Good Practice Guidelines Research Articles

Simulation Approaches for the Study of the Oil Flow Rate Distribution in Lubricating Systems with Rotating Shafts

This study addresses the issue of predicting the distribution of lubricant flow through the outlets of a rotating shaft used in vehicle power transmission. A typical geometry with closely spaced rows of holes, suitable for the lubrication of multi-disk clutches, was considered. Both lumped parameter and computational fluid dynamics approaches were applied and compared. The test rig for model validation was designed with a variable speed shaft featuring an axial oil inlet and three equally spaced pairs of radial outlet holes. The main characteristic of the experimental facility is the possibility to selectively measure the flow rates through each outlet. It was found that the three-dimensional model based on the multiple reference frame approach provides a reliable prediction of how the flow rate is distributed. Generally, the flow rate is lower through the outlet closest to the inlet and is maximum at the farthest exit. The flow distribution is minimally affected by the shaft speed. The influence of geometric parameters on making the flow distribution more uniform was studied. It was found that a better flow balance is obtained with a low ratio between the diameter of the radial holes and that of the axial channel. The results obtained offer best-practice guidelines for accurately simulating comparable systems, in order to optimize reliability of the mechanical transmission and energy efficiency of the flow generation unit.

A meta-network analysis of methodological specifications for system dynamics modelling application in agricultural food systems

This paper aims to review existing applications of system dynamics modelling in agricultural food systems and draw insights from the various modelling procedures in order to highlight best-practice guidelines on methodological specifications for SD modelling. A meta-network analysis was used to identify existing studies that have applied SD modelling in agriculture. Using an algorithm that automatically clusters closely connected research articles based on Boolean search strings that look at the title, keywords, abstract, and digital object identifier (DOI) of the journal articles, 354 journal articles were selected for in-depth content analysis.Based on the synthesised trends, two criteria for determining the type of modelling process and model type to apply for the model conceptualisation step are: (i) the immediate end goal of the modelling process, and (ii) data availability. Participatory modelling is appropriate when there is limited data and model outputs will inform the implementation of interventions by stakeholders. For action research focusing on well-researched food systems with substantial data available, the semi-participatory modelling process can be adopted, and quantitative SD models can be solitarily used. A key contribution of this paper is the proposed procedure for emergent participatory scenario development within the system dynamics modelling process.

Managing Induced Seismicity Risks From Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Good Practice Guideline

AbstractGeothermal energy is a green source of power that could play an important role in climate‐conscious energy portfolios; enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have the potential to scale up exploitation of thermal resources. During hydraulic fracturing, fluids injected under high‐pressure cause the rock mass to fail, stimulating fractures that improve fluid connectivity. However, this increase of pore fluid pressure can also reactivate pre‐existing fault systems, potentially inducing earthquakes of significant size. Induced earthquakes are a significant concern for EGS operations. In some cases, ground shaking nuisance, building damages, or injuries have spurred the early termination of projects (e.g., Basel, Pohang). On the other hand, EGS operations at Soultz‐sous‐Forêts (France), Helsinki (Finland), Blue Mountain (Nevada, USA), and Utah FORGE (USA) have adequately managed induced earthquake risks. The success of an EGS operation depends on economical reservoir enhancements, while maintaining acceptable seismic risk levels. This requires state‐of‐the‐art seismic risk management. This article reviews domains of seismology, earthquake engineering, risk management, and communication. We then synthesize “good practice” recommendations for evaluating, mitigating, and communicating the risk of induced seismicity. We advocate for a modular approach. Recommendations are provided for key technical aspects including (a) a seismic risk management framework, (b) seismic risk pre‐screening, (c) comprehensive seismic hazard and risk evaluation, (d) traffic light protocol designs, (e) seismic monitoring implementation, and (f) step‐by‐step communication plans. Our recommendations adhere to regulatory best practices, to ensure their general applicability. Our guidelines provide a template for effective earthquake risk management and future research directions.

