Routine Work Research Articles

Frequency of Routine Blood Work among Patients on Chronic Dialysis: A Narrative Review

Frequency of Routine Blood Work among Patients on Chronic Dialysis: A Narrative Review

Bio-based polylactic acid labware as a sustainable alternative for microbial cultivation in life science laboratories

Single-use plastics (SUPs) in life science laboratories account for approximately 5.5 million tonnes of waste per year globally. Of SUPs used in life science laboratories, Petri dishes, centrifuge tubes, and inoculation loops are some of the most common. In order to reduce the reliance on petrochemical-based SUPs in the life science research laboratory and minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with SUPs, this research investigates the applicability of polylactic acid (PLA) in single-use labware as a replacement for petrochemical-based plastics. PLA is one of the most well-studied biodegradable plastics that can be produced from sustainable resources. Commercially available PLA was used to 3D print a select range of labware to test the suitability of PLA-based material for routine microbiology work. An injection moulded PLA-based Petri dish was also designed and produced, for increased optical clarity. The biocompatibility was tested against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) strains of bacteria. The PLA-based labware did not negatively impact the cell growth, viability, and metabolic activity of the bacterial cultures. The injection moulded PLA Petri dish showed a reduced colony forming unit count for the Gram-negative E. coli strain compared to the polystyrene Petri dish, ∼1.5 × 109 CFU/mL and ∼3.0 × 109 CFU/mL respectively, during late-exponential growth. The colony counts were, however, in the same order of magnitude. This observed difference may be due to the internal environment inside the Petri dish, hence the internal O2 concentration, humidity, and temperature during bacterial growth were investigated. This work demonstrates, for the first time, a full successful workflow of bacterial growth using a sustainable bioplastic, providing a pathway to reducing the environmental impacts of SUPs in life science laboratories.

Applications of artificial intelligence in radiology

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly finding its way into routine radiological work. Presentation of the current advances and applications of AI along the entire radiological patient journey. Systematic literature review of established AI techniques and current research projects, with reference to consensus recommendations. The applications of AI in radiology cover awide range, starting with AI-supported scheduling and indications assessment, extending to AI-enhanced image acquisition and reconstruction techniques that have the potential to reduce radiation doses in computed tomography (CT) or acquisition times in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while maintaining comparable image quality. These include computer-aided detection and diagnosis, such as fracture recognition or nodule detection. Additionally, methods such as worklist prioritization and structured reporting facilitated by large language models enable arethinking of the reporting process. The use of AI promises to increase the efficiency of all steps of the radiology workflow and an improved diagnostic accuracy. To achieve this, seamless integration into technical workflows and proven evidence of AI systems are necessary. Applications of AI have the potential to profoundly influence the role of radiologists in the future.

Artificial Intelligence And Its Implications In Health Care: A Textual Analysis

This all-inclusive research paper plunges into the transformative nature of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, emphasizing its ability to change patient care and administrative activities. The investigation examines systematically how AI technologies are creating major improvements towards patients’ outcomes and enhanced operational efficiency within the healthcare systems. From diagnostics to personalized treatment plans and administrative tasks, AI is being integrated using sophisticated algorithms in numerous aspects of healthcare delivery. One major focus is improving diagnostic accuracy. AI-backed diagnostic tools such as image recognition software as well as predictive models have outperformed traditional methods in medical condition identification and diagnosis. For instance, artificial intelligence algorithms show exceptional skills in analysing medical images resulting to earlier detection as well as accurate diagnoses of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular conditions among others neurological disorders. These enhancements not only allow for timely intervention but they significantly reduce instances where diagnosis goes wrong hence enhancing patient prognosis while reducing health costs drastically. The ability to customize personalized therapy is yet another essential aspect of AI in healthcare. With such information as genetic data, medical records and lifestyle factors, and other patient information, AI systems can develop individualized treatment plans. It is for this reason that personalization of treatments enhances their efficiency while reducing the risk of any adverse effects as well as ensuring patients’ adherence to prescribed therapies. Besides, it is important to note that AI-driven predictive models are helpful in identifying individuals with a higher probability of developing specific conditions thereby allowing interventions aimed at preventing diseases and bettering overall population health. AI has also transformed administrative tasks within hospitals besides its clinical applications. For example, AI driven automation is now used to streamline scheduling of appointments or billing processes or even storage of patient records which are normally considered routine administrative works. In addition, through these means there is reduced burden on administrative duties for healthcare workers who continue to perform them with increased precision and timeliness. The net effect is that time and resources can be redirected towards more direct patient care thus improving service quality across the board’s entire system

