Management Research Center Research Articles

Research progress on development of sensitive quality indicator for operating room nursing

In recent years, the research on the quality indicator of operating room nursing has gained more and more attention by the industry. In 2016, the former National Health and Family Planning Commission Hospital Management Research Center published the Handbook of Nursing Sensitive Quality Indicators and released 13 sensitive indicators. The new operating room care quality control indicators in Operating Room Care Practice Guide (2018) included the implementation rate of surgical site marker, the incidence of intraoperative skin pressure injury in hospitalized patients, and the incidence of sharp instrument injury in operating room nurses. However, these still do not meet the practical needs of quality management of operating room specialist care. This paper introduces the background and development methods of nursing sensitive quality indicators, summarizes the current situation of the construction of sensitive quality indicators in operating room, and puts forward the shortcomings in the existing research in order to provide a basis for further research on the development of sensitive quality indicators for operating room care. Key words: Review; Operating room care; Nursing sensitive quality indicator; Operating room nursing care control

Assessing the impact of climate variability on maize using simulation modeling under semi-arid environment of Punjab, Pakistan.

Climate change and variability are major threats to crop productivity. Crop models are being used worldwide for decision support system for crop management under changing climatic scenarios. Two-year field experiments were conducted at the Water Management Research Center (WMRC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, to evaluate the application of CERES-Maize model for climate variability assessment under semi-arid environment. Experimental treatments included four sowing dates (27 January, 16 February, 8 March, and 28 March) with three maize hybrids (Pioneer-1543, Mosanto-DK6103, Syngenta-NK8711), adopted at farmer fields in the region. Model was calibrated with each hybrid independently using data of best sowing date (27 January) during the year 2015 and then evaluated with the data of 2016 and remaining sowing dates. Performance of model was evaluated by statistical indices. Model showed reliable information with phenological stages. Model predicted days to anthesis and maturity with lower RMSE (< 2days) during both years. Model prediction for biological yield and grain yield were reasonably good with RMSE values of 963 and 451kgha-1, respectively. Model was further used to assess climate variability. Historical climate data (1980-2016) were used as input to simulate the yield for each year. Results showed that days to anthesis and maturity were negatively correlated with increase in temperature and coefficient of regression ranged from 0.63 to 0.85, while its values were 0.76 to 0.89kgha-1 for grain yield and biological yield, respectively. Sowing of maize hybrids (Pioneer-1543 and Mosanto-DK6103) can be recommended for the sowing on 17 January to 6 February at the farmer field for general cultivation in the region. Early sowing before 17 January should be avoided due to severe reduction in grain yield of all hybrids. A good calibrated CERES-Maize model can be used in decision-making for different management practices and assessment of climate variability in the region.

Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen requirements for maize through empirical modeling in semi-arid environment.

Uncertainty in future availability of irrigation water and regulation of nutrient amount, management strategies for irrigation and nitrogen (N) are essential to maximize the crop productivity. To study the response of irrigation and N on water productivity and economic return of maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield, an experiment was conducted at Water Management Research Center, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan in 2015 and 2016. Treatments included of full and three reduced levels of irrigation, with four rates of N fertilization. An empirical model was developed using observed grain yield for irrigation and N levels. Results from model and economic analysis showed that the N rates of 235, 229, 233, and 210kgha-1 were the most economical optimum N rates to achieve the economic yield of 9321, 8937, 5748, and 3493kgha-1 at 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% irrigation levels, respectively. Economic optimum N rates were further explored to find out the optimum level of irrigation as a function of the total water applied using a quadratic equation. The results showed that 520mm is the optimum level of irrigation for the entire growing season in 2015 and 2016. Results also revealed that yield is not significantly affected by reducing the irrigation from full irrigation to 80% of full irrigation. It is concluded from the study that the relationship between irrigation and N can be used for efficient management of irrigation and N and to reduce the losses of N to avoid the economic loss and environmental hazards. The empirical equation can help farmers to optimize irrigation and N to obtain maximum economic return in semi-arid regions with sandy loam soils.

Investigating Options for Increased Awareness and Use of Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources Among Libraries and Librarians (Part Two of a Two-Part Series)

ABSTRACTThe National Library of Medicine’s Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) has compiled multiple resources and tools that can enhance libraries’ plans. The project described in this second article explored options to improve awareness and use of these and local resources. The assessment process, the findings and tools, and the recommendations can inform all library emergency preparedness plans and enhance their resilience.

