31 research outputs found
Systems Approach to Evaluating MIH-CP (Mobile Integrated Healthcare – Community Paramedicine): A Case Study of East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Community Paramedicine Program Initiative
No full textThis study applied a holistic method of healthcare program assessment, known as systems approach, to evaluate the efficacy of the East Baton Rouge Parish (EBRP) EMS Community-integrated Health Program (CIHP). The author developed assessment metrics following the Quadruple Aim Framework: IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) Triple Aim + Provider Experience.
Results showed that the CP program in this study delivers high ratings on patient experience and provided a 51% return on investment (ROI) through reduced emergency service utilization, ED visits and inpatient hospital admissions. However, findings did not demonstrate meaningful improvement in patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-efficacy (SE). Nevertheless, provider (specially-trained EMS paramedics) experience from the mixed-methods assessment offers suggestions to improving the program, as well as insights into the barriers to healthcare access that are often encountered by the frequent ED user population
Publication productivity of Malaysian authors and institutions in LIS
No full textThe paper attempted to provide a “picture” of Malaysian LIS research and publications. The study aimed to show (a) the total number and spread of publications produced by Malaysian authors; (b) the active authors; (c) the authorship pattern; (d) the affiliation status of the authors; (e) the main channels used to publish; and (f) the subject covered by the published works. The study confined its scope to the publications produced between 1965 and 2005 by Malaysian authors published in Malaysia as well as abroad. Bibliometric techniques and regression analysis were employed as the measuring instrument. The data was collected from seven online databases and seven well established library OPACs, which are expected to hold earlier and current LIS publications. A bibliometric toolbox was used to feed in text files which provided brief summaries of ranked results, a bibliograph and minimal Bradford zonal analysis. The subject categorization used by Gorman and Corbit’s Model of core competencies for LIS was used to categorized entries by subjects. The results indicated that (a) Malaysian LIS authors preferred to publish in journals (511, 48.9) and conference papers (474, 45.4); (b) the publication distribution fluctuated over the 41 year period but the moving average depicted a steady incremental trend; (c) a total of 506 authors contributed to 1,045 publications and 309 are one-time authors’ (d) the active authors in LIS are affiliated to 131 institutions and the productive institutions were the national Library of Malaysia, University of Malaya library and the academics at the MLIS Programme, University of Malaya.; (e) publication productivity was related to institutional active involvement in LIS journal publishing; and (f) the main subject areas actively researched upon were collection development and management, information centres and services, and ICT applications LIS
The weaponisation of artificial intelligence in modern warfare: Implications for global peace and security
No full textThe integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into military operations has significant implications for global stability. Understanding these implications is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and the international community. This study addresses the impact of AI-driven technologies on defence systems. It examines autonomous weapons, surveillance, and cyber warfare, highlighting the potential for an arms race. The main argument is that responsible AI deployment is essential for maintaining peace and security. The study is anchored on Deterrence theory. This study adopts qualitative research methods as a means of data collection which is secondary source based, and were merely obtained from textbooks, Journal articles, conference proceedings, Newspapers, and reliable internet materials. The data collected were analysed thematically. The study however revealed that AI enhances military capabilities while raising legal and ethical concerns. The study therefore recommends among others, the need for AI governance via international norms, and cooperation to prevent misuse
Hemoglobin and Ferritin Concentrations in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
No full textBackground Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a clinical condition characterized by insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity, has been linked with raised levels of serum ferritin (Sfr) concentrations. Objectives This study was carried out to compare hemoglobin (Hb) and Sfr concentrations in patients with MetS, regular donors and first-time donors. Materials and Methods A total of 102 subjects who were between 18 and 60 years were enrolled for the study. They were divided into three groups. The first group ( n = 20) was made up of 5 males and 15 females, all who met the criteria that define MetS. The second group ( n = 52; M = 34, F = 18) were regular donors, while the last group ( n = 30; M = 16, F = 14) were first-time donors or those who had not donated before. Following an overnight fast, 20 mL of venous blood was drawn from each subject. About 5 mL of this was put into sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) specimen bottles for the full blood count parameters with Sysmex KX-21N hematology analyzer (made in Japan). The remaining 15 mL had serum separated for Sfr assay using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a commercial assay kit manufactured by Teco Diagnostics. Results Significant difference was found in the mean Sfr concentration of subjects with MetS (163 ± 136.92 ng/mL) and regular donors (41.46 ± 40.33 ng/mL), P = 0.001. The mean Sfr concentrations of subjects with MetS (163 ± 136.92 ng/mL) were also higher than that of first-time donors (102.46 ± 80.26 ng/mL), but it was not statistically significant, P = 0.053. The Hb concentrations of the three groups were not significantly different. Conclusion Sfr concentrations of regular donors were lower than that of subjects with MetS and first-time donors. The difference between regular donors and subjects with MetS was statistically significant. However, there is no significant difference in the Hb concentrations in the three groups. MetS is not associated with anemia or hyperferritinemia
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: HOW CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AFFECTS FIRMS COMPETITIVENESS