Assessment of the productivity loss due to leading maternal ill-health conditions: a follow-up study of a prospective pregnancy cohort in rural Sri Lanka.

This study aimed to assess the productivity loss and cost due to maternal ill-health conditions and its associated factors throughout pregnancy in rural Sri Lanka. A follow-up study of women registered in the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo). Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka. 1573 pregnant women who were followed up from pregnancy identification to termination. The primary outcome measures of this study are productivity loss due to maternal ill-health conditions expressed by days/month and productivity cost due to maternal ill-health conditions expressed in monetary terms (US$)/month. Data were collected monthly, and all pregnant women were asked to report the leading cause of maternal ill-health condition and the associated loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism. During the pregnancy follow-up, 3595 (81.5%) months had at least one episode of maternal ill-health condition. Of these, only 1729 (48.1%) episodes sought medical care. Assistance for lost routine work was reported in 1281 (35.6%) episodes. The absenteeism, presenteeism and gross and net productivity loss per month were 3.6, 4.5, 8.1 and 5.5 days/month, respectively. The corresponding productivity cost was US$15.26/month. Nausea and vomiting (NVP) reported the highest prevalence (n=1599, 44.5%) until the second month of the third trimester, presenteeism (5.5 days/month) and gross productivity loss (9.5 days/month). Pregnant women with vaginal bleeding reported the highest absenteeism (6.2 days/month) and net productivity loss (6.8 days/month). Pregnant women diagnosed with anaemia reported the highest productivity cost (US$26.98/month). Monthly household expenditure, poverty and receiving assistance were the associated factors of productivity loss (p<0.05). Maternal ill-health conditions during pregnancy lead to productivity loss in rural Sri Lanka. NVP, vaginal bleeding and anaemia are the leading causes of productivity loss. Hence, controlling and preventing the leading causes are the recommended priorities.

Co-creation and evaluation of an algorithm for the development of a mobile application for wound care among new graduate nurses: A mixed methods study.

Chronic wounds are a growing concern due to aging populations, sedentary lifestyles and increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases. The impact of such wounds is felt worldwide, posing a considerable clinical, environmental and socioeconomic challenge and impacting the quality of life. The increasing complexity of care requires a holistic approach, along with extensive knowledge and skills. The challenge experienced by health-care professionals is particularly significant for newly graduate nurses, who face a gap between theory and practice. Digital tools, such as mobile applications, can support wound care by facilitating more precise assessments, early treatment, complication prevention and better outcomes. They also aid in clinical decision-making and improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. Several mobile applications have emerged to enhance wound care. However, there are no applications dedicated to newly graduate nurses. The aim of this study was to co-create and evaluate an algorithm for the development of a wound care mobile application supporting clinical decisions for new graduate nurses. The development of this mobile application is envisioned to improve knowledge application and facilitate evidence-based practice. This study is part of a multiphase project that adopted a pragmatic epistemological approach, using the 'Knowledge-to-Action' conceptual model and Duchscher's Stages of Transition Theory. Following a scoping review, an expert consensus, and stakeholder meetings, this study was pursued through a sequential exploratory mixed methods design carried out in two phases. In the initial phase, 21 participants engaged in semi-structured focus groups to explore their needs regarding clinical decision support in wound care, explore their perceptions of the future mobile application's content and identify and categorize essential components. Through descriptive analysis, five overarching themes emerged, serving as guiding principles for conceptual data model development and refinement. These findings confirmed the significance of integrating a comprehensive glossary complemented by photos, ensuring compatibility between the mobile application and existing documentation systems, and providing quick access to information to avoid burdening work routines. Subsequently, the algorithm was created from the qualitative data collected. The second phase involved presenting an online SurveyMonkey® questionnaire to 34 participants who were not part of the initial phase to quantitatively measure the usability of this algorithm among future users. This phase revealed very positive feedback regarding the usability [score of 6.33 (±0.19) on a scale of 1-7], which reinforces its quality. The technology maturation process can now continue with the development of a prototype and subsequent validation in a laboratory setting.

