scholarly journals Pilot test of an accrual Common Metric for the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Consortium: Metric usefulness

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Laura E. Peterson ◽  
Denise H. Daudelin ◽  
Lisa C. Welch ◽  
Anshu Parajulee ◽  
Harry P. Selker
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Principal Investigators ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Individual Trial ◽  
The Common

Abstract The Common Metrics Initiative aims to develop and field metrics to improve research processes within the national Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium. A Median Accrual Ratio (MAR) common metric was developed to assess the results of efforts to increase subject accrual into a set of clinical trials within the expected time period. A pilot test of the MAR was undertaken at Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) with eight CTSA Consortium hubs. Post-pilot interviews were conducted with 9 CTSA Principal Investigators (PIs) and 23 pilot team members. Over three-quarters (78%) of respondents reported that the MAR could be useful for performance improvement, but also described limitations or concerns. The most commonly cited barrier to MAR use for performance improvement was difficulty in interpreting the single value that is produced. Most respondents were interested in using the MAR to assess recruitment at an individual trial level. Majority of respondents (63%) had mixed opinions about aggregating metric results across the CTSA Consortium for comparison or benchmarking. Collecting data about additional contextual factors, and comparing accrual between subgroups, were cited as potentially helping address concerns about aggregation. Significant challenges remain in ensuring that the MAR can be sufficiently useful for collaborative process improvement. We offer recommendations to potentially improve metric usefulness.

scholarly journals Pilot test of an accrual Common Metric for the NIH Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) Consortium: Metric feasibility and data quality

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Denise H. Daudelin ◽  
Laura E. Peterson ◽  
Harry P. Selker
Keyword(s):  
Test Methods ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Economic Costs ◽  
Quality Of Data ◽  
The Common ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Electronic Data Systems

Abstract Failure to accrue participants into clinical trials incurs economic costs, wastes resources, jeopardizes answering research questions meaningfully, and delays translating research discoveries into improved health. This paper reports the results of a pilot test of the Median Accrual Ratio (MAR) metric developed as a part of the Common Metrics Initiative of the NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium. Using the metric is intended to enhance the ability of the CTSA Consortium and its “hubs” to increase subject accrual into trials within expected timeframes. The pilot test was undertaken at Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) with eight CTSA Consortium hubs. We describe the pilot test methods, and results regarding feasibility of collecting metric data and the quality of data that was collected. Participating hubs welcomed the opportunity to assess accrual efforts, but experienced challenges in collecting accrual metric data due to insufficient infrastructure and inconsistent implementation of electronic data systems and lack of uniform data definitions. Also, the metric could not be constructed for all trial designs, particularly those using competitive enrollment strategies. We offer recommendations to address the identified challenges to facilitate progress to broad accrual metric data collection and use.

The Effects of Communication Patterns on the Success of Open Source Software Projects

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 22-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Wu ◽  
Khim-Yong Goh ◽  
He Li ◽  
Chuan Luo ◽  
Haichao Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Open Source Software ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Communication Patterns ◽  
Estimation Model ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Analysis Methodology ◽  
Model Following ◽  
Time Period

Drawing on the theoretical lens of communication patterns in organizational theory, this research analyzed the longitudinal success of open source software (OSS) projects by employing social network analysis method, based on extensive analyses of empirical data. This study is expected to provide an understanding on how communication patterns established in different roles and different levels. The authors not only measured OSS success from both developers and users' perspectives, but also extended the existing research by including the potential relationships among these success measures in the estimation model. Following the panel data econometric analysis methodology, they evaluated their research hypotheses using the Three-Stage Least Squares model, accounting for both time-period and project fixed effects. The authors' results indicated that according to the objectives of projects, a proper and planned control for the communication among team members is crucial for the success of OSS projects.

scholarly journals SINCRONIZACIÓN DE LOS CICLOS ECONÓMICOS DE MÉXICO Y ESTADOS UNIDOS: UN ENFOQUE DE CORRELACIÓN DINÁMICA