Neurointerventional surveys between 2000 and 2023: a systematic review

BackgroundSurveys are increasingly used in neurointervention to gauge physicians’ and patients’ attitudes, practice patterns, and ‘real-world’ treatment strategies, particularly in conditions for which few, or no evidence-based, recommendations exist. While...

Predicting mucosal inflammation in IBD patients using patient-reported symptom scores and a faecal calprotectin home test: protocol for a multicentre prospective validation study

IntroductionCrohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with a relapsing-remitting nature. With adequate non-invasive prediction of mucosal inflammation, endoscopies can be prevented and treatment optimised earlier...

Critical Power and Maximal Lactate Steady State in Cycling: "Watts" the Difference?

From a physiological perspective, the delineation between steady-state and non-steady-state exercise, also referred to as the maximal metabolic steady state, holds paramount importance for evaluating athletic performance and designing and monitoring training programs. The critical power and the maximal lactate steady state are two widely used indices to estimate this threshold, yet previous studies consistently reported significant discrepancies between their associated power outputs. These findings have fueled the debate regarding the interchangeability of critical power and themaximal lactate steady state in practice. This paper reviews the methodological intricacies intrinsic to the determination of these thresholds, and elucidates how inappropriate determination methods and methodological inconsistencies between studies have contributed to the documented differences in the literature. Through a critical examination of relevant literature and by integration of our laboratory data, we demonstrate that differences between critical power and themaximal lactate steady state may be reconciled to only a few Watts when applying appropriate and strict determination criteria, so that both indices may be used to estimate the maximal metabolic steady-state threshold in practice. To this end, we have defined a set of good practice guidelines to assist scientists and coaches in obtaining the most valid critical power and maximal lactate steady state estimates.

Improve Mental Health (Improve-MH) in refugee families using a culturally adapted, general practitioner-delivered psychotherapeutic intervention combined with Triple P Online parenting programme: study protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionGermany and the European Union have experienced successive waves of refugees since 2014, resulting in over 1.6 million arrivals, including families with young children. These vulnerable populations often face xenophobia,...

Implementing Best Practice Guidelines under the Best Practice Spotlight Organisation: Facilitators and Barriers for Nurses: A Delphi Study.

The implementation and sustainability of evidence-based practice (EBP) is a complex process. Best practice guidelines (BPGs) can facilitate the translation of knowledge from theory into practice, but they require working groups to adapt recommendations and encourage adherence to them. The aim of this study was to identify facilitators and barriers of BPGs in the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario®, within the framework of Best Practice Spotlight Organisations® (BPSOs®), in a hospital setting. Methods: This study was conducted using the modified Delphi method (two rounds) with a cohort of BPSO® Best Practice Champions. The facilitators and barriers included in the first round were identified through a bibliographic search. The degree of concordance was determined in the second round using the highest mean resulting values. Results: A total of 44 nurses responded, with a mean age of 42.57 ± 8.563. The facilitators included the following: work environment; working in a hospital that encourages research; and dedicating time to EBP (p < 0.001). The barriers included the following: excessive workload; professional mobility (p < 0.001); and lack of time (p = 0.002). Implications for practice: As such, it is necessary to approach human resource management by implementing new policies that guarantee systemic sustainability. The BPSO® programme is an excellent framework for promoting the translation of theoretical knowledge into practice and effecting institutional change.

Nationally Representative Rates of Incident Prescription Opioid Use Among United States Adults and Selected Subpopulations: Longitudinal Cohort Study From the National Health Interview Survey, 2019 to 2020