Transnational Intersectionality at Sea: Gender, Appearance, Ethnicity, Age and Marine Knowledge Production

&lt;p&gt;Knowledge production is inherently social, as humans interpret their environment. Scientific knowledge production differs from non-scientific ones in their systematic data collection for validation, yet both involve a social element shaping our understanding of the world. The article investigates social contestation processes as part of knowledge producing processes on a German research vessel and in German and Brazilian marine science institutes with a particular focus on the social identity markers of gender, ethnicity, and age and how they affect team-based sense-making processes. Methodologically, our research draws on participant observation of following marine scientists and associated non-scientists in their daily working routines, as well as semi-structured interviews on a research vessel in 2021 and in marine science institutes from 2022 to 2024. Conceptually, the research follows approaches of the Sociology of Knowledge (Keller et al., 2018) and intersectional approaches (Grabe &amp;amp; Else-Quest, 2012; Patil, 2013) that integrate transnational experiences across national borders and other (physical) boundaries. Based on the empirical research, we assess transnational intersectional sense-making practices at sea. Our findings show that 1) (sexual) harassment in marine knowledge production processes occurs independent of localities, 2) intersectional discrimination at sea leads either to emancipation processes or to withdrawal, 3) tensions especially arise between scientists and non-scientists, which broadens the gap between these social groups and knowledge systems. We conclude by providing recommendations for increased intersectional and female workforce at sea and in marine sciences, so that the doing of research and work at sea can be more inclusive, equal, and safe.&lt;/p&gt;

A character-strengths based coaching intervention to improve wellbeing of rural community health workers in Madhya Pradesh, India: Protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is scarce knowledge on the use of structured positive psychology interventions for reducing work-stress and improving wellbeing of rural community health workers in India, particularly the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) who are village-level (resident women, incentivised) lay health workers. This trial will test the effectiveness of a ‘character-strengths’ based coaching intervention compared to routine supervision on wellbeing (‘authentic happiness’) of ASHAs. MethodsThis protocol is for a single-blind, parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of a five-day residential workshop focusing on the use of character-strengths and subsequent 8- to 10-week remote telephonic coaching (weekly) to individually support ASHAs to improve their wellbeing, against routine health system support. The arms are intervention added to routine ASHA supervision (weekly, by the ASHA supervisor), and routine supervision alone (control arm). The target sample comprises 330 rural ASHAs in Madhya Pradesh, India. The primary outcome of mean Authentic Happiness Inventory (AHI) scores will be compared between arms at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes will include an assessment of ASHA's self-reported affect, self-efficacy, flourishing, burnout, motivation, physical health symptoms, quality of life, and routine work performance indicators, and the consequent patient-level outcomes [e.g., service satisfaction and depression remission rates after receiving brief psychological treatment by trained ASHAs]. We will also evaluate the costs of developing and delivering the intervention. DiscussionThis trial will determine whether a character-strengths based coaching intervention is an effective and scalable approach for reducing work-stress and improving wellbeing of rural ASHAs in low-resource settings.

Postural Risks in Dental Practice: An Assessment of Musculoskeletal Health.

