An algebra and conceptual model for semantic tagging of collaborative digital libraries

Cost-effective semantic description and annotation of shared knowledge resources has always been of great importance for digital libraries and large scale information systems in general. With the emergence of the Social Web and Web 2.0 technologies, a more effective semantic description and annotation, e.g., folksonomies, of digital library contents is envisioned to take place in collaborative and personalised environments. However, there is a lack of foundation and mathematical rigour for coping with contextualised management and retrieval of semantic annotations throughout their evolution as well as diversity in users and user communities. In this paper, we propose an ontological foundation for semantic annotations of digital libraries in terms of flexonomies. The proposed theoretical model relies on a high dimensional space with algebraic operators for contextualised access of semantic tags and annotations. The set of the proposed algebraic operators, however, is an adaptation of the set theoretic operators selection, projection, difference, intersection, union in database theory. To this extent, the proposed model is meant to lay the ontological foundation for a Digital Library 2.0 project in terms of geometric spaces rather than logic (description) based formalisms as a more efficient and scalable solution to the semantic annotation problem in large scale.

Estado nutricional dos doentes oncológicos seguidos numa consulta de dietética e nutrição : relatório de estágio efetuado no Serviço de Dietética e Nutrição do Hospital de Santa Maria, EPE, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte

Relatório de estágio de mestrado, Nutrição Clínica, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, 2015

Estágio no Serviço de Dietética e Nutrição e no Departamento de Neurologia no Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte

Relatório de estágio de mestrado, Nutrição Clínica, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, 2015

Estágio no Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte - Polo: Hospital de Santa Maria - Serviço de Dietética e Nutrição

Relatório de estágio de mestrado, Nutrição Clínica, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Medicina, 2015

The influence of multimorbidity on hospital, intensive care, and emergency department use at the end of life for patients with chronic conditions

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2016-03

Risk Modelling Framework for Emergency Hospital Readmission, Using Hospital Episode Statistics Inpatient Data

The objective of this study was to develop, test and benchmark a framework and a predictive risk model for hospital emergency readmission within 12 months. We performed the development using routinely collected Hospital Episode Statistics data covering inpatient hospital admissions in England. Three different timeframes were used for training, testing and benchmarking: 1999 to 2004, 2000 to 2005 and 2004 to 2009 financial years. Each timeframe includes 20% of all inpatients admitted within the trigger year. The comparisons were made using positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity for different risk cut-offs, risk bands and top risk segments, together with the receiver operating characteristic curve. The constructed Bayes Point Machine using this feature selection framework produces a risk probability for each admitted patient, and it was validated for different timeframes, sub-populations and cut-off points. At risk cut-off of 50%, the positive predictive value was 69.3% to 73.7%, the specificity was 88.0% to 88.9% and sensitivity was 44.5% to 46.3% across different timeframes. Also, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 73.0% to 74.3%. The developed framework and model performed considerably better than existing modelling approaches with high precision and moderate sensitivity.

Business Process Modelling based on formal temporal theory with an application to hospital patient flows

Existing Workflow Management Systems (WFMSs) follow a pragmatic approach. They often use a proprietary modelling language with an intuitive graphical layout. However the underlying semantics lack a formal foundation. As a consequence, analysis issues, such as proving correctness i.e. soundness and completeness, and reliable execution are not supported at design level. This project will be using an applied ontology approach by formally defining key terms such as process, sub-process, action/task based on formal temporal theory. Current business process modelling (BPM) standards such as Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) and Unified Modelling Language (UML) Activity Diagram (AD) model their constructs with no logical basis. This investigation will contribute to the research and industry by providing a framework that will provide grounding for BPM to reason and represent a correct business process (BP). This is missing in the current BPM domain, and may result in reduction of the design costs and avert the burden of redundant terms used by the current standards. A graphical tool will be introduced which will implement the formal ontology defined in the framework. This new tool can be used both as a modelling tool and at the same time will serve the purpose of validating the model. This research will also fill the existing gap by providing a unified graphical representation to represent a BP in a logically consistent manner for the mainstream modelling standards in the fields of business and IT. A case study will be conducted to analyse a catalogue of existing ‘patient pathways’ i.e. processes, of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust including current performance statistics. Following the application of the framework, a mapping will be conducted, and new performance statistics will be collected. A cost/benefits analysis report will be produced comparing the results of the two approaches.