2021 ◽  
Vol 81 (319) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Dulce Albarrán Macías ◽  
Pablo Mejía Reyes ◽  
Francisco López Herrera
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Business Cycles ◽  
Great Recession ◽  
The United States ◽  
Conditional Correlation ◽  
Dynamic Conditional Correlation ◽  
Dynamic Correlation ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Business Cycle

<p>El objetivo de este documento es analizar la sincronización de los ciclos económicos de México y Estados Unidos durante el periodo 1981-2017 mediante la estimación de un coeficiente de correlación condicional dinámica que permite tener una estimación para cada periodo de tiempo. Los resultados, obtenidos a partir de distintos indicadores de producción y métodos de eliminación de tendencia, muestran un aumento desde la apertura de la economía mexicana a mediados de la década de 1980, especialmente durante las recesiones de 2001-2002 y 2008-2009 y también una serie de descensos aislados, explicados por diferencias en los ritmos de crecimiento de ambas economías, y una declinación sostenida en la fase pos-Gran Recesión que se explica principalmente por reducciones en el comercio exterior.</p><p> </p><p align="center">SYNCHRONIZATION OF THE BUSINESS CYCLES OF MEXICO AND THE UNITED STATES: A DYNAMIC CORRELATION APPROACH</p><p align="center"><strong>ABSTRACT</strong></p><p>The objective of this paper is to analyze the business cycle synchronization of Mexico and the United States over the period 1981-2017 by estimating a dynamic conditional correlation coefficient that allows us to have an estimate for each time period. The results, obtained from different production indicators and different de-trending methods, show an increase in this synchronization after the opening of the Mexican economy in the mid-eighties, especially during the common recessions of 2001-2002 and 2008-2009, and some isolated drops explained by differences in the growth rates of both economies as well as a sustained decline in the post-Great Recession phase resulting from the decline of international trade.</p>

The History and Status of the Journal of Sport Psychology: 1979-1985

1986 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 149-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Landers ◽  
Stephen H. Boutcher ◽  
Min Q. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Sport Psychology ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The Past ◽  
Subject Selection ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Methodological Problems ◽  
The Common ◽  
Single Set

In the past 7 years JSP has evolved to become a respected sport psychology journal. The journal has been uncompromising in the strong research posture it has taken. It is currently the only journal entirely devoted to sport psychology that uses a single set of criteria for evaluating the scientific merit of submitted manuscripts. Over this time period the submitted manuscripts have shown an increase in the number of female principal authors as well as authors being affiliated with departments other than physical education. Survey studies were the most common submittals, but lately there has been a greater emphasis in field experimental studies. Some potential problem areas are noted in subject selection and choice of statistical tests. An examination of research areas revealed that in recent years "motivation" was the most frequently submitted topic. It appeared that other research areas varied in terms of their publishability. The common methodological problems associated with rejection of these types of manuscripts are discussed.

Abstract WP442: Process Improvement for Stroke/Cardiovascular Risk Factor Screening

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margie Campbell ◽  
Jessica Lee ◽  
Tammy Watts
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Team Approach ◽  
Heart Team ◽  
Factor Screening ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Heart Institute ◽  
Risk Factor Screening ◽  
Stroke Team ◽  
Institute Staff