In recent years, Romania's stomatology private practice sector has seen substantial growth, with many dentists fully committing to building and expanding their own practices, often funded by their personal income. This study aimed to explore how various postures affect the muscle groups of dentists (380), particularly focusing on identifying positions that may jeopardize their musculoskeletal health. A group of dentists effectively participated in this study (10), adhering to their regular work routines while wearing wearable sensors on their backs to monitor posture and activity. The data gathered from these sensors were analyzed using the RULA (rapid upper-limb assessment) and REBA (rapid entire-body assessment) tools. The findings indicated that the head and shoulder movements during dental procedures involved considerable and repetitive angular shifts, which could strain the neck and back muscles and heighten the risk of musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, the standing postures adopted by the dentists were associated with an increased risk of postural issues and greater overall fatigue. Extended periods of trunk and head tilting were also identified as contributing factors to posture-related challenges.

Workers with Disabilities and the Challenges of Creating an Inclusive Work Environment

Introduction. Creating a workplace for workers with disabilities is a difficult task that requires considering a variety of factors. Many workplaces are not equipped with the necessary devices, such as height-adjustable tables, office chairs for disabled, or wheelchair lifts. Also, buildings may lack wheelchair ramps, elevators or wide doorways, which makes it difficult for people with limited mobility to access the workplace. These and many other factors significantly limit the possibilities of professional integration of persons with disabilities.The purpose of this work was to identify the main challenges of creating an inclusive working environment in order to increase the employment rates of workers with disabilities. In this research, an analysis of Russian and foreign literature was carried out.Materials and methods. The issues of the employment of workers with disabilities and the creation of an inclusive working environment were considered on the basis of a content analysis of scientific, review, and expert literature published both in scientific peer-reviewed publications and on the Internet. Papers by Rus-sian and foreign authors, analytical data from national statistical agencies, and materials from government and corporate programs aimed at integrating persons with disabilities into social and professional life were studied.Results. Discussions on disability in the workplace have been extremely limited for a long time. However, statistics show that 5–8% of the working-age population have health problems that limit their ability to carry out professional activities. The workplace should be accessible to all employees, whether for routine work or emergency evacuation. Effective use of international experience as well as continuous improvement of inclu-sive practices will help to create more accessible and fair working conditions for all.

“Eco-friendly HPLC method for analysis of dipyrone and hyoscine in different matrices with biomonitoring”

A selective, precise, and accurate reversed HPLC method has been developed and validated for simultaneous separation and determination of two veterinary drugs, dipyrone and hyoscine, in their combined dosage form in the presence of their official impurities, namely 4-aminoantipyrine and tropic acid, in addition to the formulated preservative: phenol. The linearity range was found to be (1.00–35.00 µg/mL) for dipyrone and (2.50–50.00 µg/mL) for hyoscine. It exhibited a satisfactory linearity regression R (0.9999) for both drugs with LOD 0.22 µg/mL and 0.72 µg/mL and LOQ 0.65 µg/mL and 2.19 µg/mL for dipyrone and hyoscine, respectively. Additionally, the two cited drugs were also determined in the presence of dipyrone active metabolite 4-aminoantipyrine using diclofenac as an internal standard in bovine urine. The linearity range was found to be (15–75 µg/mL) for dipyrone, (2.5–60 µg/mL) for hyoscine, and (2.5–60 µg/mL) for 4-aminoantipyrine with linearity regression R (0.9999–0.9998). The LLOQ (15, 2.5, 2.5 µg/mL), LQC (45, 7.5, 7.5 µg/mL), MQC (55, 25, 25 µg/mL), and HQC (60, 50 50 µg/mL) were determined for dipyrone, hyoscine and 4-aminoantipyrine, respectively. UV detection was carried out at 220 nm. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines, as well as according to FDA guidelines for determining both drugs in bioanalytical matrices and both proved accuracy and precision. A statistical comparison was made between the results obtained and those obtained by the reported method, showing no significant difference in accuracy and precision at p = 0.05. The suggested method was proved eco-friendly through a greenness assessment using two different tools (The analytical eco-scale scored 83, and the AGREE-Analytical Greenness Metric approach scored 0.83). The suggested method can be used in the routine work of quality control labs, screening for drug abuse, and ensuring clean sport for horse racing.

Tracking anthropometric dimensions and grip strength among children, adolescents and adults in an indigenous community of southern Mexico: 1968-1978-2000.