Investigating Options for Increased Awareness and Use of Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Resources Among Libraries and Librarians (Part One of a Two-Part Series)

ABSTRACTLibraries of all types regularly support their communities through emergencies ranging from the opioid crisis to hurricanes. We train staff to provide NARCAN and respond to workplace or community violence. We shelter patrons before and after natural disasters–and recover and rebuild our library buildings and materials. Ideally, library staffs plan ahead to ensure their efforts are as effective as possible. The National Library of Medicine’s Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) has compiled multiple resources and tools that can enhance libraries’ plans. The project described in this and a forthcoming article explored options to improve awareness and use of these and local resources. The assessment process, the findings and tools, and the recommendations can inform all library emergency preparedness plans and enhance their resilience.

Response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties to irrigation and hydrogel application in Vertisols

A field experiment was conducted at Irrigation Water Management Research Centre (IWMRC) Belavatgi, Navalgund taluk of Dharwad district under Vertisols during rabi 2013-15 to study the effect of irrigation and hydrogel application on chickpea varieties in Malaprabha Command area. Irrigation effects were non significant, however irrigation scheduled at 0.4 IW/CPE + 2.5 kg ha-1 hydrogel recorded higher grain yield (2136 kg ha-1) as compared to irrigation scheduled at 0.6 IW/CPE (2087 kg ha-1) and 0.4 IW/CPE (2025 kg ha-1). It also recorded significantly higher WUE (13.34 kg/ha mm) over 0.6 IW/CPE (8.15 kg/ha mm). Among the varieties ‘JG-11’ recorded significantly higher grain yields (2309 kg ha-1) over other varieties, however they did not affect the WUE. Interaction effect of irrigation levels and varieties was significant for grain yield and WUE. ‘A-1’, ‘JG-11’ and ‘JAKI-9218’ varieties with 2.5 kg ha-1 hydrogel recorded significantly higher WUE and were on par. ‘JG-11’ variety with 0.6 IW/CPE recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 92660/ha), net returns (Rs. 69800/ha) and B:C ratio (3.05).

Response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties to irrigation and hydrogel application in Vertisols

A field experiment was conducted at Irrigation Water Management Research Centre (IWMRC) Belavatgi, Navalgund taluk of Dharwad district under Vertisols during rabi 2013-15 to study the effect of irrigation and hydrogel application on chickpea varieties in Malaprabha Command area. Irrigation effects were non significant, however irrigation scheduled at 0.4 IW/CPE + 2.5 kg ha-1 hydrogel recorded higher grain yield (2136 kg ha-1) as compared to irrigation scheduled at 0.6 IW/CPE (2087 kg ha-1) and 0.4 IW/CPE (2025 kg ha-1). It also recorded significantly higher WUE (13.34 kg/ha mm) over 0.6 IW/CPE (8.15 kg/ha mm). Among the varieties ‘JG-11’ recorded significantly higher grain yields (2309 kg ha-1) over other varieties, however they did not affect the WUE. Interaction effect of irrigation levels and varieties was significant for grain yield and WUE. ‘A-1’, ‘JG-11’ and ‘JAKI-9218’ varieties with 2.5 kg ha-1 hydrogel recorded significantly higher WUE and were on par. ‘JG-11’ variety with 0.6 IW/CPE recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 92660/ha), net returns (Rs. 69800/ha) and B:C ratio (3.05).

Disaster Resources: Going Offline

ABSTRACTThe National Library of Medicine works to ensure the continuity of access to medical resources during emergencies and times of disaster. The Disaster Information Management Research Center provides numerous resources for mobile users to access and covers a wide range of topics. A natural progression has occurred starting back in 2009 with the one-shelf disaster library to the 2013’s digital go bag and can be continued locally by libraries with disaster devices.

Effect of mindfulness meditation on short-term weight loss and eating behaviors in overweight and obese adults: A randomized controlled trial.