A general framework for Business Process Modelling (BPM) based on Formal Temporal Theory with an application to Hospital Patient flows

Existing Workflow Management Systems (WFMSs) follow a pragmatic approach. They often use a proprietary modelling language with an intuitive graphical layout. However the underlying semantics lack a formal foundation. As a consequence, analysis issues, such as proving correctness i.e. soundness and completeness, and reliable execution are not supported at design level. This project will be using an applied ontology approach by formally defining key terms such as process, sub-process, action/task based on formal temporal theory. Current business process modelling (BPM) standards such as Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN) and Unified Modelling Language (UML) Activity Diagram (AD) model their constructs with no logical basis. This investigation will contribute to the research and industry by providing a framework that will provide grounding for BPM to reason and represent a correct business process (BP). This is missing in the current BPM domain, and may result in reduction of the design costs and avert the burden of redundant terms used by the current standards. A graphical tool will be introduced which will implement the formal ontology defined in the framework. This new tool can be used both as a modelling tool and at the same time will serve the purpose of validating the model. This research will also fill the existing gap by providing a unified graphical representation to represent a BP in a logically consistent manner for the mainstream modelling standards in the fields of business and IT. A case study will be conducted to analyse a catalogue of existing ‘patient pathways’ i.e. processes, of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust including current performance statistics. Following the application of the framework, a mapping will be conducted, and new performance statistics will be collected. A cost/benefits analysis report will be produced comparing the results of the two approaches.

Motivation among Hospital volunteers: an empirical analysis in Portugal

The purpose of this paper is to identify the different types of motivations in hospital volunteers. We present a literature review about different types of motivation and we collect data from hospital volunteers through a questionnaire. Four different motivation categories are identified: development and learning, altruism, career recognition and belonging and protection. The main motivations expressed are development and learning, followed by altruism. Belonging and protection, followed by career recognition are the least cited motivations. Career recognition is negatively correlated with age, and belonging/ protection is negatively correlated with education. That is, younger volunteers present more career recognition motives and less educated volunteers have more from protection and belonging. This study encompasses hospital volunteers and their motivations. The paper is useful to policy makers aiming to develop targeted approaches to attracting and retaining volunteers.

Organisational influence on volunteer satisfaction and attitudes towards HRM practices: the case of hospital volunteers

We examine volunteer satisfaction with HRM practices, namely recruitment, training and reward in NPOs and attitudes regarding the appropriateness of these practices. The participants in this study are 76 volunteers affiliated with four different NPOs, who work in hospitals and have direct contact with patients and their families. Analysing aggregate results we show that volunteers are more satisfied with training, and consider the training strategies to be very appropriate. After identifying differences between organisations we discover that in some organisations volunteers are satisfied with rewards but they have negative attitudes regarding the appropriateness of the recognition strategies. We also identify the volunteers who are the most and the least satisfied.

Contribution of hospital effluents to the load of pharmaceuticals in urban wastewaters: Identification of ecologically relevant pharmaceuticals

The impact of effluent wastewaters from four different hospitals: a university (1456 beds), a general (350 beds), a pediatric (110 beds) and a maternity hospital (96 beds), which are conveyed to the same wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), was evaluated in the receiving urban wastewaters. The occurrence of 78 pharmaceuticals belonging to several therapeutic classes was assessed in hospital effluents and WWTP wastewaters (influent and effluent) as well as the contribution of each hospital in WWTP influent in terms of pharmaceutical load. Results indicate that pharmaceuticals are widespread pollutants in both hospital and urban wastewaters. The contribution of hospitals to the input of pharmaceuticals in urban wastewaters widely varies, according to their dimension. The estimated total mass loadings were 306 g d− 1 for the university hospital, 155 g d− 1 for the general one, 14 g d− 1 for the pediatric hospital and 1.5 g d− 1 for the maternity hospital, showing that the biggest hospitals have a greater contribution to the total mass load of pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, analysis of individual contributions of each therapeutic group showed that NSAIDs, analgesics and antibiotics are among the groups with the highest inputs. Removal efficiency can go from over 90% for pharmaceuticals like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to not removal for β-blockers and salbutamol. Total mass load of pharmaceuticals into receiving surface waters was estimated between 5 and 14 g/d/1000 inhabitants. Finally, the environmental risk posed by pharmaceuticals detected in hospital and WWTP effluents was assessed by means of hazard quotients toward different trophic levels (algae, daphnids and fish). Several pharmaceuticals present in the different matrices were identified as potentially hazardous to aquatic organisms, showing that especial attention should be paid to antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, azithromycin and clarithromycin, since their hazard quotients in WWTP effluent revealed that they could pose an ecotoxicological risk to algae.