To track body size and proportions, arm dimensions and grip strength in children, adolescents, and adults resident in an indigenous community in Oaxaca who were measured on two or three occasions across surveys in 1968, 1978, and 2000. The three cross-sectional surveys included measures of height, weight, sitting height, arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and grip strength in surveys of schoolchildren in 1968 and of schoolchildren, adolescents and adults in 1978 and 2000. Cross-checks of surnames, forenames and ages/dates of birth of participants in the three surveys identified three samples of individuals measured on two occasions (1968-1978, two age groups in 1978-2000) and a subsample of individuals measured in the three surveys. Partial correlations controlling for age at each observation were calculated for each variable in the three sex-specific samples measured on two occasions, and for the subsamples of males and females measured on three occasions. Allowing for variation in age among subsamples, inter-age correlations were moderate to high for stature, moderate for sitting height and estimated leg length, and low to moderate for weight, BMI, arm and estimated arm muscle circumference, triceps skinfold, and grip strength. Allowing for the relatively broad chronological age intervals, the inter-age correlations for height, weight and BMI were at the low end, while those for grip strength and for strength per unit body weight for males (though not females) were generally in the range of correlations noted in studies of European samples. Likely associated with improved health, nutritional, and sanitation conditions, obesity and overweight were emerging among adults by 2000. Obesity and overweight in adults paralleled the introduction of mechanized agriculture that reduced routine physical work. Among children, the association of obesity and overweight is likely with increased nutritional availability, but poor choices in diet.

Remote Work in Audit Firms: A Systematic Literature Review and Theoretical Framework

The mass adoption of remote working technologies, facilitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has permitted a transformation in the work of professional auditors. Where auditors previously worked long hours at the office or on the road near colleagues, remote work has created new work routines that are conducted alone at home. While home-based remote work may be a relatively new phenomenon for auditors, it is not a new phenomenon for knowledge workers in general. In this paper, we perform a systematic literature review across fields such as sociology, psychology, and management information systems to develop an organizing framework for the literature on remote work according to four primary dimensions: organizational factors, employee factors, job-level outcomes and the work-family boundary. From this organizing framework, we propose a theoretical model for how remote work can impact auditors in audit firms bringing in insights from the literature on the audit profession. Our theoretical model proposes that remote work will lead to changes in audit practices that will have implications at the client, employee and firm level. This theoretical model allows us to propose future avenues for research in this rapidly evolving area.

Structured diabetes care routines in cardiac rehabilitation are associated with increased diabetes detection and improved treatment after myocardial infarction: a nationwide observational study

BackgroundDespite the detrimental impact of abnormal glucose metabolism on cardiovascular prognosis after myocardial infarction (MI), diabetes is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. We investigated associations between structured diabetes care routines in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and detection and treatment of diabetes at one-year post-MI.MethodsCenter-level data was derived from the Perfect-CR survey, which evaluated work routines applied at Swedish CR centers (n = 76). Work routines involving diabetes care included: (1) routine assessment of fasting glucose and/or HbA1c, (2) routine use of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), (3) having regular case rounds with diabetologists, and (4) whether glucose-lowering medication was adjusted by CR physicians. Patient-level data was obtained from the national MI registry SWEDEHEART (n = 7601, 76% male, mean age 62.6 years) and included all post-MI patients irrespective of diabetes diagnosis. Using mixed-effects regression we estimated differences between patients exposed versus. not exposed to the four above-mentioned diabetes care routines. Outcomes were newly detected diabetes and the proportion of patients receiving oral glucose-lowering medication at one-year post-MI.ResultsRoutine assessment of fasting glucose/HbA1c was performed at 63.2% (n = 48) of the centers, while 38.2% (n = 29) reported using OGTT for detecting glucose abnormalities. Glucose-lowering medication adjusted by CR physicians (n = 13, 17.1%) or regular case rounds with diabetologists (n = 7, 9.2%) were less frequently reported. In total, 4.0% of all patients (n = 304) were diagnosed with diabetes during follow-up and 17.9% (n = 1361) were on oral glucose-lowering treatment one-year post-MI. Routine use of OGTT was associated with a higher rate of newly detected diabetes at one-year (risk ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.62 [1.26, 1.98], p = 0.0007). At one-year a higher proportion of patients were receiving oral glucose-lowering medication at centers using OGTT (1.22 [1.07, 1.37], p = 0.0046) and where such medication was adjusted by CR physicians (1.31 [1.06, 1.56], p = 0.0155). Compared to having none of the structured diabetes care routines, the more routines implemented the higher the rate of newly detected diabetes (from 0 routines: 2.7% to 4 routines: 6.3%; p for trend = 0.0014).ConclusionsHaving structured routines for diabetes care implemented within CR can improve detection and treatment of diabetes post-MI. A cluster-randomized trial is warranted to ascertain causality.