Background There is a significant health crisis with rates of obesity continuing to increase despite research and clinical standard behavioral weight loss programs (SBWP). Mindfulness meditation (MM), with demonstrated benefits on physical, psychological health, and self-regulation behaviors was explored with SBWP. Methods Forty-six adults (BMI=32.5±3.7 kg/m2; age=45.2±8.2 years, 87 % female, 21.7 % African American) were randomly assigned to a 6-month SBWP only (n=24) or SBWP+MM (n=22) at a university-based physical activity and weight management research center in a northeastern US city. Participants were instructed to decrease intake (1200-1500 kcal/day), increase physical activity (300 min/wk), and attend weekly SBWP or SBWP+MM sessions. SBWP+MM had the same SBWP lessons with addition of focused MM training. Outcome measures collected at 0, 3, and 6 months included: weight, Block Food Frequency Questionnaire, Eating Behavior Inventory, Eating Inventory and Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using linear mixed modeling for efficacy analysis of weight (primary) and eating, exercise and mindfulness (secondary outcomes). Results Retention rate was 76.1 % (n=35). A significant group by time interaction (p=0.03) was found for weight, with weight loss favoring SBWP+MM (-6.9 kg+2.9) over SBWP (-4.1 kg+2.8). Eating behaviors (p=0.02) and dietary restraint (p=0.02) improved significantly in SBWP+MM, compared to SBWP. MM enhanced weight loss by 2.8 kg potentially through greater improvements in eating behaviors and dietary restraint. Conclusions These findings support further study into the use of MM strategies with overweight and obese adults. The use of this low-cost, portable strategy with standard behavioral interventions could improve weight management outcomes.

Controlled Release Test Facility to Develop Environmental Monitoring Techniques for Geologically Stored CO2 in Korea

Two sets of controlled release test facility (EIT) were constructed in unsaturated and saturated zones by the Korea CO2 Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) Research Center to develop efficient and accurate environmental monitoring techniques required for secure geologic carbon storage. The unsaturated zone EIT consists of a 51 m long horizontal well for artificial CO2 leakage at the depth of 2.5 m below the land surface, a surface injection control system, and diverse monitoring devices. Following baseline surveys, a preliminary CO2 release test was first performed for 4 days in October 2015, with the released amount of about 390 kg CO2. The saturated zone EIT to develop efficient monitoring techniques in intermediate depths was constructed in the end of 2015. It consists of an injection well at the depth of 24 m and 8 multi-level monitoring wells. In 2016, long-term CO2 release tests using EITs have been performed. The outlines of EITs of K-COSEM are summarized in this paper.

Hemodynamic responses to insertion of the laryngeal mask airway versus Combitube

Introduction: One of the most common problems during laryngoscopy involves sympathetic system stimulation and the subsequent hemodynamic changes. It is a key measure to maintain the hemodynamic stability of patients with cardiovascular diseases during induction of anesthesia. This study attempted to compare the hemodynamic effects of laryngeal mask airway and combitube. Methods: This prospective clinical trial was conducted on a total of 142 candidate patients 18 to 60 years of age with ASA I and II undergoing elective surgery. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: (1) mask ventilation (control group) (2) laryngeal mask airway and (3) combitube. At the next stage, the systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rates were measured at the following points in time: baseline, after induction of anesthesia and before airway manipulation, 1, 3 and 5 minutes after ventilation. The findings were analyzed and P<0.05 was considered significant. Correspondence: Hashem Jarineshin, MD. Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences. Bandar Abbas, Iran Tel:+98 9173613464 Email: hjarineshin@yahoo.com Results: Patients in all three groups were closely matched in terms of age, height, weight, sex and Mallampati score. The duration of combitube insertion was significantly longer than that of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) (P<0.05). The baseline and post-induction hemodynamic variables were similar in the three groups. The hemodynamic variations at the first minute were higher in the combitube group than the other two. At minute 3, the hemodynamic parameters in Groups 2 and 3 were significantly higher than those in Group 1. Moreover, diastolic blood pressure in Groups 2 and 3 was higher than that in Group 1 in the 5th minute. Conclusion: LMA insertion leads to lower hemodynamic responses in patients during airway management compared to combitube. This is can be an important issue in cardiovascular patients.

The System of Means for Overcoming the Crisis – Based on an Empirical Examination at Companies in Budapest and Békés County, Hungary

Abstract The economic crisis started in 2008 had a significant negative impact on employment in most sectors. During the research authors sought the answer to the question which employment systems were applied for overcoming the crisis at companies in Budapest and Békés County. To examine this, the authors compiled the questionnaire in co-operation with the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Management and HR Research Centre of Szent István University. The authors’ questionnaire findings also provide a proof for the fact that by creating and implementing the suitable human resource management models and by promoting them widely, the changes due to the current economic circumstances will be manageable and the increase in the competitiveness of organizations will be ensured. One of the ways to decrease the personnel costs is to apply atypical employment forms. This form of employment is becoming more and more popular among employers; yet, despite the achievements, those questioned still prefer traditional employment forms.