Implementação de um software de gestão de logística no Hospital Agostinho Ribeiro

O presente relatório possui o propósito de apresentar o estágio curricular desenvolvido na empresa “Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Felgueiras”, iniciado a 1 de maio de 2013, englobando horas de aprendizagem e consolidação de conhecimentos adquiridos no percurso académico. A realização do presente estágio está enquadrada no protocolo celebrado entre a “Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Felgueiras” e a Associação de Politécnicos do Norte, cumprindo desta forma o art.º 2 e 3 do Regulamento de Estágios Curriculares da Associação de Politécnicos do Norte (APNOR). A realização do estágio, bem como a realização deste relatório, é o produto final de meses de experiência laboral, pesquisa bibliográfica e de reflexão, de um ano curricular. Com a realização deste estágio e do relatório permitiu-me concluir acerca de como é elaborada a gestão hospitalar e a sua importância no contexto empresarial. A gestão contribui com o fornecimento de informações económicas nos diferentes usuários como: Gestores, Governo, Sindicato, Funcionários.

O perfil do utilizador abusivo dos Serviços de Urgência Portugueses: um estudo no Hospital de São João

A afluência desmedida aos Serviços de Urgência é uma questão que acarreta preocupações a nível financeiro. Contribui para este fato, a mentalidade da população, que acredita que este serviço oferece mais facilidades de acesso, dispõe de mais recursos e fornece melhores cuidados de saúde. Novas medidas foram preconizadas, como o aumento das taxas moderadoras, para tentar travar este fenómeno. No entanto, apesar da descida dos episódios de urgência em cerca de 10%, em Portugal, estudos apontam para valores na ordem dos 30-35% de episódios não urgentes. Assim, torna-se importante que não só se enfatizem as novas medidas, como se eduque a população com vista à correta utilização destes serviços, através de campanhas de sensibilização. Torna-se, assim, necessário que se chegue ao perfil do utilizador abusivo. Para a identificação de um perfil de abusividade, foram solicitados dados de episódios de urgência ocorridos durante um período de 6 meses no Hospital de São João, tendo depois sido estimado um modelo de regressão logística. A metodologia permite identificar quais as características que influenciam uma utilização abusiva do serviço e quantificar o impacto de cada uma destas características na probabilidade de um utente apresentar um comportamento abusivo. Concluiu-se que, uma mulher entre os 18-30 anos, que resida em Vila Nova de Gaia, recorra à urgência durante a noite tendo-lhe sido atribuída uma pulseira azul e seja abrangida pelo Serviço Nacional de Saúde, apresenta 91,92% de probabilidade de utilizar este serviço de forma abusiva. Contrariamente, um homem com mais de 60 anos, residente na Maia, que recorra ao serviço durante o dia, esteja isento do pagamento de taxas moderadoras e seja abrangido pela ADSE, e lhe seja atribuída uma pulseira laranja, apresenta apenas 39,93% de probabilidade de ter um comportamento abusivo. Estes resultados são importantes para definir campanhas de sensibilização que diminuam comportamentos abusivos.

