Good Practice Research Articles

Association of Upper GI Surgery of Great Britain and Ireland (AUGIS) Delphi consensus recommendations on the adoption of robotic upper GI surgery.

The adoption of robotic platforms in upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is expanding rapidly. The absence of centralised guidance and governance in adoption of new surgical technologies may lead to an increased risk of patient harm. Surgeon stakeholders participated in a Delphi consensus process following a national open-invitation in-person meeting on the adoption of robotic upper GI surgery. Consensus agreement was deemed met if >80% agreement was achieved. Following two rounds of Delphi voting, 25 statements were agreed on covering the training process, governance and good practice for surgeons' adoption in upper GI surgery. One statement failed to achieve consensus. These recommendations are intended to support surgeons, patients and health systems in the adoption of robotics in upper GI surgery.

Exposure control measures proposed by different organizations: the curious case of nanomaterial-involved activities

Objectives. The unique properties of nanomaterials have turned them into an emerging threat for humans and the environment. This study therefore aimed to review exposure control measures proposed for nanomaterial-involved activities. Methods. This study is based on the published guidelines of different organizations on safe handling of nanomaterials. The search for documents was provided using the keywords ‘Exposure controls’, ‘Good practices’, ‘Working safely’, ‘Safe practices’, ‘Handling safely’, ‘Safety guide’ and ‘Safety and health’, combined with ‘Nanomaterials’, ‘Nanotechnology’ and ‘Nanoparticles’ on different databases and websites. Results. Thirty-one guidelines from 27 organizations were included. Most of the guidelines recommended engineering controls, administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). Changing the physical form of nanomaterials or the process, using prevention through design (PtD) and using green chemistry principals were other suggestions to reduce exposure to nanomaterials. Conclusions. Considering the difficulty of implementation and case specificity of the solutions of the first two priorities of the hierarchy of controls (elimination and substitution), the emphasis of the guidelines on the next three priorities for controlling exposure to nanomaterials is understood. The type and method of using PPE and engineering controls should be resolved by referring to cutting-edge articles.

Measuring Policy Learning: Challenges and Good Practices

Abstract How can we empirically identify and measure policy learning? Through a problematized review, we develop a novel perspective to identifying, explaining, and addressing interconnected ontological, theoretical-contextual, and consequently, methodological challenges in the measurement of policy learning. We de-compose measurement as a three-fold endeavor, concerning: conceptual foundations, the design of measurement instruments, and their deployment in empirical research. Then, we synthesize exemplars of good practice across these three stages and offer a set of recommendations for the refinement of policy learning measurement, while maintaining theoretical and methodological pluralism.

Using social media for male sexual health: what do we miss? A perspective article on good practices and missing evidence.

Social media are popular and play a key role in influencing, informing, and stimulating users in their everyday lives. People (especially adolescents and young adults) increasingly use social media to get and share sexual health-related information. Studies have shown encouraging results on using social media for sexual health communication improving attitudes and behaviors, although the current quality of studies makes them little reliable. In fact, literature shows how research on social media and sexual health communication has many limitations and unexplored areas, especially for male users. What can we do as sexual health professionals to improve in this field? The answer is simple: engage in better communication and do more research, starting from the users' needs. There is the urgency to embrace these new ways of information among professionals in order to improve access to better care. In this perspective article, authors will present and discuss some of the evidence on the use of social media in male sexual health and offer some suggestions on how to communicate better in these platforms.

Research priorities for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in humanitarian crises: A global prioritisation exercise