Information security risk management for computerized health information systems in hospitals: a case study of Iran

BackgroundIn recent years, hospitals in Iran – similar to those in other countries – have experienced growing use of computerized health information systems (CHISs), which play a significant role in the operations of hospitals. But, the major challenge of CHIS use is information security. This study attempts to evaluate CHIS information security risk management at hospitals of Iran.Materials and methodsThis applied study is a descriptive and cross-sectional research that has been conducted in 2015. The data were collected from 551 hospitals of Iran. Based on literature review, experts’ opinion, and observations at five hospitals, our intensive questionnaire was designed to assess security risk management for CHISs at the concerned hospitals, which was then sent to all hospitals in Iran by the Ministry of Health.ResultsSixty-nine percent of the studied hospitals pursue information security policies and procedures in conformity with Iran Hospitals Accreditation Standards. At some hospitals, risk identification, risk evaluation, and risk estimation, as well as risk treatment, are unstructured without any specified approach or methodology. There is no significant structured approach to risk management at the studied hospitals.ConclusionInformation security risk management is not followed by Iran’s hospitals and their information security policies. This problem can cause a large number of challenges for their CHIS security in future. Therefore, Iran’s Ministry of Health should develop practical policies to improve information security risk management in the hospitals of Iran.

Effect of sowing methods and seed rates on wheat yield and water productivity

Wheat yield and water productivity can be improved by sowing on beds with balanced seed rate. The present study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 at the experimental area of Water Management Research Centre, PARS, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, to investigate three seed rates (100, 130, and 160 kg/ha) and three sowing methods (broadcasting, drill sowing, bed planting) for better yield and water productivity of wheat. It was concluded that wheat sowing under bed planting showed better results with highest plant height (92.358 cm), numbers of tillers (294.17), numbers of grains per spike (42.5), 1000 grain weight (35.338 g), grain yield (3941.8 kg/ ha) and water productivity (2.3028 kg/m3), while these parameters were observed as the lowest under broadcasting among all treatments. Moreover, wheat on beds produced 13% more yield and saved 35% water in comparison to that under broadcasting. The results regarding seed rate revealed that the highest grain yield (4,117.1 kg/ha)...

Shallow groundwater system monitoring on controlled CO2 release sites: a review on field experimental methods and efforts for CO2 leakage detection

Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) is a promising alternative for reduction of greenhouse gas emission. However, injected CO2 in deep formation has potential to leak into a shallow aquifer. Thus, although it is challenging, development of detection technologies in a shallow aquifer region is essential to assure the long term safety of a CCS project. Recently, field scale experiments were carried out around the world to identify CO2 leakage and to investigate effects on groundwater quality in shallow aquifers. From the literature, 8 controlled CO2 release test sites and 9 experimental cases were identified. In those sites, CO2 was artificially injected around the shallow aquifer region as CO2-infused groundwater phase or gas phase for identifying environmental effects caused by CO2 injection. This paper reviews the hydraulic heterogeneity, mineral compositions, monitoring systems, and environmental parameters required for leakage detection at each site. For constructing a controlled test bed, inclined wells, horizontal wells, and multiple injection wells were identified as reliable injection components. It was also identified that the injected CO2 migration and its effects were monitored through the constructed monitoring networks. The previous operation cases show that continuous monitoring of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Ca and Mg concentrations is the most basic and important factor for leakage detection. Trace elements and isotopes were also widely used to determine the CO2 leakage. The Korea CO2 Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) research center is going to construct an environmental impact test (EIT) facility for developing CO2 leakage detection methods in a shallow aquifer region in Korea. The challenging issues will include the fate and transport of CO2 from the fractured zone to the saturated zone and to the unsaturated soil. Based on the lessons learned from the previous tests, environmental monitoring technologies will be developed through the analysis of the time series data of hydrogeochemical parameters for the planned EIT facility in Korea.