Implementação e integração do modelo de acreditação da Joint Commission International na unidade de imagiologia do Hospital Privado da Boavista

Este trabalho descreve a abordagem abrangente sobre a melhoria do sistema de gestão da qualidade na Unidade de Imagiologia do Hospital da Boavista através da implementação das normas de acreditação da Joint Commission International (JCI). Fundamental para a melhoria geral da qualidade é a redução contínua de riscos para os doentes e para os profissionais da Unidade. Tais riscos podem existir ao nível do ambiente físico assim como no circuito dos exames e dos doentes. A acreditação em Saúde é uma das prioridades estratégicas do Ministério da Saúde e tem como objetivo fortalecer a confiança dos cidadãos nos profissionais de saúde bem como nas instituições de saúde. É importante que Portugal cultive a melhoria da qualidade e segurança nas instituições de saúde mantendo uma relação adequada custo/benefício. A União Europeia tem feito um esforço para que a acreditação seja harmoniosa nos seus princípios, no entanto é respeitada sempre a prevalência da legislação de cada país, bem como as suas especificações culturais e religiosas (Shaw, 2006), responsabilizando-o pelo seu sistema de saúde O trabalho aqui apresentado tem como objetivo principal fundamentar a escolha do modelo de acreditação da JCI para o Hospital da Boavista, nomeadamente para a Unidade de Imagiologia, ver se os padrões estão de acordo com os procedimentos da Unidade, identificar falhas e apontar possiveis melhorias. Pretende-se ainda mostrar a importância da implementação dos sistemas de certificação e acreditação da gestão da qualidade, documentada pela experiência profissional, bem como o know-how do Hospital da Boavista, assim como a complementaridade dos programas da gestão da qualidade, certificação e acreditação. A escolha do modelo de acreditação da JCI, foi uma opção do Hospital da Boavista baseada na credibilidade e no grau de exigência que a entidade impõe. Foi imperativo que a Unidade de Imagiologia realizasse as suas funções de forma válida e fiável e que disponibilizasse produtos / serviços de qualidade. A monitorização e consequente controlo de qualidade do serviço prestado pela Unidade de Imagiologia, foi difícil mas simplificado, em parte, devido ao sistema de gestão da qualidade ISO 9001:2008 já implementado, tendo este sido consolidado com a implementação da acreditação da JCI, com padrões específicos bem definidos na gestão do controlo de qualidade na Unidade de Imagiologia do Hospital da Boavista.

Trace metals in size-fractionated particulate matter in a Portuguese hospital: exposure risks assessment and comparisons with other countries

Hospitals are considered as a special and important type of indoor public place where air quality has significant impacts on potential health outcomes. Information on indoor air quality of these environments, concerning exposures to particulate matter (PM) and related toxicity, is limited though. This work aims to evaluate risks associated with inhalation exposure to ten toxic metals and chlorine (As, Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Mn, Se, Ba, Al, Si, and Cl) in coarse (PM2.5–10) and fine (PM2.5) particles in a Portuguese hospital in comparison with studies representative of other countries. Samples were collected during 1 month in one urban hospital; elemental PM characterization was determined by proton-induced X-ray emission. Noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed according to the methodology provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA; Region III Risk-Based Concentration Table) for three different age categories of hospital personnel (adults, >20, and <65 years) and patients (considering nine different age groups, i.e., children of 1–3 years to seniors of >65 years). The estimated noncarcinogenic risks due to occupational inhalation exposure to PM2.5-bound metals ranged from 5.88×10−6 for Se (adults, 55–64 years) to 9.35×10−1 for As (adults, 20–24 years) with total noncarcinogenic risks (sum of all metals) above the safe level for all three age categories. As and Cl (the latter due to its high abundances) were the most important contributors (approximately 90 %) to noncarcinogenic risks. For PM2.5–10, noncarcinogenic risks of all metals were acceptable to all age groups. Concerning carcinogenic risks, for Ni and Pb, they were negligible (<1×10−6) in both PM fractions for all age groups of hospital personnel; potential risks were observed for As and Cr with values in PM2.5 exceeding (up to 62 and 5 times, respectively) USEPA guideline across all age groups; for PM2.5–10, increased excess risks of As and Cr were observed particularly for long-term exposures (adults, 55–64 years). Total carcinogenic risks highly (up to 67 times) exceeded the recommended level for all age groups, thus clearly showing that occupational exposure to metals in fine particles pose significant risks. If the extensive working hours of hospital medical staff were considered, the respective noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were increased, the latter for PM2.5 exceeding the USEPA cumulative guideline of 10−4. For adult patients, the estimated noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were approximately three times higher than for personnel, with particular concerns observed for children and adolescents.