No full textThe environmental aspect of CSR has been debated over the past few decades as stakeholders increasingly require organizations to become more environmentally aware and socially responsible. The environmental aspects of sustainable practices have increasingly become a major issue in the manufacturing sector. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess how environmental standards are directly related to competitiveness indicators. The study used a quantitative research design using primary data from a survey. The study population comprised eight (8) listed manufacturers of consumer goods products in South-west Nigeria. Thus, the total sample size for the study is 410. Primary data gathered from certified consumer goods manufacturing firms in Southwest Nigeria was evaluated using structural equation modelling, specifically partial least squares. The research findings established a significant direct and strong relationship between environmental standards and the competitiveness of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Southwest Nigeria. The study found that the selected manufacturing firms support climate change legislation to gain power over their competitors. The selected firms have taken initiatives to align sustainability with economic goals for competitiveness. Managers and other people at the top play a key role in decision-making and implementing the firm's sustainability practices. This study recommends that the need for manufacturing sector continue to behave fairly and responsibly and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large
Comparative Study of Biochemical and Nutritional Status of Breast Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy/radiotherapy in Ibadan
No full textA comparative study of BCA patients on chemotherapy/radiotherapy and immune booster supplements (combination of essential vitamins and minerals) with apparently healthy controls was investigated by assessing the lipid profile, hepatic transaminases (plasma AST, ALT) total bilurubin, lipid peroxidation and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma vitamins C and E respectively. There was no significant difference (p0.05) in total cholesterol, but we observed a significant increase in triglyceride level in BCA patients compared to control. Protein concentration decreased significantly (p0.05) in BCA patients, compared to control. SOD and vitamin C levels were not significantly different while vitamin E decreased significantly (p0.05) in BCA patients compared to control. Lipid peroxidation increased (p0.05) in BCA patients compared to control. We observed an increase in AST, a decrease in ALT and total proteins in BCA patients that were significant and a non-significant decrease in the bilirubin level when compared with control.The results support the fact that BCA patients on chemotherapy have altered dietary intake and the enhanced metabolism of lipids and proteins may increased oxidative stress
Bolstering the Impact of Social Entrepreneurship and Poverty Alleviation for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
No full textSocial entrepreneurship has gained increasing attention as a means to address social problems, including poverty, in Nigeria. Poverty is a major challenge in Nigeria, with a poverty rate of over 40%. Poverty alleviation is critical to achieving sustainable development in the country. Social entrepreneurship can play a key role in addressing poverty by creating jobs, providing access to goods and services, and promoting economic growth. Hence, this study examines bolstering the impact of social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation for sustainable development in Nigeria. The research focuses primarily on fostering economic, social, and environmental improvements, as well as improving people’s lives. Three hypotheses were formulated to help accomplish the primary objectives of the study. The Opportunity-Based Entrepreneurship Theory, Social Network Theory, and Schumpeterian Theory of Innovation were used to explain the objective of the study. In this study, a purposive sampling technique was used, and 300 copies of structured questionnaires were administered to selected social entrepreneurs of which 262 copies were retrieved and used for the analysis. The data were analyzed using structural and measurement models, and the path coefficient was determined using PLS-SEM. The significance level was calculated using the bootstrapping method. The results from the test of hypotheses showed that; the most significant predictor of poverty alleviation is social innovation (β = 0.376, p < 0.05), followed by the social value (β = 0.314, p < 0.05), and finally, social impact (β = 0.231, p < 0.05). This study concludes that social innovation is fundamental for empowering individuals and communities to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve long-term prosperity. The study recommends that to promote sustainable social entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation in Nigeria, the government can create policies and programs that support social innovation, such as providing access to funding, business training, and mentorship. The government can also collaborate with entrepreneurs and organizations to promote their initiatives and create a supportive ecosystem for social entrepreneurship
Authorship Patterns in Cancer Genomics Publications Across Africa.
No full textPURPOSE
Authorship is a proxy indicator of research capacity. Understanding the research capacity is imperative for developing population-specific cancer control strategies. This is particularly apropos for African nations, where mortality from cancer is projected to surpass that from infectious disease and the populations are critically under-represented in cancer and genomics studies. Here, we present an analysis and discussion of the patterns of authorship in Africa as they pertain to cancer genomics research across African countries.
METHODS
PubMed metadata of relevant cancer genomics peer-reviewed publications on African populations, published between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2019, were retrieved and analyzed for patterns of authorship affiliation using R packages, RISmed, and Pubmed.mineR.
RESULTS
The data showed that only 0.016% (n = 375) of cancer publications globally were on cancer genomics of African people. More than 50% of the first and last authors of these publications originated from the North African countries of Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, and Algeria. South Africa (13.6% and 12.7%) and Nigeria (2.2% and 1.9%) were the Sub-Saharan African countries most represented by first and last authorship positions, respectively. The United States contributed 12.6% of first and last authored papers, and nearly 50% of all African countries had no contributing author for the publications we reviewed.
CONCLUSION
This study highlights and brings awareness to the paucity of cancer genomics research on African populations and by African authors and identifies a need for concerted efforts to encourage and enable more research in Africa, needed for achieving global equity in cancer outcomes
