3,460 research outputs found

    An overlapless incident management maturity model for multi-framework assessment (ITIL, COBIT, CMMI-SVC)

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    Aim/Purpose: This research aims to develop an information technology (IT) maturity model for incident management (IM) process that merges the most known IT frameworks’ practices. Our proposal intends to help organizations overcome the current limitations of multiframework implementation by informing organizations about frameworks’ overlap before their implementation. Background: By previously identifying frameworks’ overlaps it will assist organizations during the multi-framework implementation in order to save resources (human and/or financial). Methodology: The research methodology used is design science research (DSR). Plus, the authors applied semi-structured interviews in seven different organizations to demonstrate and evaluate the proposal. Contribution: This research adds a new and innovative artefact to the body of knowledge. Findings: The proposed maturity model is seen by the practitioners as complete and useful. Plus, this research also reinforces the frameworks’ overlap issue and concludes that some organizations are unaware of their actual IM maturity level; some organizations are unaware that they have implemented practices of other frameworks besides the one that was officially adopted. Recommendations for Practitioners: Practitioners may use this maturity model to assess their IM maturity level before multi-framework implementation. Moreover, practitioners are also incentivized to communicate further requirements to academics regarding multi-framework assessment maturity models. Recommendation for Researchers: Researchers may explore and develop multi-frameworks maturity models for the remaining processes of the main IT frameworks. Impact on Society: This research findings and outcomes are a step forward in the development of a unique overlapless maturity model covering the most known IT frameworks in the market thus helping organizations dealing with the increasing frameworks’ complexity and overlap. Future Research: Overlapless maturity models for the remaining IT framework processes should be explored.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

    Salivary calcium determination with a specially developed microfluidic paper-based device for point-of-care analysis

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    The calcium monitoring in the body not only anticipates several potential diseases (osteoporosis, kidney stones or high blood pressure) but also helps to improve target therapies and follow-up the patient's health status. Calcium monitoring is essential for the diagnosis of one of the most common endocrine disorders worldwide, namely hyperparathyroidism. So, in this work, a new Point-of-care test (POC-test) using a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for calcium quantification in saliva samples is described. The developed μPAD was based on the colorimetric reaction between calcium and cresolphthalein complexone (CPC) which forms an intense purple colour product. The developed device enabled calcium quantification in the range of 0.27–4.50 mmol/L (11.0–180 mg/L) with a detection limit of 80 µmol/L (3.2 mg/L). The accuracy of the developed μPAD was confirmed by analysing saliva samples (#10) and comparing the results obtained with the atomic absorption spectrometry reference procedure; the relative deviation between the two sets of results was below 10 %. A correlation between salivary calcium content and calcium content in blood was established and it was possible to conclude that salivary calcium concentrations above 1.55 mmol/L is an indicator of hypercalcemia. The developed device was stable for 2 weeks when stored at room temperature in vacuum conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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