Nationally representative rates of incident prescription opioid use in the United States adult population and selected subpopulations are unknown. Using the National Health Interview Survey (2019–2020) longitudinal cohort, a cohort with 1-year follow-up created using random cluster probability sampling of noninstitutionalized civilian U.S. adults, we estimated rates and predictors of incident opioid use. Of 21,161 baseline (2019) participants randomly chosen for follow-up, the final analytic sample included 10,415 who also participated in 2020. Exposure variables were selected per the socio-behavioral model of health care utilization: predisposing characteristics (sex, age, race, etc), enabling characteristics (socioeconomic status, insurance status), health status (pain, disability, comorbidities, etc), and health care use (office visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations). Among adults who did not use prescription opioids in 2019, a 1-year cumulative incidence of 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.5–4.6) was seen in 2020, with an incidence rate (IR) of 32.6 cases of new prescription opioid use per 1,000 person-years (PYs). Cumulative incidence, IR, and adjusted relative risk (RR) varied by participant characteristics. We observed the highest IR in those with ineffective pain treatment (81.6 cases per 1,000 PY) and those who visited the emergency room ≥3 times (93.8 cases per 1,000 PY). Participants reporting ≥4 painful conditions had an adjusted RR of 2.9 (95% CI: 2.0–4.1), while the RR for those with sleep problems was 2.3 (95% CI: 1.7–3.1). Overall, this study presents nationally representative rates of incident prescription opioid use and suggests that some participants are using prescription opioids as an early-resort analgesic contrary to best-practice guidelines. PerspectiveThis longitudinal cohort study presents nationally representative rates of incident prescription opioid use in U.S. adults and selected subpopulations. Our data suggest that some participants are using prescription opioids as a first-line or early-resort analgesic, contrary to best-practice guidelines.

The methodology of health education programs in schools—Qualitative study

ObjectiveTo assess strengths and weaknesses of the methodology of health education programs, carried out in the period 2010–2020, in schools in Serbia. DesignQualitative study, a thematic analysis approach. SiteRepresentatives of Public Health institutions, Serbian biggest nongovernmental organization, Youth organization, Ministry of education and municipality. ParticipantsNine professionals working in the field of Public Health and Health education. MethodFocus group gathered nine health and non-health professionals in 2022 year. Focus group was recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed by three research team members. A coding template evolved through the analysis, providing the expansion of key concepts. Themes were, one by one, extracted, encoded, classified as the smallest units and interpretive, thematic analysis was applied. ResultsAlthough the Focus group in our study identified among other advantages, support of Health sector to Educational sector as crucial, it emphasized as well following weaknesses: Analyzed health education programs were implemented insufficiently as a separate process in schools, did not have the image of programs shared and integrated into community; Health education needs of schoolchildren, parents, and teachers should be examined prior the education implementation; Well-educated interdisciplinary educators have to be strengthened and supported; Parents participation is necessity; Standards and good practice guidelines are needed, and those developed through Health Promoting Schools program could be practiced. ConclusionIt is necessary to support cross-curricular competence, where health education should be integrated into all school subjects, and should go far beyond the school, grow into a culture of community life, which will interconnect all stakeholders in strong Public Health network.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Current Landscape of Diagnostic Guidelines and Therapeutic Strategies

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut–brain axis with pronounced adverse effects on physical health, psychological health, and overall quality of life. Diagnostic strategies can vary, highlighting a need to synthesize best-practice guidelines. Particularly, the American College of Gastroenterology and the British Society of Gastroenterology both support a positive diagnostic strategy; evaluation with C-reactive protein, fecal calprotectin, and fecal lactoferrin; and evaluation with celiac disease serology. Both guidelines do not support routine colonoscopy, and both differ in recommendations for anorectal physiology testing. Given there is currently no curative treatment available, IBS management focuses on symptomatic relief, and challenges exist in achieving and maintaining this relief. Many treatments, both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic, exist to alleviate the uncomfortable, painful symptoms of the disorder; however, stratifying the quality of evidence behind each option is critical for application to clinical management and for tailoring this management to each patient. Lifestyle adjustments, especially in relation to diet, can be effective first-line therapies and supplements to pharmacologic therapy. Pharmacologic treatment is broadly categorized in accordance with the subtypes of IBS, with indications for different populations and mechanisms that work to target components of IBS pathophysiology. The aim of this article is to comprehensively compare updated diagnostic guidelines, review standard treatments, and outline recent pharmacologic advancements.

