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Effect of a hospital command centre on patient safety: an interrupted time series study
Get PDFYesCommand centres have been piloted in some hospitals across the developed world in the last few years. Their impact on patient safety, however, has not been systematically studied. Hence, we aimed to investigate this.
This is a retrospective population-based cohort study. Participants were patients who visited Bradford Royal Infirmary Hospital and Calderdale & Huddersfield hospitals between 1 January 2018 and 31 August 2021. A five-phase, interrupted time series, linear regression analysis was used.
After introduction of a Command Centre, while mortality and readmissions marginally improved, there was no statistically significant impact on postoperative sepsis. In the intervention hospital, when compared with the preintervention period, mortality decreased by 1.4% (95% CI 0.8% to 1.9%), 1.5% (95% CI 0.9% to 2.1%), 1.3% (95% CI 0.7% to 1.8%) and 2.5% (95% CI 1.7% to 3.4%) during successive phases of the command centre programme, including roll-in and activation of the technology and preparatory quality improvement work. However, in the control site, compared with the baseline, the weekly mortality also decreased by 2.0% (95% CI 0.9 to 3.1), 2.3% (95% CI 1.1 to 3.5), 1.3% (95% CI 0.2 to 2.4), 3.1% (95% CI 1.4 to 4.8) for the respective intervention phases. No impact on any of the indicators was observed when only the software technology part of the Command Centre was considered.
Implementation of a hospital Command Centre may have a marginal positive impact on patient safety when implemented as part of a broader hospital-wide improvement programme including colocation of operations and clinical leads in a central location. However, improvement in patient safety indicators was also observed for a comparable period in the control site. Further evaluative research into the impact of hospital command centres on a broader range of patient safety and other outcomes is warranted.This research is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Yorkshire and Humber Patient Safety Translational Research Centre (NIHR Yorkshire and Humber PSTRC)
The Use of MM/QM calculations of 13C chemical shifts in the analysis of Edaravone tautomers
Get PDFYesThe 13C NMR chemical shifts of the three Edaravone tautomers (keto, enol, and amine) were calculated using a combined molecular mechanics (Pcmod 9.1/MMFF94) and ab initio (GIAO (B3LYP/DFT, 6–31 + G(d)) model. This method gave such good agreement with experiment that the assignment of the complex spectrum of Edaravone in solution, which is a mixture of the three tautomers could be made. This has been attempted previously by various methods with diverse results. In CDCl3 solution, the observed spectra show only one form, the keto tautomer, and this is also the case with acetonitrile solvent. Acetone solvent reacts with Edavarone in the NMR tube. In the other solvents studied, methanol, pyridine, DMSO, trifluoroethanol (TFE), there is a mixture of the tautomers with populations which vary with the solvent. The application of the shift predictions allows the assignment of the 13C spectra to the three tautomers and from this the proportions of the tautomers in the solution. The results at times differ significantly from previous studies, and this is discussed
Application of Hansen Solubility Parameters and Thermomechanical Techniques to the Prediction of Miscibility of Amorphous Solid Dispersion. Investigating the role of cohesive energy and free volume to predict phase separation kinetics in hot-melt extruded amorphous solid dispersion using dynamic mechanical analyser, shear rheometer and solubility parameters data
No full textHot-melt extruded solid dispersion technique is increasingly employed to improve
the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. The technique relies on the enhanced
solubility of the amorphous form of the drug compared to its crystalline counterpart. These
systems however are thermodynamically unstable. This means that the drug crystallises
with time. Therefore, efforts to measure the stability of these systems over the life span
of the product are crucial.
This study focused on investigating the use of Hansen Solubility Parameters to
quantify polymer-drug interaction and to predict the stability of solid dispersions. This was
achieved through a systematic review of hot-melt extruded solid dispersion literature. The
study also investigated the use of a combined mechanical and rheological model to characterise the physicochemical and release behaviour of three solid dispersion
immediately after preparation and after storage for one month at 40oC or three months at
room temperature.
Results revealed that the total solubility parameter |ΔбT| was able to predict the
stability of the systems for more than 4 months using a cut-off point of 3 MPa-1 with a
negative predictive value of 0.9. This was followed by ΔбD with a cut-off point of 1.5 MPa-
1. Moreover, Dynamic Mechanical Analyser and shear rheometry data were shown to be
more sensitive than Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Powder X-Ray Diffraction,
Scanning Electron Microscope and Fourier Transform Infrared in detecting crystallisation
and the interaction between the drug and the polymer. The Dynamic Mechanical Analyser data were consistent with the dissolution behaviour of the samples when comparing the
freshly prepared samples with those after storage. The results highlight the need for a
unified characterisation approach and the necessity of verifying the homogeneity of
mixing during the extrusion process
The development and validation of a brand-building framework for platform-centric startups
Get PDFPlatform-centric startups that generate value by facilitating interactions between two or more interdependent groups digitally transform and disrupt the business environment, leading to significant changes in how people purchase, sell, communicate, and even live. Some of these, such as Uber and Airbnb, have become among the most beloved and successful brands, though they had serious challenges in building up their brands at the early stages due to lack of resources.