Background and Purpose: Despite advances in the acute treatment of stroke, many patients are delayed in seeking care. While many factors contribute to delays, the principle factor continues to be a lack of public knowledge regarding stroke signs and symptoms. For several years, our Comprehensive Stroke team had been completing community stroke screenings independent of our CV team partners. As the risk factors for Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are very similar, we explored the possibility of combining our resources with our Neurological Institute staff and the Heart Institute staff. The purpose behind our process improvement project was to improve collaboration, enhance utilization of resources, and provide more comprehensive risk factor assessment and risk factor education for our participants. An additional goal included teaching the participants the signs/symptoms of Stroke and MI and the importance of calling 911 immediately. Methods: The first step was to create a team that included Neurological Institute and Heart Institute team members. We developed educational materials to be used during the events, including a comprehensive Stroke and Cardiovascular disease booklet, a Risk Factor Scorecard and other visual aids. As the project progressed, additional team members were added to meet the expanded needs identified during the screenings completed. Physician referral was incorporated for appropriate patients. Results: In 2017, the Stroke team completed 3 events and screened 180 participants with a total of 14 volunteers. In 2018, the Neurological/Heart teams completed 5 events with 180 participants screened by 57 volunteers. Thus far in 2019, the Neurological/Heart team has completed 5 events with 333 participants screened and 38 volunteers participating. Conclusions: An interdisciplinary team approach resulted in more comprehensive risk factor screening for participants, increased number of events and greater community outreach. In addition, 4 participants were referred for Cardiology appointments.

scholarly journals A tool to improve the performance of multidisciplinary teams in cancer care

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. e000435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynleigh Evans ◽  
Brendan Donovan ◽  
Yiren Liu ◽  
Tim Shaw ◽  
Paul Harnett
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Team Performance ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Innovative Methodology ◽  
Improvement Strategies ◽  
The Matrix

IntroductionWhile multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) are well established in many healthcare institutions, both how they function and their role in decision-making vary widely. This study adopted an innovative methodology to assess multidisciplinary team performance and engage teams in performance improvement strategies.MethodsThe study comprised a survey to evaluate MDT members’ perceptions of their team’s performance before the implementation of the programme and annually thereafter, and a maturity matrix designed as a self-assessment tool. Each MDT used the matrix to collectively assess its performance and identify areas for improvement.ResultsIn the first cycle, 180 member surveys from 19 MDTs were completed. This provided insights into team members’ perceptions of performance. 12 of these teams continued with the study and all 12 completed the matrix. Most teams rated themselves at level one or two (low) on a scale of five for most items.ConclusionsThe MDT survey and maturity matrix have the potential to be useful for cancer care teams to identify their strengths and weaknesses and monitor performance over time and also for management to review its performance against standard criteria and to identify priority areas for improvement and further support.

Fever in pregnant, parturient, and lactating rats

1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (4) ◽  
pp. R919-R923 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Martin ◽  
T. J. Malkinson ◽  
W. L. Veale ◽  
Q. J. Pittman
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Toxic Responses

Conscious virgin, pregnant, or lactating rats were given intravenous Escherichia coli endotoxin while their temperatures were monitored telemetrically. Virgin females responded to 10-50 micrograms/kg endotoxin with a slight hypothermia, followed by a fever of nearly 2 degrees C magnitude. In pregnant rats given 25 micrograms/kg of the endotoxin, fevers were reduced between 96 h before and 24 h after parturition compared with those seen in virgins or in lactating rats > 24 h postpartum. In the 24-h period before expected time of parturition, no rat developed a fever and the majority of animals became hypothermic; furthermore, in 80% of such animals given 25 micrograms/kg endotoxin, the hypothermia was accompanied by death within 3-15 h. Some mortality and hypothermia were also seen up to 48 h before birth and up to 24 h after birth. No mortality was observed in virgin, pregnant, or lactating rats outside of this time period. We conclude that, around the time of delivery, there is a suppression of fever in the rat and occasional toxic responses to endotoxin.

scholarly journals Improving patient satisfaction by adding a physician in triage

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Imperato ◽  
Darren S. Morris ◽  
Leon D. Sanchez ◽  
Gary Setnik
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Emergency Department Setting ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Scores ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Percentile Rank ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
The Absolute ◽  
Attending Physician