Strengthening the Application of the DAIDS GCLP Guidelines: The Implementation of an Integrated Laboratory Oversight Framework.

The Division of AIDS (DAIDS) Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) Guidelines establish a framework to guide the oversight of laboratories supporting DAIDS-sponsored clinical research or trials. Compliance with these guidelines promotes data reliability, validity, and safety of the clinical research or trial participants and laboratory staff and ensures adherence to regulatory requirements. Acknowledgment and adoption of the DAIDS GCLP Guidelines are critical in building laboratory capacity and preparedness for conducting clinical trials. In collaboration with DAIDS, laboratory experts support the implementation of the DAIDS Integrated Laboratory Oversight Framework (Framework) activities. This article describes the implementation of the GCLP Guidelines, the Framework activities, and the coordinated efforts to strengthen laboratory performance. The Framework activities include four components: Quality Assurance Oversight, GCLP Audits, GCLP Training, and Laboratory Quality Improvement. Comparison of GCLP Guidelines with other regulations or standards, including U.S. Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments regulation 42 CFR 493, College of American Pathologists, World Health Organization GCLP, and International Organization for Standardization, ISO 15189:2012 standards, highlighted the differences and similarities to guide integration and harmonization efforts. Processes related to the Framework activities are outlined in detail, including key data derived from the managed activities of over 175 laboratories worldwide. Via the evolution of the DAIDS GCLP Guidelines and laboratory oversight workflows, the laboratories participating in DAIDS-sponsored clinical research and trials have successfully participated in internal and external regulatory audits. The collaborative and integrated oversight approach promotes knowledge-sharing and accountability to support the implementation of the DAIDS GCLP Guidelines and compliance monitoring. Lessons learned have helped with the implementation of the DAIDS integrated laboratory oversight approach and quality oversight programs at multiple laboratories worldwide.

Improving Diagnostic Yield and Accuracy of Stereotactic Biopsies through Changes in Practice and Techniques: An 8-Year Single-Center Comparative Study

Abstract Background Stereotactic biopsies are used to aid neurosurgeons in clinching the diagnosis of intracranial lesions that are difficult to access surgically. A published study of stereotactic biopsies in our center demonstrated a diagnostic yield of only 76% for biopsies from the year 2014 to 2019. A set of criteria/prerequisites was applied to increase yield. Objective The aim of the study was to identify the improvement in accuracy and yield after implementation of a set of criteria/prerequisites. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective and prospective analysis of all patients who underwent stereotactic biopsies from the year 2014 to 2022. This study was conducted at Sarawak General Hospital, Malaysia. A set of stereotactic criteria/prerequisites was introduced since 2020, which include preoperative careful, meticulous trajectory planning and target selection, regular checking and maintenance of equipment, larger burr holes, and good sampling techniques. Results A total of 83 patients underwent stereotactic biopsies from the year 2014 to 2022. Frameless and frame-based methods were used for 45 (54%) and 38 (46%) patients, respectively. The overall diagnostic yield of all biopsies was 84%. Fifty patients underwent stereotactic biopsies prior to implementation of good practice guidelines in 2020 with a positive histopathological yield and accuracy of 76 and 88%, respectively. Thirty-three biopsies done postimplementation demonstrated a yield and accuracy of 97% (p &lt; 0.05). There was also a shift of preference toward frame-based methods after 2019, with 85% of these biopsies being frame based. Conclusion This comparative study shows that adherence to specific stereotactic biopsy guidelines and techniques introduced in our center has successfully improved our biopsy yield and accuracy.

Developing implant mentoring programmes: breaking down the components.

Mentoring has been identified as a key component of training in implant dentistry. However there has been little guidance about how this should take place, the expected outcomes, who should be providing mentoring, and the processes involved. Dentists are required to ensure they are appropriately trained, competent and confident when undertaking clinical tasks. Mentoring will play a key role in giving assurance that these are in place. This article, which is partly based on the College of General Dentistry publication Mentoring in Implant Dentistry: Good Practice Guidelines, provides background and context to the role of mentoring in implant dentistry training programmes. Key components of structured mentoring programmes are described to assist mentors, mentees, and implant education providers.