Sleeping behaviors are determined by lockdown and not work-from-home arrangements

Lockdowns and work-from-home arrangements became abrupt realities for people at an unprecedented scale during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, considering the case of Singapore, we study how peoples’ sleep behaviors—which are closely linked to their mental health—varied as a result. However, different from most studies, this paper uses household electricity consumption data to estimate the sleeping behaviors of nearly 10,000 households in the city-state. With this, we study how the residents’ daily sleep durations changed dynamically during the lockdown and afterwards when restrictions were progressively eased, and show their strong connection to major changes in the public health policy and current events during this period. Our results add to the evidence for the stress endured by the populace during the lockdown; we find that sleep durations for all demographics, while higher than before the lockdown, became more fluctuating across days. A major, and surprising, finding is that it was the lockdown that determined the residents’ sleeping duration, rather than simply working-from-home arrangements. That is, the sleeping durations largely reverted back to their pre-pandemic levels when the lockdown was lifted—with small variations based on demographic factors—although a vast majority of people continued to work from home. This highlights the resilience of the daily routines of the Singapore populace. While providing insights into how a pandemic influences the dynamics of urban sleep patterns, our finding also has broader implications regarding the efficiency of the workforce, suggesting that concerns about asynchronous work routines and productivity may be overblown.

The Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pains on Routine Tasks Among Operating Room Nurses: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeTo determine work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among 105 operating room nurses (ORNs) and its effect on their routine work. DesignMulticenter cross-sectional design. MethodsThis study was conducted with 105 nurses working in operating rooms of five different hospitals between December 15, 2021, and February 15, 2022. Data were collected using the “Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.” SPSS 22.0 was used for data analysis, and a significance level of p < .05 was established. ResultsAmong the nurses, 75.2% were female, 78.1% had undergraduate education, and 59% worked >40 hours/week. In the previous 12 months, 69.5% of ORNs experienced lower back pain; 68.6%, neck pain; and 61.9%, back pain. The duration spent working as a scrub nurse increased the possibility of experiencing pain in the hands, wrists, back, shoulders, and lower back region (p < .05), and women had an increased risk of lower back and back pain (p < .05). Neck, lower back, back, wrist, and hand pain increased the risk of being unable to perform daily tasks (p < .05). ConclusionsExtended work hours as a scrub nurse increase the risk of MSP, including lower back region, neck, and back pain among ORNs. Women have a higher risk of lower back and back pain. Addressing musculoskeletal issues in this profession is crucial. Clinical ImplicationsAddressing musculoskeletal discomfort is vital because of its impact on nurses’ job performance and potential patient harm. Providing ergonomic equipment, training nurses on musculoskeletal health, and raising awareness can help. It is also important to encourage regular breaks.

Evaluasi pemeliharaan lanskap terhadap kapasitas tenaga kerja di trans studio mall bandung

Landscape maintenance work is part of landscape work that focuses on daily activities to maintain the quality of beauty, environment, health, and plant growth in a landscape. Landscape maintenance at Trans Studio Mall Bandung is included in operational work that aims to increase the selling value of the mall landscape area, if the work is carried out in accordance with the capacity and work program that has been determined. Trans Studio Mall Bandung is an international standard shopping center that has green open space in its area. The green open space is managed by the Landscape Maintenance Unit (UPL) of Trans Studio Mall. To evaluate the landscape maintenance at Trans Studio Mall, a study will be conducted on the capacity of each type of maintenance work throughout the landscape area. The evaluation of maintenance work that will be discussed includes daily routine work carried out by the gardener. The studies start from preparation, data collection, analysis, and synthesis. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and literature studies, then analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results obtained show that the number of workers still does not meet the minimum capacity for landscape maintenance at Trans Studio Mall.