Background: The physician in triage (PIT) model has been proposed as a process improvement to help increase efficiency in the Emergency Department setting. However, its effect on patient satisfaction has not been well established. Methods: An interventional study comparing patient satisfaction scores for the 6-month period before and after implementation of a physician in triage model. In our system an additional attending physician was assigned to triage from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Outcome measures were mean scores obtained from respondents to Press Ganey® patient satisfaction surveys for selected questions most likely to be impacted by PIT implementation and those included in the physician section of the survey. Results: Five hundred and eight respondents seen in the six months before the initiation of the PIT team and 458 respondents in the six months after the system change were included in the study. Improvement was noted in the absolute Press Ganey® scores in the Post-PIT time period across all questions analyzed with statistically significant differences noted for 8 of the 10 questions studied. Conclusions: Although seemingly small there was a statistically significant improvement in the absolute patient satisfaction scores after adding a physician in triage. Because small gains in absolute scores can result in large improve- ments on the percentile rank when using Press Ganey® surveys, physician in triage may be of significant benefit to overall patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals Arabidopsis plants perform arithmetic division to prevent starvation at night

eLife ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Scialdone ◽  
Sam T Mugford ◽  
Doreen Feike ◽  
Alastair Skeffington ◽  
Philippa Borrill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological System ◽  
Kinetic Models ◽  
Starch Content ◽  
Chemical Kinetic ◽  
Light Period ◽  
Starch Degradation ◽  
Degradation Pathways ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Expected Time ◽  
Time Period

Photosynthetic starch reserves that accumulate in Arabidopsis leaves during the day decrease approximately linearly with time at night to support metabolism and growth. We find that the rate of decrease is adjusted to accommodate variation in the time of onset of darkness and starch content, such that reserves last almost precisely until dawn. Generation of these dynamics therefore requires an arithmetic division computation between the starch content and expected time to dawn. We introduce two novel chemical kinetic models capable of implementing analog arithmetic division. Predictions from the models are successfully tested in plants perturbed by a night-time light period or by mutations in starch degradation pathways. Our experiments indicate which components of the starch degradation apparatus may be important for appropriate arithmetic division. Our results are potentially relevant for any biological system dependent on a food reserve for survival over a predictable time period.

Leading Practices for the Prevention of Mechanical Damage

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hereth ◽  
Bernd Selig ◽  
John Zurcher ◽  
Keith Leewis ◽  
Rick Gailing
Keyword(s):  
Common Ground ◽  
Mechanical Damage ◽  
Recent Change ◽  
American Petroleum Institute ◽  
Performance Excellence ◽  
Time Data ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Additional Detail ◽  
The Common

Practices that are used by pipeline operators to prevent mechanical damage are examined in this paper. A set of practices specific to pipeline operations is presented. The practices were initially developed by a group of subject matter experts working under the auspices of the American Petroleum Institute and the Association of Oil Pipelines (API/AOPL) Performance Excellence Team. The practices drew upon the work started within the Common Ground Initiative in the late 1990s and continued by the Common Ground Alliance. The practices presented were reviewed again in preparation of this report. The practices build upon practices defined by Common Ground Alliance (CGA), largely by providing greater specificity and ensuring completeness and follow through in communication and documentation. A subset of these practices became the foundation of the standard, API 1166 Excavation Monitoring and Observation. The paper also provides an overview of historical safety performance for the period 1995 through 2003; with a specific focus on mechanical damage related incidents including the additional detail available in the recent change in Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA, US-DOT) Incident Reporting. This period was selected because it represented the time period where there was a heightened interest in preventing damage to pipelines as described above. The large majority of mechanical damage related incidents result in an immediate impact; a small portion occur at some later point in time. Data for the nine-year period indicate that approximately 90 percent of the incidents result in an immediate impact. This is significant in that it underscores the importance of prevention of damage. The experience of hazardous liquid pipelines has shown a continuing decrease in numbers of annual incidents. The experience of natural gas pipelines has not shown a decreasing trend; in fact, it is relatively flat for the period of study. While the heightened awareness and strong commitment to dedication are known to have had an impact on damage prevention through numerous stories and vast experience shared by a variety of stakeholders, it is prudent to be concerned that the performance may be reaching a “plateau”.

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