Knowledge and Practices Related to Research Misconduct among Healthcare Researchers in India: Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Practices known to harm the integrity of scientific and medical research during planning, conduct, documentation, and reporting are termed as research misconduct. It is an unfortunate, prevalent reality of the research world. In the present study, we tried to assess the knowledge about research misconduct, its determinants, observed practices of research misconduct among healthcare practitioners, level of satisfaction with the order of authorship in one’s published manuscript, and their views for action to be taken against those involved in research misconduct in our institution. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited eligible participants (Faculty Members and Senior Residents of Medical, Dental, and Nursing Professionals) through one-to-one interviews and web-based platforms. Data analysis was conducted by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 23(SPSS-23). Result: Of the 356 participants, around 60% had complete knowledge about research misconduct, and 74.2% had observed research misconduct in their workplace at some point in time. There was no association between correct knowledge about research misconduct and the type of healthcare researchers, awareness of the International Committee of Journal of Medical Ethics (ICJME), and training on good clinical practices. 54.8% of the participants considered those involved in research misconduct should not be permitted to be co-guide and guide of students. Conclusion: Training of healthcare researchers on publication ethics and good clinical practice guidelines seems to improve knowledge about research misconduct. Further, stringent action should be taken against those who conduct research misconduct.

Budget impact models for lung cancer interventions: A systematic literature review.

Budget impact models (BIMs) forecast the financial implications of adopting new technologies and the potential need for budget reallocation, thus playing a crucial role in reimbursement decisions. Despite the importance of accurate forecasts, studies indicate large discrepancies between estimates and reality. We are developing an artificial intelligence-based clinical decision tool to identify patients with non-small cell lung cancer who are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy. To evaluate the budgetary implications and describe a systematic literature review of published lung cancer BIMs. We searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies published between 2010 and 2023 that include BIMs that describe lung cancer interventions. Forward and backward reference searches were performed for all qualifying studies. We extracted author and publication year, country, interventions, disease stages, time horizon, analytical perspective, modeling methods used, types of costs included, sensitivity analyses conducted, and data sources used. We then evaluated adherence to the Professional Society for Health Economics and Pharmacoeconomics Research best-practice guidelines. A total of 25 BIMs were identified, spanning 14 different countries. Model structure could not be ascertained definitively for nearly half of the models. The cost calculator approach was most common among the others. Time horizons ranged from 1 to 5 years, in line with recommendations. Most models compared drugs, 4 compared nondrug interventions, and 7 compared diagnostic technologies. Assumptions about market uptake were poorly documented and poorly motivated. Inclusion of cancer-related costs was rare. Adherence to best practices was variable and did not appear to improve over time. The number of published BIMs for lung cancer exceeded expectations. There were modest trends toward publication frequency and model quality over time. Our analysis revealed variability across the models, as well as their adherence to best practices, indicating substantial room for improvement. Although none of the models were individually suitable for the purpose of evaluating an artificial intelligence-based treatment selection tool, some models provided valuable insights.

GeoPick ‐ A web application for georeferencing natural history collections following best practices

Georeferencing is a key process in the digitization of natural history collections as it assigns spatial coordinates to preserved specimen collecting locations, facilitating their use in ecological, evolutionary and conservation research. Georeference data in public repositories such as GBIF is often missing or incomplete, jeopardising their use in research and limiting the return on investment made by public institutions. Despite the existence of guidelines for best practices for georeferencing and widely accepted standards for biodiversity data, there is a lack of a simple yet effective software tool that offers the implementation of both concepts. We present GeoPick with the aim to offer the collections community a standards‐compliant tool that eases the georeferencing process, making it more cost‐effective, and which, by applying best practices, contributes to the betterment of the occurrence data in public repositories. GeoPick also offers the possibility of collaboration between users and institutions through the sharing of georeferences. The tool is hosted by GBIF at https://geopick.gbif.org, and is open source. Its code is available at a public GitHub repository (https://github.com/rtdeb/GeoPick).Keywords: Darwin Core, georeferencing, natural history collections, point‐radius method, web application, Well Known Text Format, WKT

A Comparison of ChatGPT and Expert Consensus Statements on Surgical Site Infection Prevention in High-Risk Paediatric Spine Surgery.

