ADDRESSING TACIT KNOWLEDGE IN ISD METHODOLOGIES

This paper identifies a gap in ISD methodologies regarding the exclusion of tacit user requirements in the development of information systems (IS). It recognises that this will lead to IS failure, since given that tacit requirements are not considered or incorporated, these systems will not address these types of requirements. In the mid 90’s Clegg et al (1997) argued that 80-90% of IT investments do not adhere to the performance objectives of the user. They identified a number reason for systems failure, one of them being the poor articulation of user requirements. Tacit knowledge is inarticulable (Wong & Radcliffe, 2000) and subjective (Baumard, 1999). Therefore requirements that result from tacit knowledge use are omitted from consideration in current ISD processes. This paper identifies three characteristics and five acquisition dimensions of tacit knowledge that have a significant impact upon the ISD process. Four well-known ISD methodologies are then critiqued in relation to these. This leads to a revised perspective on current ISD methodologies, which challenges the traditional view regarding the development of systems

Local synthesis of sex hormones:are there consequences for the ocular surface and dry eye?

Sex hormones are associated with the physiology and pathophysiology of almost all organs in the body, as well as most diseases. Interest in the associations between sex hormones and ocular tissues has increased in recent years. Androgens may have a positive effect on dry eye, whereas the effects of oestrogen on ocular conditions remain unclear. Intracrinology, the local synthesis and metabolism of hormones that is unique to humans, is of relevance to the eye and may help to explain why studies of the relationship between oestrogens and dry eye signs and symptoms are inconclusive. Knowledge of the pathways of hormone formation and metabolism is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of ocular disease including dry eye. This review examines the mechanisms of steroidal sex hormone biosynthesis and reviews the significance of locally produced sex hormones, with a focus on ocular surface tissues. Much of the current literature is based on animal studies, which may not be transferable to humans due to the absence of intracrine production in animals. A large proportion of the human studies investigate systemic hormone levels rather than local levels. There is subsequently a need for additional studies to provide a better understanding of the local production of sex hormones within the human eye and ocular surface and to clarify the relationships between ocular levels of sex hormones and conditions including dry eye

Systems Engineering Methodologies, Tacit Knowledge and Communities of Practice

In the context of technology development and systems engineering, knowledge is typically treated as a complex information structure. In this view, knowledge can be stored in highly sophisticated data systems and processed by explicitly intelligent, software-based technologies. This paper argues that the current emphasis upon knowledge as information (or even data) is based upon a form of rationalism which is inappropriate for any comprehensive treatment of knowledge in the context of human-centred systems thinking. A human-centred perspective requires us to treat knowledge in human terms. The paper sets out the particular importance of tacit knowledge in this regard. It sets out two case studies which reveal the critical importance of a careful treatment of tacit knowledge for success in two complex, technology-driven projects

Ocular Surface Infection and Antimicrobials

Infection of the ocular surface can have devastating consequences if not appropriately treated with antimicrobials at an early stage [...]

Tacit Knowledge And Human Centred Systems: The Key To Managing The Social Impact Of Technology

In recent years the concept of knowledge management has become an important feature in automation literature, in particular as it relates to ICT (information and communications technology). To date, this literature focuses primarily upon knowledge, which can be extracted, explicitly stated and codified into large-scale databases or other knowledge capture devices and mechanisms. However, it is readily apparent that this notion of knowledge is extremely limited. In particular, in order to understand, appreciate and effectively design and manage complex technologies, we need to focus more on less-concrete forms of knowledge. These types of knowledge are often termed ‘tacit’ knowledge in order to emphasise their hidden nature. This paper reviews the current literature on tacit knowledge and relates it to current research and practise in AMAT and ICT. It then presents some empirical evidence to highlight the importance of tacit knowledge in engineering design and development work, and suggests a tacit knowledge-based framework

Systematic review of the appropriateness of eye care delivery in eye care practice

Background: Health care systems are continually being reformed, however care improvement and intervention effectiveness are often assumed, not measured. This paper aimed to review findings from published studies about the appropriateness of eye care delivery, using existing published evidence and/or experts' practice and to describe the methods used to measure appropriateness of eye care. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Medline, Embase and CINAHL (2006 to September 2016). Studies reporting the processes of eye care delivery against existing published evidence and/or experts' practice were selected. Data was extracted from published reports and the methodological quality using a modified critical appraisal tool. The primary outcomes were percentage of appropriateness of eye care delivery. This study was registered with PROSPERO, reference CRD42016049974. Results: Fifty-seven studies were included. Most studies assessed glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and the overall methodological quality for most studies was moderate. The ranges of appropriateness of care delivery were 2-100% for glaucoma, 0-100% for diabetic retinopathy and 0-100% for other miscellaneous conditions. Published studies assessed a single ocular condition, a sample from a single centre or a single domain of care, but no study has attempted to measure the overall appropriateness of eye care delivery. Conclusions: These findings indicated a wide range of appropriateness of eye care delivery, for glaucoma and diabetic eye care. Future research would benefit from a comprehensive approach where appropriateness of eye care is measured across multiple conditions with a single methodology, to guide priorities within eye care delivery and monitor quality improvement initiatives.</p

Removal of Biofilm from Contact Lens Storage Cases

PURPOSE. Lens case hygiene practices are important in maintaining safe contact lens wear. However, the effectiveness of various lens case cleaning practices have not been evaluated and compared. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cleaning practices that are most commonly carried out by lens wearers and recommended by practitioners. METHODS. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 122, Serratia marcescens ATCC 13880, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 were the challenge bacteria for biofilm formation on unused lens cases from two different manufacturers. After establishment of the biofilm, each lens case was subjected to one of the six cleaning regimens: &quot;rinsed,&quot; &quot;rubbed and rinsed,&quot; &quot;airdried,&quot; &quot;soaked in a multipurpose contact lens solution,&quot; &quot;tissue-wiped,&quot; and &quot;lids recapped.&quot; The level of residual biofilm was quantified at the end of each cleaning regimen. The efficacy of each cleaning regimen was then compared. RESULTS. Mechanical rubbing and wiping of lens cases were the most effective cleaning regimen tested in reducing biofilm. Soaking lenses in disinfecting solution for 6 hours removed the majority of biofilm from lens cases. Rinsing lens cases alone provided only minimal efficacy in reducing biofilm. Air-drying or recapping the cases with the lid without any other additional cleaning methods were the least efficient at removing biofilm. CONCLUSIONS. Based on this study, digital rubbing and rinsing and/or wiping the lens cases with tissue is recommended. Air-drying or recapping the lens case lids after use without any additional cleaning methods should be discouraged with nonantimicrobial lens cases. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010;51: 6329 -6333