The purpose of this dissertation is to develop a framework of branding in platform-centric startups by identifying the pillars of brand‐building and linking the relevant factors. This study employs qualitative method to propose a four-level framework including passion, innovation, co-creation, and moralization for brand-building in startups. The novelty of this framework reveals that the locus of brand-building is gradually expanding from the founders to the company, then to the customers, and finally to a larger societal constituency. The framework can assist founders and stakeholders in monitoring the growth of a new venture in the real business world while guiding branding scholars to investigate the discipline of startup branding
Designing and Building a Novel Magnetic Heating System to Investigate the Dependence of the Magnetic System and the Optical Emission from Nanoparticles
Get PDFA Magnetic Heating Coil (MHC) has been designed, which has the potential to interact with magnetic Nanoparticles (NPs) to produce local temperature changes. The aim is to design a device capable of studying medically targeted magnetic-fluorescent core-shell NPs (with potential applications in cancer therapy via hyperthermia). Very little is known about how the magnetic-fluorescent NPs respond to magnetic fields and the effect this would have on their optical properties, therefore, considerable work is still required in order to understand the detailed interactions. Several modelling and simulations of the MHC were conducted besides developing the MHC that was designed and built for small samples of NPs (1-10ml volumes). Two different heating coil geometries were examined (coil A and coil B), where the former operates at 83 kHz and the latter operates at 125 kHz. Several tests for fluorescent emission, lifetime and anisotropy with several different NPs samples were conducted. We found that as the temperature increased from 5 °C to 45 °C, the fluorescence lifetime dropped from 3.8 ns to 3.6 ns. Also, the correlation time of the fluorescence in dilute solutions with varying temperatures from 20 °C to 40 °C was investigated, and it was found that decreased from 0.9 ns to 0.6 ns showing that the rotational diffusion of the dye increased and the molecules become more mobile. The MNPs were found to quench the fluorescent emission at high concentrations. Also, the MNPs induce only a small change in a lifetime from 3.9 ns to 3.4 ns.Libyan Higher Ministry of Educatio
Design and Implementation of Reconfigurable and MIMO Antennas for Future Heterogeneous Wireless Systems
No full textThe recent progress in electronics and communication technologies has driven the unprecedented demand for multi-functional wireless communication in most single wireless devices. However, employing the limited spectrum effectively on communication equipment poses a key design challenge, as most antennas often suffer from bandwidth limitations and restricted frequency rarge. Onekey approach to overcome this problem without significantly affecting the antenna size is to apply antenna tuneability and reconfigurability. This is achieved by electronically changing some properties of the antenna usually by loading the reactive loading of the resonator by means of active electronic elements including varactor diode or PIN diode with extra circuitry.
The main objective of this research is to design and investigate low-profile antennas for heterogeneous wireless systems using the antenna reconfigurability concept through tuning and/or using the MIMO antenna techniques. The research focuses on antenna design and implementation to cover various wireless standards and applications within the electromagnetic spectrum including UMTS (1.92-2.17 GHz), Cognitive Radio such as WLAN and WiMAX (2.4GHz), Wi-Fi (5.2GHz), 5G (600MHz - 6GHz) and MBAN applications. A family of compact microstrip printed reconfigurable antennas for various cognitive radio applications is presented. Effects of various slots on the antenna performance are also investigated, and the final version was reconfigured across a broad frequency range (1.5 - 2.4 GHz)
Furthermore, four new variants of the miniaturised hexagonal-shaped monopole printed antennas for different UWB applications are proposed. Prototypes of the four versions are fabricated and compared to establish their results. Two reconfigurable rejection bands are introduced to avoid anticipated interference with other systems working within the UWB range.
Finally, a novel low-profile four-element MIMO antenna was designed and fabricated to operate at the 2.4 GHz ISM band. both measurements and simulation results revealed strong agreement. Furthermore, the designed antenna was also tested on human tissues, with acceptable results when compared to its performance in free space. it is proved to be a good fit for wireless, mobile communications, medical systems and WBAN applications.Libyan Ministry of Higher Education.Subtitle: Simulation and Measurement of Reconfigurable Antennas for Cognitive Radio, UWB Applications, Investigation of Antenna Gain and Efficiency, Frequency Tuneable Range, Antenna Radiation Performance and Antenna Design Optimization using Parametric Studies as well as using MIMO antenna for wireless body area network
Flexural Behaviour of Geopolymer Concrete T-beams Reinforced with FRP or Hybrid FRP/Steel bars
No full textSteel bar corrosion is the most severe failure mode of RC structures in corrosive environments. Deterioration has raised conservation and maintenance costs, which is a cause for concern for the construction industry. FRP bars are replaced for steel reinforcing bars in severe environments to prevent corrosion. Each tonne of OPCC produces an extra tonne of CO2. The OPCC must be replaced with binders that emit less CO2. Geopolymer binder is an alternative to Portland cement that does not emit CO2 during manufacture. GPC reinforced with any material should provide a building system that is durable, economical, and ecologically friendly. The main aim of this study is to examine the flexural behaviour of geopolymer concrete T-beams reinforced with GFRP or Hybrid GFRP/Steel bars. To achieve this aim, twelve geopolymer concrete flanged beams reinforced with various combinations with steel and GFRP bars were experimentally tested, and comprehensive computational finite element simulations and analytical studies were also carried out.