Artificial intelligence (AI) represents and exciting shift for orthopaedic surgery, where its role is rapidly evolving. ChatGPT is an AI language model which is preeminent among those leading the mass consumer uptake of AI. Artamonov and colleagues compared ChatGPT with orthopaedic surgeons when considering the diagnosis and management of anterior shoulder instability; they found a limited correlation between them. This study aims to further explore how reliable ChatGPT is compared with orthopaedic surgeons. Twenty-three statements were extracted from the article "Building Consensus: Development of a Best Practice Guideline (BPG) for Surgical Site Infection (SSI) Prevention in High-risk Pediatric Spine Surgery" by Vitale and colleagues. These included 14 consensus statements and an additional 9 statements that did not reach consensus. ChatGPT was asked to state the extent to which it agreed with each statement. ChatGPT appeared to demonstrate a fair correlation with most expert responses to the 14 consensus statements. It appeared less emphatic than the experts, often stating that it "agreed" with a statement, where the most frequent response from experts was "strongly agree." It reached the opposite conclusion to the majority of experts on a single consensus statement regarding the use of ultraviolet light in the operating theatre; it may have been that ChatGPT was drawing from more up to date literature that was published subsequent to the consensus statement. This study demonstrated a reasonable correlation between ChatGPT and orthopaedic surgeons when providing simple responses. ChatGPT's function may be limited when asked to provide more complex answers. This study adds to a growing body of discussion and evidence exploring AI and whether its function is reliable enough to enter the high-accountability world of health care. This article is of high clinical relevance to orthopaedic surgery given the rapidly emerging applications of AI. This creates a need to understand the level to which AI can function in the clinical setting and the risks that would entail.

Effect of Fashion E-Commerce User Experience on Customer Retention in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of fashion e-commerce user experience on customer retention in Ghana. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research indicates that positive user experiences, characterized by intuitive website navigation, efficient mobile interfaces, and responsive customer service, greatly enhance customer retention rates. Users who encounter seamless transactions, personalized recommendations, and reliable delivery services are more likely to return and engage with fashion e-commerce platforms repeatedly. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of planned behavior (TPB), self-determination theory (SDT) &amp; expectation-confirmation theory (ECT) may be used to anchor future studies on effect of fashion e-commerce user experience on customer retention in Ghana. Practically, fashion e-commerce platforms should invest in user-friendly website design and navigation to enhance the overall shopping experience. This includes simplifying the checkout process, ensuring mobile compatibility, and improving site speed. From a policy perspective, e-commerce regulations should include guidelines for user experience best practices. This could involve setting standards for website accessibility, data protection, and user interface design to ensure a positive online shopping experience.

Bayesian Methods for Quality Tolerance Limit (QTL) Monitoring.

In alignment with the ICH guideline for Good Clinical Practice [ICH E6(R2)], quality tolerance limit (QTL) monitoring has become a standard component of risk-based monitoring of clinical trials by sponsor companies. Parameters that are candidates for QTL monitoring are critical to participant safety and quality of trial results. Breaching the QTL of a given parameter could indicate systematic issues with the trial that could impact participant safety or compromise the reliability of trial results. Methods for QTL monitoring should detect potential QTL breaches as early as possible while limiting the rate of false alarms. Early detection allows for the implementation of remedial actions that can prevent a QTL breach at the end of the trial. We demonstrate that statistically based methods that account for the expected value and variability of the data generating process outperform simple methods based on fixed thresholds with respect to important operating characteristics. We also propose a Bayesian method for QTL monitoring and an extension that allows for the incorporation of partial information, demonstrating its potential to outperform frequentist methods originating from the statistical process control literature.