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions should provide access to safe water and sanitation, and promote good hygiene practices with dignity, comfort and security. Multiple systematic reviews have noted evidence gaps and is a paucity of good quality evidence related to the effectiveness and implementation of WASH programmes and interventions in humanitarian crises. The aim of this study was to generate consensus-based actionable research priorities for the humanitarian WASH sector. A research prioritisation exercise was conducted by adapting the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method. Research questions were compiled from a rapid scoping review, key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Questions were reviewed by a technical expert group. An online survey was circulated to score research questions according to five criteria. An overall prioritisation score was calculated and weighted to prioritise questions. A diverse range of 286 global WASH and health experts engaged in the CHNRI process. A list of 128 questions were generated and scored by experts. Prioritised research questions focussed on evaluating existing interventions or programmes, and making iterative changes to current programmes. Other important questions centred on describing WASH conditions and associated health risks in crises contexts. Priorities were also stratified by gender, organisation and region to understand differences globally. The WASH in Crises Research Agenda has identified key research questions of most importance to those implementing WASH in humanitarian crises and has established a list of research priorities. The identified priorities reinforce how more evidence is needed, and underlines the need for research to evaluate current practices in order to improve the quality of humanitarian response. Stakeholders, including donors, international and national organisations, governments and academic institutions, are invited to use this research agenda to encourage, inspire and enable relevant and high-quality research that will be used to inform humanitarian responses.

Managing the risk of repeated violence against the intimate partner in probation service: Review of the practice in Lithuania and foreign countries

According to official statistical data, each year a large number of the perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) is under the supervision of Lithuanian probation service (LPS). This article analyses evidence-based measures applied for the management of the risk of repeated IPV, as well as Lithuanian and foreign practice of organising correctional work with the perpetrators of IPV. Analysis of recent practice shows that, compared to foreign countries, correctional work with this group of offenders in Lithuania often does not correspond to the principles of the Risk-Need-Responsivity model and does not address the heterogeneity of this specific group. Taking into account the good practice of foreign countries and the Lithuanian context, several suggestions are made to improve correctional work with this specific group: revising individual assessment procedures, preparing differentiated protocols for service provision, and adapting the means available at LPS for correctional work with IPV perpetrators.

A Managed Approach to On-Street Sex Working: Messages for Social Work Practice

Abstract Presently, there is limited research examining sex work and social work in the UK; however, the needs of sex workers often intersect with various areas of practice. This article sets out to enhance social work practice by drawing upon empirical findings from an Independent Review of the Managed Approach to On-Street Sex Working (2020) commissioned by the Safer Leeds Partnership. The Review evaluated the implementation of an approach to on-street sex work introduced in 2014, which established the parameters of on-street sex working in the city, including geographical boundaries and hours. Furthermore, it implemented a multi-agency response to managing problems or needs associated with its presence in the community. The Review of the Managed Approach employed a mixed-method approach that included sex workers, residents, businesses and professionals. However, this article will focus on thematically analysed qualitative data from semi-structured interviews conducted with sex workers and specialist agencies and focus groups with professionals working across a range of related fields. It will explore examples of good practice relevant to social work, whilst highlighting broader structural impediments that increase marginalisation for sex workers. In order to do so, it will draw upon the work of Butler (2006, 2009, 2020) to examine the data.

Metaverse-based education: literature review and a proposed framework

ABSTRACT In recent years, with the improvement of information and communication technologies and the step towards 5G technology in the Internet infrastructure, the use of technologies in education is increasing day by day. Metaverse is one of the important technologies that contribute to digital education processes. While various studies search the literature to synthesize Metaverse-related findings in education, there are few studies that describe the main features of the Metaverse-based education concept, systematically summarize the findings related to this concept. To fill this gap, this study aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the Metaverse-based education concept and propose a framework for this concept. The search was made in different databases, and both quantitative analysis and qualitative discussion were used to analyze the state of the art. This study contributes a structured overview of Metaverse-based education-related publications and reports on the existing state of literature, categorizes publications, analyzes and links trends, highlights gaps, and accordingly proposes a framework (i.e. characteristics, critical success and risk factors, technologies, and components). This study not only adds to the current Metaverse-based education knowledge body but also offers policymakers and practitioners with references for developing policies and good practices to support Metaverse-based education.

Patient and public involvement in the development of the digital tool MyBoT to support communication between young people with a chronic condition and care providers.

