodontic treatment needs.

scholarly journals Quality of life in epilepsy

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prem Singh ◽  
Achyut Kumar Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
P Value ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Lower Education Level ◽  
One Year ◽  
Patients With Epilepsy ◽  
The Impact

Background: The quality of life (QOL) evaluation is a relatively new measure to evaluate the outcome of epilepsy. Many factors influence the quality of life of people with epilepsy, including seizure severity, stigma, fear, and the presence of cognitive or psychiatric problems. QOL is influenced by biological factors as well as cultural, social and religious beliefs and values. This study was planned to find out the impact of epilepsy on quality of life of epileptic patients.Methods: The study was conducted in the epilepsy clinic of department of neurology at a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year.101 patients were included after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. All the patients seeking treatment in the OPD were screened, assessed and then all procedures were fully explained to them. History regarding name, age sex, socio-demographic profile and detailed history regarding seizure disorder was taken from both the patient and the reliable informant. Bengali version of QOLIE-9 was used to assess the quality of life.Results: One hundred and one patients with epilepsy consisting of 70 men (69.3%) and 31 women (30.7%) were included. Their ages ranged from 15 to 52, the mean age being 26.17 (SD = 7.84). Out of the 101 patients, 65 patients (64.4%) were suffering from partial epilepsies and 36 patients (35.6%) were suffering from generalized epilepsies. Mean QOLIE-9 total scores were 16.66, 19.74, 20.13 and 24.00 in married, widows, unmarried and separated individuals respectively. The differences in the means were statistically significant on ANOVA (p value 0.002). Mean QOLIE-9 total scores were 27.75, 19.64, 19.65, 18.14 and 18.00 in primary, secondary, higher secondary, graduate and postgraduate individuals respectively. The differences were highly significant statistically on ANOVA (p value<0.001). Frequency of seizures per month was positively correlated with QOLIE-9 total scores (Pearson Correlation 0.622) and was highly statistically significant (p value<0.001).Conclusions: Frequent seizures, lower education level and single status are associated with lower quality of life in persons with epilepsy.

scholarly journals Study of the logistics factors that influence the development of e-commerce services in the customer’s opinion

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Gajewska ◽  
Dominik Zimon
Keyword(s):  
Customer Service ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Internet Shopping ◽  
Degree Of Satisfaction ◽  
Technological Developments ◽  
Dynamic Growth ◽  
The Impact

Recent years have seen a dynamic growth of ecommerce. This links to technological developments, an increase in the number of people who have access to and actively use the Internet, and the use of mobile devices. The aim of the paper is to present the results of a questionnaire survey of the factors behind the development of e-commerce services. Besides, the paper defines the interdependence between the frequency of internet shopping and the logistic aspects of e-commerce. A hierarchy is also established of the degree of satisfaction as regards the quality criteria of e-commerce services. The analysis covers data from a questionnaire survey of 100 customers using ecommerce in Poland. The respondents were customers using e-commerce services aged between 20 and 24. The questionnaire was based on a five-point Likert-type scale of between 1 and 5. The survey was qualitative and nationwide. The analysis was done using the Statistica 10 software. The Pearson correlation was chosen from amongst the methods available to determine the impact between the surveyed variables. Firms that provide e-commerce services aim to fulfil the ever increasing needs and expectations of their customers. They attach a lot of importance to the quality of customer service which is demonstrated by the high scores awarded by the respondents.

scholarly journals Informal Caregivers’ Roles in Dementia: The Impact on Their Quality of Life

Life ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 251
Author(s):  
Cindy E. Frias ◽  
Esther Cabrera ◽  
Adelaida Zabalegui
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Person With Dementia ◽  
The Impact

The constantly changing process of caring for a person with dementia affects the informal caregivers’ role due to its psychosocial impact. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the impact of the Person with Dementia informal caregiver’s role caregiver to a person with dementia on the self-perceived quality of life (QoL) of the caregiver. In total, 160 informal caregivers were recruited between January and December 2019. Informal caregivers’ quality of life was assessed using the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension scale, burden with the Zarit Burden Scale, emotional wellbeing using the General Health Questionnaire, and caregiver reactions using Caregiver Reaction Aspects. Patients’ cognitive impairment was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination, their quality of life using Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease, and neuropsychiatric symptoms using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Outcomes were studied using the Pearson correlation coefficient and ANOVA test. Most informal caregivers’ outcomes were significantly associated with their quality of life. Male informal caregivers have a slightly better quality of life than female caregivers (p < 0.001). Caregiver burden (p < 0.001), psychological wellbeing (p < 0.001) and negative aspects of caregiving on health (p < 0.001) correlated moderately with informal caregivers’ quality of life. Factors associated with dementia, including the course of the illness and its severity with the presence of neuropsychiatric symptoms can negatively affect the informal caregiver’s role and produce a low self-perception of quality of life; thus, social and professional support for informal caregivers is essential.

Quality of life in colorectal cancer patients with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pumps

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 19602-19602
Author(s):  
V. C. Sun ◽  
R. Nelson ◽  
B. Wagman ◽  
M. Carroll ◽  
B. Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Hepatic Metastases ◽  
Hepatic Arterial Infusion ◽  
Arterial Infusion ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Patients ◽  
The Impact

19602 Background: More than half of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer will develop hepatic metastases. Most patients with hepatic metastases will recur within two years after resection. Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) pumps deliver regional treatment. However, very few studies quantitatively explore the patient's experience of living with an HAI pump and how this experience impacts HAI-related quality of life (QOL). This study explored the impact of HAI pump treatment on patient's overall QOL within the specific domains of physical, psychological, social, and functional well-being. Methods: Twenty-five colorectal cancer patients treated with HAI pumps completed an HAI pump- specific QOL assessment tool at one data collection time point. The QOL assessment tool items were derived from the investigator's previous QOL research with this patient population [Blair et al., 2002, Annals of Surgical Oncology]. Demographic, disease and QOL data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 25 patients accrued, 32% were receiving treatments through their HAI pump and 68% were not. There were no significant difference in QOL between treatment status, gender, and age (<65 or = 65). Currently treated pump patients experienced more appetite changes (p=0.03), sleep changes (p=0.08), and more restrictions in traveling (p=0.08). Male patients had more concerns with lifting heavy items (p=0.05), while female patients had more concerns with isolation (p=0.17) and changes in the type of clothing worn (p=0.16). Younger patients had more concerns with vigorous activity (p=0.01), bending (p=0.08), and were more self-conscious of their appearance with the pump (p=0.01). Conclusions: Overall, in this study, colorectal cancer patients with HAI pumps reported good QOL and were satisfied with their overall treatment experience. Although there was no comparative statistical analysis performed in this study, several QOL concerns remain worrisome for patients. Defining these specific QOL concerns in HAI patients will enhance clinical understanding of their unique experience with this treatment modality and impact patient management. This will enable further development of educational tools and research to test interventions to support HAI patients and sustain their QOL. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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