Game on: Can gamification enhance productivity? [version 2; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations, 1 not approved]

Background: Research suggests that gamification can increase work engagement by providing employees with a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and by creating a fun and engaging work environment. Gamification is designed to increase consumer and employee engagement and see that they holistically collaborate to achieve a shared vision. The concept of gamification is as old as learning itself, just that the use of the terminology “Gamification” is of a recent origin. Methods: This article focuses on the impact of gamification in various organizations and simultaneously sees its relationship with job engagement and productivity. A primary investigation was done to determine the nexus between the various variables and data collection from 400 respondents working in various fraternities of the economy from both public and private domains from countries in the Gulf region. The structural equation model and SPSS has been inferred to analyse the results. Results: The study results show that variable such as perceived adoption and usefulness in the gamified system is significantly associated with job engagement. Similarly, employee’s recognition and perceived motivation have a positive impact on productivity. The study identified job engagement mediating factor to enhance organisational productivity in a gamified system. Conclusion: The effectiveness of gamification in enhancing work engagement may depend on factors such as the design of the gamification system, the preferences and motivations of individual employees, and the organizational culture and goals. The findings have significant implications for insight into how employees in the service sector are aware of the gamified working environment and react to the system through work engagement and productivity

Intra-rater reliability of the modified Tardieu scale to quantify spasticity in elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in adult stroke subjects

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate Iintra-rater reliability of the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS) in elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in adult subjects with stroke. Materials and Methods: A total of 91 subjects with stroke participated in this test-retest study. Intra-rater reliability of the MTS was investigated by a qualified and trained physiotherapist for elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in two sessions. A rater was one who performed the procedure and an observer only records the angles so that the rater was blinded to findings. Outcome measures in this study were measurable components of MTS, which are angle of muscle reaction (R1), passive range of motion (R2), dynamic component (R2-R1), and quality of muscle reaction (grade 0 - 4) termed as MTS score. Results: Intra-rater reliability of MTS was very good for R1, R2, R2-R1, and MTS score (ICC > 0.85, P<0.0001) across two sessions in elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors. Conclusion: MTS is a reliable clinical tool for measurement of spasticity in the elbow flexors and ankle plantar flexors in adult subjects with stroke

A study to assess the awareness regarding occupational health hazards among the employees in the laundry department of a selected hospital

Background: The importance of a clean environment and linen for optimal patient care has been stressed upon since the very inception of hospitals. Individuals who work in a laundry are required to be adequately informed about the physical and health hazards present in the laundry, the known risks, and what to do if an accident occurs. Every laundry worker must be trained to know the location and proper use of the available personal protective clothing and equipment. Therefore, safe environment in the laundry is essential to maintain their health, and awareness programs should be conducted. Objective of the Study: To assess the awareness regarding occupational health hazards among the employees in the Laundry Department. Materials and Methods: The research method adopted in this study is of a descriptive type. The study was conducted in the Laundry Department of the selected hospital. The sample consisted of 15 respondents. All the employees in the department were included. The tools used to collect the data were an informal interview and the check-list and observation methods. The collected data was analyzed by percentage. Result: The study reveals that a majority of the respondents were knowledgeable about the occupational health hazards and safety measures. However, very few of them were aware of the types of occupational hazards. Conclusion: Awareness of occupational health and safety among the employees is important in the laundry area; therefore, planned orientation, training programs, and proper guidance to the employees will help reduce any kind of danger involved in the job and adoption of the necessary safety measures

Cancer related fatigue measurement scales: A systematic review

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom experienced by all the cancer patients at all stages of the disease and in survivors. Fatigue from cancer is one of the understated, underestimated, and least managed. Several scales have been developed to measure CRF, but they vary in the quality of psychometric properties, ease of administration, and dimensions of CRF. This systematic review explores the validity and reliability of the different CRF measurement scales. A systematic review methodology was followed to identify the scales that have been validated to measure CRF. Three separate databases PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar searches were performed using different medical subject heading terms. Articles were analyzed for validity and reliability. A total of 1294 articles from three different searches identified 15 scales (unidimensional and multidimensional). Each scale varied by its psychometric properties, items, scale type, dimension, site of cancer, and population in which it is validated. Most of the scales had been validated in mixed cancer populations. Some scales are insensitive to differences in fatigue to cancer stages. Few scales are burdensome for the advanced cancer patients. In this study, 15 CRF scales were identified. Validity and reliability are varied by each questionnaire. The ideal and accepted item numbers, scale, and domains are not established. The psychometric properties of each measure require further consideration. More studies are needed to explore fatigue scales with many populations

Evaluating the usefulness of 50 millesimal potencies in the treatment of chronic diseases - A retrospective study

Introduction: The 50 millesimal potency, is not fully utilized in our day to day practice. This retrospective study was done to reveal a new horizon for the physicians who use it occasionally and an eye opener for those who have never tried it. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of 50 Millesimal potency of indicated medicine in the treatment of chronic diseases from a retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Cases treated with 50 Millesimal potency (LM) during January-May 2014, were screened and based on eligibility criteria, 50 cases were selected to study retrospectively. Treatment outcome was analyzed based on follow-up criteria. Data were statistically analyzed with Chi-square test in GNU PSPP Software. Results: 50 Millesimal potencies have the potential to give significant improvement (P = 0.01) in the treatment of chronic diseases. There were no cases reported with aggravation. The action of LM potency is not influenced (P = 0.97) by previously used Centesimal potency. Constitutional prescription has proved to have significant (P = 0.01) association with treatment outcome with LM potency, whereas Sector prescription (P = 0.12) does not. Irrespective of age, gender, and duration of illness, 50 Millesimal potencies act advantageously. Conclusion: The data suggest that 50 Millesimal potencies have significant beneficial effects in the treatment of chronic diseases