To guide good practices in patient and public involvement (PPI), several calls have been made to share detailed accounts of practical experiences. We describe our collaboration with young people with a chronic condition (YPCC) in the development, testing and implementation of the digital communication tool MyBoT (Map your Burden of Treatment). MyBoT was developed by a team of academic researchers, some of whom were practising care providers, YPCC and designers. In addition to the two co-researchers in the research team, various groups of YPCC were involved in decision-making through participation in a design session, workshops and a dialogue session. The Involvement Matrix was used to reflect on the PPI of all YPCC. Initially, the two co-researchers were involved in the roles of informer and co-thinker, but their decision-making power within the study increased over time. In the final stages of the study, the co-researchers and researchers became partners. The other YPCC who participated in the different sessions and workshops were co-thinkers in all stages of the study. The PPI of two YPCCsas co-researchers within the research team ensured continuous involvement, whereas the PPI of various groups of YPCCsguaranteed a representative and inclusive approach. Researchers play an essential role in bringing all perspectives together, integrating them within the technical and financial constraints and ultimately building a tool that is tailored to its users' needs. YPCC played a significant role in the present study. Two YPCC-who are also co-authors of this paper-were involved in all stages of this project as members of the research team. In addition, various YPCCswere involved in the development, testing and implementation stage of MyBoT by organizing design sessions, workshops and a dialogue session.

Similarities and Differences between Religious Communities in Addressing Climate Change

Abstract This study explores: a) what is being done by religions present in Catalonia (Spain) to address climate change; b) what the worldviews of the different religions are with regard to climate change, and, c) if commonalities exist between religions, which elements they have in common when addressing climate change. We focus on SDG 12 (sustainable consumption) and 13 (climate action), two of the 17 global goals that represent an urgent call for action. We employ a qualitative phenomenological methodology involving discussion groups of fourteen different religions present in Catalonia. The results show that the religions implement good practices that contribute to climate action, and all of them have laid down principles to take care of the planet. All groups hold that a change in values is required to address the climate crisis, and translate it into action. Moreover, a clear intention to establish interfaith partnerships for climate action is observed.

Measures to Improve Nurses' Pain Management

Pain is the most common medical issue that older people face in a long-term care facility. Registered nurses have a critical role in helping residents manage their pain. This research looked at measures to improve pain management practices in long-term care facilities in Ontario. The site for this research was a chosen long-term care facility in Ontario, Canada, a 160-bed nursing home for the elderly that provides various nursing and medical care services. Semi-structured focus group interviews lasting about an hour were done. This study's population consisted of 45 nurses. The researcher chose a sample of 25 registered nurses using a purposive sampling strategy. The data was reviewed using qualitative data analysis to detect recurring concerns. This research revealed the necessity of identifying measures to improve pain management and reinforcing good practices in long-term care homes; better pain management practices are necessary to manage pain in a long-term care home. This study demonstrated the importance of recognizing and overcoming measures to improve pain management and reinforce good practices in long-term care homes. Therefore, improved measures to improve pain management practices are required to manage pain in a long-term care home effectively. Education about safe pain management will help to prevent the undertreatment of pain and its negative consequences. The overall benefits of measures to improve pain management practices in long-term care homes expand nurses' clinical knowledge in the care of residents living in nursing homes.

A prototype field-to-publication data system for a multi-variable permafrost observation network

Analysis and prediction of permafrost change are hampered by lack of observational data. We implement a permafrost data management system to support multi-variable permafrost observation networks. It addresses five key challenges we identified for permafrost data management and publication: (1) existing data management strategies do not scale well, (2) data users have different skills and needs, (3) permafrost data are varied, (4) resources for permafrost data management are limited, and (5) existing permafrost data sources are difficult to integrate. This prototype system supports a workflow from observation to the distribution of interoperable data. It comprises a database with auxiliary software, a set of practices, and an ERDDAP server. We find the system simplifies data publication, hurdles in adapting CF conventions and ERDDAP for permafrost data remain, and technology cannot replace good practice. Our learning can inform organizations who collect, manage, or distribute permafrost data or those who manage large observation networks.