For the first group, six full-scale simply supported T-beams were cast and tested; one control specimen was made with OPCC, while the other five beams were made of GPC. For second group, six full-scale T-Beams were cast including one using OPCC as the control beam. The main characteristics examined were the two types of reinforcement, GFRP and steel, reinforcement ratio, the type of concrete and concrete compressive strength. Based on the results of the experiments, the ultimate strain of GPC is not the same as that of OPCC, which affects the mode of failure
Development of dry powder Inhaler and nebulised nanoparticles formulations of chrysin for the potential treatment of asthma. Development of dry powder inhaler of chrysin and nebulised nanoemulsion combination of chrysin and budesonide; Evaluating the anti-inflammatory activity of the combination formulation of chrysin and budesonide for asthma
No full textChrysin is a flavonoid that can be used as a medication for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to its anti-inflammatory activities. However, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of an inhaled formulation of chrysin on its own or in combination with corticosteroids. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the aerosol performance of chrysin formulations as well as the performance of combined formulations of chrysin and budesonide. Dry powder inhaler formulations were used first, where chrysin was processed using three different techniques, namely ball-milling, sonocrystallisation, and spray drying, to obtain a suitable particle size for inhalation. The highest fine particle fraction was 27% when the sonocrystallised samples were used. As the lung deposition was relatively low, budesonide was not added to the formulations.
Next, liquid formulations of chrysin and budesonide were prepared in two concentrations using limonene and oleic acid as the oil phase. In a comparison of low and high drug concentrations of the formulations, the FPF of the formulations prepared with limonene ranged from 45% to 53.3% and from 49.3% to 53.9% for chrysin and budesonide, respectively; by contrast, the FPF of the formulations prepared with oleic acid oil ranged from 41% to 50.4% and from 46% to 53.3% for chrysin and budesonide, respectively. A genotoxicity study confirmed the safety of these combined formulations, and an anti-inflammatory study confirmed the potential for chrysin to be used with budesonide in a combined formulation; thus, chrysin’s anti-inflammatory efficacy can be improved and the required inhaled dose can be reduced
A Brief Consideration of the Later Prehistoric Appearance and Possible Significance of the Great Auk (Pinguinus impennis) in the Covesea Caves of North-East Scotland
Get PDFYesThis Short Note describes the distribution and composition of the great auk assemblage found within the Covesea Caves, and discusses its significance.Glasgow Natural History Society Professor Blodwen Lloyd Binns Bequest, the Prehistoric Society, and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council
No Margins, No Word Counts, No Masters! Experimenting With 'Zines for Archaeological Outreach
Get PDFYesAlternative forms of information dissemination have always been a crucial part of many radical forms of activism and organization. Arguably the most famous is the ‘zine - popularized in the punk/anarchist subculture of the 1980’s and 90’s, ‘zines were the antithesis of mainstream magazines, journals, and periodicals. They were an extension of the D.I.Y. (do-it-yourself) attitude that flourished within the subculture, reflecting a more informal and individualistic approach to the dissemination of information and ideas without the rigid formalities of mainstream literature. With the emergence of a new countercultural led by millennials, ‘zines have once again found popularity, taking advantage of the Internet to spread information even further than before through digital means. Although all ‘zines are different due to the individualistic and free nature of the format, most are often educational texts that also incorporate other forms of writing and media to help engage its audience with its content in a more exciting and entertaining way. Unfortunately, it appears that ‘zines have yet to find a foothold in academia as they have in social justice and activist groups – this is a shame, as there is a wealth of possibilities for the application of a ‘zine format for the dissemination of information to non-specialist audiences. This paper explores the idea of utilizing ‘zines as an alternative approach to public outreach in archaeology. This will include documenting and reflecting on the current progress of a ‘zine being developed by myself and other archaeologists about anarchist approaches to archaeological theory and practice. I will examine how practical it is to adopt this method for outreach, compare it to the more "traditional" methods of dissemination (journals, conferences, etc.), and reflect on my personal experiences with creating an archaeological 'zine of my own