Inferences About the Amaranth Case and the Emerging Maturity of the Hedge Fund Industry

The Amaranth case is surprising in many ways. It is definitely a surprise that a well-respected multi-strategy hedge fund could lose about $6-billion in little over a week. It is perhaps an even greater surprise that such a loss would have little knock-on effect on the hedge fund industry and the wider capital markets.On October 2nd, the EDHEC Risk and Asset Management Research Centre (EDHEC-Risk) released a report on the early lessons from the Amaranth debacle. This paper will summarize this report. Given that there are no new material facts on this case as of the end of November 2006, this paper will focus on providing new inferences on the riskiness of Amaranth’s trading strategies.Because we have the benefit of observing the past two months of stability in the hedge fund industry, we can draw new conclusions about the emerging maturity of the industry.

The effect of electronic reminders on risk management among diabetic patients in low resourced settings

BackgroundInformation technology has potential to improve health care delivery particularly among individuals with chronic diseases such as diabetes in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Research on the usefulness of information technology to manage persons living with chronic diseases is scarce in LMIC. We sought to evaluate the effect of an electronic reminder system on cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, heart rate, and fasting plasma glucose) and adherence to clinical appointments among persons living with diabetes. Research Design and MethodsA randomized controlled design was used to recruit 200 diabetic patients (intervention n=100, control n=100) from the National Diabetes Management Research Centre, Accra. All patients received usual diabetes care. The intervention group was given electronic reminders for their clinical appointments and their physicians were prompted with abnormal laboratory results for six months. ResultsBaseline characteristics were largely similar for both groups. At six months follow up, the mean reductions of all the cardiovascular risk factors in the intervention group were significantly greater than in the control group: −1.7kg/m2 versus −1.1kg/m2(p=0.002) for BMI; −4.7mmHg versus −2.8mmHg (p=0.002) for SBP; −5.3mmH versus −3.1mmHg (p=0.001) for DBP; −1.7bpm versus −0.1bpm (p=0.001) for heart rate and −2.3mmol/L versus −1.6mmol/L (p=0.001) for fasting plasma glucose, respectively. Adherence to appointment schedules was also significantly higher in the intervention group compared with the control group (97.8% versus 89.4%, p=0.010). ConclusionsLocally developed electronic initiatives such as this resulted in improved cardiovascular risk factors and effective compliance to clinical practices and improved quality of care for persons living with diabetes.

Pre-hospital emergency status in Iran with an emphasis on road accidents: a systematic review

1 Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran 2 School of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran *Corresponding author: Fatemeh Ghardashi (PhD Candidate of Medical Technology and Research Management), Health Management Research Centre, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Mollasadra Street, Tehran, Iran. Tell: +98.2182482417. Fax: +98.2188057022. E-mail: f.ghardashi@yahoo.com

From Emergency Response to Recovery: Multiple Impacts and Lessons Learned from the 2011 Van Earthquakes

On 23 October 2011, and then on 9 November 2011, two earthquakes struck the province of Van in eastern Turkey. One month after the first earthquake, between 25 November and 27 November 2011, a reconnaissance team from the Middle East Technical University, Disaster Management Implementation and Research Center (METU DMC) visited the region. The team focused on disaster management activities such as emergency relief, damage assessment, psychosocial support, and economic impacts. Field observations and personal interviews concluded that deficits in mitigation led to shortcomings in the response and rehabilitation operations in Van. Although search and rescue activities were evaluated as satisfactory, there were problems in the organization of support services, temporary accommodation, and delivery of basic needs. This paper presents a reconnaissance report outlining the observations of the interdisciplinary team in the field. It suggests some policies for improvement in the disaster management system in the future.

National Library of Medicine Disaster Information Management Research Center: Achieving the vision, 2010-2013.

From 2010 to 2013, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) continued to build its programs and services on the foundation laid in its starting years, 2008–2010. Prior to 2008, NLM had a long history of providing health information, training, and tools in response to disasters. Aware of this legacy, the NLM long range plan (Charting a Course for the 21st Century: NLM’s Long Range Plan 2006–2016) called for creation of a center to show “a strong commitment to disaster remediation and to provide a platform for demonstrating how libraries and librarians can be part of the solution to this national problem”. NLM is continuing efforts to ensure that medical libraries have plans for the continuity of their operations, librarians are trained to understand their roles in preparedness and response, online disaster health information resources are available for many audiences and in multiple formats, and research is conducted on tools to enhance the exchange of critical information during and following disasters. This paper describes the 2010–2013 goals and activities of DIMRC and its future plans.