Evidence-based Medication knowledge Brokers in Residential Aged CarE (EMBRACE): protocol for a helix-counterbalanced randomised controlled trial

IntroductionClinical practice guidelines recommend against the routine use of psychotropic medications in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). Knowledge brokers are individuals or groups who facilitate the transfer of knowledge into practice. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of using knowledge brokers to translate Australia’s new Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Appropriate Use of Psychotropic Medications in People Living with Dementia and in Residential Aged Care.Methods and analysisThe Evidence-based Medication knowledge Brokers in Residential Aged CarE (EMBRACE) trial is a helix-counterbalanced randomised controlled trial. The 12-month trial will be conducted in up to 19 RACFs operated by four Australian aged care provider organisations in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland. RACFs will be randomised to receive three levels of implementation strategies (knowledge broker service, pharmacist-led quality use of medications education activities and distribution of the Guidelines and supporting materials) across three medication contexts (antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants). Implementation strategies will be delivered by an embedded on-site aged care pharmacist working at a system level across each participating RACF. All RACFs will receive all implementation strategies simultaneously but for different medication contexts. The primary outcome will be a composite dichotomous measure of 6-month RACF-level concordance with Guideline recommendations and good practice statements among people using antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants for changed behaviours. Secondary outcomes will include proportion of residents with Guideline concordant use of antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and antidepressants measured at the RACF-level and proportion of residents with psychotropic medication use, hospitalisation, falls, falls with injury, polypharmacy, quality of life, activities of daily living, medication incidents and behavioural incidents measured at the RACF-level.DiscussionThe EMBRACE trial investigates a novel guideline implementation strategy to improve the safe and effective use of psychotropic medications in RACFs. We anticipate that the findings will provide new information on the potential role of knowledge brokers for successful and cost-effective guideline implementation.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12623001141639. Registered 6 November 2023 — retrospectively registered, https://www.anzctr.org.au/TrialSearch.aspx.

The First Steps of Blended Mobility in European Higher Education: A Survey of Blended Intensive Programmes

Blended Mobility refers to the strategic combination of phases of online learning with periods of short physical mobility. This approach to international learning has gained considerable interest in European university education in recent years due to the introduction of Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) in the new Erasmus + programme. BIPs are defined as a form of Blended Mobility which involve short, intensive programmes that use innovative ways of learning and teaching, including online cooperation. This article reports on the results of a survey of BIP academic coordinators which was carried out to establish an overview of current practices in the area. The study provides an overview of the perceived benefits of Blended Mobility and also identifies the main challenges which practitioners encounter when running such programmes. A series of good practices which are recommended by organisers are presented and this is followed by a discussion of the survey's major conclusions.

Access to basic education: A literature review of challenges facing children living with visual impairment in Sub-Saharan Africa

Visual impairment is a serious public health challenge that impacts on the social, economic, and educational opportunities of affected children, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Most countries in SSA fail to address education barriers emanating from poorly formulated education policies and implementation that directly or indirectly discriminate against children living with visual disabilities, particularly those from rural backgrounds. Therefore reviewing education policies and legislative laws about their pertinence and execution appears paramount. An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, and EBSCOhost databases as well as official websites including technical reports, policy documents and/or frameworks. The literature search used the following keywords in various combinations ‘access to basic education’, ‘challenges to accessing basic education’, and ‘visual impairment among children in Sub-Saharan Africa’. The literature reviewed geographically covers a SSA perspective on the following aspects: (1) visual impairment among children in SSA, (2) the lack of access to basic education for visually impaired children, (3) shortage of specialised skills in basic education for visually impaired children, (4) violations of good practice and discrimination in accessing basic education, and (5) possible solutions to the challenges experienced by children with visual impairments in SSA. Visually impaired children need to be recognised as part of their communities and should have the same rights to education as other citizens. All necessary measures should be made available for them to have fulfilling lives, including appropriate educational facilities.

Multidimensional Epidemiological Survey Data Aggregation Scheme Based on Personalized Local Differential Privacy

In recent years, with the rapid development of intelligent technology, information security and privacy issues have become increasingly prominent. Epidemiological survey data (ESD) research plays a vital role in understanding the laws and trends of disease transmission. However, epidemiological investigations (EI) involve a large amount of privacy-sensitive data which, once leaked, will cause serious harm to individuals and society. Collecting EI data is also a huge task. To solve these problems and meet personalized privacy protection requirements in EIs, we improve the uOUE protocol based on utility-optimized local differential privacy to improve the efficiency and accuracy of data coding. At the same time, aiming at the collection and processing of ESD, a multidimensional epidemiological survey data aggregation scheme based on uOUE is designed. By using Paillier homomorphic encryption and an identity-based signature scheme to further prevent differential attacks and achieve multidimensional data aggregation, the safe, efficient, and accurate aggregation processing of ESD is executed. Through security proof and performance comparison, it is verified that our algorithm meets the requirements of local differential privacy and unbiased estimation. The experimental evaluation results on two data sets show that the algorithm has good practicability and accuracy in ESD collection and provides reliable and effective privacy protection.