Testing a Typology of Data Journalism: Professional and Epistemological Orientations Across and Between Global Regions

ABSTRACT This article provides analysis of the growing data journalism subfield using data gathered from a cross-national survey of journalists in 68 countries. The study makes two contributions to the literature, first offering a test of a typological framework for categorizing data journalists based on their work routines and conditions, and second exploring similarities and differences between journalists working in Global South settings versus those in the Global North. The analysis provides empirical support for conceptual claims of contrasting paradigms revolving around traditional journalistic practices versus more computational approaches to using data in news production. At the same time, we find that rather than aligning neatly with one or the other professional or epistemological paradigm, data journalists tend to employ a wide range of practices, with variations in degree of adoption of individual approaches contingent on specific work contexts. Journalists in countries of the Global South, for instance, are likelier than their Global North counterparts to adopt strategies such as using non-expert sources of information to produce stories based on data. Overall, the data suggest a maturing global data journalism field characterized by broad diffusion of standardized practices that feature some regional variation likely tied to differing data access regimes.

Real-World Adherence to a Delirium Screening Test Administered by Nurses and Medical Staff during Routine Patient Care.

Delirium is often the first symptom of incipient acute illness or complications and must therefore be detected promptly. Nevertheless, routine screening for delirium in acute care hospital wards is often inadequate. We recently implemented a simple, user-friendly delirium screening test (RMA) that can be administered during ward rounds and routine nursing care. The test was found to be non-inferior to 4AT in terms of sensitivity and specificity. However, the dominant factors to take into account when assessing the performance of a test added to the routine work of busy acute care hospital wards are ease of administration, real-life amenability and the ability of the staff to adhere to testing requirements. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence of daily RMA tests that were not administered as scheduled and the impact of these omissions on the overall real-world performance of RMA. Using point-in-time assessments of 4AT by an external rater, we found that complete RMA was administered in 88.8% of the days. Physicians omitted significantly more tests than nurses, but their results were more specific for delirium. Omissions reduced the sensitivity and specificity of RMA for delirium (compared to 4AT) from 90.7% to 81.7%, and from 99.2% to 87.8%, respectively. Ideally, the number of omitted RMA tests should be minimized. However, if over 85% of the daily quota of complete tests are administered, the sensitivity and specificity of RMA for diagnosing delirium as soon as it appears remain at acceptable levels.

Examining workplace affordances within work-study programmes for becoming an engineer

PurposeWork-study programmes aim to support young adults transitioning from tertiary education to work and contribute to enhancing their employability. The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed analysis of the learning experiences of trainees in work-study programmes within the broad field of engineering.Design/methodology/approachThe data gathering procedures used interviews with participants of a specific work-study programme and conducting thematic analyses to identify and understand the motivations of these adults for enrolling in work-study programmes and their associated workplace learning experiences. Fifty-two alumni of electrical and logistics engineering programmes completed 12 months of a separate work-study programme and consented to participate in an hour-long interview. They elaborated upon their work-learn experiences to explicate their work-learn needs and challenges in those interviews.FindingsFindings include workplaces facilitated skills development through providing combinations of work tasks comprising both routine and novel work assignments; challenging circumstances at the workplace provided trainees with opportunities to develop adaptive capacities; and engaging in non-routine work processes fosters integration into the engineering workplace community.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the existing literature by exemplifying how routine engineering activities are practical affordances through which engineering trainees construct knowledge and dispositions for engaging in challenging, non-routine engineering work. Such experiences are crucial in preparing trainees for advanced roles in logistics or electronic sectors.