A novel dual recognition sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers and photochemical aptamer for non-autofluorescence determination of dopamine

Dopamine (DA), as a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in neuronal communication. Abnormal levels of DA concentration in vivo are associated with severe neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Highly selective and highly efficient determination of DA from complex biological samples is very important. In this work, m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt, a novel sandwich structure persistent luminescence sensor was designed based on a photochemical aptamer sensor and magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (m-MIPs). By modifying aptamers on the surface of ZGGC persistent luminescent nanoparticles, ZGGC-Apt probes with dual capabilities (recognition and detection) were obtained, which allowed for specific recognition and autofluorescence-free detection of DA. The m-MIPs recognition probe with specific cavity captures of DA was synthesized using Fe3O4 as the imprint carrier. In the presence of both probes, a m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt sandwich structure was formed continuously in real samples with the increase in DA concentration, resulting in a strong the luminescence response. Under optimal experimental conditions, satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity were obtained by the dual recognition sensor achieved a wide linear range from 0.01 to 100 μM and a low detection limit of 0.0065 μM. Moreover, the designed sensor showed good reliability and practicability in the detection of small molecule DA in real biological samples.

Pre-Harvest Food Safety Challenges in Food-Animal Production in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Food safety remains a significant global public health concern, with the risk of unsafe food varying worldwide. The economies of several low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) heavily rely on livestock, posing a challenge to ensuring the production of safe food. This review discusses our understanding of pre-harvest critical issues related to food safety in LMICs, specifically focusing on animal-derived food. In LMICs, food safety regulations are weak and inadequately enforced, primarily concentrating on the formal market despite a substantial portion of the food sector being dominated by informal markets. Key critical issues at the farm level include animal health, a low level of good agriculture practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials. Effectively addressing foodborne diseases requires a comprehensive One Health framework. Unfortunately, the application of the One Health approach to tackle food safety issues is notably limited in LMICs. In conclusion, considering that most animal-source foods from LMICs are marketed through informal channels, food safety legislation and policies need to account for this context. Interventions aimed at reducing foodborne bacterial pathogens at the farm level should be scalable, and there should be strong advocacy for the proper implementation of pre-harvest interventions through a One Health approach.

TV cooking shows—Consumer entertainment or education?

AbstractThe current observational study aims to determine the extent to which main food safety principles are addressed in Slovenian cooking shows and whether the type of main actor or television channel significantly impacts adherence to good hygiene practices. In general, our results show that food handling presented to the audience in Slovenian TV cooking shows often deviates from the main food safety recommendations. A comparison between amateur and professional chefs has shown notable but statistically insignificant differences. While in the area of personal hygiene, more deviations were found among amateur than among professional chefs (p = 0.011), we can observe the opposite in the area of preparation practices, albeit with insignificant difference (p = 0.884). The current study provides further evidence that there is a large gap between what viewers see and what they should have seen in television cooking shows from a food safety perspective.

Building a sustainable future: The role of digital resources in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The article examines the role of digital resources in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in building a sustainable future. It highlights the importance of understanding their context and the challenges associated with their achievement, and highlights the potential of digital technologies, along with a review of the most relevant digital resources. The article identifies the barriers and challenges that hinder the effective use of digital resources in the implementation of the SDGs and the impact of these resources on the process of achieving the goals. It also highlights the importance of investing in training and development of digital skills, promoting research and technological innovation, and fostering collaboration and exchange of good practices at the international level. There is significant development on the future potential of digital resources and recommendations are provided to promote their effective use in the realization of the SDGs. Successful implementation of the SDGs requires coordinated action at the global level, and digital resources are presented as valuable tools to drive progress towards these goals.